Sierra Wireless AirCard® Hub User Guide 2400164 Rev 1
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Preface Important Notice Due to 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.
AirCard Hub User Guide In addition to Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) requirements, many airline regulations state that you must suspend wireless operations before boarding an aircraft. The mobile hotspot is capable of transmitting signals that could interfere with various onboard systems and controls. Failure to observe this instruction may lead to suspension or denial of cellular telephone services to the offender, legal action, or both.
Preface 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.
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Contents Introduction ...............................................................................................................11 Prerequisites ........................................................................................................................................ 11 Target Users ........................................................................................................................................ 11 Product Overview ....................................................
AirCard Hub User Guide WAN Configuration .......................................................................................................................... 38 Wireless LAN (WLAN).......................................................................................................................... 40 Configuration .................................................................................................................................... 40 Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) ......................
Contents List of Figures Figure 1: AirCard Hub Homepage – Basic Status Page .......................................................................... 23 Figure 2: Easy mode – Status Tab .......................................................................................................... 24 Figure 3: Easy Mode – AirCard Hub Docked/Undocked Scenarios ........................................................ 25 Figure 4: SOHO Mode – Basic Status Page ......................................................
AirCard Hub User Guide Figure 33: Load / Save Configuration Page ............................................................................................. 52 Figure 34: Advanced View - Firmware Update ........................................................................................ 53 Figure 35: Administration Configuration Items ......................................................................................... 54 Figure 36: System Configuration Items.......................................
1: Introduction This User Guide provides you all the information you need to set up, configure, and use the AirCard® Hub. Prerequisites Before continuing with the installation of your AirCard Hub, please confirm that you comply with the minimum system requirements listed below. AirCard 76xS mobile hotspot activated on a 3G/4G network. Device with a working Ethernet or wireless (802.11b/g/n) network adapter.
AirCard Hub User Guide Package Contents The AirCard Hub package consists of: AirCard Hub 12V/2A power supply Two 3G/4G dipole antennas Ethernet cable Quick Start Guide If any of these items are missing or damaged, please contact Sierra Wireless Support immediately by visiting the Sierra Wireless Support website at: www.sierrawireless.com/Support. Product Features The AirCard Hub creates a secure Wi-Fi network, providing Internet access for up to 16 users using the 3G/4G network.
Introduction LED Indicators The AirCard Hub is designed to be placed on a desk top. All of the cables exit from the rear for better organization. The display (visible on the top of the AirCard Hub) provides information about network activity and the device status. See below for an explanation of each of the indicator lights.
AirCard Hub User Guide Interfaces The following interfaces are available on the rear panel of the AirCard Hub: 14 Interface Function 3G/4G antenna connectors Attach external 3G/4G antennas LAN 1 / WAN LAN or WAN port for wired Ethernet clients or bridged devices (for example, ADSL modem) LAN 2 - 4 LAN Port for wired Ethernet clients (computers, laptops, etc.
Introduction Default Settings The following tables list the default settings for the AirCard Hub. Note that these default settings may change, once the AirCard mobile hotspot is docked in. LAN (Management) Easy mode Small Home / Office mode Power User mode Static IP Address 192.168.1.254 192.168.2.1 192.168.2.1 Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0 255.255.255.0 255.255.255.0 Default Gateway 192.168.1.1 192.168.2.1 192.168.2.
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2: Get Started Placement of your AirCard Hub Just like your mobile phone, the AirCard Hub’s location will affect its signal strength to the 3G/4G base station (cell tower). The data speed achievable from the AirCard Hub is dependent on this signal strength, which is affected by many environmental factors. When choosing a location for your AirCard Hub, keep in mind that the AirCard Hub needs adequate signal strength to provide Internet connectivity.
AirCard Hub User Guide If your wireless signal seems weak in some spots, make sure that objects such as those listed above are not blocking the signal’s path (between your devices and the AirCard Hub). Cordless Phones If the performance of your wireless network is impaired after considering the above issues, and you have a cordless phone: Try moving cordless phones away from your AirCard Hub and your wirelessenabled computers.
