Airlink Raven GPRS User Manual

Raven GPRS

User Guide
AirLink Communications, Inc.
Version 2.01 October 2005
Information in this document is subject to change without notice
©Copyright AirLink Communications, Inc., 1993-2005. All rights reserved.
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 significant 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 AirLink 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 aircraft, 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 cont rol of a vehicle is an offence.
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 COMMUNICATIO NS, INC. SPECI FICAL LY DISCLAIMS LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, 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 COMMUNICATIONS, INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POS­SIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR THEY ARE FORESEEABLE OR FOR CLAIMS BY ANY THIRD PARTY.
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Contents

CHAPTER 1 Introduction to Raven GPRS 1
Raven Overview 1
Raven face and back 1
GPRS Overview 2 Connecting to Cingular using Serial 2 Establishing a Connection with GPRS 2
Using the Raven to connect to the Internet 3
Using GPRS to Communicate directly to your Device 3 Common Uses for the Raven 4
Financial POS and Kiosk 4 Automation and Telemetry 5 Backup connection to the Internet 5
CHAPTER 2 Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) 7
Installing the SIM 7
Opening the Case 7
Modem back 8
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Modem partially slid from case 8
Ejecting the SIM tray 8 Tray button 8 Empty SIM Tray 9
Inserting the SIM 9 SIM Tray with a SIM 9 Inserting the SIM 9
CHAPTER 3 Raven Activation 10
Connecting the Raven to your computer 10 Quick Start Guide and Setup Wizard 10
Setup Wizard Menu 11
Configuring the Raven using AT Commands 12 Raven Indicator Lights 12
Raven indicator lights 12
CHAPTER 4 Raven Utilities 13
AceView 14
AceView 14 AceView: About Raven 14
Wireless ACE and Wireless ACE Web 15
Wireless ACE 15
AceNet 16
AceNet 16
Modem Doctor 17
Modem Doctor 17
CHAPTER 5 DNS: Using Names Instead of IPs 18
Configuring DNS 18
Wireless ACE: DNS 19
PPP-Peer 19
CHAPTER 6 IP Manager 20
Fully Qualified Domain Name 21
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Dynamic Name Resolution 21 Configuring the Raven for Dynamic IP 22
Wireless ACE: Dynamic IP (IP Manager configuration) 22
Restrictions for Modem Name 23
CHAPTER 7 Keepalive 24
Configuring Keepalive 24
Keepalive Configuration in Wireless ACE 25
Data usage using Keepalive. 25
CHAPTER 8
Host Modes 26
AT Mode 27 PassThru Mode 28 PPP Mode 29 Slip Mode 29 UDP Pad Mode 30
UDP Auto Answer 30 Reliable UDP 31 Multicast UDP 32
TCP PAD Mode 32
TCP Auto Answer 33
Hybrid Modes 33
Hybrid Mode Settings 34
CHAPTER 9 Modbus/BSAP Configuration 35
Modbus Overview 35
Telemetry 36 Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) 36 Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) 36 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) 36 Modbus TCP/IP 37 Raven Modbus on UDP 37
Automation and Telemetry 37
Configuring the Raven at the Polling Host for Modbus on UDP 38
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Port 38
Wireless ACE: Destination Port 38 Wireless ACE: Device Port 38
Default Power-up Mode 38 Wireless ACE: MD Configuration 38
IDs to IPs 39 Wireless ACE: Addr List 39
Dynamic IP 39 Wireless ACE: Modem Name and Domain 40
Configuring the Remote Ravens for Modbus with UDP 40
Port 40
Default Power-up Mode 41
Wireless ACE: UDP Power-up Mode 41
Host Raven IP 41 Wireless ACE: Destination IP 41
Dynamic IPs 41
RTU settings 42
Raven mounted in an enclosure with an RTU 42 RTU to Raven setup 43 Power Connections 43
CHAPTER 10 Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) 44
SNMP Overview 44
Management Information Base (MIB) 45
SNMP Traps 45
Raven SNMP Configuration 45
Listening Port 45 Wireless ACE: *SNMPPORT 45
Security Level 46 Wireless ACE: *SNMPPORT 46
User Name and Password 46 Wireless ACE: Changing the Raven Password - Menu Option 47 Wireless ACE: Changing the Raven Password 47
Trap Destination 48 Wireless ACE: *SNMPPORT 48
Example of the MIB trap 48
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CHAPTER 11 Hardware Installation 53
Raven Mounting Kit 53
Raven Mounting Bracket, part number 100-170-1009 A 54
Connecting the Antenna 55
Raven connectors 55
Connecting power 55 Connecting the Raven to a computer or other device 55
CHAPTER 12
AT Commands 57
Using Wireless Ace 57
Wireless ACE: Using AT Commands 57 Wireless ACE: toolbar 58
Using Telnet Terminal Emulation 58
HyperTerminal: Connection Name 58 HyperTerminal: TCP/IP Settings 59 HyperTerminal: AT mode via Telnet 59
Direct Serial Connection 59
HyperTerminal: Connection Name 60 HyperTerminal: Comport Setting 60 HyperTerminal: Comport Settings 60
AT Commands 61
Information and Status 62 Basic Commands 64 Activating (Provisioning) 65 Cellular Network (Cingular GPRS) 67 Local Network and Host Modes 69 PassThru Mode 76 Telnet 77 Friends Mode 77 Time and Date 78 Logging 78 DNS 79 IPManager 80 Keepalive 81 Direct Communication 83 SMTP (email) 85 Modbus Settings 87
89 SNMP 90
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Other Settings 90
Commands Usable with PassThru 91
CHAPTER 13 Raven Specifications 97
Physical Characteristics: 97
Data Services & RF Features: 97
Environmental: 98
Power Management: 98
Troubleshooting 99
Support web site 99 Contacting Technical Support 99
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CHAPTER 1 Intr oduction to Raven
GPRS
The AirLink Raven uses serial to connect to a computer or other device and GPRS to connect to Cingular’s cellular network to allow cellular communication to the Internet or other network.

