MDI 2 Advanced Setup Technical Guidelines

With the MDI Manager application software, the MDI 2 can be configured to communicate with a PC using several possible networks, such as a USB cable, ethernet cable, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), or Point-to-Point wireless. (Fig. 13)

 

Fig. 13

 

Connectors on the MDI 2 include: (Fig. 14)

• USB Ports – Connects to a single PC running the MDI Manager software and allows configuration of LAN or WLAN settings required by the dealership local network. USB connection must be made directly with the PC port. Do not connect through a USB hub.
• Wireless Adapter Port – Allows for a wireless adapter to be inserted to enable the use of a WLAN or Point-to-Point wireless.
• Ethernet Port – Enables the use of an ethernet cable.

 

Fig. 14

 

Depending on the configuration setup for wired or wireless communication, it may be necessary to change some of the settings and options on the MDI 2 or PC.

LAN Switching in BIOS

LAN Switching is a feature in Windows used to define how network interface adapters (ethernet or wireless) are to operate. (Fig. 15) Disabling this setting in BIOS tells the PC not to disable one network (ethernet or wireless) when another network is detected. Using the internet browser, search your PC Make and Model for the function key to enter BIOS during the PC boot.

 

Fig. 15

 

LAN Switching at Adapter Interface

On some PCs, LAN switching at the wireless adapter may be disabled in Windows. (Fig. 16) This feature may not be available on all adapters.

 

Fig. 16

 

MDI Manager Configuration

The MDI Manager application is used only for MDI configuration, firmware updates and enabling functionality. Connection to a device from the MDI Manager does not use SAE J2534.

Device status is shown under the MDI 2 icon and indicates the required step to perform first before connecting to a device. (Fig. 17)

 

Fig. 17

 

The MDI 2 can be configured to use USB, ethernet and wireless connections. USB and Point-to-Point wireless modes are pre-configured as the default. Ethernet (RJ45) configuration can be done using a Link Local address, USB-to-Ethernet adapter or a local Hub. A yellow icon indicates that pairing is required for a Point-to-Point connection. A wireless configuration via an Access Point (AP) requires that the 802.11 b,g,n AP SSID is visible and set up with WPA2 security.

Ethernet Interface using a Link Local Address

The MDI Manager is used to configure the interfaces to MDI 2. There are three mediums for connecting with the device: two wired (USB and RJ45) and one wireless in two modes — AP (Access Point) mode and P2P (Point-to-Point) mode. For an ethernet connection using a static Link Local address, configure the MDI 2 with an IP address in the same range. (Fig. 18)

 

Fig. 18

 

PC Sleep Setting

It is very important to change the default Power Management option for your interface to MDI 2. With the proper setup, if a test takes longer to execute than the PC Power and Sleep Option configuration, your interface adapter will not be allowed to sleep. (Fig. 19)

 

Fig. 19

 

For additional information on setup of the MDI 2 using the MDI Manager, refer to the MDI 2 User Manual available in Service Information or contact the Techline Customer Support Center (TCSC) at 1-800-828-6860 (English) or 1-800-503-3222 (French).

– Thanks to Chris Henley