Microhard Systems Inc. warrants that each product will be free of defects in material and workmanship for a
period of one (1) year for its products. The warranty commences on the date the product is shipped by Micro-
hard Systems Inc. Microhard Systems Inc.’s sole liability and responsibility under this warranty is to repair or
replace any product which is returned to it by the Buyer and which Microhard Systems Inc. determines does
not conform to the warranty. Product returned to Microhard Systems Inc. for warranty service will be shipped
to Microhard Systems Inc. at Buyer’s expense and will be returned to Buyer at Microhard Systems Inc.’s ex-
pense. In no event shall Microhard Systems Inc. be responsible under this warranty for any defect which is
caused by negligence, misuse or mistreatment of a product or for any unit which has been altered or modified
in any way. The warranty of replacement shall terminate with the warranty of the product.
Warranty Disclaims
Microhard Systems Inc. makes no warranties of any nature of kind, expressed or implied, with respect to the
hardware, software, and/or products and hereby disclaims any and all such warranties, including but not limited to warranty of non-infringement, implied warranties of merchantability for a particular purpose, any interruption or loss of the hardware, software, and/or product, any delay in providing the hardware, software, and/
or product or correcting any defect in the hardware, software, and/or product, or any other warranty. The Purchaser represents and warrants that Microhard Systems Inc. has not made any such warranties to the Purchaser or its agents MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. EXPRESS WARRANTY TO BUYER CONSTITUTES MICROHARD
SYSTEMS INC. SOLE LIABILITY AND THE BUYER’S SOLE REMEDIES. EXCEPT AS THUS PROVIDED, MICROHARD
SYSTEMS INC. DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PROMISE.
MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED OR INTENDED TO BE USED IN
ANY LIFE SUPPORT RELATED DEVICE OR SYSTEM RELATED FUNCTIONS NOR AS PART OF
ANY OTHER CRITICAL SYSTEM AND ARE GRANTED NO FUNCTIONAL WARRANTY.
Indemnification
The Purchaser shall indemnify Microhard Systems Inc. and its respective directors, officers, employees, successors and assigns including any subsidiaries, related corporations, or affiliates, shall be released and discharged from any and all manner of action, causes of action, liability, losses, damages, suits, dues, sums of
money, expenses (including legal fees), general damages, special damages, including without limitation,
claims for personal injuries, death or property damage related to the products sold hereunder, costs and demands of every and any kind and nature whatsoever at law.
IN NO EVENT WILL MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL,
INCIDENTAL, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, CATASTROPHIC, PUNITIVE OR OTHER DAMAGES WHICH MAY BE
CLAIMED TO ARISE IN CONNECTION WITH THE HARDWARE, REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY BEHIND
SUCH CLAIMS, WHETHER IN TORT, CONTRACT OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE STATUTORY OR REGULATORY
LAWS, RULES, REGULATIONS, EXECUTIVE OR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS OR DECLARATIONS OR OTHERWISE,
EVEN IF MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. HAS BEEN ADVISED OR OTHERWISE HAS KNOWLEDGE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES AND TAKES NO ACTION TO PREVENT OR MINIMIZE SUCH DAMAGES. IN THE EVENT
THAT REGARDLESS OF THE WARRANTY DISCLAIMERS AND HOLD HARMLESS PROVISIONS INCLUDED ABOVE
MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. IS SOMEHOW HELD LIABLE OR RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURY, MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC.'S LIABILITY FOR ANYDAMAGES SHALL NOT EXCEED THE PROFIT REALIZED BY MICROHARD SYSTEMS INC. ON THE SALE OR PROVISION OF THE HARDWARE TO THE CUSTOMER.
Proprietary Rights
The Buyer hereby acknowledges that Microhard Systems Inc. has a proprietary interest and intellectual property rights in the Hardware, Software and/or Products. The Purchaser shall not (i) remove any copyright, trade
secret, trademark or other evidence of Microhard Systems Inc.’s ownership or proprietary interest or confiden-
tiality other proprietary notices contained on, or in, the Hardware, Software or Products, (ii) reproduce or modify any Hardware, Software or Products or make any copies thereof, (iii) reverse assemble, reverse engineer or
decompile any Software or copy thereof in whole or in part, (iv) sell, transfer or otherwise make available to
others the Hardware, Software, or Products or documentation thereof or any copy thereof, except in accor-
It is assumed that users of the products described herein have either system integration or
design experience, as well as an understanding of the fundamentals of radio communications.
