NetComm MachineLink 3G, Vodafone MachineLink 3G User Manual
Vodafone MachineLink 3G
USER GUIDE
2
Vodafone MachineLink 3G
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Copyright
Copyright© 2013 NetComm Wireless Limited. All rights reserved.
Copyright© 2013 Vodafone Group Plc. All rights reserved.
The information contained herein is proprietary to NetComm Wireless and Vodafone. No part of this document may be translated, transcribed,
reproduced, in any form, or by any means without prior written consent of NetComm Wireless and Vodafone.
Please note: This document is subject to change without notice.
Save our environment
When this equipment has reached the end of its useful life, it must be taken to a recycling centre and processed separately from domestic waste.
The cardboard box, the plastic contained in the packaging, and the parts that make up this device can be recycled in accordance with regionally
established regulations. Never dispose of this electronic equipment along with your household waste. You may be subject to penalties or
sanctions under the law. Instead, ask for disposal instructions from your municipal government.
Please be responsible and protect our environment.
This user guide covers the following products:
Vodafone MachineLink 3G M2M Router
DOCUMENT VERSION DATE
Initial document release 9 April 2013
Cosmetic fixes 17 May 2013
Aligned to firmware version 1.10.16.X. Added description of Data usage button and Ethernet port LED
indicators
12 June 2013
Aligned to firmware version 1.10.32.X. Added Vodafone GDSP roaming settings page, hostname
description on LAN settings page and updated Administration settings screenshot and descriptions.
20 September 2013
Table 1 - Document Rev ision History
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Table of contents
Overview ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Target audience ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Prerequisites .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Notation ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Product introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Product overview ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Package contents .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Product features....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Physical dimensions and indicators.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Physical dimensions ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
LED indicators ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Ethernet port LED indicators................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Interfaces ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Placement of the MachineLink 3G router ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Mounting options ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Installation and configuration of the Vodafone MachineLink 3G ....................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Powering the router ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Power consumption ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Installing the router ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Advanced configuration ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Status ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 19
Networking ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Data connection .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Connect on demand ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 29
Operator settings .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
SIM security settings............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 34
LAN ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 38
Routing ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 42
VPN ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 52
Services ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 65
Dynamic DNS ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 65
Network time (NTP).............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 66
Ping watchdog ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 67
SNMP ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 69
TR-069 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 71
SMS Diagnostics and Commands.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 72
Diagnostics .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 76
Sending an SMS diagnostic command .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 79
System.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 86
Log ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 86
System configuration .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 89
Appendix A: Tables .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 97
Appendix B: Device Mounting Dimensions ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 98
Appendix C: Mounting Bracket ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 99
Appendix D: Default Settings ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 100
Restoring factory default settings ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 101
Recovery mode ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 102
Appendix E: HTTP Secure .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 103
What is HTTP Secure? ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 103
Generating your own self-signed certificate ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 103
Uploading a self-signed certificate ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 105
Appendix F: RJ-45 connector ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 107
Safety and product care ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 108
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Overview
Introduction
This document provides you all the information you need to set up, configure and use the Vodafone MachineLink 3G Router.
Target audience
This document is intended for system integrators or experienced hardware installers who understand telecommunications terminology and
concepts.
Prerequisites
Before continuing with the installation of your Vodafone MachineLink 3G, please confirm that have the following:
