Sierra Wireless Q2426 User Manual

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User Guide for

Models G3210, G3211, G3310, G3311

Version 1.21

AirLink Communications, Inc.

September 14, 2004

Please send comments to:

email: pubs@AirLink.com

Fax: 510-264-5422 Phone: 510-264-5400

Post: AirLink Communications, Inc.

Attention: Technical Publications Dept. 3159 Corporate Place Hayward, CA 94545

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 onboard systems. The driver or operator of any vehicle should not operate the AirLink Communications modem while in control of a vehicle. Doing so will detract from the driver or operator's control and operation of that vehicle. In some states and provinces, operating such communications devices while in control of a vehicle is an offence.

Limitation of Liability

The information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of AirLink Communications, Inc. AIRLINK COMMUNICATIONS, INC. SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL 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.

Raven and PinPoint GPRS User Guide Table of Contents

1. Introduction ..................................................................................... 1

1.1 Raven Product Overview ............................................................................... 2

1.2 PinPoint Product Overview........................................................................... 3

2. Network Connection ...................................................................... 4

2.1 Internet (TCP/IP) Connections via GPRS .................................................... 4

2.2 Data Connections........................................................................................... 4

3. Raven and PinPoint GPRS Configuration ................................ 6

3.1 Local Configuration ....................................................................................... 6

3.2 Modem Activation.......................................................................................... 8

3.2.1 SIM Check 9

3.2.2 PDP Context – Setting the APN 9

3.3 Remote Configuration.................................................................................. 10

4. Windows Dial-Up Networking Setup ........................................ 11

4.1 Add Windows Modem Driver ...................................................................... 11

4.1.1 Setup Modem 11

4.1.2 Add Modem Driver 11

4.2 Windows Dial-Up Networking (PPP) Configuration ................................. 14

4.3 Making a GPRS Data Connection............................................................... 22

5. Dynamic IP Addresses ................................................................. 23

5.1 IPManager and Dynamic DNS Updates..................................................... 24

5.2 Using Names in the Modem, Domain Name Resolving............................. 24

6. Serial Communication Modes .................................................... 26

6.1 AT Mode ....................................................................................................... 27

6.2 PPP Mode ..................................................................................................... 27

6.3 PassThru Mode ............................................................................................ 28

6.4 UDP PAD Mode ........................................................................................... 28

6.4.1 UDP Auto Answer 29

6.4.2 Reliable UDP 29

6.4.3 Multicast UDP [Raven Only Feature] 30

6.5 TCP PAD Mode ............................................................................................ 30

6.6 TCP Auto Answer ........................................................................................ 31

6.7 Hybrid Modes ............................................................................................... 31

6.8 SLIP Mode.................................................................................................... 32

6.9 Modbus/BSAP Configuration [Raven Only Feature] ................................. 32

6.9.1 Configuring the Polling Host Application Raven 32

6.9.2 Configuring the Remote Ravens 33

7. PinPoint Notes............................................................................... 35

7.1 Low-power Mode .......................................................................................... 35

7.1.1 Effect on Modem State 35

7.2 Real-Time Clock Sync.................................................................................. 35

7.3 Different Local and Remote Report types .................................................. 35

7.4 RAP Poll Command ..................................................................................... 35

7.5 TAIP Emulation........................................................................................... 35

7.6 NMEA Reports ............................................................................................. 36

8. PinPoint Specific AT Commands............................................... 37

9. Raven Specific AT Commands ................................................... 42

10. Using AT Commands .................................................................... 44

10.1 Raven and PinPoint AT Command Reference............................................ 45

11. Raven Installation......................................................................... 64

11.1 Mounting the Raven .................................................................................... 64

11.2 Connecting the antenna .............................................................................. 66

11.3 Connecting the serial cable ......................................................................... 66

11.4 Grounding the Raven Case ......................................................................... 66

11.5 Connecting the power cable......................................................................... 66

12. PinPoint Vehicle Installation..................................................... 70

12.1 Overview....................................................................................................... 70

12.2 Mounting the PinPoint ................................................................................ 71

12.3 Installing the Antennas............................................................................... 72

13. Raven GPRS Technical Specifications..................................... 73

13.1 Physical Characteristics .............................................................................. 73

13.2 Power Specifications .................................................................................... 73

13.3 Environmental ............................................................................................. 73

13.4 RF Features ................................................................................................. 74

13.5 Status LED Display..................................................................................... 75

13.6 Application Interface Features ................................................................... 75

14. PinPoint GPRS Technical Specifications................................ 76

14.1 Physical Characteristics .............................................................................. 76

14.2 Power Specifications .................................................................................... 76

14.3 Environmental ............................................................................................. 76

14.4 RF Features ................................................................................................. 76

14.5 Status LED Display..................................................................................... 77

14.6 Application Interface Features ................................................................... 77

WARNING

The antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be colocated or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

