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hex poe for DtD linking?

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k1zk
hex poe for DtD linking?
Hello -- I am very new to AREDN but I am trying to get up to speed.

I am trying to replicate the setup recommended in the "Device to Device (DtD) Linking" part of the AREDN website.  I have installed a Ubiquiti M2 with sector antenna and a BaseBox5 with sector antenna at the top of my tower, both running AREDN firmware 3.24.10.0.  The M2 and BB5 each have a 50-foot run of shielded CAT6 cable coming down the tower & plugged into two of the ports on a MikroTik HexPOE switch.  The switch provides POE to both the M2 and the BB5.

The M2 (2GHz) and BB5 (5GHz) don't seem to be talking to each other.  Neither shows up on the other's dashboard.  I've seen some references to "VLAN" and I think I need to change some settings to get the 2GHz and 5GHz radios linked via DtD.  Do I need to make changes to the HexPOE switch?  Or to the M2 and BB5?  Or both?

Thanks for helping out a newbie.  73 de K1ZK





w6bi
w6bi's picture
VLANs
The AREDN devices use VLAN2 to communicate with each other.  Tag their ports on your Hexswitch as VLAN2 and see if that helps.

73

Orv W6BI
K6CCC
K6CCC's picture
CSS106-1G-4P-1S ?
The HexPOE - I assume you mean a CSS106-1G-4P-1S will work fine.  I am using one myself.  However, you do need to configure it a little.

On the VLANs tab, you need to define VLAN 2 and set the tower nodes to "Leave as is".  On the VLAN tab set the VLAN Mode to "Optional" and VLAN Receive to "Any".  For Default VLAN, here you have some choices.  In my case I have four nodes and each is assigned a different VLAN (17 - 19) - don't use 1.  Those four VLANs are then sent to a trunk port to my router so my router (not a typical home router) gets an IP from each of the four nodes on the LAN.  I can then reach any of the four nodes via IP address from my computers.  On Egress, set VLAN header to "Leave as is".

In a while I can post some screen captures if needed.

 
k1zk
CSS106-1G-4P-1S ?
Thx for the help!  

I was unable to access the configuration page for the switch via 192.168.88.1.    Fumbling around led me to the "WinBox" program, which I downloaded and installed on my PC.

The WinBox program appeared to talk with the switch.  But I wasn't exactly sure what I needed to do.  Various screenshots attached.

73 de k1zk


K6CCC
K6CCC's picture
OK, so you bought a router,
OK, so you bought a router, not a switch.  You can still deal with it, it's just a little more involved.  Mikrotik routers are EXTREMELY powerful and configurable, but NOT plug and play.  There is a learning curve.  I've been using Mikrotik routers for years - although for router functions and not switch functionality.
Certainly for a Mikrotik beginner, WinBox is the way to go.  More in a bit - got work to do...
 
k1zk
OK, so you bought a router
Thanks for this!  Told you I was a newbie.  Networking has always been so mysterious to me.  I knew I wanted a device that sends PoE, but I didn't realize the distinction between "router" and "switch."   Maybe I should repurpose the (more powerful) router and purchase a PoE capable switch?  I like the Mikrotik devices because they're rated for cold weather and I am located in VT.
K6CCC
K6CCC's picture
Usually electronics in a box
Usually electronics in a box don't have much of an issue with cold because the electronics will heat up the inside of the box enough to not be an issue.

The product I referenced above:
https://mikrotik.com/product/RB260GSP
k1zk
RB260GSP
Ok I will order a RB260GSP switch and repurpose the router.  Thanks so much for the help!  
K6CCC
K6CCC's picture
Once you have the RB260GSP,
Once you have the RB260GSP, feel free to contact me for any assistance.
 

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