1. A device with a working Ethernet network adapter.
2. A web browser such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome.
3. A working SIM card if your router was not shipped with one pre-inserted.
4. A flathead screwdriver (No. 3) if field terminated power is required.
Notation
The following symbols are used in this user guide:
The following note requires attention
The following note provides a warning
The following note provides useful information
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Product introduction
Product overview
HSPA+ up to 14.4Mbps downstream
Penta-band 3G with quad-band 2G auto-fallback
Internal diversity antennae with option for external main antenna (auto-sensing)
Ethernet port with full passive Power over Ethernet (PoE) support (802.3af)
Intelligent tri-colour LED display for clear, easy-to-read modem status information
Integration with Vodafone GDSP back end
Roaming algorithm with prioritisation for cost effective, flawless network connection across the globe
Extensive device management with support for TR-069, web configuration and full feature management with SMS
Optimised web configuration
Flexible mounting suitable for in-home use or industrial applications with built-in wall mount, DIN and C-Rail mounting options
Package contents
The Vodafone MachineLink 3G package consists of:
1x Vodafone MachineLink 3G router
1x 1.5m yellow Ethernet cable 8P8C
1x DIN rail mounting bracket
1x quick start guide and safety manual
If any of these items are missing or damaged, please contact NetComm Wireless Support or your Vodafone sales representative immediately. The
NetComm Wireless Support website can be found at: http://support.netcommwireless.com and the Vodafone support agreement details are part
of your commercial contract with Vodafone.
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Product features
The Vodafone MachineLink 3G is a feature-packed wireless M2M device designed by Vodafone to address the rapid growth in M2M deployments.
The first M2M device of its kind, it is designed to deliver state of the art features, versatility and ease of use at an affordable price. Compatible with
Vodafone networks worldwide, MachineLink is managed by Vodafone's global M2M platform enabling remote management and support wherever
you are. The open management system also allows you to customise your own software applications for scalability, large scale compatibility and
an easy path to large deployments across a broad range of industries.
The Vodafone MachineLink 3G meets the global demand for a reliable and cost-effective M2M device that successfully caters to mass deployment
across businesses.
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Physical dimensions and indicators
Physical dimensions
Below is a list of the physical dimensions of the Vodafone MachineLink 3G.
Figure 1 – Vodafone MachineLink 3G Dim ensions
VODAFONE MACHINELINK 3G
(WITHOUT EXTERNAL ANTENNA ATTACHED)
Length 140 mm
Depth 103 mm
Height 30 mm
Weight 180g
Table 2 - Device Dimensions
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LED indicators
The Vodafone MachineLink 3G uses 7 LEDs to display the current system and connection status.
Figure 2 - Vodafone MachineLink 3G LED Indicators
LED ICON NAME COLOUR STATE DESCRIPTION
Power
Off Power off
Double flash Powering up
On Power on
On Power on in recovery mode
Slow flashing Hardware error
Network
On Connected v ia WWAN
Blinking1
Traffic via WWAN
Slow flashing Connecting PDP
On Registered network
Slow flashing Registering network
Slow flashing SIM PIN locked
Fast flashing SIM PUK lock ed
On Can’t connect
Signal strength
On 3G
On 2G GPRS
On GSM only (n o GPRS)
Table 3 - LED Indicators
1
The term “blinking” means that the LED may pulse, with the intervals that the LED is on and off not being equal. The term “flashing” means that the LED turns on
and off at equal intervals.
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Signal strength LEDs
The following table lists the signal strength range corresponding with the number of lit signal strength LEDs.
NUMBER OF LIT LEDS SIGNAL STRENGTH
All LEDs unlit
< -109 dBm
1
-109 dBm < -101dBm
2 -101 dBm < -91 dBm
3 -91 dBm < -85 dBm
4 -85 dBm < -77 dBm
5
≥ -77 dBm
Table 4 - Signal strength LED descriptions
LED update interval
The signal strength LEDs update within a few seconds with a rolling average signal strength reading. When selecting a location for the router or
connecting or positioning an external antenna, please allow up to 20 seconds for the signal strength LEDs to update before repositioning.
Ethernet port LED indicators
The Ethernet port of the Vodafone MachineLink 3G router has two LED indicators on it.
Figure 3 - Ethernet port LED indicato rs
The table below describes the statuses of each light and their meanings.
LED STATUS DESCRIPTION
Green
On There is a valid network link.
Blinking There is activity on the net work link.