1. Introduction

The GSM/GPRS wireless network combines the world’s leading wireless standard— the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)—with fast, packet-switched access to data networks such as the Internet. Providing this fast access is the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS).

The AirLink GPRS modems are designed to operate in GSM/GPRS networks. Two data services are available in the GSM/GPRS networks: GPRS, a packet switched connection, and SMS, a short message service..

Raven and PinPoint GPRS

User Guide

GPRS

GPRS is an IP-based service that offers fast, packet-switched access to data networks such as the Internet. It is a mobile service that improves the peak-time capacity of a GSM network. GPRS gives packet-switched access over GSM to external data networks with high peak transfer capacity. The main objective of GPRS is to offer access to standard data networks such as TCP/IP. GPRS is a non-voice service designed specifically for transmitting data. It breaks data messages into separate packets for transmission from the mobile device and sends them to destinations in an external network.

Most any Internet-based application or service will run on GPRS. GPRS offers peak throughputs of 40 Kbps (53.6 Kbps raw) Because GPRS capacity is shared among active users in the same coverage area, actual throughputs may vary.

GPRS

Network

Internet

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1.1 Raven Product Overview

The AirLink Raven GPRS is a rugged, full duplex GPRS modem that provides wireless transport capabilities for fixed and mobile applications. GPRS is an efficient and secure wireless technology that works well for fixed or mobile applications.

The Raven's rugged form factor is ideal for industrial and commercial applications that require real-time communications. The Raven provides wireless data communications for a variety of applications, such as telemetry, public safety, SCADA, traffic control, traffic metering, transit arrival systems and more.

Front of Raven

Back of Raven

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1.2 PinPoint Product Overview

The AirLink PinPoint GPRS is a rugged, full duplex GSM/GPRS modem that provides wireless transport capabilities for fixed and mobile applications. GPRS is an efficient and secure wireless technology that works well for fixed or mobile applications.

The PinPoint's rugged form factor is ideal for industrial and commercial applications that require real-time communications. The PinPoint provides wireless data communications for a variety of applications, such as fleet management, public safety, ambulance, traffic control, home delivery, transit arrival systems and more.

Raven and PinPoint GPRS User Guide Version 1.21

Front of PinPoint Back of PinPoint

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2. Network Connection

The AirLink GPRS modems are capable of providing network connections for GPRS and SMS data.

2.1 Internet (TCP/IP) Connections via GPRS

When using a Raven or PinPoint GPRS modem, remote access to is done via a PPP (TCP/IP) connection to the GPRS network. The GPRS carrier actually provides Internet connectivity, and, therefore, it becomes the ISP for that session. Applications such as web browsing, email, FTP, etc., should work as they would normally.

GSM GPRS

Network

Internet

NOTE: Connections to Internet are provided by carrier.

Corporate network connections are unique and not provided as part of service.

2.2 Data Connections

When the Raven is powered on, it automatically searches for GPRS service and establishes a PPP link between the Raven and the network. The Raven obtains its public or private IP and is ready to communicate.

Data Acquisition App

Corporate

LAN

PPP

GSM GPRS

Network

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If the host establishes a PPP link to the Raven, a second PPP link is created between the Raven and the host. IP packets can then be sent to and received from the GPRS network.

PPP

GSM GPRS

Network

If the host device is to send and receive data via the Raven or PinPoint, then the modem can be configured to use either one of the UDP or TCP packet assembly/disassembly modes.

UDP or

Data IP

TCP

PPP

GSM GPRS

Network

Internet

GSM

GPRS

Network

Corporate

LAN

ATS

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3. Raven and PinPoint GPRS Configuration

Configuration of the Raven and PinPoint GPRS modems can be performed using the Wireless Ace application, or a terminal emulation program like HyperTerminal in Windows, or using a telnet application.

