The MDS Mercury Series is a highly secure, industrial-grade WiMAX communications platform for mission critical, industrial applications. The Mercury product line provides a global licensed and unlicensed solution designed to facilitate high throughput wireless networking requirements in the 3650MHz frequency band.

MDS Mercury 3650

High Throughput, Standards Based Networking

The MDS Mercury Series is a highly secure, industrial-grade WiMAX communications platform for mission critical, industrial applications. The Mercury product line provides a global licensed and unlicensed solution designed to facilitate high throughput wireless networking requirements in the 3650MHz frequency band.

The MDS Mercury Series has been specifically designed in three special packaging options for application flexibility and ease-of-use installation and have been designed and tested to meet stringent industrial specifications.

Application: Advanced Metering Infrastructure

Below is an example of a Smart Grid Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) private wireless network utilizing MDS Mercury 3650s.

Application
Application: Oil & Gas Facilities

Below is an example of an oil well-head application utilizing Mercury Base Stations and indoor and outdoor Subscribers as a point-to-multipoint solution for SCADA and video traffic at well-head sites.

oil and gas Applications
Application Example: Mining

Mining operations involve multiple rail yard loading and unloading processes. High efficiency is critical and seamless communication hand-offs between the Base Stations and Subscribers is necessary. The Mercury Series handles mobility applications and provides the necessary bandwidth for video monitoring of unloading bin sites. The WiFi option provides local WiFi coverage for workforce automation and direct connection to the fiber ring can be achieved via GE Vernova's Lentronics fiber optic multiplexers.

mining applications
Application: Water & Wastewater Facilities

Below is an example of a wireless network utilizing MDS Mercury 3650s to monitor various assets and processes in a water and wastewater facility. MDS Mercury can be used to aggregate data from devices that monitor vital flow, pressure and temperature measurements, and video surveillance.

water & wastewater facilities applications

Key Features

Ease-of-Use Network
  • Out-of-the-box system installation
  • Web-enabled configuration services
  • Advanced network management capability
Designed for Industrial Applications
  • Sub-channelization for optimization
  • Quality of Service (QoS) profiles
  • Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (Hybrid ARQ)
  • Time-Division Duplexing (TDD) synchronization
  • Subscriber RF robustness (23 or 30 dBm Tx, depending on model)
  • -40° C to +70° C operating range
  • IDU CSA Class 1 / Div 2 and IEEE 1613
    DU General Safety by CSA / UL 60950
  • ETSI/CE on specific frequencies
Advanced Security
  • AES 128-bit encryption
  • RADIUS and 802.1x EAP/TLS authentication
  • VLAN tagging
System Solution Flexibility
  • Multiple packaging options
  • Multiple-In, Multiple-Out (MIMO) technology
  • Ethernet, serial and WiFi options
  • Field-ready outdoor unit with Power over Ethernet (PoE)
  • Uplink biasing for AMI, SCADA, and substation or distribution automation

Cabinet Mount Base Station & Subscriber Unit - IDU

MDS Mercury Series has been specifically designed and tested to meet stringent industrial specifications and is offered in three packaging options for application flexibility and ease-of-use installation.

  • 2 x 30 dBm
  • 2 Ethernet ports, 1 serial port, USB, GPS
  • IEEE 1613 compliant
  • CSA Class 1 / Div 2 certification
  • MIMO matrix A/B
  • -40° C to +70° C
  • Optional built-in WiFi (Subscriber unit only)
Rear view

Cabinet Mount Subscriber Unit

Mounting

The MDS Mercury Series has been specifically designed in three special packaging options for application flexibility and ease-of-use installation and have been designed and tested to meet stringent industrial specifications.