Amber
On The Ethernet port is operating a t a speed of 100Mbps.
Off The Ethernet port is operating at a speed of 10Mbps or no Ethernet cable is connected.
Table 5 - Ethernet port L ED indicators description
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Interfaces
The following interfaces are available on the Vodafone MachineLink 3G:
Figure 4 - Interfaces
ITEM DESCRIPTION
External main antenna socket
SMA female connector for an o ptional external antenna (not supplied). The main internal antenna
is disabled when an external ant enna is connected but the auxiliary antenna remains active to
provide (where possible) diversity assistance.
Power LED Indicates the power status of th e device and whether the device is in recovery mode.
Network LED Indicates the network and SIM s tatus.
Signal strength LEDs Indicates the signal strength and network type.
RJ45 PoE Ethernet port
Connect one or several devices via a network switch here. This port can also o ptionally receive
Power over Ethernet (802.3 af PoE) in which case the DC power supply can serve as b ackup power
source if required.
Reset button
Press and hold for less than 5 s econds to reboot to normal mode.
Press and hold for 5 to 15 secon ds to reboot to recovery mode.
Press and hold for 15 to 20 seco nds to reset the router to factory default settin gs.
Two-way captive power
Connect power source here. Power wires may be terminated on optional termina l block and
connected to DC input jack. Operates in the 8-35V DC range.
SIM tray eject Insert a pencil or pape r clip here to eject the SIM card tray.
SIM card slot Insert SIM card here.
Table 6 - Interfaces
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Placement of the MachineLink 3G
router
When selecting a location to mount the MachineLink 3G router, keep in mind that it houses two high performance internal antennas designed to
provide optimum signal strength in a wide range of environments. If you find the signal strength is weak, try moving the router to a different place
or mounting it differently. If signal strength doesn’t improve, you may need to attach an external antenna (not included) to the router’s female
SMA connector.
Note: If you connect an external antenna to the female SMA connector, the main internal antenna disables automatically but the
auxiliary internal antenna remains connected to provide (where possible) diversity assistance.
Note: When selecting a location for the router, allow at least 20 seconds for the signal strength LEDs to update before trying a different
location or connecting an external antenna.
Mounting options
The Vodafone MachineLink 3G router can be quickly and easily mounted in a variety of locations.
Mounted flat against the wall
When mounted flat against the wall, the MachineLink 3G router has a slimline form factor. Use appropriately sized screws in the mounting holes
provided on the base of the unit.
Figure 5 - Wall mount - Flat against th e wall
Perpendicular to the wall
If a large surface area is not available, there is the option of mounting the router perpendicular to the wall. This gives the router a small wall
footprint while remaining securely attached. Use appropriately sized screws in the mounting holes provided on the back of the unit.
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Figure 6 - Wall mount - Perpendicular to the wall
C Section DIN Rail mount
The MachineLink 3G router easily slides onto a C Section DIN rail so that it is horizontally mounted. The DIN Rail mounting bracket is not required
for C Section DIN rail mounting.
Figure 7 - C Section DIN rail mount
To mount the unit on a C-Section DIN rail, slide it on as illustrated below:
Figure 8 - Mounting the unit on a DI N rail
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Mounting bracket
The provided mounting bracket provides additional methods of mounting the MachineLink 3G Router.
To attach the mounting bracket, slide it onto the rear of the router as shown in the diagram below:
Figure 9 - Sliding on the mounting bracket
To remove the bracket, press the PUSH button and slide the router off the bracket:
Figure 10 - Removing the mounting bracket
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Using the mounting bracket for wall mounting
By first attaching the DIN rail bracket to the wall, the MachineLink 3G can be easily attached and removed from the bracket.
