KBC Networks Mesh2HT User Manual
Page 34
Mesh2HT User Manual
Manual-MESH2HT-Rev1311
Copyright © KBC Networks 2012
Page 34 of 59
www.kbcnetworks.com
3.2.2.1
Services: SPANNING TREE PROTOCOL (STP) SET UP
If the Mesh2HT topology involves redundant paths where there are loops in the network,
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) must be enabled. Each node can be manually set as the
Root Bridge in order to identify the link STP will break. The lower the root priority, the
greater the significance of the link as it pertains to STP. If kept to default configurations,
STP will decide the broken link based on a few variables (which determine the highest
root priority number). When another previously established link goes down for some
reason, STP will then enable the link it broke in order to avoid the loop.
3.2.2.2
Services: PING WATCHDOG
The ping watchdog serves as an option to perform an automatic power cycle if the unit
loses connection to a particular IP address. As soon as the system can no longer ping an
IP on the network under the conditions for which it is set, the unit will reboot. When
enabled the system will begin pinging the IP entered after the given interval and will
function as configured. It must be configured to wait for a particular number of non-
responses (typically five) before rebooting. It will reboot then try the ping again. In the
example below (a picture of the default configurations) the unit will start to ping
192.168.1.1 after 60 seconds. Each ping can be set to the desired interval between
pings adding to or subtracting from the amount of time elapsed before failure responses
create the need for a reboot.
Note:
the ping watch dog should never be used with a device that obtains its IP via
DHCP, it should only be used with devices using static IP addresses.
The main purpose for a ping watchdog is a quick solution to re-connect the RF link in the
event interference, a network issue or where some other site specific adverse condition
locks up a Mesh2HT node. Rebooting the device can clear ARP (Address Resolution
Protocol) tables or resolve other network issues that might have forced the unit to lock
up. Rebooting may temporarily solve the issue but may not address an actual network or
other site specific condition. The tool gives the ability to re-establish a wireless
connection and streaming video in the event the unit loses the RF link to its mate radio.
Though this tool limits down time it may only mask the greater environmental problems
at the site. KBC Networks recommends trouble-shooting all system and connection
issues before resorting to the ping watchdog tool.
Note:
If the IP selected is not on the network, is not powered up or some other issue
exists, the unit enabled with ping watchdog will continue to reboot until ping watchdog is
disabled. Please disable or reset the watchdog to a different IP in the event the
configured IP is known to be unreachable.