  • 2 x 30 dBm
  • 2 Ethernet ports, 1 serial port, USB, GPS
  • Optional built-in WiFi (Subscriber unit only)
  • A/C input and 8-hour battery backup
  • Hardened NEMA 4X enclosure
  • Pole mount ready
  • MIMO matrix A/B
  • -40° C to +70° C
  • Physical tamper alarm
  • Flexible configuration

Outdoor Subscriber Unit - ODU

Subscriber unit

The MDS Mercury radios are equipped with an embedded spectrum analyzer to assist in deployment and troubleshooting.

  • 2 x 23 dBm
  • 1 Ethernet port, 1 serial port, 1 USB host
  • Optional built-in WiFi
  • Integrated antenna
  • Power over Ethernet (PoE)
  • 10-60 VDC option
  • MIMO matrix A/B
  • -40° C to +70° C
  • IEEE 1613 compliant
  • General Safety by CSA / UL 60950

Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications * Requires an external DC to DC converter having floating DC inputs (neither side grounded)

The MDS NETio is an integrated, scalable family of wireless solutions that provide long distance unlicensed communications, allowing users to interface both analog and digital I/O including sensors for pressure and flow as well as controls for pumps or alarms. NETio can wirelessly regenerate I/O signals or use standard IP/Ethernet and serial protocols to communicate with controllers such as PLCs, RTUs and SCADA systems.

MANUFACTURING FOR THIS PRODUCT HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED.

MDS NETio

Analog and digital I/O

The MDS NETio is an integrated, scalable family of wireless solutions that provide long distance unlicensed communications, allowing users to interface both analog and digital I/O including sensors for pressure and flow as well as controls for pumps or alarms. NETio can wirelessly regenerate I/O signals or use standard IP/Ethernet and serial protocols to communicate with controllers such as PLCs, RTUs and SCADA systems.

MANUFACTURING FOR THIS PRODUCT HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED.

NETio Application Advantages

NETio Diagram
Industrially Hardened
  • Operation in extreme temperatures from –40°C to 70°C
  • Class I, Div 2 hazardous location approval
  • Fully-isolated I/O
Application Flexibility
  • Handles diverse I/O configurations including analog 4-20 mA, 0-5 V or 0-10 V and digital 5-36 VDC
  • Long range wireless communication up to 30 miles (900 MHz) and 15 miles (2.4 GHz)
  • Wirelessly expand I/O coverage 3,000 feet using the 802.15.4 wireless option
  • IP/Ethernet, serial and I/O functions simultaneously on the same network
  • Backwards compatible with entraNET and TransNET networks
Reliable Scalable
  • License-free spread spectrum technology in both 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz bands
  • Point-to-Multipoint, 2-way communication
  • High receive sensitivity for noisy environments and long distances
  • Handles multiple industry protocols including Modbus, Modbus-TCP, and DNP3
Secure
  • Authorized access point and remote lists prevent unauthorized access
  • Password protected access and lockdown
  • Built-in 128-bit encryption

MDS Protocol Addressability

MDS protocol

NETio interfaces I/O from sensors and devices using multiple industrial protocols including Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP and DNP3. This allows a SCADA system or host controller to communicate directly with NETio using IP/Ethernet or serial protocols when PLCs and RTUs are not necessary. NETio allows serial communication using DNP3 or Modbus RTU without the need for an access point for simple point-to-multipoint applications between remotes or over WeXP.

I/O Extension

MDS IO extension

Using I/O extension, NETio regenerates analog and digital signals between multiple field devices and controllers resulting in significant savings on wiring and termination costs. NETio supports cost-effective remote to remote communication for small point-to-point or point-to-multipoint requirements that do not require an access point.

Remote

MDS Remote

NETio is available in the 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz frequency bands for IP/Ethernet and serial communication. Each NETio has built-in connections for one analog input, one analog output, two digital inputs and two digital outputs. Each NETio can be configured for multiple operating modes including I/O extension for regenerating I/O signals between devices, protocol addressability for interfacing I/O using industry-standard protocols (e.g., Modbus-TCP), and SCADA communications to remote RTUs and PLCs using IP/Ethernet and a NETio Access Point.