Get Started Hardware Installation 1. Attach the supplied antennas to the ports marked “3G/4G ANTENNA”. [Attach in a clockwise direction, as shown by the red arrow in the photo below.] 2. Turn the metal part to screw in the antenna until it tightens, then hold the metal part while turning the antenna to a vertical position. 3. Connect the power adapter to the POWER socket on the back of the AirCard Hub. Plug the power adapter into the wall socket.
AirCard Hub User Guide Connecting Wirelessly 1. Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled on your device (for example, computer/laptop/smartphone/printer/camera). 2. Open the wireless network manager on your device and connect to the network name shown on the LCD screen of your AirCard mobile hotspot. 3. When prompted for your wireless security settings, enter the Security Key shown on the LCD screen of the AirCard mobile hotspot. 4. Wait approximately 30 seconds for the connection to establish.
Get Started Accessing Storage Devices The AirCard Hub provides access to the connected USB storage devices on USB ports 1 and 2, as well as the microSD card in the AirCard mobile hotspot. Note: The microSD card in the AirCard mobile hotspot can be accessed via the AirCard Hub only if the file sharing option in the AirCard mobile hotspot is configured for USB Tethered mode. See the AirCard mobile hotspot’s user guide for configuring the file sharing option. To access your storage devices: 1.
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3: Operating Modes The AirCard Hub has 3 operating modes offering varying levels of function and configuration options. Easy (default) Small Office / Home Office Power User You can select the operating mode from the AirCard Hub homepage. Regardless of the operating mode selected, any device connected to the AirCard Hub can access it by using the address http://swi.hub. This opens the management console, where you can: View the status of the AirCard Hub.
AirCard Hub User Guide Easy Mode Easy mode uses the settings of the docked AirCard mobile hotspot. In this mode you are only able to view the status of the Internet connection through the hotspot. The status tab provides basic connection related information, such as AirCard mobile hotspot dock status, WWAN connection status, 3G/4G signal strength (dBm), current 3G/4G provider, the SIM status. Figure 2: Easy mode – Status Tab The AirCard Hub also provides access to any connected USB storage devices.
Operating Modes Figure 3: Easy Mode – AirCard Hub Docked/Undocked Scenarios Rev 1 Feb.
AirCard Hub User Guide Small Office / Home Office Small Office / Home Office (SOHO) mode also uses the settings on the docked AirCard mobile hotspot. In Small Office / Home Office mode, the AirCard Hub also offers a standalone wireless network that provides access to any connected USB storage devices. These can be accessed by both Ethernet and wireless users by using the network address: \\swi.hub.
Operating Modes Figure 5: SOHO Mode – AirCard Hub Docked/Undocked Scenarios Rev 1 Feb.
AirCard Hub User Guide Power User Power User mode also uses the settings on the docked mobile hotspot. In this mode, however, you can also configure the basic wireless network settings, WAN port function as well as in-depth configuration options for the AirCard Hub. You can use the WAN port to connect the AirCard Hub to an ADSL modem or other xDSL device to provide access to the Internet.
Operating Modes Login Tab In Power User mode, you will see the Login tab next to the Status tab. Click the Login tab to access and configure advanced settings. Unless the administrator Username and Password were previously changed, you can login with the default Username and Password provided in Default Settings (page 15). Figure 7: Power User – Login Tab Alternatively, you can switch to the advanced view by clicking the “Switch to advanced view” link that is displayed after you select Power User.
AirCard Hub User Guide Wireless Tab This tab allows you to configure basic Wi-Fi settings for this device, such as changing the Wi-Fi Network Name (SSID) and Password. Figure 9: Power User – Wireless Tab Basic View - Wi-Fi settings 30 Field Definition Wi-Fi Network Name (SSID) The SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the name of your wireless network. Use a unique name to identify your wireless device so that you can easily connect to it from your wireless clients.