Raven Overview

The Raven's rugged form factor is ideal for industrial and commercial applications that require real-time communications. The Raven 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. Raven face and back

Cingular GPRS Raven User Guide Version 2.01 1
Introduction to Raven GPRS
The Raven 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 Raven. These features and tools are introduced in this User Guide.
Wireless ACE, Wireless ACE Web, and AceNet
IPManager
Modem Doctor
Keepalive

GPRS Overview

General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is packet-switched with many users sharing the same transmission channel, only transmitting when they have data to send. This means that the total available bandwidth can be immediately dedicated to those users who are actually sending at any given moment, providing higher utilization where users only send or receive data intermittently. GPRS provides speeds of 30– 70 kbps with bursts possibly up to 170 kbps.

Connecting to Cingular using Serial

Your Raven is equipped with a serial port which you can use to connect directly to your computer or device.
If you are using a computer with your Raven you can use Dial-Up Networking (DUN) to access the Internet or other network applications.

Establishing a Connection with GPRS

Cingular is the Internet Service Provider (ISP) from you to the Internet with the Raven as the connection to Cingular.
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Introduction to Raven GPRS
When your Raven is powered on, it automatically searches for cellular service using GPRS and establishes a PPP (Point to Point Protocol or “dial” up connection) link to Cingular’s network. As soon as the Raven receives its IP, it’s ready to create a TCP/IP network between your computer or device and Cingular’s network so you can use Cingular to communicate on the Internet.
Using the Raven with a computer or network of computers behind a router using NAT (Network Address Translation which allows several computers or devices use a single IP address), you can access the Internet for web browsing, email, FTP, etc.

FIGURE 2. Using the Raven to connect to the Internet

Note: Corporate network connections are unique for each configuration and not covered as part of the standard installation.

Using GPRS to Communicate directly to your Device

There are two types of addresses in TCP/IP, dynamic and static.
Dynamic addresses are assigned on a “need to have” basis. Your Raven might
not always receive the same address each time it connects with Cingular.
Static addresses are permanently assigned to a particular account and will
always be used whenever your Raven connects to Cingular. The address will not be given to anyone else.
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Introduction to Raven GPRS
If you need to contact the Raven, 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 func­tion (such as data only being sent out or only being received after an initial request).
If you have a dynamic IP address for your Raven, 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 Raven as if it had a static IP.