Figure 11 – Wall mount - Mounted via DIN rail bracket
Using the mounting bracket for Top hat DIN rail mounting
The MachineLink 3G Router may be vertically mounted to the wall with the bracket by sliding the bracket onto a top hat DIN rail
Figure 12 - Top hat DIN rail mount
Alternatively, you can attach it to the DIN Rail by using the V bend in the bracket as illustrated below:
Figure 13 - Attaching the mounting b racket to the DIN rail using the V bend
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Desk mount
In situations where wall mounts and DIN rails are not required, you can simply place the MachineLink 3G router on a desk using its rubber feet to
prevent it from slipping.
Figure 14 - Desk mount
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Installation and configuration of the
Vodafone MachineLink 3G
Powering the router
The MachineLink 3G Router can be powered in one of three ways:
1. Power over Ethernet (802.3af PoE)
2. DC power input via 2-pin connector (8-35V DC)
3. DC power input via field terminated power source (8-35V DC)
4. The green power LED on the router lights up when a power source is connected.
Power over Ethernet (802.3af PoE)
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a method of connecting network devices through Ethernet cable where power and data are passed along a single
cable. This may be a desirable method of powering the device if PoE is available, or if it’s most convenient in the desired installation environment
to only have a single cable running to the MachineLink 3G device.
There are 5 power classes defined in the IEEE 802.3-2005 standard, of which the Vodafone MachineLink 3G is a class 3 device.
CLASS
CLASSIFICATION
CURRENT
POWER RANGE CLASS DESCRIPTION
3 26-30 mA 6.49 – 12.95 W Mid power
Table 7 - PoE po wer classes
To use PoE to power the MachineLink 3G, simply connect your router to a PoE injector or PoE network switch using the bundled yellow Ethernet
cable 8P8C.
DC power via 2-pin connector
The DC input jack can accept power from a separately sold DC power supply. Both a standard temperature range DC power supply and an extended
temperature range DC power supply are available to purchase as accessories.
To power the device via DC Power via the 2-pin connector, remove the attached green terminal block from your router and connect the external
DC power supply to the router’s green DC power jack.
DC power via field terminated power source
If an existing 8-35V DC power supply is available, you can insert the wires into the supplied terminal block to power your router. Use a No. 3
flathead screwdriver to tighten the terminal block screws and secure the power wires, making sure the polarity of the wires are correctly matched,
as illustrated below.
Figure 15 - Locking Power Terminal Block
PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
+ V+ Voltage +
- V- Ground
Table 8 - Locking powe r block pin outs
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Failover power support
The MachineLink 3G Router includes support for connection of two power sources at the same time. When a PoE Ethernet cable is connected and
DC power is also supplied to the DC input jack of the router, the router will source power exclusively from the PoE source. In the event that power
from the PoE cable is lost, the router will automatically switch to source power from the DC input jack, without affecting the router’s operation.
When PoE power is restored, the router automatically switches back to receive power from the PoE input source.
Viewing power source information
You can view the current power input mode in the Advanced status section of the device’s Web user interface. This is useful for remotely
monitoring the device. You can also use the Software Development Kit to access this information for advanced purposes (e.g. configuring SMS
alerts to inform you of the power status of the router).
To view the router’s power source information, log in to the router and expand the Advanced status box on the status page. See the
Status
section of this manual for more information on the status page.
Power consumption
To assist with power consumption planning, the following table summarises average power consumption during the various states of the
MachineLink 3G under normal usage conditions. It’s important to note that this table serves as an indication only as the power consumed by the
device is affected by many variables including signal strength, network type, and network activity.
Average power consumption figures
STATE POWER CONSUMPTION
Powered on, idle and connec ted to packet data 1.2W
Powered on, connected to pack et data with average load 2.0W
Powered on, connected to pack et data with heavy traffic 4.0W
Peak power draw at maximum 3G module transmission power 5.0W
Table 9 - Average power consumption figures
Installing the router
After you have mounted the router and connected a power source, follow these steps to complete the installation process.
