Airlink PINPOINT MODEM User Manual
PinPoint CDMA/1xRTT
User Guide
AirLink Communications, Inc.
Version 2.09
December 2005
Information in this document is subject to change without notice
©Copyright AirLink Communications, Inc., 1993-2005. All rights reserved.
WARNING
The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at
least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.
Important Notice
Because of the nature of wireless communications, transmission and reception of data can never
be guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (i.e., have errors) or be totally lost. Although sig
nificant delays or losses of data are rare when wireless devices such as the AirLink Communications modem are used in a normal manner with a well-constructed network, the AirLink modem
should not be used in situations where failure to transmit or receive data could result in damage of
any kind to the user or any other party, including but not limited to personal injury, death, or loss
of property. AirLink Communications, Inc., accepts no responsibility for damages of any kind
resulting from delays or errors in data transmitted or received using the AirLink Communications
modem, or for failure of the AirLink Communications modem to transmit or receive such data.
Safety and Hazards
Do not operate the AirLink Communications modem in areas where blasting is in progress, where
explosive atmospheres may be present, near medical equipment, near life support equipment, or
any equipment which may be susceptible to any form of radio interference. In such areas, the Air
Link Communications modem MUST BE POWERED OFF. The AirLink Communications
modem can transmit signals that could interfere with this equipment. Do not operate the AirLink
Communications modem in any aircraft, whether the aircraft is on the ground or in flight. In air
craft, the AirLink Communications modem MUST BE POWERED OFF. When operating, the
AirLink Communications modem can transmit signals that could interfere with various on board
systems. The driver or operator of any vehicle should not operate the AirLink Communications
modem while in control of a vehicle. Doing so will detract from the driver or operator's control
and operation of that vehicle. In some states and provinces, operating such communications
devices while in control of a vehicle is an offence.
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Limitation of Liability
The information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of AirLink Communications, Inc. AIRLINK COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL DIR EC T, INDIRECT, SPE
CIAL, GENERAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUE OR
ANTICIPATED PROFITS OR REVENUE ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO
USE ANY AIRLINK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PRODUCT, EVEN IF AIRLINK COMMU
NICATIONS, INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR
THEY ARE FORESEEABLE OR FOR CLAIMS BY ANY THIRD PARTY.
i TELUS CDMA/1xRTT PinPoint User Guide Version 2.09
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Contents
CHAPTER 1 Introduction to PinPoint CDMA/1xRTT 1
PinPoint Overview 1
PinPoint front and back 1
CDMA/1xRTT Overview 2
Establishing a Internet Connection 2
Using the PinPoint to connect to the Internet 3
Using CDMA/1xRTT to Communicate with Your Equipment 3
Common Uses for the PinPoint 4
CHAPTER 2 PinPoint Activation 5
Connecting the PinPoint to your computer 5
Quick Start Guide and Setup Wizard 5
Setup Wizard Menu 6
Configuring the PinPoint using Wireless ACE 7
PinPoint Indicator Lights 7
PinPoint indicator lights 7
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Contents
CHAPTER 3 PinPoint Utilities 9
AceView 10
AceView 10
AceView: About PinPoint 10
Wireless ACE and Wireless ACE Web 11
Wireless ACE 11
AceNet 12
AceNet 12
Modem Doctor 13
Modem Doctor 13
AirLink Tracking System 13
CHAPTER 4 DNS: Using Names Instead of IP addresses 14
Configuring DNS 14
Wireless ACE: DNS 15
PPP-Peer 15
CHAPTER 5 IP Manager 16
Fully Qualified Domain Name 17
Dynamic Name Resolution 17
Configuring the PinPoint for Dynamic IP 18
Wireless ACE: Dynamic IP (IP Manager configuration) 18
Restrictions for Modem Name 19
CHAPTER 6 Keepalive 20