3.1 Local Configuration

1. Attach the antennas, DB-9 cable and power to the back of the modem.

2. Power on the modem, and ensure the On light is lit.

3. Attach the modem to the back of the PC with the provided DB-9 cable.

(Note, if you did not order a cable with your modem, you need a straight-thru RS-232 cable to attach to the modem.)

4. Select Start→ Programs→ Accessories→ Communications→

HyperTerminal.

5. Enter the name of the connection and select OK.

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6. For "Connect using" select the COM port that the modem is on (do not select

a modem driver), then select OK.

7. Select 115200 for the "Bits per second." Ensure Data Bits: 8, Parity: None,

Stop bits: 1 and Flow control: Hardware. Then select OK.

(These are the factory default settings for a GPRS modem. If you get garbled characters when typing AT commands, change these settings and reconnect to the modem. For example, change the baud rate to 57,600 bits per second and connect again, etc.)

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8. Type AT followed by [Enter]. You should receive an "OK" in response.

9. Type ATI1 followed by [Enter]. This displays the modem firmware version

and you should also see "AirLink Communications, Inc." in it which ensures you are talking to the AirLink modem. (If not, try changing COM ports.)

Other AT commands may now be issued to the modem. See Section Using AT

Commands for a list of AT commands

3.2 Modem Activation

The GPRS modem is usually already set up to register online with a phone number, etc. pre-configured into it (by AirLink Communications, Inc.). When a modem is registered on the network and working, the lights will look like the following:

Reset

Reg

RSSI

TxRx

Raven

Pwr

Note that the RSSI light may be flashing or solid, showing the strength of the signal. Also the Tx/Rx (transmit/receive) light will flash as data is transferred to and from the modem on the network.

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If your modem lights look like the above when the modem is powered on, you do NOT need to configure the modem and may skip this section.

If, however, the Reg light is not lit, your modem may need a SIM, or you may need to select the PDP context.

3.2.1 SIM Check

You can check if a SIM [Subscriber Identity Module] is in the modem with the AT+CIMI? command. If a SIM is in the modem, you will see a response like the following:

at+cimi?

310380006255650

The number is an abbreviated form of the IMSI [International Mobile Subscriber Identity] which is unique to each SIM.

Raven and PinPoint GPRS User Guide Version 1.21

• Connect up to configure the modem as in Section 3.1.

• If you are unfamiliar with using AT commands, please review Section Using

AT Commands first.

If there is no SIM, there will be a blank response like the following:

at+cimi?

3.2.2 PDP Context – Setting the APN

You need to set the PDP context. You need the APN [Access Point Name] which you can obtain from the carrier rep or from whomever you received the account. Some companies will be using a custom APN that allows them to communicate with all their modems in their APN.

Check if the PDP context is correct with the command:

AT+CGDCONT?

You should get a response like:

at+cgdcont?

1,IP,proxy

Note: Case is important!

To set the PDP context :

at+cgdcont=1,IP,apn_obtained_from_carrier

at&w

The modem will use this setting to attach to the GPRS network.

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3.3 Remote Configuration

Once the modem is online and registered, it can be contacted from a remote location via a setup that connects to the GPRS network using the same APN as the target modem. This can be accomplished by one of the following means:

• A frame relay link to the carrier’s GPRS network

• A VPN [Virtual Private Network] connection to the carrier’s GPRS

network

• Another GPRS modem

where each of the above means is using the same APN as the target modem.

Using a telnet application, a connection can be made to the modem and then AT commands can be issued to configure the modem, just as if a local connection were being made to the modem.

1. From a Command Prompt, type:

telnet “Host Address” “Port Number”

2. For the "Host address" enter the IP address of the modem. (AT*NETIP?

will reveal the current device IP address.)

3. For the "Port Number" use 2332. This is the default telnet port number

for the GPRS modems. So it would look something like this:

• telnet 192.168.100.23 2332

4. If the correct parameters have been entered, and the modem is currently

online, you will get a "Password" prompt as shown below:

AirLink AT command Interpreter Password *****

5. Enter 12345 (default password) and press [Enter]. You will receive an

OK.

Now you may enter any AT commands to the modem as you would if you were doing a local connection to the modem. See Section Using AT Commands for AT commands and their options.