Throughout this manual you will encounter not only illustrations (that further elaborate on the
accompanying text), but also several symbols which you should be attentive to:
Caution or Warning
Usually advises against some action which could result in undesired or
detrimental consequences.
Point to Remember
Highlights a key feature, point, or step which is noteworthy. Keeping
these in mind will simplify or enhance device usage.
Tip
An idea or suggestion to improve efficiency or enhance usefulness.
Information
Information regarding a particular technology or concept.
To satisfy FCC RF exposure requirements for mobile transmitting devices, a separation distance
of 23cm or greater for the IPn4G utilizing a 3dBi antenna, or 3.5m or greater for the IPn4G
utilizing a 34dBi antenna, should be maintained between the antenna of this device and persons
during device operation. To ensure compliance, operations at closer than this distance is not
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
recommended. The antenna being used for this transmitter must not be co-located in conjunction
with any other antenna or transmitter.
This device can only be used with Antennas approved for this device. Please contact
Microhard Systems Inc. if you need more information or would like to order an antenna.
MAXIMUM EIRP
FCC Regulations allow up to 36dBm Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP).
Therefore, the sum of the transmitted power (in dBm and not to exceed +30dBm)), the
cabling loss, and omnidirectional antenna gain cannot exceed 36dBm.
CSA Class 1 Division 2 is Available Only on Specifically Marked Units
If marked this for Class 1 Division 2 – then this product is available for use in Class 1, Division 2,
in the indicated Groups on the product.
In such a case the following must be met:
The transceiver is not acceptable as a stand-alone unit for use in hazardous locations. The
transceiver must be mounted within a separate enclosure, which is suitable for the intended
application. Mounting the units within an approved enclosure that is certified for hazardous
locations, or is installed within guidelines in accordance with CSA rules and local electrical and
fire code, will ensure a safe and compliant installation.
Do not connect or disconnect equipment unless power has been switched off or the area is
known tobe non-hazardous.
Installation, operation and maintenance of the transceiver should be in accordance with the
transceiver’s installation manual, and the National Electrical Code.
Tampering or replacement with non-factory components may adversely affect the safe use of
the transceiver in hazardous locations, and may void the approval.
The wall adapters supplied with your transceivers are NOT Class 1 Division 2 approved, and
therefore, power must be supplied to the units using the screw-type or locking type connectors
supplied from Microhard Systems Inc. and a Class 1 Division 2 power source within your panel.
If you are unsure as to the specific wiring and installation guidelines for Class 1 Division 2
codes, contact CSA International.
The IPn4G is a high-performance 4G LTE Cellular Ethernet & Serial Gateway with 802.11 b/g
WiFi capability, RJ45 Ethernet Port, Digital I/O, and two serial communication ports, one a
fully complimented RS232/485/422 serial port.
The IPn4G utilizes the cellular infrastructure to provide network access to wired and wireless
devices anywhere cellular coverage is supported by a cellular carrier. The IPn4G supports up
to 100Mbps when connected to a LTE enabled carrier, or global fallback to 3G/Edge networks
for areas without 4G LTE.
Providing reliable wireless Ethernet bridge functionality as well gateway service for most
equipment types which employ an RS232, RS422, or RS485 interface, the IPn4G can be
used in a limitless number and types of applications such as:
High-speed backbone
IP video surveillance
Voice over IP (VoIP)
Ethernet wireless
extension
WiFi Hotspot
Legacy network/device
migration
SCADA (PLC’s, Modbus,
Hart)
Facilitating internetwork
wireless communications
1.1 Performance Features
Key performance features of the IPn4G include:
Fast 4G LTE Link to Wireless Carrier
Up to 100Mbps Downlink / 50 Mbps Uplink
Fast Data Rates to 802.11b/g WiFi Devices
Digital I/O - 1 Input, 1 Output
DMZ and Port Forwarding
10/100 Ethernet Port (WAN/LAN)
Integrated GPS (TCP Server/UDP Reporting)
User interface via local console, telnet, web browser
communicates with virtually all PLCs, RTUs, and serial devices through either
RS232, RS422, or RS485 interface
Local & remote wireless firmware upgradable
User configurable Firewall with IP/MAC ACL
IP/Sec secure VPN and GRE Tunneling
For detailed specifications, please see the specification sheets available on the Microhard website @ http:///www.microhardcorp.com for your specific model.