Configuring Keepalive 20
Keepalive Configuration in Wireless ACE 21
Data usage using Keepalive. 21
CHAPTER 7 Host Modes 22
AT Mode 23
PassThru Mode 24
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PPP Mode 25
Slip Mode 25
UDP Pad Mode 26
UDP Auto Answer 26
Reliable UDP 27
Multicast UDP 28
TCP PAD Mode 28
TCP Auto Answer 29
Hybrid Modes 29
Hybrid Mode Settings 30
CHAPTER 8 External Inputs and Power Control 31
Capturing Events via External Inputs 31
Setting the DTR and RTS 31
Wireless ACE: DTR and RTS 32
Connecting to the Serial Port 32
PinPoint back 32
PinPoint Serial Port Pinouts 33
DTR and RTS switches using Pin 5 (signal GND) as the common ground 33
Power Modes 33
Power Effect on Modem State 34
CHAPTER 9 Global Positioning System 35
GPS Overview 35
AirLink Remote Access Protocol (RAP) 36
National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) 36
Trimble ASCII Interface Protocol (TAIP) 36
Real-Time Clock Sync 37
Configuring the PinPoint for GPS 37
Over-The-Air (Remote) Host 37
Wireless ACE: *PPIP and *PPPORT 37
Local Host 38
Wireless ACE: S53 38
Wireless ACE: *PPLATSEXTRA 38
Report Ty pes 38
Wireless ACE: *PPGPSR and *PPLATSR 38
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Contents
Sending Reports Automatically 39
Wireless ACE: Automatic Reports 39
Wireless ACE: Local Automatic Reports 39
Wireless ACE: GPS Initialization Timer 40
RAP Configuration 40
RAP Reports Over-The-Air (Remote) 40
Wireless ACE: RAP Reports Remote 40
Wireless ACE: *PPIGNOREIP 41
RAP Reports over a Local Connection (PPP or SLIP) 41
Wireless ACE: RAP Local Reports 41
RAP Message format 42
Additional RAP Features 43
Device ID 43
Wireless ACE: Device ID 43
Odometer Data in Reports 44
Wireless ACE: Odometer Reports 44
Serial Input Event Reports 44
Wireless ACE: Enabling RTS and DTR for Input Events 44
Wireless ACE: Input Event Reports 45
COM1000 Event Reports 45
Wireless ACE: COM1000 Events 45
Store and Forward for RAP 46
Wireless ACE: Store and Forward 46
Store and Forward Reliable Mode 46
Wireless ACE: Store and Forward Reliable Mode 47
Wireless ACE: Adding GPS Time, Latitude, and Longitude to Reliable UDP data 47
Sending Reports 47
Wireless ACE: Automatic Reports 48
Flush on Event 48
Wireless ACE: Store and Forward Flush on Event 48
Legacy ATS/RAP 48
Wireless ACE: *PPGPSR and *PPLATSR 49
Wireless ACE: Legacy format 49
NMEA Configuration 49
Streaming NMEA Messages over the local serial port 49
HyperTerminal: NMEA Stream 50
Wireless ACE: NMEA Stream 50
NMEA Messages Over-The-Air (Remote) 50
Wireless ACE: NMEA Remote Reports 51
NMEA Messages over a Local Connection (PPP or SLIP) 51
Wireless ACE: NMEA Local Reports 51
NMEA Message Description 52
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GGA - Global Positioning System Fix Data 52
RMC - Recommended Minimum Navigation Information 53
VTG = Vector track an Speed over the Ground 54
TAIP Emulation Configuration 54
TAIP Messages Over-the-Air (Remote) 54
Wireless ACE: TAIP Remote Reports 55
TAIP Messages over a Local Connection (PPP or SLIP) 55
Wireless ACE: TAIP Local Reports 55
Sending Unsolicited TAIP Messages over a Local Connection 56
Wireless ACE: TAIP Local Reports, Unsolicited 56
Using TAIP Command Emulation 56
Wireless ACE: TAIP Emulation 57
TAIP ID 57
Wireless ACE: TAIP ID 57
Supported TAIP Commands 57
TAIP Message Description 58
Elements of a TAIP message 58
CHAPTER 10 Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) 59
SNMP Overview 59
Management Information Base (MIB) 60
SNMP Traps 60
PinPoint SNMP Configuration 60
Listening Port 60
Wireless ACE: *SNMPPORT 60
Security Level 61
Wireless ACE: *SNMPPORT 61
User Name and Password 61
Wireless ACE: Changing the PinPoint Password - Menu Option 62
Wireless ACE: Changing the PinPoint Password 62
Trap Destination 63
Wireless ACE: *SNMPPORT 63
Example of the MIB trap 63
CHAPTER 11 Hardware Installation 68
PinPoint Mounting Kit 68
PinPoint Mounting Bracket, part number 100-170-1005 69
Connecting the Antennas 70
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Contents
PinPoint connectors 70
Connecting power 70
Connecting the PinPoint to a computer or other device 71
CHAPTER 12 AT Commands 72
Using Wireless Ace 72
Wireless ACE: Using AT Commands 72
Wireless ACE: toolbar 73
Using Telnet Terminal Emulation 73