1. Connect equipment that requires network access to the Ethernet port of your router. This may be your computer for advanced
configuration purposes, or your end equipment which requires data access via the MachineLink 3G. You can connect one device
directly, or several devices using a network switch.
If you’re using PoE as the power source, you need to connect any devices via an available data Ethernet port on your PoE power source
(be it a PoE network switch or PoE power injector).
2. Ensure the external power source is switched on and wait 2 minutes for your Vodafone MachineLink 3G to start up and connect to the
mobile network. Your router has an active SIM card preinstalled and arrives with preconfigured settings that should suit most customers.
Your router is now connected. To check the status of your router, compare the LED indicators on the device with those listed on page 8
of this guide.
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Advanced configuration
The Vodafone MachineLink 3G Router comes with preconfigured settings that should suit most customers. For advanced configuration, login to
the web-based user interface of the Vodafone MachineLink 3G.
To log in to the web-based user interface of the router:
1. Open a web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari), type
http://192.168.1.1 into the address bar and press Enter. The web-based
user interface login screen is displayed.
2. Enter the login username and password. If this is the first time you are logging in or you have not previously configured the password for
the “root” or “admin” accounts, you can use one of the default account details to log in.
ADMIN MANAGER ACCOUNT ROOT MANAGER ACCOUNT
Username: admin Username: root
Password: admin Password: admin
Table 10 - Management acco unt login details
Note:
•
To access all features of the router, you must use the root manager account.
•
For security reasons, we highly recommend that you change the passwords for the root and admin accounts upon initial
installation. You can do so by navigating via the menu to the System and then Administration page.
Figure 16 – Log in prompt for the web-based user interface
After you have logged in, the Status page is displayed.
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Status
The status page of the web interface provides system related information and is displayed when you log in to the Vodafone MachineLink 3G
management console. The status page shows System information, LAN details, Cellular connection status, Packet data connection status and
Advanced status details. You can toggle the sections from view by clicking the or buttons to show or hide them.
Extra status boxes will appear as additional software features are enabled (e.g. VPN connectivity)
Figure 17 - The Status page
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ITEM DEFINITION
System information
System up time The current uptime of the rou ter.
Device version The hardware and software firm ware versions of the router.
Cellular module
The type of phone module, firm ware version of the module, Cellular configuration ID (CID), and the IMEI (Internati onal Mobile
Equipment Identity) of the router.
LAN
IP The IP address and subnet mas k of the router.
MAC address The MAC address of the router.
Ethernet port status Displays the current status o f the Ethernet port and its operating speed.
Cellular connection status
Network registration status / SIM status The status of the SIM card includ ing whether the SIM is registered on the network and whether it is roaming.
Provider / Signal strength (dBm) /
Frequency
This shows the 3G service provider, the current signal stren gth measured in dBm and the frequency on which the router is
operating.
Coverage / Roaming status The type of mobile coverage bei ng received by the router and the roaming status of the SIM.
Packet data conne ction status
Profile name The name of the active profile.
Status The connection status of the active profile.
Default profile Indicates whether the profile is the default profile.
WWAN IP The IP address assigned by the mobile broadband carrier n etwork.
DNS server The DNS servers assigned to th e router by the mobile broadband carrier network.
APN The Access Point Name current ly in use.
Connection uptime The duration of the current co nnection to the mobile broadband network.
Transparent bridge mode
Status The status of the bridged connection mode.
IP The IP address and subnet mas k of the bridged connection.
APN name The Access Point Name you h ave selected for the bridged connection.
Service name The optional service name yo u have chosen for the bridged connection.
Advanced status
Country code The Mobile Country Code (MCC) o f the inserted SIM.
Network code The Mobile Network Code (MNC) of the inserted SIM.
Signal quality ( Ec/Io) A measurement of th e portion of the received signal that is usable. This is basically the signal strength minus the signal noise level.
Received signal code power (RSCP) The power lev el of the signal on the current connection’s pa rticular channel.