Common Uses for the Raven

The Raven’s rugged construction and cellular connection make it ideal for use in remote and/or industrial locations. The Raven can be used for telemetry and for more advanced communication to the device or devices behind it.

FIGURE 3. Financial POS and Kiosk

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Introduction to Raven GPRS

FIGURE 4. Automation and Te lemetry

FIGURE 5. Backup connection to the Internet

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Introduction to Raven GPRS
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CHAPTER 2 Subscriber Identity
Module (SIM)
The Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) in the Raven is a smartcard securely storing the key identifying a mobile subscriber. Generally, you will only need to install the SIM once in the life of the modem and it may be pre-installed by Cingular or Air­Link.

Installing the SIM

To install the SIM, you will only need a small phillips head screw driver.

Opening the Case

1. Unplug the modem power and all cables.
2. Using a small phil lips head screw driver, remove the two screws on the back of
the modem.
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Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)
FIGURE 1. Modem back
3. Slide the casing off of the modem and set it aside.
FIGURE 2. Modem partially slid from case

Ejecting the SIM tray

4. Using the tip of a closed pen, a paper clip, or PDA stylus, press the yellow but-
ton between the two cards.
FIGURE 3. Tray button
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Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)
5. Slide th e tray ou t of th e slot.
FIGURE 4. Empty SIM Tray

Inserting the SIM

6. Place the SIM into the tray and gently press to click it into place.
FIGURE 5. SIM Tray with a SIM
7. Slide the tray back into the modem and gently press to click it into place.
FIGURE 6. Inserting the SIM
8. Slide the modem back into the case.
9. Secure the back of the modem with the screws.
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CHAPTER 3 Raven Activation

Your Raven needs specific parameters before it can operate on the Cingular GPRS network. Cingular will provide you with the necessary parameters to get the Raven configured.

Connecting the Raven to your computer

Your Raven’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 Raven is via the AirLink Setup Wizard for Cingular GPRS. The Quick S tart Guide will lead you through the using the Setup Wizard.
The Cingular GPRS Raven Setup Wizard is available from the AirLink web
site, http://www.airlink.com/support.
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Raven Activation
The Cingular GPRS Raven Quick Start Guide is also available at the AirLink
web site.
Note: The web site may have a more recent Setup Wizard and Quick Start Guide than those included with your Raven. It is recommended that you check with the web site for the latest version before installing your Raven.
To run the Setup Wizard, you will need Microsoft Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP, or later and .Net enabled.
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 Cingular GPRS Raven Quick Start Guide specifies the information you need and will lead you through the steps.
Cingular GPRS Raven User Guide Version 2.01 11
Raven Activation

Configuring the Raven using AT Commands

An alternate method to configure and activate your Raven is by AT commands (full listing beginning on page 61) sent directly to the modem via a terminal application (page 58). This method is recommended only in situations where the Setup Wizard is not available and/or the configuration for the Raven is unusual.You can also con­figure your modem using Wireless ACE (page 15) or AceNet (page 16) using a template built in Wireless ACE. It is not recommended to activate a modem using either Wireless ACE or AceNet.

Raven Indicator Lights

When your Raven is connected to power and an antenna, there is a specific pattern to the lights to indicate its operation mode.

FIGURE 2. Raven indicator lights

Tx (transmit) and Rx (receive) - Lights will flash as data is transferred to and from the modem on the network.
RSSI - Light shows the strength of the signal and may be solid (strong) or flash­ing (weaker).
Reg - Indicates the modem is registered (activated) on the cellular network. Chan and Link - Indicate a connection to the cellular network. Pwr - Indicates the power adapter is connected and there is power getting to the
modem.
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CHAPTER 4 Raven Utilities

AirLink offers a suite of utilities to optimize your Raven’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
This section of the Raven 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, 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.
Note: AceView, Wireless ACE, and AceNet require with .Net and Microsoft Windows 98, Windows 200 0, Windows XP, or later. Wireless ACE Web requires Internet Expl orer 6.0 or later with ActiveX enabled.
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Raven Utilities

AceView

AceView is a low-profile monitoring tool to view the status of your AirLink Raven and display network status, IP address, RSSI strength, firmware version, and other basic information.