Remote

MDS Remote

Expansion Modules expand the number of I/O points to meet your requirements. Expansion Modules can be connected directly to the NETio via a fully integrated power/communication backplane connector or they can be located up to 3,000 feet away and wirelessly connect to NETio over WeXP. Expansion Modules are available in 6 different configurations and deliver connectivity for up to 128 I/O signals at any one location.

The MDS entraNET™ is an ultra long range, industrial, wireless IP/Ethernet solution, with a high level of cyber-security. It allows the connection of Ethernet and/or serial devices to an IP network. This includes mission-critical, revenue-generating remote devices monitoring and controlling fixed assets such as oil and gas wells, compressor stations, pipelines, fluid storage tanks and utility meters. The entraNET has also been optimized for mobility allowing it to be used in vehicles when applications require mobile network access.

MDS entraNET

MDS entraNET Extended Range IP/Ethernet

The MDS entraNET™ is an ultra long range, industrial, wireless IP/Ethernet solution, with a high level of cyber-security. It allows the connection of Ethernet and/or serial devices to an IP network. This includes mission-critical, revenue-generating remote devices monitoring and controlling fixed assets such as oil and gas wells, compressor stations, pipelines, fluid storage tanks and utility meters. The entraNET has also been optimized for mobility allowing it to be used in vehicles when applications require mobile network access.

The MDS iNET Series is an industrial wireless solution that provides long distance, unlicensed communications allowing users to interface with Ethernet and serial controllers. Comprised of the iNET 900 and iNET-II, the iNET Series offers the best balance of speed and range to enable a wide variety of applications requiring higher data capabilities than typical communication systems can provide. The iNET Series combines the higher speed of Digital Transmission Systems (DTS) with the robustness of Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology.

MDS iNET Series

Secure IP/Ethernet

The MDS iNET Series is an industrial wireless solution that provides long distance, unlicensed communications allowing users to interface with Ethernet and serial controllers. Comprised of the iNET 900 and iNET-II, the iNET Series offers the best balance of speed and range to enable a wide variety of applications requiring higher data capabilities than typical communication systems can provide. The iNET Series combines the higher speed of Digital Transmission Systems (DTS) with the robustness of Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology.

iNET-II Application Advantages

iNETII Advantages
Industrially Hardened
  • Operation in extreme temperatures from -30ºC to +60ºC
  • CSA Class 1/Div 2 approved for operation in hazardous locations
  • IEEE 1613 approval for operation in electric substation environments (requires an external DC to DC converter having floating DC inputs, neither side grounded)
Application Flexibility
  • High speed, long range IP/Ethernet and serial communication accommodate multiple services on one infrastructure
  • Multiple services operate simultaneously on the same network
  • Industry standard software compatibility in an industrial grade hardware platform
Reliable & Scalable
  • Two-way point-to-multipoint communication
  • High receive sensitivity for noisy environments and long distance communications
  • Handles multiple industry protocols including Modbus, Modbus TCP, and DF1
Secure
  • Multiple layers of cyber security for iNET-II including:
    • RADUIS Authentication
    • VLAN traffic segregation
    • Proprietary hopping patterns
    • AES 128-bit encryption

Remote & Access Point

The iNET-II radio operates in the 900 MHz frequency band under the FCC rules for Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) equipment. Every system must have at least one access point service. You can choose between remote models that support serial only, Ethernet only or both types of interfaces (4 dual gateway).

The iNET-II handles concurrent Ethernet from multiple sources, directly addresses the integrated serial device server using industry-standard protocols (e.g., Telnet, TCP, UDP), and serves as backhaul to MDS TransNET, SD, 4710 and 9710 radios.

Every iNET-II radio includes an SNMP agent and can be managed by MDS NETview or any other SNMP-based management system.

An access point radio can be configured to operate as a remote, serving as a common replacement for remote locations, thereby simplifying maintenance tasks in the field.

iNET-II

The MDS TransNET™ utilizes FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) to provide reliable long range data transportation at up to 115.2 kbps. The TransNET provides transparent data communications for nearly all SCADA, Telemetry, and EFM protocols including Modbus.