DC input voltage Displays the current voltage of the power inp ut source provided via the DC Input jack
HSUPA category Displays the HSUPA c ategory (1-9) for the current uplink
HSDPA category Displays the H SDPA category (1-8) for the current do wnlink.
SIM ICCID The Integrated Circuit Card I dentifier of the SIM card used with the router, a u nique number up to 19 digits in length.
Primary scrambling code (P SC) The Primary scrambling code fo r the current signal.
Power input mode Displays whethe r power is currently being sourced from the PoE E thernet port or from the DC input jack.
Location area code (LAC) The ID of the cell tower grou ping the current signal is broadcasting from.
IMSI The International mobile s ubscriber identity (IMSI) used to identify the router on the cellular network.
Cell ID A unique code that identifies the base station from with in the location area of the current mobile network signal.
Channel number (UARFCN) The channel number of the current 3G/2G connecti on.
Table 11 - Status page item details
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Networking
The Networking section provides configuration options for Wireless WAN, LAN, Routing and VPN connectivity.
Data connection
The data connection has two modes of operation:
Transparent bridge ON
In this mode the router does not manage the status of the connection to the packet data network. The status of the connection is
instead managed by a client device connected behind the router via a PPPoE session. Certain functions of the router are unavailable
when running in transparent bridge mode such as Connect on demand, Routing, VPN, TR-069, Router firewall and Remote access.
As the responsibility of maintaining the connection is passed to a client machine, only that device will have network access.
Transparent bridge OFF
This is the default mode of operation. When transparent bridging is turned off, the router manages the status of the connection
allowing Connect on demand, Routing, VPN, TR-069, Router firewall and Remote access.
The data connection page allows you to configure and enable/disable up to six connection profiles or to alternatively bridge the data connection
via a PPPoE session.
Each profile refers to a set of configuration items which are used by the router to activate a Packet Data (PDP) context. Under normal scenarios,
you may have a single profile enabled. Multiple profiles can be used for simple fast-switching of PDP settings such as APN, or for advanced
networking configuration where multiple simultaneous PDP contexts may be required.
When the transparent bridge function is off, you can configure the connection profiles by clicking the Edit button to the right of each row.
Figure 18 – Data connection settings ( Transparent bridge off)
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ITEM DEFINITION
Data connectio n
Transparent Bridge (PPPoE) Toggles the transparent bridg e function on and off.
Profile name list
Default
Sets the corresponding profi le to be the default gateway for all outbound traffic e xcept traffic for which there are configured sta tic
route rules or profile routin g settings.
Status Toggles the corresponding profile on and off. If you r carrier supports it, two profiles may be turned on simultaneously.
APN The APN configured for the corr esponding profile.
Username The username used to log on to the corresponding APN.
Roaming settings
Allow data roa ming
When set to ON, the router will allow lo cal devices to access the Wireless WAN network wh en the MachineLink 3G is roaming onto a
foreign network. When set to OFF, the router will deny network access to data s ervices when roaming onto a foreign network. This
setting is ON by default.
Table 12 - Data connection item details
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Connecting to the mobile broadband network
The router supports the configuration of up to six APN profiles; these profiles allow you to configure the settings that the router will use to connect
to the 2G/3G network and switch easily between different connection settings.
For advanced networking purposes, you may activate a maximum of two profiles simultaneously (dependant on network support). When activating
two connection profiles, you should avoid selecting two profiles with the same APN as this can cause only one profile to connect. Similarly,
activating two profiles which are both configured to automatically determine an APN (including two blank APN profiles when using a Vodafone
SIM) can cause a conflict and result in neither profile establishing a connection. We recommend that the two active connection profiles have
differing, manually configured APNs to avoid connection issues and ensure smooth operation.
Using a Vodafone Global SIM
When using a Vodafone Global SIM, the router is pre-configured with the APN field blank. A blank APN setting allows the network to determine the
correct APN.