Electrical/General
Cellular:
Supported Bands:
Data Features:
4G LTE B4/B17 (1700/2100/700 MHz)
Global Fallback to:
HSPA+/UMTS 850/AWS/1900/2100 MHz
GPRS 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
4G LTE
Up to 100 Mbps downlink
Up to 50 Mbps uplink
This QUICK START guide will walk you through the setup and process required to
access the WebUI configuration window and to establish a basic wireless connection
to your carrier.
Note that the units arrive from the factory with the Local Network setting configured
as ‘Static’ (IP Address 192.168.168.1, Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0, and Gateway
192.168.168.1), in DHCP server mode. (This is for the LAN Ethernet Adapter on the
back of the IPn4G unit.
2.1 Installing the SIM Card
Before the IPn4G can be used on a cellular network a valid SIM Card for your
Wireless Carrier must be installed. Insert the SIM Card into the slot as shown
below.
To reset to factory
defaults, press and
hold the CFG button
for 8 seconds with the
IPn4G powered up.
The LED’s will flash
quickly and the IP4G
will reboot with factory
defaults.
SIM Card Slot
Use the MHS-supplied
power adapter or an
equivalent power
source.
The unit can also be
powered via PoE using a
MHS PoE injector.
2.2 Getting Started with Cellular
Connect the Antenna’s to the applicable ANTENNA jack’s of the IPn4G.
Connect the power connector to the power adapter and apply power to the unit,
the RF & SGNL LED’s will flash during boot-up, once they stop, proceed to the
next step.
Once successfully logged in, the System Summary page will be displayed.
As seen above under Carrier Status, the SIM card is installed, but an APN has
not been specified. Setting the APN to auto (default) may provide quick network
Auto APN: Introduced in
firmware version v1.1.0r1038, the IPn4G will
attempt to detect the
carrier based on the SIM
card installed and cycle
through a list of
commonly used APN’s to
provide quick network
connectivity.
connectivity, but may not work with some carriers, or with private APN’s. To set
or change the APN, click on the Carrier > Settings tab and enter the APN supplied by your carrier in the APN field. Some carriers may also require a Username and Password.
Once the APN and any other required information is entered to connect to your
carrier, click on “Submit”. Return to the System > Summary tab.
This Quick Start section walks users through setting up a basic WiFi AP (Access
Point). For additional settings and configuration considerations, refer to the appropriate sections in the manual. This walkthrough assumes all setting are in the factory default state.
2.3.1 Setting up WiFi
Use Section 2.2 Getting Started with Cellularto connect, power up and log in
and configure the Carrier in a IPn4G.
Click on the Wireless > Radio1 Tab to setup the WiFi portion of the IPn4G.
Cell Tower
4G LTE
802.11b/g
In Radio1 Phy Configuration, ensure
the mode is set for 802.11BG.
In the Radio1 Virtual Interface, en-
sure that the Mode is set for Access
Point.
Enter a name for the Wireless Network
under SSID. This example uses
MyNetwork
(Optional) Set a password for the WiFi,
this example uses MyPassword
The IPn4G is a fully-enclosed unit ready to be interfaced to external devices.
Any IPn4G may be configured as an Access Point, Station/Client, Repeater or Mesh Node. This
versatility is very convenient from a ’sparing’ perspective, as well for convenience in becoming
very familiar and proficient with using the device: if you are familiar with one unit, you will be
familiar with all units.
The IPn4G features:
Standard Connectors for:
1 Ethernet Ports (RJ45)
COM0 Data Port (RS232/DB9)
COM1 Console Port (RS232/DB9)
4-Pin: MATE-N-LOK Type Connector for Power
6-Pin: MATE-N-LOK Type Connector for RS485 Data
Cellular Antenna (SMA Female Antenna Connection x2)
WiFi Antenna (RP-SMA Female Antenna Connection) (Optional)
Status/Diagnostic LED’s for STATUS, RF, SGNL, RSSI x 3
CFG Button for factory default / firmware recovery operations
On the front of the IPn4G is the COM1 port, CONFIG Button, RSSI, STATUS, RF and SGNL LED’s as
described below:
The COM1 port (RS232) is used for:
AT Command Interface at 115.2kbps and
HyperTerminal (or equivalent).