Operating Modes LAN 1 / WAN Tab This tab allows you to configure the WAN port function. You can select from the following types of WAN connection: • DHCP (Automatic Configuration – default) • Static (fixed IP) Unless the LAN1/WAN port was previously configured as WAN port, you will be prompted with the following warning message. Click OK to continue; the System Status page will open. From this page, in the Ethernet Port Status section, you can select LAN1/WAN port to be a LAN port or WAN port.
AirCard Hub User Guide DHCP The default setting is DHCP mode. In this mode network settings are automatically configured via DHCP protocol for the existing connection offered by an ADSL modem or xDSL device. To use this, select DHCP from the WAN Connection Type drop-down menu and click Save. STATIC (Fixed IP) With Static (Fixed IP) mode, you must enter the network information for the connection.
Operating Modes Figure 12: Power User Mode – AirCard Hub Docked/Undocked Scenarios Rev 1 Feb.
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4: Advanced Settings The advanced settings pages are displayed only when the AirCard Hub is in “Power User” mode. These pages provide a more in-depth ability to configure the AirCard Hub. Home Click the Home menu item to return you to the basic status page. Status The status page as shown in Figure 10 on page 31 provides system related information of the AirCard Hub. By default, the status page shows System Information, WAN, LAN and Ethernet Port Status.
AirCard Hub User Guide Internet Settings Select the Internet Settings menu to configure LAN or WAN settings. LAN Configuration The LAN drop-down menu item allows you to display the IP Setup and DHCP settings. IP Setup From this page you can configure the LAN functionality of the AirCard Hub. You can change the LAN IP Address, LAN Subnet Mask and DNS Masquerading options.
Advanced Settings • NTP Server (Option 42) • TFTP Server (Option 66) • Option 150 • Option 160 (VoIP options) Figure 14: DHCP Settings After entering the applicable details, click Save. You can also assign a particular IP address to a specific device every time that device makes a DHCP request as follows: 1. Click Add. Figure 15: DHCP Settings – Address Reservation List 2. Enter a name for the computer or device. 3. Enter the computer or device’s MAC address. 4. Enter the IP address to assign. 5.
AirCard Hub User Guide WAN Configuration The WAN page allows you to configure the optional WAN Ethernet port. Select the WAN connection type suitable for your environment and configure parameters according to the selected connection type. STATIC (Fixed IP) If your WAN connection uses a static IP address, please select “STATIC (Fixed IP)” and fill in the required information in the fields provided.
Advanced Settings Fail-over Settings If the LAN1/WAN port is configured in WAN mode, you can select WAN port or WWAN port to access the Internet connection. Figure 18: WAN – Fail-over Settings When both WAN and WWAN connections are available, the AirCard Hub uses the WAN connection as the primary connection and the WWAN connection as the backup connection.
AirCard Hub User Guide Wireless LAN (WLAN) Select Wireless LAN menu to open wireless network configuration pages. You can open up pages to configure WLAN configuration, to configure WPS setup, or to view WLAN station information. Configuration On this page you can define the wireless settings for the AirCard Hub. Figure 19: Advanced View – Wi-Fi Settings Wireless Setup Option Definition Radio On/Off Wi-Fi is turned on by default.
Advanced Settings The Security Settings section allows you to configure the wireless security for your AirCard Hub. Setting up sufficient wireless security can prevent unauthorized access to your wireless network. Security Settings Option Definition Network Name (SSID): The SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the name of your wireless network. Use a unique name to identify your wireless device so that you can easily connect to it from your wireless clients.
AirCard Hub User Guide WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK WPA-PSK (TKIP) and WPA2-PSK (AES) are newer types of security. These types of security give a more secure network compared to WEP. Enter the key in the WPA Pre-Shared Key field. The key needs to be more than 8 characters and less than 63 characters and it can be any combination of letters and numbers. Figure 21: Wi-Fi Security Settings - WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK Note: The configuration for WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK is also identical. Your AirCard Hub uses WPA2-PSK by default.