Figure 19 - Data connection profile se ttings - Vodafone Global SIM
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Using a non-Vodafone Global SIM
When using a non-Vodafone Global SIM, the MachineLink 3G Router gives you the option of turning Automatic APN selection on or off. By default,
Profile 1 is configured with Profile1 and Automatic APN set to ON.
When Automatic APN selection is turned on, the router selects an appropriate APN from an internal database of known APNs. If the SIM you have
inserted into the router is not of a known carrier, you may need to manually enter an APN to obtain a network connection. See
manually
configuring a connection profile
for details on entering an APN manually.
To see the automatically selected APN, view the Status page.
Figure 20 - Data connection profile se ttings –Non-Vodafone Globa l SIM - Automatic APN settings
Manually configuring a connection profile
To manually configure a connection profile:
1. Click the Edit button corresponding to the Profile that you wish to modify. The data connection profile settings page is displayed.
Figure 21 - Data connection profile se ttings
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2. Click the Profile toggle key to turn the profile on. Additional settings appear.
Figure 22 - Data connection settings - Profile turned on
Note: The Automatic APN toggle key is not available when using a Vodafone Global SIM.
3. In the Profile name field, enter a name for the profile. This name is only used to identify the profile on the router.
4. When using a SIM other than a Vodafone Global SIM, ensure that the Automatic APN selection toggle key is set to off. If it is not, click it
to toggle it to the off position.
5. In the APN field, enter the APN Name (Access Point Name) and if required, use the Username and Password fields to enter your login
credentials.
6. Next to Authentication type, select the either CHAP or PAP depending on the type of authentication used by your provider.
7. The Reconnect delay field specifies the number of seconds to wait between connection attempts. The default setting of 30 seconds is
sufficient in most cases but you may modify it to wait up to 65535 seconds if you wish.
8. The Reconnect retries field specifies the number of times to attempt to connect to the network if the router fails to establish a
connection. It is set to 0 by default which causes the router to attempt to reconnect indefinitely.
9. The Metric value is used by router to prioritise routes (if multiple are available) and is set to 20 by default. This value is sufficient in most
cases but you may modify it if you are aware of the effect your changes will have on the service.
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10. Use the NAT Masquerading toggle key to turn NAT Masquerading on or off. NAT masquerading, also known simply as NAT is a common
routing feature which allows multiple LAN devices to appear as a single WAN IP via network address translation. In this mode, the router
modifies network traffic sent and received to inform remote computers on the internet that packets originating from a machine behind
the router actually originated from the WAN IP address of the router’s internal NAT IP address. This may be disabled if a framed route
configuration is required and local devices require WAN IP addresses.
11. For advanced networking such as using dual simultaneous PDP contexts, you may wish to configure a particular profile to route only
certain traffic via that profile by configuring a custom address and mask of traffic to send via that profile. To do this, in the Profile routing
settings section, enter the Network address and Network mask of the remote network. If you do not want to use this feature, or are
unsure, please leave these fields blank, which will not designate any particular traffic to be routed via this profile. For more information
on configuring Profile routing settings, see the
Setting a default gateway with two active connection profiles example.
12. Click the Save button when you have finished entering the profile details.
Confirming a successful connection
After configuring a packet data session, and ensuring that one is enabled, click on the Status menu item at the top of the page to return to the
Status page.
When there is a mobile broadband connection, the Packet data connection status section is expanded showing the details of the connection. To
see details on each connected session, you can click Show data use button.
Figure 23 - Packet data connection s tatus section
Checking data usage
On the Status page, each packet data connection profile has a Show data use button which displays the amount of data received, sent and a total
data usage figure.
To show the data use for a connected profile, click the Show data use button. The data usage for the last 10 sessions is displayed in addition to
the current session.
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Figure 24 - Data usage
Click the Show duration link to toggle the display to show the duration of each session rather than the start and end times.
