Selecting an Industrial Grade
Wireless Networking Solution
Introducing the
SAFARI Srx-54
Ad hoc mesh integrated infrastructure and access point
800-549-7421
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www.metricsystems.com
wireless@metricsystems.com
About METRIC SYSTEMS CORPORATION
Metric Systems Corporation is a manufacturer and systems integrator of wireless data
networks for government and industry.
We have over 20 years experience designing and deploying wireless data networks
to meet the specific requirements and facility needs of users in the critical infrastructure
and public safety marketplace.
Some of our clients include:
US Navy
State of
California
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San Diego County
Water Authority
Neal
Electric
Rockwell
Automation
Burlington Northern
and Santa Fe
 1992-2005 Metric Systems Corporation
Going Wireless
Increasing Productivity, Decreasing Costs
Today, Ethernet connectivity and Internet networking are the standards of
business and industrial communications.
Broadband wireless networking technology, with its inherent flexibility,
affordability and ease of installation, is increasingly displacing wire and fiber
for in-plant and critical wide-area commercial and industrial communications
infrastructure applications.
Intelligent blending of wireless and wired transport facilities provide a superior
solution, balancing cost, performance, reliability and security.
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 1992-2005 Metric Systems Corporation
Introducing the SAFARI Wireless Networking System
For terrestrial private wireless network applications to gain acceptance, next generation
equipment and systems must provide the following:
Service and reliability levels equal to or better than wire and fiber
Accommodation of the licensed and unlicensed spectrum requirements
An ability to economically meet increasing demand for bandwidth and reliability
Low cost integration path to network legacy components and systems
The SAFARI was developed to provide highly reliable broadband communications in high-stress
situations*.
* The SAFARI Srx-54 is the commercialized version of the US Navy’s
AN/WSC-54 (V) XN Interior Shipboard Wireless LAN System,
developed by Metric Systems Corporation.
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 1992-2005 Metric Systems Corporation
The SAFARI Family of Wireless Networking Products
The SAFARI multi-radio solution enables a tailored approach to building industrial ad hoc
mesh networks. Our product line includes four basic channel configurations available in any
mix of 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 4.9 GHz and/or 5.8 GHz.
The three-radio SAFARI Srx-54 hub / relay / access
point
The SAFARI dual-radio hub / relay /
access point model
The SAFARI single-radio access point
/ client model
These configurations can be mixed to create highly reliable,
broadband redundant networks.
The functionality of each node can be easily changed to
meet network requirements.
Typical configurations
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 1992-2005 Metric Systems Corporation
SAFARI Technology Core
SAFARI moves beyond consumer-based IEEE 802.11 a/b/g systems by integrating the
technologies required to optimize industrial wireless network performance by providing:
Minimum one-way and round-trip latency for time-critical applications
Sustained high-bandwidth for remote programming and streaming video applications
Optimized latency for quality voice networks
Redundancy options for critical high-value applications
Support for non-IP equipment to Net-Centric operation
Robust suite of wireless security capabilities and features
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 1992-2005 Metric Systems Corporation
Introducing the SAFARI Wireless Networking System
SAFARI creates true constant bandwidth ad hoc mesh* networks by using a proactive
MANET** routing core. The SAFARI MANET routing algorithm allows you to continue operating
after multiple levels of link and site failure. Click below for examples of SAFARI’s alternate
routing capabilities.
*In a true wireless ad hoc mesh network, there are at least two different pathways to every other node. In a fully mesh network,
every node can connect to every other node. This connection can be a direct wire, a single radio link, or multiple links (hops)
through multiple routers. The Internet is an example of a fully mesh network.
**(For details, see http://rtg.ietf.org/wg/manet/rfclist
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 1992-2005 Metric Systems Corporation
Loss of Hub Example
Maintenance faults as well as natural and man-made disasters can wreak havoc
on broadband communications networks. The SAFARI’s powerful routing
algorithms allow you to plan, design and provide robust communications
disaster recovery scenarios to sustain operations.
E
C
B
D
A
H
G
F
The example above illustrates the loss of Site H and how communications traffic is redirected through Sites A and G.
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 1992-2005 Metric Systems Corporation
Loss of Links Example
Although a well designed wireless system can be as reliable as wire and fiber,
equipment failure and severe interference can cause a decline or loss in service.
The SAFARI’s full bandwidth ad hoc mesh networking capability detects link loss
and degradation and automatically reroutes traffic, maintaining operation.
E
C
B
D
A
H
G
F
In this example, wireless links between Sites C and D and Sites C and G are out of service. Traffic destined for Site G from
Sites C, D, E and F are now quickly routed through Sites A, B, D, E, F and H.
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 1992-2005 Metric Systems Corporation
New Node Example
Creating a network from the ground up, replacing a damaged node, or simply adding
a new node is designed to be quick and easy. SAFARI’s SAFARI View configuration tool
makes it straightforward. Validate RF paths, erect antennas and set SAFARI to
auto-configure and SAFARI will automatically search out paths and establish networkwide connectivity.
I
E
C
B
D
A
H
G
F
In the example above, new Site I actively searches for adjacent or designated nodes to establish connectivity with the total network.
