IP Manager
Configuring Sierra Wireless AirLink
Modem
2170042
Rev 1.0
IP Manager
•
Static IP addresses are granted the same address every
time your modem is connected and are not in use when
your modem is not connected.
Since many cellular providers, like wire‐based ISPs, do not
offer static IP addresses or static address accounts cost a
premium vs. dynamic accounts, AirLink developed IP
Manager to work with a Dynamic DNS server to receive notifi‐
cation from Sierra Wireless AirLink modems to translate the
modem’s dynamic IP address to a fully qualified domain
name. Thus, you can contact your ALEOS powered AirLink
modem directly from the Internet using a domain name.
Fully Qualified Domain Name
A domain name is a name of a server or device on the Internet
which is associated with an IP address. Similar to how the
street address of your house is one way to contact you and
your phone number is another, both the IP address and the
domain name can be used to contact a server or device on the
Internet. While contacting you at your house address or with
your phone number employ different methods, using a
domain name instead of the IP address actually uses the same
method, just a word based name is commonly easier to
remember for most people than a string of numbers.
Understanding the parts of a domain name can help to under‐
stand how IP Manager works and what you need to be able to
configure the modem. A fully qualified domain name (FQDN)
generally has several parts.
•
Top Level Domain (TLD): The TLD is the ending suffix for
a domain name (.com, .net, .org, etc.)
•
Country Code Top Level Domain (ccTLD): This suffix is
often used after the TLD for most countries except the US
(.ca, .uk, .au, etc.)
•
•
Domain name: This is the name registered with ICANN
(Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers)
or the registry for a the country of the ccTLD (i.e. if a
domain is part of the .ca TLD, it would be registered with
the Canadian domain registry). It is necessary to have a
name registered before it can be used.
Sub‐domain or server name: A domain name can have
many sub‐domain or server names associated with it. Sub‐
domains need to be registered with the domain, but do not
need to be registered with ICANN or any other registry. It
is the responsibility of a domain to keep track of its own
subs.
car54.mydomain.com
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•
•
.com is the TLD
mydomain is the domain (usually noted as
mydomain.com since the domain is specific to the TLD)
•
car54 is the subdomain or server name associated with the
device, computer, or modem registered with
mydomain.com
car54.mydomain.com.ca
This would be the same as above, but with the addition of the
country code. In this example, the country code (.ca) is for
Canada.
A URL (Universal Resource Locator) is different from a
domain name in that it also indicates information on the proto‐
col used by a web browser to contact that address, such as
tifier, is what makes the whole thing a URL.
Dynamic Names
When an IP address is not expected to change, the DNS server
can indicate to all queries that the address can be cached and
not looked up for a long period of time. Dynamic DNS
servers, conversely, have a short caching period for the
domain information to prevent other Internet sites or queries
from using the old information. Since the IP address of a
modem with a dynamic account can change frequently, if the
old information was used (such as with a DNS server which
indicates the address can be cached for a long period of time)
when the IP address changed, the domain would no longer
point to the new and correct IP address of the modem.
If your modem is configured for Dynamic IP, when it first
connects to the Internet, it sends a IP change notification to IP
Manager. IP Manger will acknowledge the change and update
the Dynamic DNS server. The new IP address will then be the
address for your modem’s configured name.
Once your modem’s IP address has been updated in IP
Manager, it can be contacted via name. If the IP address is
needed, you can use the domain name to determine the IP
address.
Note: The fully qualified domain name of your modem will be a
subdomain of the domain used by the IP Manager server.
Rev A Dec.08
4
IP Manager
Configuring Your Modem
Software Required
•
AceManager ‐ Graphical interface for entering most AT
Commands. You can download AceManager from the
Sierra Wireless AirLink Solutions website: http://
Software Recommended(Optional)
•
AceView ‐ Status and connection monitor for your
modem. You can download AceView from the website.