User data (RS232 - RxD, TxD, and SG)
Caution: Using a
power supply that
does not provide
proper voltage may
damage the IPn4G
unit.
CONFIG (Button) - Holding this button depressed while
powering-up the IPn4G will boot the unit into FILE SYS-TEM RECOVERY mode. The default IP address for system
recovery (only - not for normal access to the unit) is static:
192.168.1.39.
If the unit has been powered-up for some time (>1 minute), depressing the CFG Button for 8 seconds will
result in FACTORY DEFAULTS being restored, including a static IP address of 192.168.168.1. This IP
address is useable in a Web Browser for accessing the Web User Interface.
RF(Red)/SGNL(Green) LED’s - When the unit is equipped with WiFi, the RF/SGNL LED’s indicate WiFi
activity. In units not equipped with WiFi, the RF/SGNL LED’s indicate carrier (cellular) traffic. Also, during
system bootup, the RF & SGNL LED’s will flash.
Receive Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) (3x
Green) - As the received signal strength increases,
starting with the furthest left, the number of active
RSSI LEDs increases.
STATUS LED (Red) - The Status LED indicates that
power has been applied to the module.
SIM Card - This slot is used to install a SIM card provided by the cellular carrier to enable communication
to their cellular network. Ensure the SIM card is installed properly by paying attention to the diagram
printed above the SIM card slot.
Drawing 3-4: IPn4G Front View
Table 3-1: COM1 Port RS232 Pin Assignment
Signal Level
(dBm)
(-85, 0] ON ON ON
(-90, -85] ON ON FLASH
(-95, -90] ON ON OFF
(-100, -95] ON FLASH OFF
(-105, -100] ON OFF OFF
(-109, -105] FLASH OFF OFF
Other SCANNING SCANNING SCANNING
On the back of the IPn4G is the Data (COM0) port, RS485/422 interface, as well as the power connections.
The unit also has the SMA(F) connectors for the Main (TX/RX), the Diversity (RX) antenna’s, and a RPSMA Female connector for the optional WiFi antenna.
O I
Drawing 3-5: IPn4G Rear View
The DATA (RS232 Port (COM0)) on the rear
of the circuit board is used for:
RS232 serial data (300-921kbps)
The RS422/485 Port is used to interface the IPn4G to a DTE
with the same interface type. Either the RS232 or RS422/485
interface can be used for data traffic, not both.
Vin+/Vin– is used to power the unit. The input Voltage range is
9-30 Vdc.
Digital I/O– The IPn4G has 1 input / 1 output. Inputs have a small wetting
current (Vin) used to detect a contact closure, and prevent false readings by
any noise or intermittent signals, it has a threshold sensitivity of 1.8V.
Maximum recommended load for the output pin is 150mA @ 30 Vdc (Vin).
PoE– The IPn4G can also be powered using Passive PoE on the Ethernet
Port, via a PoE injector.
Caution: Using a
power supply that
does not provide
proper voltage may
damage the modem.
Initial configuration of an IPn4G using the Web User (Browser) Interface (Web UI) method
involves the following steps:
configure a static IP Address on your PC to 192.168.168.10 (or any address on the
192.168.168.X subnet other than the default IP of 192.168.168.1)
connect the IPn4G ETHERNET port to PC NIC card using an Ethernet cable
apply power to the IPn4G and wait approximately 60 seconds for the system to load
open a web browser and enter the factory default IP address of the unit: 192.168.168.1
logon window appears; log on using default Username: admin Password: admin
use the web browser based user interface to configure the IPn4G as required.
refer to Section 2.0: Quick Start for step by step instructions.
In this section, all aspects of the Web Browser Interface, presented menus, and available
configuration options will be discussed.
For security, do not allow
the web browser to
remember the User Name
or Password.
It is advisable to change
the login Password. Do
not FORGET the new
password as it cannot be
recovered.
4.0.1 Logon Window
Upon successfully accessing the IPn4G using a Web Browser, the Logon window will appear.
Image 4-0-2: Logon Window
The factory default User Name is: admin
The default password is: admin
Note that the password is case sensitive. It may be changed (discussed further along in this
section), but once changed, if forgotten, may not be recovered.
When entered, the password appears as ’dots’ as shown in the image below. This display
format prohibits others from viewing the password.
The ‘Remember my password’ checkbox may be selected for purposes of convenience,
however it is recommended to ensure it is deselected - particularly once the unit is deployed in
the field - for one primary reason: security.