You may want to set local echo in your terminal emulator to see what you type as you type. There is no remote echo function in the modem.

Note: If the modem is configured to use a DDNS [Dynamic Directory Name Server], you could use a name in place of the IP address above, as in:

telnet remote1.eairlink.com 2332

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4. Windows Dial-Up Networking Setup

This section describes the setup of Windows to enable communications over the GPRS network. Windows 2000 is used as the example because it the one Windows OS revision that carries the most similarity to both Windows 98 as well as Windows XP.

4.1 Add Windows Modem Driver

4.1.1 Setup Modem

Connect the modem to the computer with the DB-9 cable.

Plug in the AC adapter, connect the antenna(s) and power on the modem.

Obtain administrator privileges on your system.

If you do not know how, check with your system administrator.

4.1.2 Add Modem Driver

1. Select Start→ Settings→ Control Panel→ Phone and Modems Options.

2. You should see be in the Phone And Modem Options dialog box. Select the

"Modems" tab.

3. Select Add.

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4. Check "Don't detect my modem..." and select Next.

5. Select "(Standard Modem Types)" from the Manufacturers and then select

"Standard 33600 bps Modem" under Models.

6. Select Next.

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7. Check Selected Ports, then select the COM port the modem is connected to and

select Next.

8. Select Finish to exit the "Install New Modem" wizard.

9. You should see the modem added to the correct COM port.

10. To set the modem speed on the driver, highlight the modem driver and select

Properties.

11. Ensure the "Maximum Port Speed" is set to 115200, which is the default value of

the GPRS modems.

12. Select OK to exit.

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4.2 Windows Dial-Up Networking (PPP) Configuration

This section describes how to setup a Windows Dial-up Networking connection for an AirLink GPRS Modem. Windows 2000 Professional was used in this example. The connection uses PPP to communicate to the modem and gain access the Internet.

Before you start, you need the following:

1. Administrator privileges to the computer you are configuring or access

granted by an administrator on the network to add/remove devices to your computer. (Not necessary on Windows 98/ME.)

2. Windows COM Port and modem set up for a Standard 33600 Modem (see

Section 4.1).

3. No other program is to be running that is using the serial (COM) port that

your modem is attached to.

NOTE: If you have an existing LAN connection, then this dial-up connection to your GPRS modem may interfere with your existing connection. Once the connection is initiated it will take over as the "default route" for the majority of your LAN traffic, specifically Internet access. It's recommended to disconnect your LAN connection before using a PPP connection with your AirLink modem.

If however you want the two connections to co-exist, you can de-select "Use default gateway on remote network" (described later) and you can use the route command to setup routing through the modem properly. Go to a Command Prompt and type route /? to find out more, or talk to your administrator.

Now that the modem has been added, the Dial-up connection must be created.

1. Select Start→ Settings→ Control Panel→ Network and Dial-Up

Connections.

2. Double-click on the "Make New Connection" icon.

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3. When the Connection Wizard starts, select Next.

4. Select "Dial-up to private network" and select Next.

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5. Check the box next to "Modem – Standard 33600bps" and select Next.

6. Enter the Phone Number: 10001 and then select Next.

7. Select whether you want all users or just yourself to have access to this

connection, and select Next.

8. Enter NewOne for the name of the connection. If you want to add an icon

for this connection on the desktop, check "Add a shortcut to my desktop."

9. Select Finish to exit the "Network Connection Wizard."

Note: Now some manual configuration changes need to be made to the connection before it can be used.

10. The "Connect NewOne" dialog box should come up next.

11. Leave the User name and Password blank.

12. Select Properties.

13. Examine the General tab settings.

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14. “Connect using” should have a check next to “Modem – Standard

33600bps Modem (COMx).”

15. Enter “10001”for the “Phone number”.

16. Uncheck "Use dialing rules" and check “Show icon in taskbar when

connected.”

17. Select the Configure button.

18. Maximum Speed: 115200.

19. Check Enable hardware flow control.

20. Uncheck all other options.

21. Select OK.

22. Select the Options tab.

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23. Check or Uncheck options as your application requires.

24. Set the "Redialing options" that will meet your needs.

Note: The options shown here should work for most applications. Consult your Network Administrator for more help on connection options.

25. Select the Security tab.

26. Select “Advanced (custom settings).”

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