Appendix A. Evaluation Hardware Setup and Platform Descriptions
This appendix describes key details of AP hardware platforms such as chipsets, hardware port configurations for different APs, and installation / setup instructions for the Application-in-a-Flash kit (on Intel ADI Coyote Reference Board).
Please refer to the section for the hardware platform you are using to evaluate the Devicescape Enterprise-Managed AP software:
Application in a Flash Kit (on Intel ADI Coyote Reference Board)
The Instant802 Application in a Flash Kit (AiaF) includes an Intel® ADI Coyote board, an 802.11a/b/g MiniPCI Module, an Intel Coyote PROM chip containing the software, a Chip extractor, Antenna, software license for Application in a Flash, and this Documentation CD-ROM. (Be sure you have read and accept the license before continuing with this evaluation.)
The Devicescape Enterprise-Managed AP supports an ADI Coyote Residential Gateway board with a 533 MHz Intel IXP425 Network Processor, 32MB of RAM (64MB max), 16MB of Flash Memory, two 10/100 Ethernet MACs (one of which is connected to a four-port Kendin switch), and a mini-PCI interface (32-bit, 33MHz V2.1 and V.2.2 compatible). The console port on the Coyote board runs at 115200 bps 8N1 (8-bits, no parity, 1 stop bit).
This following topics describe how to configure the ADI Coyote Reference Board as a wireless access point equipped with Devicescape Enterprise-Managed AP software:
Install the Flash Chip
This topic describes how to replace the existing boot Flash chip, installed at the factory on the ADI Coyote Gateway Reference Design, with an alternate Flash chip that contains the Devicescape Enterprise-Managed AP software.
The RedBoot boot loader is installed on the Coyote platform when it is shipped. If you are developing Linux based systems, then RedBoot is the appropriate boot loader. The RedBoot boot loader is capable of booting Linux kernel images as well as loading other operating-system kernels and executable images. If you are interested in evaluating the performance and capabilities of the Coyote platform under the control of a true residential gateway stack, replace the existing boot Flash chip with the alternate Devicescape Enterprise-Managed AP Flash chip (labeled "Instant802 SMAP c1.0.1" or later if you have a newer version).
Figure 4 Flash Socket Diagram
Replacing the Flash Chip
Please read through these instructions first before attempting to remove the existing boot Flash chip from the chip carrier.
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Warning
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The pins of Flash chips are very sensitive and can be bent easily, resulting in a board that will fail to boot. Be careful when handling the part when you are replacing the chip in the socket.
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Warning
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Flash chips are very sensitive to the smallest of static discharges. Always hold the board by the edges. The easiest way to avoid shocking the board or the chip is to wear a wrist strap and use a conductive work space to ground yourself while handling the board or chip. The boot Flash on the Coyote platform is held in a black plastic, dual-hinge socket that is located behind the DB25 Parallel port connector on the board. (See Figure 4.)
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How to Remove the Flash Chip Currently on the Board
- Verify the power is off.
- Orient the Coyote platform so the Voice (RJ11) and Ethernet (RJ45) connectors are away from you and the Flash socket is on the side of the platform that is nearest to you.
- Refer to Figure 1. Open the socket by sliding the A panel to the right about 1 mm and flipping panels B (by lifting panel A toward you) and C open.
- Very carefully remove the chip from the socket using a bulb-vac suction tool. Touch the suction cup portion of the tool to the top of the Flash chip and then squeeze the black tube to attach the chip to the tool. Carefully lift straight up so the Flash pins do not hit anything and properly store the Flash. The Flash can be released by squeezing the black bulb again.
How to Insert the New Chip
- Ensure that the Coyote platform still is oriented so that the Voice and RJ45 Ethernet connectors are away from you and the Flash socket is on the side of the platform that is nearest to you.
- If the socket is not already open, unlock it and swing open both hinges.
- Use the bulb-vac suction tool to pick up the Flash chip you would like to install.
- Orient the new chip so that the largest circular notch (Pin-1 indicator) is positioned as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5 Placing the Flash Chip in the Socket
- Very carefully place the chip into the socket. The chip is in the correct orientation when the Pin-1 notch on the chip is closest to the board edge. Squeeze the bulb-vac suction tool to release the Flash chip.
- Verify the Flash is securely in the socket and the orientation is correct.
- Refer to Figure 4. Flip panels C and then B back down and slide panel A to the left to close the socket.
