OTC Wireless WiSER2400 - Manual (Page 4)

Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
WiSER2400 is an 802.11b compliant, or WiFi, radio with a RS232 serial
interface.
The radio takes serial data from the equipment or computing device connected to
it via its RS232 port, converts the serial data into 802.11-compliant data packets,
and transmits these packets with the RF modulation that is compliant with the
specifications of the 802.11b physical layer. On the receiving end, the radio
demodulates the RF signal, removes the Ethernet (802.11) headers, unpacks the
packet and delivers the data byte-by-byte to the destination equipment/device
through the RS232 serial port.
The radio can be configured either as a “Station” or as an “Access Point” in
accordance to the 802.11 standards. It can operate either in the ad hoc or the
infrastructure mode defined by the 802.11 standards. As such, this radios
enables RS232-interfaced devices to participate in an Ethernet network. In this
capacity, the radio, in addition to eliminating the RS232 cables, functions as a
media converter for RS232-interfaced equipment and computing-devices.
Due to the fact that most existing RS232 applications involve RS232 interfaces
on both ends of a communication link, standard WiSER2400 radios are currently
shipped in pairs. However, a single WiSER2400 radio is perfectly capable of
connecting RS232-interfaced equipment wirelessly to another non-RS232-
interfaced 802.11b radio as long as software exists on the other end to properly
receive the data in Ethernet packets. For such single-radio applications, please
contact OTC for more information.
The radio is fully self-contained in performing the conversion between serial data
and wireless-Ethernet packets. That is, no device driver needs to be installed on
the hosting equipment or computing device the radio is connected to. True Plug
& Play feature therefore is achieved with any equipment or computing devices
with a RS232 port. This also means the radio can be used on equipment and /or
computing-devices with any Operating Systems. This is particularly useful for
instruments/equipment where the use of RS232 interface is widespread.
Examples include cash registers, electronic whiteboards and navigation
instruments.
WiSER2400 has a compact form-factor that blends easily into an office/
classroom environment. It also lends particularly well to portable applications.
The specifications are given on the next page.
1
A Utility program is needed to pre-configure WiSER2400 prior to putting the radio
in operation. And the Utility program can be used to monitor the communication
condition once the radio is in operation. Once configured, the radio runs self-
sufficiently without the aid of any driver program in the host equipment or