The main category tabs located at the top of the navigation bar separate the configuration of the
IPn4G into different groups based on function. The System Tab contains the following sub
menu’s:
Summary - Status summary of entire radio including network settings,
version information, and radio connection status.
Settings - Host Name, Default System Mode (Bridge or Router),
System Time/Date, HTTP Port for the WebUI,
Access Control - Change passwords, create new users
Services - Enable/Disable RSSI LED’s, SSH and Telnet services
Maintenance - Version information, firmware Upgrades, reset to defaults,
configuration backup and restore.
Reboot - Remotely reboot the system.
Logout - Logout of the current browser session.
4.1.1 System > Summary
The System Summary screen is displayed immediately after initial login, showing a summary
and status of all the functions of the IPn4G in a single display. This information includes System
Status, Carrier Status, 4G & LAN network information, version info and WiFi radio status as
seen below.
Options available in the System Settings menu allow for the configuration of the Host Name.
Image 4-1-2: System Settings > System Settings
Host Name
The Host Name must not be
confused with the Network Name (SSID) (Wireless
Configuration menu).
The Host Name is a convenient identifier for a specific IPn4G unit. This
feature is most used when accessing units remotely: a convenient
cross-reference for the unit’s WAN IP address. This name appears
when logged into a telnet session, or when the unit is reporting into
Microhard NMS System.
Values (characters)
IPn4G+wifi (varies)
Description
The description field is a general purpose text field that can be used to
provide additional information about the device such as a secondary
identifier, address or phone number for a contact person.
The modem can be configured to report system level events to a third
party Syslog server, as shown below. Syslog data can then be filtered
and depending on the features of the Syslog server application, alerts
can be generated accordingly.
The screenshot below shows a sample from a simple Syslog Server
application.
Values
0.0.0.0
Enter the UDP port number on the Syslog Server where the actual
service is running. Consult with the documentation of your chosen
Syslog Server for the correct port number. The most common port is
514, which has been set as the default.
Image 4-1-3: System Settings > Syslog Server Example
System Log Server Port
Values (UDP Port #)
514
4.0 Configuration
Time Settings
The IPn4G can be set to use a local time source, thus keeping time on its own, or it can be
configured to synchronize the date and time via a NTP Server. The options and menus available
will change depending on the current setting of the Date and Time Setting Mode, as seen below.
Network Time Protocol (NTP)
can be used to synchronize the
time and date or computer
systems with a centralized,
referenced server. This can
help ensure all systems on a
network have the same time
and date.
Image 4-1-3: System Settings > Time Settings
Date and Time Setting Mode
Select the Date and Time Setting Mode required. If set for ‘Use Local
Time’ the unit will keep its own time and not attempt to synchronize
with a network server. If ‘Synchronize Date And Time Over Network’ is
selected, a NTP server can be defined.
Date
The calendar date may be entered in this field. Note that the entered
value is lost should the IPn4G lose power for some reason. (Only
displayed if set to ‘Use Local Time Source’)
Time
The time may be entered in this field. Note that the entered value is
lost should the VIP Series lose power for some reason. (Only
displayed if set to ‘Use Local Time Source’)
If connecting to a NTP time server, specify the timezone from the
dropdown list.
This displays the POSIX TZ String used by the unit as determined by
the timezone setting.
Values (read only)
(varies)
NTP Client Interval
By default the modem only synchronizes the time and date during
system boot up (default: 0), but it can be modified to synchronize at a
regular interval. This process does consume data and should be set
accordingly.
Values (seconds)
0
NTP Server
Enter the IP Address or domain name of the desired NTP time server.
Values (address)
pool.ntp.org
NTP Port
Enter the IP Address or domain name of the desired NTP time server.
Web Configuration Settings
The last section of the System Setting menu allows the configuration of the HTTP and HTTPS
Ports used for the web server of the WEBUI.
Values (port#)
123
Select the type of web protocol used for the WebUI configuration.
Select between HTTP (basic) and HTTPS (SSL, secure), or Both that
are running on the modem.
The default web server ports for the web based configuration tools for
HTTP is TCP:80 and for HTTPS is TCP:443. If changes are required,
keep in mind it must be specified in a internet browser to access the
unit. (example: http://192.168.168.1:8080).
It may be required to configure Firewall rules to allow modified
port numbers that have been changed from the defaults.