Figure 25 - Data usage with connectio n duration
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Transparently bridging the mobile broadband connection via PPPoE
If desired, you can have a client device connected to the Ethernet port initiate the mobile broadband connection using a PPPoE session. This is
particularly useful in situations where you wish to provide Wireless WAN data access to an existing router which you want to have full public WAN
IP access and have control over routing functionality.
To enable transparent bridging via PPPoE:
1. Click the Networking menu item from the top menu bar.
2. On the Data connection page, click the Transparent bridge (PPPoE) toggle key so that it is ON.
Figure 26 - Transparent bridge configu ration
3. In the APN name field, enter the APN that you wish to use for the mobile broadband connection. If using a Vodafone Global SIM card,
leave the APN name field blank.
4. (Optional) In the Service name field, enter a name that allows you to easily identify the connection.
5. Click the Save button to confirm the settings.
6. Click the Status menu item from the top menu bar to see the transparent bridging status.
Figure 27 - Transparent bridge mode s tatus
7. Next you must configure your downstream device connected via Ethernet to the MachineLink 3G to initiate a network connection a
PPPoE client. The username and password used by the downstream device for the PPPoE session will be passed on and used by the
MachineLink 3G as the packet data (PDP) context authentication settings.
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Connect on demand
The connect on demand feature keeps the Packet Data Protocol (PDP) context deactivated by default while making it appear to locally connected
devices that the router has a permanent connection to the mobile broadband network. When a packet of interest arrives or an SMS wake-up
command is received, the router attempts to establish a mobile broadband data connection. When the data connection is established, the router
monitors traffic and terminates the link when it is idle.
Note: When interesting packets arrive, the recovery time for the wireless WAN connection is approximately 20-30 seconds.
Configuring connect on demand
To configure Connect on demand:
1. Click the Networking menu item from the top menu bar.
2. On the Connect on demand page, click the Connect on demand toggle key so that it is ON.
Figure 28 - Connect on demand configura tion options
3. If you have more than one active connection profile, use the Select profile drop down list to select the profile for which you want to
configure the Connect on demand feature.
Setting the router to dial a connection when traffic is detected on specific ports
In some situations, you may wish to have the internet connection disabled except at times when outbound traffic to a particular external host’s
port is sent to the router. To use this feature, click Enable dial port filter and enter the port number or list of port numbers separated by commas.
When you select this option, all outbound ICMP/TCP/UDP packets to any remote host on the specified port(s) will trigger the connection to dial.
Note that when this feature is enabled, the options to ignore specific packet types are not available.
Figure 29 - Connect on demand - Data activity triggered co nnection
You can allow Microsoft network awareness (NCSI) traffic through but if you prefer that they do not trigger the connection, click the Ignore
Microsoft network awareness (NCSI) traffic toggle key to set it to ON.
Figure 30 - Connect on demand - Ign ore NCSI traffic
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Excluding certain packet types from triggering the connection to dial
Depending on your environment, you might prefer to exclude certain types of traffic passing through the router from triggering the data
connection. You can tell the router to ignore outbound TCP, UDP or ICMP packets. When any of these options are checked the router will not dial a
connection when that type of outbound destined data packet reaches the router from a locally connected device.
Figure 31 - Connect on demand - Excluding IP protocols
Excluding certain application types from triggering the connection to dial
Some devices may generate general traffic as a part of normal operation which you may not want to trigger the data connection. You can set the
router to ignore Domain Name System (DNS), Network Time Protocol (NTP) or Microsoft network awareness (NCSI) traffic from devices behind the
router. When you check the box for these options, it tells the router to ignore the request from that application type and will not dial a connection
when this data type is received.
Figure 32 - Connect on demand - Excluding application types
Setting timers for dial-up and disconnection
The router has a number of timer settings which let you determine when a connection is dialled and when it is disconnected.
Figure 33 - Connect on demand - Connect and disconnect tim ers
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