•
AceNet ‐ Multiple modem configuration and monitoring
utility for all AirLink modems. With AceNet, you can save
a working configuration in AceManager and then load it
into several modems concurrently saving time and
ensuring all the modems are configured the same. AceNet
is available for seperate purchase from your Sierra
Wireless representative.
Connecting to your modem with
AceManager
1. Start AceManager: Start > All Programs > AirLink Communica-
tions > AceManager
Click the Connect button.
•
Serial : Select PPP, COM1 and enter 12345 for the
password and then click OK.
•
Ethernet : Select TCP, enter the IP address of the modem
(local default IP address is 192.168.13.31).
Figure 1: AceManager: Connect - Serial
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Figure 2: AceManager: Connect - Ethernet
2. Enter the configuration options.
On the left side of AceManager is the Groups menu. Select the
appropriate group as directed below. Enter your changes in
the New Value column. Type in the desired change or using
the drop down menus. The current configuration will be
shown in the Value column.
Figure 3: AceManager: Changing Configuration Options
3. Write the changes to the modem.
Click the Write button on the tool bar of AceManager and wait
for the message “Write Successful” to appear in the status bar.
Figure 4: AceManager : Write
Rev A Dec.08
6
IP Manager
Configuring Dynamic IP
Domain Name
To configure your AirLink modem to be addressed by name,
the modem needs to have 4 elements configured. You can
configure a second dynamic server as a backup, secondary, or
alternate server. In AceManager, select Dynamic IP.
car54-2007
eairlink.com
edns2.eairlink.com
eairlink.com
Figure 5: AceManager : Dynamic IP (Adresse IP dynamique)
Note: eairlink.com server is still
available, but Sierra Wireless
recommends that customers use
edns2server.
*MODEMNAME: The name you want for the modem.
*DOMAIN: The domain name to be used by the modem.
*IPMANAGER1 and *IPMANAGER2: The IP address or
domain name of the dynamic DNS server which is running IP
Manager.
Note: To use the name here instead of the IP, you need to have DNS
set up in your modem (page 9).
*IPMGRUPDATE1 and *IPMGRUPDATE2: How often, in
minutes, you want the address sent to IP Manager. If this is set
to zero, the modem will only send an update if the IP address
changes (example, if your modem is reset or is assigned a
different IP address).
*IPMGRKEY1 and *IPMGRKEY2: User defined password key
which is used instead of the Sierra Wireless secret key when
using an IP Manager server other than the one provided by
Sierra Wireless.
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Restrictions for Modem Name
For the Modem Name, you should use something which is
unique but also easy to remember. Your company name or the
intended function of the modem are recommended. If you
have more than one modem and want to name them the same,
you can append a number for each. Since it is an Internet
domain name, there are some restrictions for the name.
•
•
•
•
Must begin with a letter or number
Can include a hyphen (‐)
Cannot contain spaces
Must be no longer than 20 characters total
Data Usage for IP Manager Server
Updates
The IP Manager update is a small packet sent to the server
with a response sent back to the modem. If you have
*IPMGRUPDATE1 or *IPMGRUPDATE2 set to any number
but zero, the modem will send the update not only when it
receives a new IP address but at the time interval as well. The
data traffic could be billed by your carrier.
Each update is a total of 68 bytes from the modem with a 50
byte total response from the server for a round trip update of
118 bytes.
interval
(minutes)
total bytes
per day (24
hours)
interval
(minutes)
total bytes
per day (24
hours)
10
30
16992 bytes
5664 bytes
60
2832 bytes
500
339.84 bytes
Eairlink.com
As a service, Sierra Wireless AirLink Solutions maintains a IP
Manager servers which can be used for any AirLink modem.
•
•
•
*DOMAIN: eairlink.com
*IPMANAGER1 : edns2.eairlink.com
*IPMANAGER2 : eairlink.com
Rev A Dec.08
8
IP Manager
Note: The IP Manager service from Sierra Wireless is currently not a
guaranteed service though every effort is made to keep it operational
24/7.