HyperTerminal: Connection Name 74
HyperTerminal: TCP/IP Settings 74
HyperTerminal: AT mode via Telnet 75
Direct Serial Connection 75
HyperTerminal: Connection Name 75
HyperTerminal: Comport Setting 76
HyperTerminal: Comport Settings 76
AT Commands 76
Information and Status 77
Basic Commands 79
Activating (Provisioning) 81
Cellular Network (TELUS) 83
Local Network and Host Modes 84
PassThru Mode 91
Telnet 92
Friends Mode 93
Time and Date 94
Logging 94
DNS 95
IPManager 96
Keepalive 97
Direct Communication 99
SMTP (email) 100
Power Control 102
SNMP 103
External Events 103
Other Settings 104
Commands Usable with PassThru 105
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CHAPTER 13 PinPoint Specifications 111
Physical Characteristics: 111
Data Services & RF Features: 111
Environmental: 111
Power Management: 112
Troubleshooting 113
Support web site 113
Contacting Technical Support 113
TELUS CDMA/1xRTT PinPoint User Guide Version 2.09 viii
CHAPTER 1 Intr oduction to PinPoint
CDMA/1xRTT
The AirLink PinPoint’s serial port can be connected to a computer or other device.
The PinPoint uses CDMA/1xRTT to connect to TELUS’ s cellular network to allow
communication to the Internet.
PinPoint Overview
The PinPoint's rugged form factor is ideal for industrial and commercial applications that require real-time communications. The PinPoint provides cellular data
communications for a variety of applications, such as telemetry, public safety,
SCADA, traffic control, traffic metering, transit arrival systems and more.
FIGURE 1. PinPoint front and back
TELUS CDMA/1xRTT PinPoint User Guide Version 2.09 1
Introduction to PinPoint CDMA/1xRTT
The PinPoint has several built in features to make it more effective in a variety of
settings. In addition, Airlink provides several modem tools to further enhance the
capabilities of the
Guide.
PinPoint. These features and tools are introduced in this User
• Wireless ACE, Wireless ACE Web, and AceNet
• IPManager
• Modem Doctor
• AirLink Tracking System
• Keepalive and Low Power Mode in high temperature environments
CDMA/1xRTT Overview
Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) provides a digital cellular telephony system provides wireless Internet access at speeds between 60 and 80 kbps, with bursts
up to 144 kbps.
Establishing a Internet Connection
The Internet Service Provider (ISP) from you to the Internet is TELUS with your
PinPoint as the connection to TELUS.
When your PinPoint is powered on, it automatically searches for cellular service
using CDMA/1xRTT and establishes a PPP (Point to Point Protocol or “dial” up
connection) link to TELUS’s network. As soon as the PinPoint receives its IP, it’s
ready to create a network between your computer or device and TELUS’s network
so you can use TELUS to communicate on the Internet.
To use your PinPoint to connect to the Internet from your computer, you need to
connect the computer directly to the PinPoint’s serial port and use Dial-Up Networking (DUN).
TELUS CDMA/1xRTT PinPoint User Guide Version 2.09 2
Introduction to PinPoint CDMA/1xRTT
FIGURE 2. Using the PinPoint to connect to the Internet
Note: Private network connections are unique for each configuration and
not covered as part of the standard installation.
Using CDMA/1xRTT to Communicate with Your Equipment
There are two types of addresses in TCP/IP, dynamic and static.
• Dynamic addresses are assigned on a “need to have” basis. Your PinPoint might
not always receive the same address each time it connects with TELUS.
• Static addresses are permanently assigned to a particular account and will
always be used whenever your
address will not be given to anyone else.
If you need to contact the PinPoint, a device connected to the modem, or a host system using the modem, you need to have a known IP (such as one which is static) or
domain name (an IP address which is converted by a DNS server into a word based
name).
Most ISPs (cellular included) use dynamic IP addresses rather than static IP
addresses. A dynamic IP address is suitable for many common Internet uses, such
as web browsing, looking up data on another computer system, or other client func
tion (such as data only being sent out or only being received after an initial request).
