Figure 1. Star topology

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5

4

3

2

6

MultiHop networks are similar to star networks but use repeaters to relay or repeat wireless messages. MultiHop networks are self

forming. The master establishes a wireless connection to every device within range, then repeaters establish wireless connections to

repeaters and slaves further away from the master. The network self-heals: if a repeater is lost, slaves automatically attempt to

reconnect to the master through other repeaters.

The advantage of using repeaters is that you can reach very long distances and "hop" over obstacles like buildings or hills. The

disadvantage is that repeating takes time. Adding a repeater doubles the wireless range but also doubles the time it takes to

communicate.

In MultiHop networks, the master radio is the parent to all devices connected to it. Repeater radios are also parents to radios below

them. A parent may have many children, but a child has only one parent.

Figure 2. MulitHop topology

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2

4

3

6

5

For the simple example MultiHop network shown, the following relationships exist:

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Radio 1 is the master radio within the MultiHop Ethernet data radio network.

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Radios 2 and 4 are repeater radios.

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Radio 2 acts as a parent radio to radios 3 and 4, but is the child of radio 1.

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Radio 3 is an slave radio. Its parent is radio 2 and, as a slave radio, cannot have any children radios.

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Radio 4's parent radio is radio 2 and its children are radios 5 and 6.

Which Topology is Better? Star topology is faster and simpler. Use a star topology when all devices are easily within range.

MultiHop networks are more capable and flexible. Use a MultiHop network for more challenging terrain, longer ranges, or where

future additions to the network may require a repeater.

Both the star and MultiHop radio network can support up to a total of 100 radios. However, desired throughput limits your network's

size. All radios in a network share the network's bandwidth, or total throughput. Doubling the number of radios reduces by half each

radio's available data throughput. For wireless systems, it is important to limit data traffic on the ethernet wire to the minimum

amount needed. One approach to increase the network size without lowering throughput is to collocate another network. It is

possible to install multiple networks in the same physical area.

Setting Up Your MultiHop Ethernet Data Radio Network

Banner Engineering recommends configuring and binding your wireless network before deploying the network in the field.

Step 1: Set the rotary dials

Set the left and right rotary dials each to 0.

Sure Cross® MultiHop Ethernet Data Radio

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