Advanced Settings Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) The AirCard Hub supports the WPS feature that allows users with suitable devices to quickly connect to a Wi-Fi network without the use of a keyboard. Figure 23: Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) If the WPS is enabled by selecting Enable, then WPS Summary and WPS Progress sections are displayed, as shown in Figure 23 above. You can select either PIN mode or PBC mode.
AirCard Hub User Guide Station Info The Station List shows the wireless clients currently associated with your AirCard Hub. Figure 24: Advanced View - Wi-Fi Station List Services Select the Services menu to configure Routing, DDNS, NTP and System Monitor settings. Routing From this menu, you can open the Static Routes, RIP Routing, NAT settings, or DMZ settings page. Static The Static Routes page is used to add or delete static routes.
Advanced Settings Some routes are added by default by the AirCard Hub on initialization such as the Ethernet subnet route for routing to a device on the Ethernet subnet. A PPP route is also added upon obtaining a WAN PPP connection. To add static routes: 1. Enter the required values in the fields for the route being added. 2. Click Add. Note: You must increment the “Route no” by 1 for each route in the “Route no” field; otherwise that route will be overwritten.
AirCard Hub User Guide NAT The NAT page is used to configure the Network Address Translation rules currently in use on the AirCard Hub. The AirCard Hub is in NAT mode by default. Figure 27: NAT Settings This is only needed if you need to map inbound requests to a specific port on the WAN IP address to a device connected on the Ethernet interface, for example, a web camera.
Advanced Settings DMZ If you have a client PC that cannot run an Internet application (for example, games) properly from behind the NAT firewall, then you can open up the firewall restrictions to allow unrestricted two-way Internet access by defining a DMZ Host. The DMZ function allows you to re-direct all packets going to your WAN port IP address, to a particular IP address in your LAN.
AirCard Hub User Guide DDNS The DDNS page is used to configure the Dynamic DNS feature of the AirCard Hub. You can select from a number of dynamic DNS hosts. Figure 29: DDNS Settings Dynamic DNS provides a method for the AirCard Hub to update an external name server with the current WAN IP address. The following DDNS Providers are available: • www.dhs.org • www.dyndsn.org • www.dyns.cx • www.easydns.com • www.justlinux.com • www.ods.org • www.tzo.com • www.zoneedit.
Advanced Settings NTP The NTP page is used to select the NTP server used for network time synchronization. Figure 30: NTP Settings The NTP (Network Time Protocol) settings allow your AirCard Hub to synchronize its internal clock with a global Internet Time server. This setting affects functions such as System Log entries and Firewall settings, where the current system time is displayed. You can use the default NTP server or enter one manually if required. To configure NTP Settings: 1.
AirCard Hub User Guide System Monitor The System Monitor page is used to configure the behaviour of the Periodic Ping monitor function. Figure 31: System Monitor Settings The Periodic Ping Reset Monitor configures the AirCard Hub to transmit controlled ping packets to 2 specified IP addresses. If the AirCard Hub does not receive responses to the pings, the AirCard Hub reboots. This works as follows: 1.
Advanced Settings System Select the System menu to view system information or to configure system level settings. Log The Log page is used to download or display the current System Log of the AirCard Hub. Figure 32: System Log The System Log enables you to troubleshoot any issues you may be experiencing with your AirCard Hub. You can specify the level of detail (types of messages) to display, as shown in the following table. Display Level Definition All Display all system log messages.
AirCard Hub User Guide Settings The settings page is used to back up or restore the AirCard Hub’s configuration or to reset it to factory defaults. Figure 33: Load / Save Configuration Page Note: To perform an update, you must be logged into the AirCard Hub as the root user (see the Administration section on page 54 for more details). To save a copy of the AirCard Hubs configuration: 1. Enter the root manager Password and click Save.