PinPoint connects to the Internet. The IP
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3 TELUS CDMA/1xRTT PinPoint User Guide Version 2.09
Introduction to PinPoint CDMA/1xRTT
If you have a dynamic IP address for your PinPoint, you can use a service (such as
IP Manager, covered later in this User Guide) to translate a dynamic IP address to a
fully qualified domain name so you can contact the
Caution: The IP address given to your PinPoint by TELUS must also be
Internet routable if the computer you need to connect to the PinPoint is
not connected directly to TELUS's IP network. Please check with
TELUS to confirm you IP is scheme is correct for your application and
needs.
PinPoint as if it had a static IP.
Common Uses for the PinPoint
The PinPoint’s rugged construction and cellular connection make it ideal for use in
remote and/or industrial locations. Because of its GPS capabilities, the PinPoint is
ideal for vehicle tracking and other situations where noting a moving location is as
important as connecting to a network.
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CHAPTER 2 PinPoint Activation
Your PinPoint needs specific parameters before it can operate on the CDMA/
1xRTT network. Generally TELUS will provide you with the necessary parameters
to get the PinPoint configured.
Connecting the PinPoint to your computer
Your PinPoint’s serial port can be connected directly to most computers or devices
using a standard straight through serial cable.
Quick Start Guide and Setup Wizard
The preferred way to configure and activate your PinPoint is via the AirLink Setup
Wizard for TELUS and CDMA/1xRTT. The Quick Start Guide will lead you
through the using the Setup Wizard.
• The PinPoint Setup W izard for CDMA/1xRTT and TELUS is available from the
AirLink web site, http://www.airlink.com/support.
• The Quick Start Guide is also available at the AirLink web site.
TELUS CDMA/1xRTT PinPoint User Guide Version 2.09 5
PinPoint Activation
Note: The web site may have a more recent Setup Wizard and Quick
Start Guide than those included with your PinPoint. It is recommended
that you check with the web site for the latest version before installing
your
PinPoint. You will need to look for TELUS, CDMA/1xRTT, and
the PinPoint. Other Setup Wizards may not work to connect you to
TELUS.
To run the Setup Wizard, you will need the Microsoft .NET framework and
Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft W indows XP , or later .
1. Select Start
2. Select All Programs
3. Select AirLink Communications
4. Select Setup Wizard
5. Select Setup Wizard
FIGURE 1. Setup Wizard Menu
The Quick Start Guide specifies the information you need and will lead you
through the steps.
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PinPoint Activation
Configuring the PinPoint using Wireless ACE
You can configure your modem using Wireless ACE (page 11) or AceNet
(page 12). It is not recommended to activate a modem using either Wireless ACE
or AceNet. An alternate method to configure and activate your PinPoint is by AT
commands (full listing beginning on page 76) sent directly to the modem via a terminal application (page 73). This method is recommended only in situations where
the Setup Wizard is not available and/or the configuration for the PinPoint is
unusual.
PinPoint Indicator Lights
When your PinPoint is connected to power and an antenna, there is a specific pattern to the lights to indicate its operation mode.
FIGURE 2. PinPoint indicator lights
Tx (transmit) and Rx (receive) - Lights will flash as data is transferred to and
from the
RSSI - Light shows the strength of the signal and may be nearly solid (strong
signal) or flashing (weaker signal). A slow flash indicates a very weak signal.
Reg - Indicates the PinPoint has acquired an IP from TELUS.
Chan - Indicates the modem has acquired a network channel.
Link - Indicate a successful connection to the cellular network.
Pwr - Indicates the power adapter is connected and there is power getting to the
modem.
PinPoint on the remote network.
7 TELUS CDMA/1xRTT PinPoint User Guide Version 2.09
PinPoint Activation
The Reset button performs the same function as unplugging power from the
modem and plugging it back in. Reset will not alter any saved configuration
settings.
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CHAPTER 3 PinPoint Utilities
AirLink offers a suite of utilities to optimize your PinPoint’s performance, allowing
you to remotely view status and make changes to the configuration as needed.
• AceView
• Wireless ACE and Wireless ACE Web
• AceNet
• Modem Doctor
• AirLink Tracking System
This section of the PinPoint User Guide covers basic information about these utilities. For additional information on a specific utility, please refer to the user guide
for that utility.