Any MDS TransNET may be configured as a repeater to extend the operating range of the network. Multiple repeaters may exist at any level of the network preventing a single radio failure from disabling the entire network.

Note: MANUFACTURING FOR THIS PRODUCT HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED.

MDS TransNET

Long Range, High Speed Serial Communications

The MDS TransNET™ utilizes FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) to provide reliable long range data transportation at up to 115.2 kbps. The TransNET provides transparent data communications for nearly all SCADA, Telemetry, and EFM protocols including Modbus.

Any MDS TransNET may be configured as a repeater to extend the operating range of the network. Multiple repeaters may exist at any level of the network preventing a single radio failure from disabling the entire network.

Note: MANUFACTURING FOR THIS PRODUCT HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED.

The new MDS TransNEXT™ is the successor to the MDS TransNET™ 900 MHz unlicensed radio. Setting the standard for reliable, long-range wireless serial data transmission utilizing proven Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology, the next generation TransNEXT is backwards-compatible with its predecessor, TransNET. The TransNEXT’s backwards compatibility enables the continued use of legacy serial networks while also adding new capabilities to migrate networks with secure Ethernet connectivity.

MDS TransNEXT

Long-range, Ethernet, and Unlicensed Serial Communications

The new MDS TransNEXT™ is the successor to the MDS TransNET™ 900 MHz unlicensed radio. Setting the standard for reliable, long-range wireless serial data transmission utilizing proven Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology, the next generation TransNEXT is backwards-compatible with its predecessor, TransNET. The TransNEXT’s backwards compatibility enables the continued use of legacy serial networks while also adding new capabilities to migrate networks with secure Ethernet connectivity.

The MDS RCL Series, based on the MDS entraNET 220 Remote Control Locomotive Communications system is used in portable controllers, on-board locomotives, and at yard infrastructure sites to provide extremely robust and reliable operation. Our system implements application-specific messaging between Operator Control Units and Locomotive Control Units to permit 30 or more remote control locomotives to operate in a yard. We helped write the AAR standard and our communications system has a patented media access control layer. We support the largest freight railroads in the U.S. on 220 MHz.

MDS RCL Series

Robust Industry Standard Communications for Remote Control Locomotives

The MDS RCL Series, based on the MDS entraNET 220 Remote Control Locomotive Communications system is used in portable controllers, on-board locomotives, and at yard infrastructure sites to provide extremely robust and reliable operation. Our system implements application-specific messaging between Operator Control Units and Locomotive Control Units to permit 30 or more remote control locomotives to operate in a yard. We helped write the AAR standard and our communications system has a patented media access control layer. We support the largest freight railroads in the U.S. on 220 MHz.

Field-proven in the US and overseas for years, the MDS TD radio family provides robust communications for Positive Train Control (PTC). Our economical and simple to use communications system operates with the major PTC system integrators and equipment. Versions available include: 220 MHz for North America, 450 MHz for Australia, and 250 MHz for Brazil.

MDS TD Series

Robust Communications for Positive Train Control

Field-proven in the US and overseas for years, the MDS TD radio family provides robust communications for Positive Train Control (PTC). Our economical and simple to use communications system operates with the major PTC system integrators and equipment. Versions available include: 220 MHz for North America, 450 MHz for Australia, and 250 MHz for Brazil.

Field-proven in the US and overseas for years, the MDS Power Amplifier family provides robust transmit signal amplification for the 150 and 220 MHz bands. 900 MHz model availability is pending FCC approval.

Power Amplifiers

Robust Transmit Signal Amplification

Field-proven in the US and overseas for years, the MDS Power Amplifier family provides robust transmit signal amplification for the 150 and 220 MHz bands. 900 MHz model availability is pending FCC approval.