Install the Atheros MiniPCI Module
This topic describes how to install the MiniPCI module onto the ADI Coyote board.
The IEEE 802.11a/b/g MiniPCI Module must be installed into the MiniPCI socket on the Intel ADI Coyote board.
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Note
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The MiniPCI Module must have an even MAC address. If you purchased the Application-in-a-Flash kit from ADI / Instant802 Networks, the module is pre-configured with an appropriate MAC address.
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Figure 6 MiniPCI Module and Coyote Board
- Lower the Mini PCI module at about a 15 degree angle tilted toward you, teeth first, into the MiniPCI module slot on the ADI Coyote board. (The front of the module should be facing up as shown in Figure 6.)
- Keeping the module at the same angle, push firmly into slot until teeth engage.
- Now push the module down so that it is flush with the board to engage retaining clips and snap it into place.
Install the Antenna
This topic describes how to install the wireless radio antenna onto the ADI Coyote board.
The Antenna contained in the kit is designed to support your IEEE 802.11a/b/g MiniPCI Module and the IEEE 802.11a/b/g modes on the Devicescape Enterprise-Managed AP. The antenna will look similar to the one shown in Figure 7.
To install the antenna:
- Insert the wire end connector from the antenna into the round antenna receptacle on the MiniPCI card as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7 Insert Wire End Antenna Connector onto MiniPCI Module
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Note
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The MiniPCI module that comes with the Application in a Flash kit may have two antenna receptacles (rather than one as shown in the figure above). If the module has two connector receptacles, you can connect the antenna to either one.
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- If you want to mount the antenna to stabilize it, use the mounting bushing (the one with oval shape). To mount the bushing, you first need to punch two holes on the enclosure.
Hardware Ports on Intel-ADI Coyote Platform
Figure 8 Hardware Ports on Intel-ADI Coyote Platform
Evaluation Units on Pre-Configured Supported Hardware Platforms
Instant802 Networks provides the Devicescape Enterprise-Managed AP software on a variety of supported hardware platforms from different vendors. Instant802 may provide you with a pre-configured Evaluation Unit on one of these platforms with the Devicescape Enterprise-Managed AP software already installed. Details of a few of the platforms are listed here as examples. However, this is not a comprehensive list of supported hardware platforms.
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Note
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For Evaluation Units provided on these hardware platforms, pre-configured Instant802 software replaces the off-the-shelf AP system , and transforms the devices into "Devicescape Enterprise-Managed APs".
The hardware products described in the following sections are referenced as supported platforms for the Devicescape Enterprise-Managed AP software, and in no way intended to be presented as products of Instant802 Networks. All registered and unregistered trademarks in this document are the sole property of their respective owners. Descriptions of the hardware platforms are based on models available to Instant802 Networks at the time of this publication, and highlight some relevant details from a software perspective. For a comprehensive, up-to-date descriptions of hardware devices, please refer to the literature and Web sites of the respective product owners.
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Linksys Platform
The Linksys platform is provided preconfigured with Instant802 software as an Devicescape Enterprise-Managed AP Evaluation Unit.
The Linksys® WRV54G device is based on the 266MHz Intel IXP425 Network Processor with 32MB of RAM, 8MB of Flash Memory, two 10/100 Ethernet MACs (one of which is connected to a four-port Kendin switch), and a mini-PCI interface (32-bit, 33MHz V2.1 and V.2.2 compatible). The console port on the Linksys platform runs at 115200 bps 8N1 (8-bits, no parity, 1 stop bit).
The Linksys WRV54G is a "production" version of the Application in a Flash Kit (on Intel ADI Coyote Reference Board). The Instant802 Evaluation Unit does not use the regular radio module that ships in the Linksys WRV54G. Instant802 replaces the Conexant Prism GT card with an Atheros card for Evaluation Units. The chipset supports supports IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g standards. The Linksys hardware platform includes four LAN ports and an Internet port as shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9 Hardware Ports and LEDs on Linksys Platform
Netgear Platform
The Netgear platform is provided preconfigured with Instant802 software as an Devicescape Enterprise-Managed AP Evaluation Unit .
The Netgear® WGT624 device is based on the Atheros AR2312 System-on-a-Chip (SoC) with 16MB of RAM and 4MB of Flash Memory. This Evaluation Unit supports IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g standards.
The Netgear hardware platform includes four LAN ports and an Internet port as shown in Figure 10.
Figure 10 Hardware Ports and LEDs on Netgear Platform