These utilities, except AceNet and AirLink Tracking System (ATS), are free of
charge to those who own AirLink modems. You can download them and their user
guides from the AirLink web site: http://www.airlink.com/support. Contact your
dealer or AirLink for information on AceNet and AirLink Tracking System.
Note: AceView, Wireless ACE, and AceNet require the Microsoft .NET
framework and Microsoft Windows 98, Windows 2000, W indows XP, or
later. Wireless ACE Web requires Internet Explorer 6.0 or later with
ActiveX enabled.
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PinPoint Utilities
AceView
AceView is a low-profile monitoring tool to view the status of your AirLink PinPoint and display network status, IP address, RSSI strength, firmware version, and
other basic information.
FIGURE 1. AceView
You can connect to your PinPoint locally or remotely using a known IP address or a
fully qualified domain name. The display is updated periodically as AceView polls
the
PinPoint at a specified interval. GPS is available only for PinPoint modems.
FIGURE 2. AceView: About PinPoint
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PinPoint Utilities
Wireless ACE and Wireless ACE Web
Wireless AirLink Configuration Executive (ACE) and Wireless Ace W eb allow you
to monitor your
modem. Wireless ACE Web has a web-based interface and covers nearly the same
range of features a Wireless ACE. Features discussed in this section apply to both
versions unless otherwise noted.
FIGURE 3. Wireless ACE
PinPoint either remotely or locally with a direct connection to the
Wireless ACE can be used to monitor your PinPoint, view modem status, or change
the configuration of your PinPoint. You can even save a template and, using Wireless ACE or AceNet, apply it to another AirLink modem.
Wireless ACE provides a graphical interface for entering AT commands. See “AT
Commands” on page 76 for a full listing of the AT commands for your PinPoint.
11 TELUS CDMA/1xRTT PinPoint User Guide Version 2.09
PinPoint Utilities
AceNet
With AceNet you can monitor several AirLink modems at the same time. The
modems can be connected locally or remote. Several features can be displayed and
logged. AceNet is a seperate product which can be purchased from AirLink.
FIGURE 4. AceNet
Using a template from Wireless ACE, you can change the configuration in several
modems at the same time and can check and update their firmware as well. AceNet
also features logging to a database and charting for the monitored modems.
With AceNet, you can connect to modems locally via serial or Ethernet or remotely
via TCP/IP or SMS.
TELUS CDMA/1xRTT PinPoint User Guide Version 2.09 12
PinPoint Utilities
Modem Doctor
Modem Doctor is a troubleshooting utility. This utility will allow you to get a log
file of the
current configuration completely, and temporarily set the PinPoint to a known
serial configuration to aid in trouble shooting.
PinPoint activity which you can then send to AirLink support, erase the
FIGURE 5. Modem Doctor
AirLink Tracking System
The AirLink Tracking System (ATS) is a feature-rich vehicle tracking system that
uses cellular technology to transmit vehicle and location information to a Tracking
Control console. ATS also employs the satellite based Global Positioning System
(GPS) to obtain location and velocity information.
ATS is a seperate product which can be purchased from AirLink.
13 TELUS CDMA/1xRTT PinPoint User Guide Version 2.09
CHAPTER 4 DNS: Using Names
Instead of IP addr esses
A domain name is a name of a server or device on the Internet which is associated,
generally, with an IP address. In a way, a domain name is like the street address of
your house with the phone number being like the IP address. You can contact the
house either by going to the address (name) or by calling the phone number (IP
address).
Domain Name Service (DNS) is a network service which translates, or redirects,
the IP address, allowing someone to contact that address via the name. A DNS
server is registered to handle all addresses of a particular domain (much like the
post office for a particular town or city is known to the post offices of all other
towns and cities and is authorized to give the addresses of locations in its own loca
tion).
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Configuring DNS
The PinPoint has an internal DNS resolver with which it can query DNS servers in
order to translate names into IP addresss which it can then use internally. Generally, when your PinPoint receives its IP address from TELUS, it will also be configured to use TELUS’s DNS servers to use for resolving (or translating) names to IP
addresses. In that case, the only one which is not overwritten is the alternate DNS.
