System Settings | Adaptor - USB Ethernet

USB Ethernet

  • Enable USB Ethernet*: This option configures the controller to communicate via an ethernet adaptor connected to its USB port. This is used for connection to the Protege DIN Rail Cellular Modem.

Connection

  • Cellular Modem: This option configures the controller to communicate with the Protege DIN Rail Cellular Modem connected to its USB port. This is currently the only USB Ethernet connection option.

    When this option is enabled the details of the cellular connection will be displayed.

For cellular modem information and programming instructions, see the Protege DIN Rail Cellular Modem Installation Manual and Protege DIN Rail Cellular Modem Configuration Guide, available from the ICT website.

Cellular Network Connection

  • Cellular APN*: The APN (Access Point Name) defines the network path for cellular data connectivity. The APN is specified by the mobile network operator (MNO) and is unique to that network, so it is important to use the correct APN for the cellular service required.

  • Cellular Username*: The username for the cellular network account.

  • Cellular Password*: The password for the cellular network account.

Cellular Options

  • Enable Debug*: When enabled, debug events are logged to the event log to help diagnose setup issues with the cellular modem. This would generally be enabled only during initial configuration or troubleshooting and should be disabled during standard operation.

  • Enable Watchdog*: When enabled, this option will prompt an automatic restart of the controller in the event that a critical fault is detected with the cellular modem that cannot be resolved. This option would typically only be enabled during fault finding.

Cellular Information

The cellular information section displays the cellular network connection status and details.

  • External Modem Detected: Indicates whether the controller is able to communicate with the cellular modem connected to its USB port.

  • SIM Detected: Indicates whether the controller is able to detect the cellular modem's SIM.

  • SIM Provider: Displays the provider of the SIM, if detected.

  • Signal Strength: The current strength of the wireless connection.

    The signal strength can only be displayed once a connection to a cell tower is established. When the cellular modem is performing initial configuration, has been automatically reset, or is initially searching for a network, Signal Not Measured will be displayed. This does not indicate a problem with the signal.

  • Network Registration Status:

    • Registered (home): Displayed when the cellular modem is successfully connected to a network inside the SIM home region.
    • Registered (roaming): Displayed when the cellular modem is successfully connected to a network outside the SIM home region.
    • Not registered: Displayed when the cellular modem is detected but no connection has been established.
    • Not registered, seeking: Displayed when the cellular modem is actively seeking a network to connect to.
    • Denied: The network actively refused the connection attempt by the cellular modem.
    • Unknown: The cellular modem cannot currently determine network connection status.

  • Current Network Provider: The mobile network operator that the cellular modem is currently connected to.

  • Current Technology: The cellular technology that the cellular modem is connected with.

  • Internet Connection Status: Identifies whether the cellular modem's internet connection is valid.

  • IP Address: The IP address assigned to the cellular modem by the network provider.

If there is an error with the cellular connection the controller may automatically reset the modem to attempt to resolve the connection. When this occurs the controller interface will momentarily display the External Modem Detected disconnected icon. This is expected and only indicates a problem if it remains disconnected .

Cellular Hostname

  • Hostname: If the controller is accessible via an external hostname (over the cellular modem connection) it can be entered here.

    This is only required if the cellular DDNS options are being used.

Cellular Dynamic DNS

  • Enable DDNS*: The controller has an in-built DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name Server) application, which allows it to dynamically connect to an external hostname even if its external IP address is not static. Enable this option and enter the required details to activate DDNS.

  • DDNS Server: Enter the name of the DDNS server which is being used.

    Currently Duck DNS (www.duckdns.org) and No-IP (www.noip.com) are supported DDNS providers.

  • DDNS Username/Password: Enter the required credentials for your DDNS provider.

    • Duck DNS: The username should be left blank. The password is the Token generated by your Duck DNS account.
    • No-IP: The username and password are the credentials used to log in to your No-IP account.