Setting Up Mobile Internet

The controller's USB port provides a second network adapter, allowing you to connect the controller to mobile internet or an additional wired network. This is useful for providing backup reporting paths and deploying controllers to buildings without wired network connections.

The USB-Ethernet connection supports the following features:

  • Web interface

  • Offsite reporting

This section covers how to set up a mobile internet connection using a Teltonika cellular router.

Requirements

Firmware

This feature is available in Protege WX controller firmware version 4.00.2438 and higher.

USB-Ethernet Adapter

A USB-Ethernet adapter is required to connect the controller's USB port to an ethernet network. The controller supports USB-Ethernet adapters with the following chipsets:

  • ASIX AX88772B1

  • ASIX AX88772C_xxxx

You can purchase a validated USB-Ethernet adapter from ICT using order code PRT-USB-ETH. Alternatively, you can use a third-party adapter with a compatible chipset.

To check the chipset of a USB-Ethernet adapter:

  1. Connect the USB-Ethernet adapter to your computer's USB port.

  2. Open a command prompt.

  3. Run the following command: 

    ipconfig /all

  4. Locate the Ethernet adapter with the USB-Ethernet adapter connected. The Description shows the model number of the chipset.

Networking Equipment

You may connect the controller to any networking equipment over USB-Ethernet, including cellular routers and network switches. The controller has been validated with the following cellular routers:

  • Teltonika RUT200

  • Teltonika RUT241

ICT cannot guarantee functionality with other modems or network switches. We recommend you validate the equipment on the bench before deploying it to a live site.

SIM Cards

When purchasing a SIM card, ensure that it is compatible with the router you have selected. The mobile data plan must allow both inbound and outbound internet connections.

You will also need the APN details from your mobile internet provider.

Setting Up a Mobile Internet Connection

This section describes how to set up a mobile internet connection using a Teltonika cellular router.

Configuring the Controller

To set up USB-Ethernet networking on the controller:

  1. Log in to the controller's web interface.

  2. Navigate to System | Settings | Adaptor - USB Ethernet.

  3. Select Enable USB Ethernet.

  4. Disable Cellular Modem, if it is enabled.

    This setting is not used for third-party routers.

  5. Enter the IP Address that the controller will use on this network, e.g. 192.168.1.50

    This must be:

    • On the same subnet as the router (by default, 192.168.1.xxx).

    • Different from the router's IP address (by default, 192.168.1.1).

    • Different from the controller's other IP address on the Adaptor - Onboard Ethernet tab.

  6. Set the Subnet Mask to 255.255.255.0.

  7. Set the Default Gateway to the internal IP address of the router. By default this is 192.168.1.1.

  8. Set the DNS Server to any appropriate DNS server (e.g. 8.8.8.8 for Google).

  9. Click Save.

  10. Click Restart.

  11. You can now connect the controller to the Teltonika router using the USB-Ethernet adapter, as shown below:

Configuring the Teltonika Router

These instructions may vary slightly depending on the Teltonika router's model and firmware version. Refer to the documentation for your router model if you need more assistance.

To set up the Teltonika router:

  1. Connect the Teltonika router to a PC or laptop using the ethernet connection.

  2. Insert a valid SIM card into the router and connect the mobile antennas.

  3. Power on the router. If it was already on, you may need to power cycle it so it can discover the new SIM card.

  4. Connect to the router's web interface using the default IP address: 192.168.1.1

  5. Log in to the web interface using the following credentials:

    • Username: admin

    • Password: The default password is printed on the sticker on the base of the router.

  6. When prompted, set a new secure password.

  7. Navigate to Network | Mobile | General.

  8. Disable Auto APN.

  9. Under APN, click New. Type the APN name provided by your SIM provider, then click + Add.

  10. Enter any other required APN details.

  11. Click Save & Apply.

  12. Navigate to Status | Network | Mobile. Confirm that the mobile connection is active.

  13. Make a note of the IP Address that has been assigned to the router. This will be the controller's external IP address.

  14. Navigate to Network | Firewall | Port Forwards.

  15. To access the controller's web interface over HTTPS, create the following rule:

    Name

    Controller Web Interface

    Match

    Incoming IPv4 TCP, UDP

    From wan

    Via port 7460

    Set the port to any available value. You will use this port number to access the controller's web interface externally.

    Forward

    To lan

    IP 192.168.1.50

    port 443

    Use the IP address you set in the Adaptor - USB Ethernet tab above. If the HTTPS Port of the controller is not 443, enter the custom port here.

  16. Turn the port forwarding rule on.

  17. Click Save & Apply.

You can now access the controller's web interface using the external IP address of the router and the port set above, e.g. https://49.50.159.205:7460

To report out over mobile internet, create an ArmorIP reporting service as normal and set the Adaptor to USB Ethernet. You can use this for either a primary service or a backup service.