When using the IP Manager servers of Sierra Wireless, since
there are many modems using the service, it is even more
imperative to have a unique name for your modem.
DNS: Using Names Instead of
IP addresses
The modem has the ability to query DNS servers in order to
translate domain names into IP addresses. This allows you to
use domain names in place of IP addresses for most of the
configuration options requiring IP addresses. This is
important if your modem will need to contact another modem
or other device that has a domain name but an unknown or
dynamic IP address (such as another remote modem using IP
Manager).
Configuring DNS
Generally, when your modem receives its IP address from
your cellular provider, as part of the connection process, it will
also receive your cellular provider’s DNS servers to use for
resolving (or translating) names to IP addresses which it will
automatically configure in the modem settings. Unless your
modem will be used on a network with other modems or
devices which have names internal to the local network or
frequently changing IP addresses, the DNS servers provided
by your cellular provider should be all you need.
If the modem will be communicating with a device that has a
domain name but changes its IP address frequently (such as
another AirLink modem using IP Manager) or is on a network
where devices are accessed by names rather than IP addresses,
you will want to put in an alternate DNS (*DNSUSER) where
that domain is updated, such as the IP Manager server the
remote modem is using or the listing of IP addresses to names
is kept.
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Figure 6: AceManager: DNS
*DNS1 and *DNS2 ‐ The primary and secondary DNS servers
set by your cellular provider when your modem gets its IP
address.
*DNSUSER ‐ Set this, if desired, to an additional DNS server
to query first before the primary or secondary (just as a hosts
file is queried first on a computer). If *DNSUSER is set to
0.0.0.0, it will be ignored.
*DNSUPDATE ‐ This command sets how often you want DNS
Updates to be requested. Otherwise the modem will only send
updates when it is reset, powered up, or the IP address is
granted by network changes.
Note: If you will be using your modem to communicate with another
AirLink modem and both are using IP Manager to translate dynamic
IP addresses to domain names, it is recommended that you set
*DNSUSER to the IP address for IP Manager. IP Manager’s updates
occur more frequently than your cellular provider’s DNS servers
decreasing the time between IP address change and address
resolution. Likewise, if your modem routinely needs to contact
another modem or device with a Dynamic DNS domain and that
modem or device frequently changes its IP address, you may need to
set *DNSUPDATE for frequent updates.
PPP-Peer
The Raven and PinPoint use the unqualified domain name of
“ppp‐peer” when it is in PPP or SLIP address mode to resolve
the address of the device or computer connected via PPP or
SLIP address. If the modem is not in PPP or SLIP address
mode, “ppp‐peer” will resolve to 0.0.0.0.
Rev A Dec.08
10
IP Manager
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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.
Although significant delays or losses of data are rare when
wireless devices such as the Sierra Wireless modem are used in
a normal manner with a well‐constructed network, the Sierra
Wireless 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. Sierra
Wireless accepts no responsibility for damages of any kind
resulting from delays or errors in data transmitted or received
using the Sierra Wireless modem, or for failure of the Sierra
Wireless modem to transmit or receive such data.
Safety and Hazards
Do not operate the Sierra Wireless 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 Sierra Wireless modem
MUST BE POWERED OFF. The Sierra Wireless modem can
transmit signals that could interfere with this equipment.
Do not operate the Sierra Wireless modem in any aircraft,
whether the aircraft is on the ground or in flight. In aircraft, the
Sierra Wireless modem MUST BE POWERED OFF. When
operating, the Sierra Wireless modem can transmit signals that
could interfere with various onboard systems.
Note: Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the
aircraft is on the ground and the door is open. Sierra Wireless
modems may be used at this time.
