MoWi Wi-Fi Sensor FAQs

• Q: What Wi-Fi bands do MoWi sensors support?

  A: MoWi Wi-Fi sensor networks operate on IEEE 802.11 b/g.

• Q: What types of security protocols do Monnit Wi-Fi sensors support?

  A: MoWi Wi-Fi sensors currently support Open networks, WEP, WPA and WPA2 security protocols. Some Wi-Fi routers allow for faster connections and farther range which can increase battery life.

• Q: What is the average life span of the batteries in a Wi-Fi sensor?

  A: MoWi Wi-Fi sensors are optimized for best power use. We estimate that a typical MoWi sensor should last up to 5 years. (During battery tests, all of our MoWi sensors surpassed 90,000 sensor readings before the batteries were depleted. This testing was done using the highest level of Wi-Fi security in average Wi-Fi conditions.)

  The life span of the batteries can be affected by a number of factors:

  • How frequently the sensors are taking readings

  • What type of sensor you are using

  • What type of security your Wi-Fi network is using (Open/WEP/WPA/WPA2)

  • Power output of the Wi-Fi router

  • Distance from sensor to the wi-fi router

  • Quality of the batteries being used

• Q: My WiFi sensor was set up, checked in, but now flashes red/green and no data or heartbeats. Why is this happening?

  A: This happens when the MoWi sensor cannot connect to the WiFi network.

  Possible reasons include:

  • Sensor is out of range from WiFi network

  • WiFi network is down/off or internet connection is down

  • The sensor’s WiFi credentials were changed in iMonnit, saved, and no longer work for the previous WiFi network

  • Sensor was moved to a different location with a different WiFi router which has different credentials

  To resolve this, take out the sensor’s batteries. Open the MoWi setup application on your PC (this can not be done in iMonnit). If you no longer have the application, it can be downloaded at www.mowisensors.com. Insert the batteries back into the sensor and connect the sensor to your computer with the MoWi programming USB cable. Use the MoWi programming application to enter the correct WIFI credentials.

• Q: What should I do with my wireless sensor when the batteries die?

  A: When the batteries in your MoWi sensor eventually die, simply slide the battery compartment door open to access and change the batteries. All configuration information will remain in the sensors memory, so nothing else needs to be done. We encourage you to recycle all old batteries.

• Q: How do I set static IP and DNS configurations on my Wi-Fi Sensors?

  A: By default, DHCP is enabled on your Wi-Fi sensors. If you need to use a static IP or custom DNS settings, uncheck the box next to “Use DHCP” when configuring your sensors through the MoWi Setup Utility and enter the appropriate information. If you already have sensors on your Wi-Fi network and want to set up static IP and DNS settings remotely, log into your account at www.imonnit.com and click the edit icon next to the sensor you want to change. From the Wi-Fi configuration area, slide the selector to “Static” and enter the appropriate information, then click “Save” at the bottom of the page. This information will be sent to the sensor the next time it checks in. From that point forward, the sensor will communicate with the new IP and DNS settings.

• Q: What do I need to have in my possession to run a MoWi Wi-Fi sensor network?

  A: To deploy a MoWi Wi-Fi sensor network, you will need a Wi-Fi enabled internet router with an active internet connection.

• Q: What happens to my wireless sensor data if there is an Internet outage?

  A: If you experience an Internet outage, your MoWi Wi-Fi sensors will log the data in their internal memory and pass all of the data to the online system, when the Internet connection is restored.

• Q: How many readings can be logged in a MoWi sensor’s memory if there is an internet outage?

  A: If you are using iMonnit basic (free) online monitoring your MoWi sensor will store the first 50 sensor reading and transmit them when internet connectivity is restored.

If you are using iMonnit Premiere your MoWi sensor can record up to 50,000 readings in local memory and transmit them when internet connectivity is restored.

• Q: Is my wireless sensor data secure when it is sent to iMonnit online software?

  A: MoWi sensor data is secured via AES 128-bit encryption when being transferred to the iMonnit™ online monitoring software.

• Q: Does Monnit offer any other types of wireless products besides Wi-Fi sensors?

  A: Monnit currently offers a wide variety of wireless sensors in 900, 868 and 433 MHz frequencies that communicate wirelessly with Monnit USB, Ethernet and Cellular Gateways. To view the full offering of Monnit wireless sensing products visit Monnit’s website.

• Q: Will a MoWi sensor notify me when I need to change the battery?

  A: Each time a MoWi sensor transmits data to the iMonnit™ online monitoring software, the sensor reports the batteries life as a percentage of the life left. It is not an exact reading, but will provide you with enough information to know when the battery is about to expire. You can also setup notifications via SMS text or email to alert you when any sensor’s battery reaches a set percentage.