TELUS CDMA/1xRTT PinPoint User Guide Version 2.09 14
DNS: Using Names Instead of IP addresses
You can use AT commands (page 76), Wireless ACE (page 11), and ACE Net
(page 12) using a template built from Wireless ACE to configure DNS in your PinPoint.
FIGURE 1. Wireless ACE: DNS
*DNS1 and *DNS2 - Set these to your primary and secondary DNS servers.
These maybe be overwritten by
TELUS when your PinPoint gets its IP address.
*DNSUSER - Set this, if desired, to an additional DNS server to query first
before the primary or secondary (just as a hosts file is queried first on a com
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puter). If *DNSUSER is set to 0.0.0.0, it will be ignored.
*DNSUPDATE - This command sets how often you want DNS Updates to be
forced. Otherwise the
PinPoint will only send updates when it is reset, powered
up, or the IP address granted by the network changes.
Note: If you will be using your PinPoint to communicate with another
AirLink modem and both are using IP Manager (page 16) to translate
dynamic IP addresss to domain names, it is recommended that you set
*DNSUSER to the IP address for IP Manager. IP Manager’s updates
occur more frequently than
TELUS’s DNS servers decreasing the time
between IP address change and address resolution.
PPP-Peer
The PinPoint uses the unqualified domain name of “ppp-peer” when it is PPP or
SLIP address mode to resolve the address of the device or computer connected via
PPP or SLIP address. If the
PinPoint is not in PPP or SLIP address mode, “ppp-
peer” will resolve to 0.0.0.0.
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CHAPTER 5 IP Manager
IP Manager translates a dynamic IP address to a fully qualified domain name so
you can contact
Since TELUS frequently does not offer static IP addresses, IP Manager is a free service provided by AirLink for your PinPoint to translate a dynamic IP address into a
fully qualified domain name so it can be contacted directly on the Internet.
PinPoint by name as if it had a static IP.
• Dynamic IP addresses are granted only when a modem or other device is con-
nected and can change each time the modem or device reconnects to the network.
• Static IP addresses are granted the same address every time the modem or
device is connected.
A dynamic IP address is suitable for many Internet activities such as web browsing,
looking up data on another computer system, data only being sent out, or data only
being received after an initial request. However, if you need to contact the
directly, a device connected to the modem, or a host system using the PinPoint, a
dynamic IP won’t give you a reliable address to contact (since it may have changed
since the last time it was assigned).
TELUS CDMA/1xRTT PinPoint User Guide Version 2.09 16
PinPoint
IP Manager
Fully Qualified Domain Name
A fully qualified domain name (FQDN) generally has several parts.
• Top Level Domain (TDL): The TDL is the ending suffix for a domain name
(.com, .net, .org, etc.)
• Country Code Top Level Domain (ccTDL): This suffix is often used after the
TDL for most countries except the US (.ca, .uk, .au, etc.)
• Domain name: This is the name registered with ICANN (Internet Corporation
for Assigned Names and Numbers) or the registry for a the country of the
ccTDL (i.e. if a domain is part of the .ca TDL, it would be registered with the
Canadian domain registry). It is necessary to have a name registered before it
can be used.
• Sub-domain or server name: A domain name can have many sub-domain or
server names associated with it. Sub-domains need to be registered with the
domain, but do not need to be registered with ICANN or any other registry . It is
the responsibility of a domain to keep track of its own subs.
A URL (Universal Resource Locator) is different from a domain name in that it
also indicates information on the protocol used by a web browser to contact that
address, such as http://www.airlink.com.
• .com is the TDL
• airlink is the domain (usually noted as airlink.com since the domain is specific
to the TDL)
• www is the server registered with AirLink.com
• http:// is the protocol (html or web) used to access the webpage for AirLink
Dynamic Name Resolution
When an IP address is not expected to change, the DNS server can indicate to all
queries that the address can be cached and not looked up for a long period of time.
Dynamic DNS servers, conversely, have a short caching period for the domain
information to prevent other Internet sites or queries from using the old informa
tion.
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IP Manager
If the PinPoint is configured for Dynamic IP , when the PinPoint first connects to the
Internet, it sends a IP change notification to IP Manager. IP Manger will acknowledge the change and update the DNS record. The changed IP address will then be
the address for the
PinPoint’s configured name.
Once the PinPoint’s IP has been updated in IP Manager, it can be contacted via
name. If the IP address is needed, you can use the domain name to determine the IP
address.