The proliferation of IP devices and applications have resulted in a backhaul bottleneck, where the channel size required to carry data efficiently exceeds the network's capacity. The MDS Intrepid™ and Intrepid Ultra combats this challenge by providing higher capacity (25 Mbps to 200 Mbps), reduced interference, Quality of Service (QoS) and simple deployment options.

MDS Intrepid & Intrepid Ultra

Maximized capacity wireless point to point backhaul 2.4, 5.4, 5.8 GHz Unlicensed and 4.9Ghz Licensed bands

The proliferation of IP devices and applications have resulted in a backhaul bottleneck, where the channel size required to carry data efficiently exceeds the network's capacity. The MDS Intrepid™ and Intrepid Ultra combats this challenge by providing higher capacity (25 Mbps to 200 Mbps), reduced interference, Quality of Service (QoS) and simple deployment options.

Application Flexibility

Indoor Unit / Outdoor Units

The Intrepid is offered as a split mount system consisting of an Indoor Unit (IDU) which contains interfaces and protocol firmware support, and an Outdoor Unit (ODU) which contains the RF and frequency-specific firmware. The ODU may be purchased with an integrated antenna or with external antenna connections.

The IDU is offered in an industrial-grade enclosure or a more cost effective standard enclosure. Alternatively, a Power over Ethernet (PoE) IEEE 802.3AF option is available.

Configurable

Both Intrepid and Intrepid Ultra can be configured as (1+0), (1+1), hot standby, space diversity and ring protection functionality. Intrepid is built using MIMO smart antenna technology which offers significant increases in data throughput and link range without additional channel size or transmit power.

Reduced Interference

The Intrepid Series has built-in interference combating technology to keep the over-the-air signal clear and strong, including Adaptive Coding and Modulation and Automatic Repeat Request. This, along with advanced Forward Error Correction for low overhead, minimizes the latency and the error rate, and is especially important for delay sensitive applications like Voice over IP.
 

Flexible Deployment

Both Intrepid and Intrepid Ultra can be used as a single point-to-point link from a central site using Hub Site Synchronization which synchronizes the transmission of collocated radios, reducing mutual interference. The Intrepid Series supports multiple frequency bands with the same hardware, making it easy to change frequency in the field without any new hardware. Frequency bands can easily be changed using the Link Manager, an easy, intuitive management and diagnostic tool.

ultra-tab01-img1.jpg
Reliable Communications
  • BER of 1.0E-11 with fast ARQ algorithm
  • Native, low latency IP/Ethernet and TDM interfaces
  • ACM and Automatic Channel Selection (ACS) facilitate easy changes for RF optimization
  • Robust MIMO & OFDM technology for operation in frequency dense and non-line of sight environments
Flexible Deployment
  • Multiple unlicensed frequencies
  • Collocation of radios to optimize tower use via hub site synchronization
  • Various channel size options facilitate best combination of range and speed
  • Asymmetric throughput capacity feature allocates bandwidth to optimize payloads
Prioritized and Secure
  • AES 128-bit encryption for secure data transmission
  • QoS ensures most critical communications receive the highest priority

Selector Guide

MDS Intrepid: 25 Mbps Full Duplex/50 Mbps Aggregate Throughput 

The Intrepid backhaul solution provides up to 25 Mbps full duplex/50 Mbps aggregate throughput. Featuring a wide range of options, the Intrepid is available as a compact IDU unit with two Ethernet ports and two T1/E1 ports, or as a 19" rack mountable IDU unit with two Ethernet ports and up to 8 T1/E1 ports.

MDS Intrepid Ultra: 100 Mbps Full Duplex/200 Mbps Aggregate Throughput 

The Intrepid Ultra provides 100 Mbps full duplex/200 Mbps aggregate throughput, and is available as a compact IDU unit with two Ethernet ports and two T1/E1 ports, or as a 19" rack mountable IDU unit with two Ethernet ports and up to 16 T1/E1 ports.

IDU Options
ODU Options

Technical Specifications