Advanced Settings Update Firmware This page allows you to upgrade the AirCard Hub’s internal software (firmware). The upgrade process takes approximately 4 minutes. During the firmware upgrade process, all the lights on the front of the AirCard Hub will flash. Figure 34: Advanced View - Firmware Update Warning: Do NOT turn off the AirCard Hub during the firmware upgrade process. It is recommended to use Ethernet LAN interface for firmware upgrades. To upgrade the firmware of your AirCard Hub: 1.
AirCard Hub User Guide Administration The Administration page is used to enable or disable remote administration and set the username / password required to access the AirCard Hub remotely. Figure 35: Administration Configuration Items Option Definition Remote Administration Enable or disable remote HTTP access to the AirCard Hub. Remote Administration Port Set the port to use for remote HTTP access. Admin Password Enter the new password for the selected user account.
Advanced Settings System Configuration The System Configuration page is used to specify an external syslog server or enable the diagnostics function. Figure 36: System Configuration Items Option Definition IP / Hostname [:PORT] The IP address and port of the external syslog server that the logging information will be sent to. Diagnostic Configuration Enable or disable the diagnostics function on the AirCard Hub. Diagnostic TCP Port The port that the diagnostic server software is listening on.
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5: Specifications Technical Specifications Model Description CPU Ralink RT3352F 3x 10/100 Ethernet LAN, Connectivity 1x 10/100 Ethernet LAN/WAN, WLAN (up to 16 connections) 2x USB ports Antenna connector 2 x SMA (female connector) Power WLAN WWAN, LED indicators LAN1/WAN LAN2 LAN3 LAN4 Operating temperature 0 ~ 50 degrees Celsius Storage temperature -20 to 65 degrees Celsius Power input 12VDC – 2A Wi-Fi antennas 802.11 b/g/n - 2.4 GHz, 2x2 MIMO internal antennas 3G/4G antennas Rev 1 Feb.
AirCard Hub User Guide Mechanical Specifications h2 h1 l w1 w2 AirCard Hub dimensions 58 Length (l) 160 mm Height (h1) 30 mm Height (with antennas) (h2) 200 mm Width (w1) 105 mm Width (with antennas) (w2) 150 mm Weight 322 g Weight (with antennas) 416 g 2400164
6: FAQ Does the AirCard Hub require any configuration out of the box? No; the AirCard Hub is a plug-and-play device. Plug the device into an electrical outlet and, once the WLAN and WWAN indicator lights stop flashing, you can use the device. For Wi-Fi connectivity, the SSID (Service Set Identifier) and network key (password) are displayed on the AirCard mobile hotspot’s LCD screen. If you would like to customize your settings you can enter http://swi.
AirCard Hub User Guide How do I share my Internet connection with other users? Give the SSID (Service Set Identifier) and Wi-Fi network password for your AirCard Hub to all users you want to share your Wi-Fi Internet connection with. Each user will need to select the AirCard Hub SSID, on their Wi-Fi enabled computer or device and enter the Wi-Fi network password you provide. Alternatively, users can use the WPS feature, if their devices support it. See Quick Wi-Fi Setup on page 20.
7: Regulatory Information Regulatory Information for North America Caution: The antennas of AirCard Hub must be 20 cm or more from users during operation, to satisfy FCC / IC RF exposure requirements.
AirCard Hub User Guide Regulatory Information for EU countries To ensure safe use, the AirCard Hub must be 20 cm or more from users during operation.
Regulatory Information Regulatory Information for Australia To ensure safe use, the modem must be 20 cm or more from users during operation. The Australian Communications & Media Authority (ACMA) requires you to be aware of the following information and warnings: 1. This unit may be connected to the Telecommunication Network through a line cord which meets the requirements of the AS/CA S008-2011 Standard. 2. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the Standards for CTick as set by the ACMA.