The fully qualified domain name of the PinPoint will be a subdomain of eairlink.com.
Note: Earlink.com is a domain name owned and registered by AirLink
for IP Manager.
Configuring the PinPoint for Dynamic IP
To configure the Dynamic IP settings in yo ur PinPoint so that it will use IP Manager, you can use AT commands (page 76), using direct serial communication or
Telnet (page 73), Wireless ACE (page 11), and ACE Net (page 12) using a template
built from Wireless ACE.
To configure your AirLink modem to be addressed by name, the mo dem needs to
have 4 elements configured.
FIGURE 1. Wireless ACE: Dynamic IP (IP Manager configuration)
1. Modem name: The name you want for the modem.
TELUS CDMA/1xRTT PinPoint User Guide Version 2.09 18
IP Manager
2. Domain: Eairlink.com is the IP Manager domain provided by AirLink.
3. IP Manager IP Address: The IP or domain name of the dynamic DNS server.
Earlink.com is the IP Manger server provided by AirLink. Note: To use the
name here instead of the IP, you need to have DNS set up in your
PinPoint. See
“DNS: Using Names Instead of IP addresses” on page 14.
4. IP Manager update interval: How often you want the address sent to IP Man-
ager. If this is set to zero, the modem will only send an update if the IP changes
(i.e. if the modem is reset or is assigned a different IP).
In Wireless ACE, select Dynamic IP to configure your modem to use IP Manager.
You can configure a second dynamic server as a backup, secondary, or alternate
server.
Note: For the Modem Name, you should use something which is unique
but also easy to remember. Your company name or the intended function
of the modem are recommended. If you have more than one modem,
append a number for each.
Restrictions for Modem Name
• Must begin with a letter or number
• Can include a hyphen (-)
• Cannot contain spaces
• Must be no longer than 20 characters total
19 TELUS CDMA/1xRTT PinPoint User Guide Version 2.09
CHAPTER 6 Keepalive
It is not uncommon for your PinPoint to be disconnected from TELUS after an
extended period of inactivity. This is generally a feature intended to reduce your
charges for inactive use.
Keepalive is used to test and maintain the PinPoint’s connection to TELUS by pinging an IP address after a specified period of inactivity. Keepalive is recommended
for users who have a remote terminated modem that infrequently communicates to
the network. Keepalive is also recommended if you have experienced issues where
the modem can no longer be reached remotely.
When Keepalive pings the IP address, an acknowledgement indicates there is an
active connection to the network. If the modem does not receive a response from
the IP address, it will retry 5 times in 5 second intervals. The
reset the radio module after 5 failed attempts and reconnect to TELUS.
PinPoint will then
Configuring Keepalive
As with all other aspects of the PinPoint’s configuration, you can use Wireless Ace
or Wireless Ace Web (page 11), AceNet (page 12), or direct serial communication
or T elnet (page 73) to configure Keepalive.
TELUS CDMA/1xRTT PinPoint User Guide Version 2.09 20
Keepalive
To set the Keepalive using Wireless ACE, select Other from the menu on the left.
FIGURE 1. Keepalive Configuration in Wireless ACE
*IPPING sets the interval, in minutes, you want Keepalive to test the network connection. To disable Keepalive, set *IPPING to 0 (default setting).
*IPPINGADDR sets the IP address you want to use for the test. If *PPINGADDR
is left blank or is set to an invalid IP address (i.e. an IP which is unreachable or one
which is not a valid IP address), the modem will reset itself on a regular interval.
*IPPINGFORCE sets whether you wish the network connection test to occur only
if there is no activity. Set to 1, IPPINGFORCE will force the ping to occur at the
IPPING interval regardless of any oth e r network activity. When *IPPINGFORCE
is set to 1, the modem does a complete modem reset, in addition to resetting the
connection. When the modem is reset, it could take a few minutes to reconnect to
the network.
Data usage using Keepalive.
When using Keepalive, be aware that a ping moves approximately 66 bytes of data
over the network and is billable by the carrier. The following *IPPING settings
will incur approximate monthly data usage in addition to any other data usage:
• 5 min. will use 1.2mb / month
• 15 min. will use 400k / month
• 30 min. will use 200k / month
• 60 min. will use 100k / month
• 120 min. will use 50k / month
21 TELUS CDMA/1xRTT PinPoint User Guide Version 2.09
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