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 1992-2005 Metric Systems Corporation
SAFARI Indoor Configuration
RF Ports
Channels 1-3
Multi-Radio Wireless Units
802.11g (2.4 GHz) or 802.11a (5.8 GHz)
Rugged, Corrosion
Resistant NEMA 4X
Stainless Steel
Enclosure
USB 1
USB 2
Ethernet
Port 1
Ethernet
Port 2
AC/DC Power Input
12 VDC - 240 VAC
Ruggedized AC/DC
Power Supply
J2 Service Port
(RS-232)
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J3, J4, J5 UserConfigurable High-Speed
Serial Ports
Support:
Licensed or Unlicensed
RF Modems
Legacy RTU/PLC Ports
 1992-2005 Metric Systems Corporation
SAFARI Outdoor Configuration
RF Ports
Channels 1-3
Multi-Radio Wireless Units
802.11g (2.4 GHz) or 802.11a (5.8 GHz)
Rugged, Corrosion
Resistant NEMA 4X
Stainless Steel
Enclosure
AC/DC Power Input
Wide Temperature Range
Power Supply
Data Power Cable up to
300 feet (100 meters)
Extended lengths to
3km available
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Power Distribution Shelf
 1992-2005 Metric Systems Corporation
Typical SAFARI Application Examples
1. Wide Area Tank Farm Control and Monitoring Solution
With SAFARI you can:
Build redundant configurations that provide 99.999% reliability
Eliminate costly and trouble-prone wiring
Provide mobile connectivity
Support broadband video and security system installations
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 1992-2005 Metric Systems Corporation
Typical SAFARI Application Examples
2. Redundant Wide Area Control Water Network
Multi-site redundant wireless ring netting together point-to-point and multipoint monitoring
and control sites.
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 1992-2005 Metric Systems Corporation
SAFARI View Network Configuration and Administration
Each SAFARI wireless system comes with a set of
network software tools to make the task of designing,
installing and operating your wireless network quick,
easy and reliable.
The SAFARI View software application guides you stepby-step through the network building and commissioning
process.
Compatible with Windows®
Design and configure point-to-point, multipoint and ad hoc mesh topologies
Define wireless network interface and spectrum parameters
Automatically generate and upload configuration files over the air to any remote location
Real-time monitoring and administration of network operation
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 1992-2005 Metric Systems Corporation
SAFARI Features and Benefits
Feature
Capability
Benefit
Specification
Ability to operate in
a wide range of
environments
• Tailorable for industry-specific
classifications
• SAFARI versions for outdoor and
classified industrial environments – Class
1, Div II, explosion proof available
• Specific solution model for your application
• As required; meets IP68 specifications
• Meets UL and ANSI requirements
Supports licensed
and unlicensed
radios
External support for
a wide variety of
serial licensed and
unlicensed radios
• SAFARI can be configured with one to
three independent 802.11 wireless
channels
• High speed serial ports support all
unlicensed 900 GHz and 2.4 GHz radios
• USB ports support local UWB or RFID
operations
• Ability to tailor a network to a customer’s
specific RF and geographical environment
• Capability of integrating legacy radios into a
SAFARI network
• Meets IEEE 802.11 a/b/g standards
• Supports point-to-point and multipoint
protocols
• Supports 802.11g ad-hoc protocol
Full-bandwidth ad
hoc mesh routing
and applicationadaptable MAC
level polling and
multipoint control
• SAFARI’s multi-channel mesh capability
allows for uninterrupted service at full
design bandwidth without degrading
system reliability
• Superior system performance and reliability in
the face of multipath fading and interference
environments
• Predictable Quality of Service levels
• MANET routing protocol
Redundancy options
and robust security
• Provides protection against single and
multipoint failures
• Integrated password control and firewall
• Intrusion detection
• Encrypted wireless links
• Uninterrupted operation
• Scheduled maintenance – reduce overtime
• Disaster recovery response strategies
• Secure network against hijacking, intrusion,
and denial attacks
• Security strategies based on Department
of Homeland Security Cyber-Security
recommendations
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 1992-2005 Metric Systems Corporation
Features at a Glance
Open-Architecture (IPv4/IPv6)
Spectrum scanning and interference avoidance system
Up to three independent 2.4 GHz and/or 5.8 GHz 802.11a/b/g commercial broadband
channels (WiMax upgrade available in 2006)
Robust self-healing ad hoc mesh routing and topology
Network architecture support: Infrastructure, Ad hoc mesh and TDMA
Assured channel and authentication support
Maximum throughput – 24 mbps (single channel) to 72 mbps (three parallel channels)
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 1992-2005 Metric Systems Corporation
Features at a Glance
QoS multimedia support
Optional integrated VoIP telephone interfaces
Supports a wide variety of commercial narrowband and wideband radios
Supports bridges to cellular, PCS and paging networks
Comprehensive network configuration, test and administration tools
Ruggedized industrial quality indoor/outdoor and explosion-proof Class 1 Div 1
enclosures available
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 1992-2005 Metric Systems Corporation
Thank You
We know you are busy and want to thank you for viewing our SAFARI slide
show. If you would like additional information about the SAFARI Srx-54 or
would like to speak to an application engineer, call us at 800-549-7421 or
email us at wireless@metricsystems.com.
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 1992-2005 Metric Systems Corporation
Contact Information
For more information or to schedule an
on-site SAFARI demonstration…
Visit us on the web:
www.metricsystems.com
Phone:
760-560-0348
toll-free 1-800-549-7421
fax 760-560-0356
Location:
2320 Cousteau Ct., Suite 201
Vista, CA 92081-8346
Email:
Sales - sales@metricsystems.com
Application Engineering – wireless@metricsystems.com
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 1992-2005 Metric Systems Corporation