The driver or operator of any vehicle should not operate the
Sierra Wireless modem while in control of a vehicle. Doing so
will detract from the driver or operatorʹs 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
Sierra Wireless. SIERRA WIRELESS AND ITS AFFILIATES
SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL
DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, GENERAL, INCIDENTAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS OR
Rev A Dec.08
1
IP Manager
REVENUE OR ANTICIPATED PROFITS OR REVENUE
ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE ANY
SIERRA WIRELESS PRODUCT, EVEN IF SIERRA WIRELESS
AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR THEY ARE
FORESEEABLE OR FOR CLAIMS BY ANY THIRD PARTY.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Sierra
Wireless and/or its affiliates aggregate liability arising under
or in connection with the Sierra Wireless product, regardless of
the number of events, occurrences, or claims giving rise to
liability, be in excess of the price paid by the purchaser for the
Sierra Wireless product.
Patents
Portions of this product may be covered by some or all of the
following US patents:
5,515,013
5,890,057
6,339,405
6,643,501
6,847,830
6,985,757
7,200,512
5,629,960
5,929,815
6,359,591
6,653,979
6,876,697
7,023,878
D442,170
5,845,216
6,169,884
6,400,336
6,697,030
6,879,585
7,053,843
D459,303
5,847,553
6,191,741
6,516,204
6,785,830
6,886,049
7,106,569
5,878,234
6,199,168
6,561,851
6,845,249
6,968,171
7,145,267
and other patents pending.
This product includes
technology licensed from:
®
QUALCOMM 3G
Licensed by QUALCOMM Incorporated under one or more of
the following United States patents and/or their counterparts
in other nations:
4,901,307
5,267,261
5,490,165
5,544,196
5,710,784
5,056,109
5,267,262
5,504,773
5,568,483
5,778,338
5,101,501
5,337,338
5,506,865
5,600,754
5,109,390
5,414,796
5,511,073
5,657,420
5,228,054
5,416,797
5,535,239
5,659,569
Manufactured or sold by Sierra Wireless or its licensees under
one or more patents licensed from InterDigital Group.
Licensed under the following Nortel Networks Limited
patents:
United States patent numbers: 5128925, 5398247
France patent numbers: 2665993, 2653959, 2659812, 2745091
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Preface
AirLink Solutions
If you encounter problems with operation of your AirLink
wireless gateway, Sierra Wireless product, the support staff of
Sierra Wireless AirLink Solutions can help.
Caution: The configuration suggestions offered in this guide are not
supported nor is any equipment other than Sierra Wireless products.
Only the operation of the modem or software obtained directly from
Sierra Wireless is supported.
Refer to the User Guide for your modem or the Sierra Wireless
AirLink Solutions website for Sierra Wireless product
warranties.
Copyright
©30 December 2008 Sierra Wireless. All rights reserved.
®
®
Trademarks
AirCard and “Heart of the Wireless Machine ” are registered
®
trademarks of Sierra Wireless. Watcher is a trademark of
Sierra Wireless, registered in the European Community.
Sierra Wireless, the Sierra Wireless logo, the red wave design,
and the red‐tipped antenna are trademarks of Sierra Wireless.
“AirLink, ” “ALEOS, ” and “AceWare” are trademarks of Sierra
Wireless.
®
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
®
QUALCOMM is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM
Incorporated. Used under license.
Other trademarks are the property of the respective owners.
Contact
Information
Support Desk:
Sales Desk:
Phone: 1-877-231-1144
Hours: 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time,
Monday to Friday, except US
Holidays
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 1-510-624-4200
1-604-232-1488
Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time
E-mail: MobileandM2Msales@sierrawir
Rev A Dec.08
3
IP Manager
Post: Sierra Wireless America
39677 Eureka Drive
Newark, CA
USA
94560
Sierra Wireless
13811 Wireless Way
Richmond, BC
Canada
V6V 3A4
Fax: 1-510-624-4299
1-604-231-1109
Consult our website for up‐to‐date product descriptions,
documentation, application notes, firmware upgrades, trouble‐
shooting tips, and press releases:
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