FIGURE 1. AceView

You can connect to your Raven locally or remotely using a known IP address or a fully qualified domain name. The display is updated periodically as AceView polls the Raven at a specified interval. GPS is available only for PinPoint modems.

FIGURE 2. AceView: About Raven

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Raven Utilities

Wireless ACE and Wireless ACE Web

Wireless AirLink Configuration Executive (ACE) and Wireless Ace Web allow you to monitor your Raven remotely. Wireless ACE W eb 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

Wireless ACE can be used to monitor your Raven, view modem status, or change the configuration of your Raven. You can even save a profile 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 61 for a full listing of the AT commands for your Raven.
Wireless ACE can be used with a Raven connected directly to your computer or remotely through your cellular service.
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Raven 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.
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Raven Utilities

Modem Doctor

Modem Doctor is a troubleshooting utility. This utility will allow you to get a log file of the Raven activity which you can then send to AirLink support, erase the current configuration completely, and set the Raven to only respond to a serial con­nection.

FIGURE 5. Modem Doctor

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CHAPTER 5 DNS: Using Names
Instead of IPs
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. You can contact the house either by going to the address (name) or by calling the phone number (IP).
Domain Name Service (DNS) is a network service which tran slates, or redirects, the IP, 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 location).

Configuring DNS

The Raven has an internal DNS resolver with which it can query DNS servers in order to translate names into IPs which it can then use internally . Genera lly, when your Raven receives its IP from Cingular, it will also be configured to use Cingu­lar’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.
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DNS: Using Names Instead of IPs
You can use AT commands (page 61), Wireless ACE (page 15), and ACE Net (page 16) using a template built from Wireless ACE to configure DNS in your Raven.

FIGURE 1. Wireless ACE: DNS

*DNS1 and *DNS2 - Set these to your primary and secondary DNS servers. These maybe be overwritten by Cingular when your Raven gets it’s IP.
*DNSUSER - Set this, if desired, to an additional DNS server to query when the domain name is not found in the primary or secondary. If *DNSUSER is set to 0.0.0.0, it will be ignored.
Note: If you will be using your Raven to communicate with another Air­Link modem and both are using IP Manager (page 20) to translate dynamic IPs to domain names, it is recommended that you set *DNSUSER to the IP for IP Manager. IPManager’s updates occur more frequently than Cingular’s DNS servers decreasing the time between IP change and address resolution.
*DNSUPDATE - This command sets how often you want DNS Updates to be forced.

PPP-Peer

The Raven uses the unqualified domain name of “ppp-peer” when it is PPP or SLIP mode to resolve the address of the device or computer connected via PPP or SLIP. If the Raven is not in PPP or SLIP mode, “ppp-peer” will resolve to 0.0.0.0.
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CHAPTER 6 IP Manager

IP Manager translates a dynamic IP address to a fully qualified domain name so you can contact the Raven by name as if it had a static IP.
Since Cingular frequently does not offer static IP addresses, IP Manager is a free service provided by AirLink for your Raven to translate a dynamic IP address into a fully qualified domain name so it can be contacted directly on the Internet.
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 Raven directly, a device connected to the modem, or a host system using the Raven, a dynamic IP won’t give you a reliable address to contact (since it may have changed since the last time it was assigned).
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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 informa­tion.
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IP Manager
If the Raven is configured for Dynamic IP, when the Raven 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 Raven’s configured name.
Once the Raven’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 Raven will be a subdomain of eairlink.com.
Note: Earlink.com is a domain name owned and registered by AirLink for IP Manager.

Configuring the Raven for Dynamic IP

T o configure the Dynamic IP settings in your Raven so that it will use IP Manager, you can use AT commands (page 61), using direct serial communication or Telnet (page 58), Wireless ACE (page 15), and ACE Net (page 16) using a template built from Wireless ACE.
To configure you r AirLink modem to be addressed by name, the modem 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.
2. Domain: Eairlink.com is the IP Manager domain provided by AirLink.
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