Getting Started with Protectli 4G LTE Modems and Service

Getting Started with Protectli 4G LTE Modems and Service

Protectli offers 4G LTE Modems and service subscription plans. 4G LTE Service can be used with the Vault as a backup/failover Internet connection in the event the primary WAN service is down or as the primary WAN interface when a wired Internet connection is unavailable. For any business or operation, a 4G LTE failover solution ensures that Internet connectivity is preserved and eliminates potential loss of sales and loss of productivity. Maintaining a constant Internet connection is particularly crucial these days as so many applications and business functions are in the "cloud" and only accessible via the Internet.

Applications

There are various use cases for the Vault with 4G LTE, including:

• IoT remote monitoring and control
• Temporary connectivity for outdoor markets, sporting events, activities
• General backup if primary WAN goes down
• Credit card processing for retail as primary or backup WAN
• Construction connectivity for site offices and on site video monitoring
• Oil, Gas, and Utilities connectivity and monitoring

Protectli 4G LTE Modems and Service

Protectli offers 2 options for a 4G LTE Modem. The 4G LTE products can be found on the main 4G LTE page. There is an external modem (the IDG400), and an internal modem (the MDG200). The IDG400 can be found on this product page. The MDG200 has two versions. One with an mPCIe connector, and one with an M.2 connector. The mPCIe version can be found on this product page. The M2 version can be found on this product page. The MDG200 is compatible with all Vaults except for the FW6 series.

Both are Category 4 LTE, which indicates that the maximum downlink speed is 150 Mbps and the maximum uplink speed is 50 Mbps. The actual data throughput will depend on the installation environment and physical placement of the unit and antennas.

Both 4G LTE Modems support all of the cellular services listed on the main 4G LTE page. For deployment outside of the US, consult Protectli sales at sales@protectli.com. 4G LTE cellular service requires a SIM card for operation. The IDG400 requires a 3FF Micro SIM. The MDG100 requires a 4FF Nano SIM. When the 4G LTE Modems are ordered with a service, a SIM is provided with the unit and the service is activated by Protectli. The unit is tested with that service before it ships from the factory.

The 4G LTE Modems can also be ordered without service, using the customer's SIM. And the 4G LTE service can be ordered without a Protectli 4G LTE Modem, using the customer's own equipment. Depending on the service ordered or if the customer provides their own SIM or equipment, some configuration may be needed on the 4G LTE Modem. See below.

Accessories and Power

The External 4G LTE Modem, IDG400, comes with antennas, an Ethernet cable, and a USB micro to USB Type A cable. The USB cable is used to provide power to the unit via an external USB connection. The USB power source must be able to provide 5V and 2A. There is an optional USB Power Supply that can be purchased with the 4G LTE Modem.

4G LTE Modem GUI and Login Credentials

Both the IDG400 and MDG200 have a web based GUI. To reach the GUI of the External IDG400 modem, connect the Ethernet cable to a computer. By default the 4G LTE Modem will provide a an IP address to the PC via DHCP. On the PC, browse to 192.168.123.254 to reach the GUI. The default user/password is either "admin"/"admin" or "admin"/"admin12345".

To reach the internal MDG200 4G LTE Modem, the unit must be installed in the Vault and an Operating System (OS) must be installed and configured to recognize and use the internal modem. Once installed correctly, connect a PC to the LAN port of the vault. By default, for example with OPNsense or pfSense® CE, the Vault will provide a an IP address to the PC via DHCP, typically 192.168.1.100. On the PC, browse to 172.16.0.1 to reach the GUI of the internal Modem. The default user/password is either "admin"/"admin" or "admin"/"admin12345".

When either the IDG400 or MDG200 is in  "Modem" mode, it receives an IP Address from the cellular network and passes that address to the attached device. In order to access the GUI of the modem, the IP address is typically 1 address below the cellular IP Address. For example, if the cellular IP address is 63.47.88.25, the address of the GUI is 63.47.88.24. If that does not work, then the address will be one or two addresses removed, such as .23 or .26.

4G LTE Modem Configuration

Assuming the 4G LTE Modem has been properly connected or installed with an OS on the Vault, there are multiple scenarios  and configuration required (or not) depending on the cellular service. If the SIM is activated by Protectli and shipped to the customer site, it has already been properly configured and the 4G LTE service has been verified. However, if the unit is reset or needs to be reconfigured, the configurations are listed below. There are currently 5 possibilities in the US.

• AT&T Dynamic IP
• AT&T Static IP
• Verizon Dynamic IP
• Verizon Static IP
• Carrier Switching Dynamic IP SIM

SIMs purchased from Protectli from August 2023 and onwards will use the APN settings found below. If you purchased a SIM from us from before this date, please reach out to us if you are having troubles establishing a cellular connection.

AT&T Dynamic IP

The Access Point Name (APN) must be set manually.

• Browse to the 4G LTE Modem GUI using the procedure above for the specific modem.
• Select Setup->Network->Cellular->APN
• Select "Manual"
• Enter the APN provided with the SIM
• Save
• Verify the configuration is saved

AT&T Static IP

The Access Point Name (APN) must be set manually.

• Browse to the 4G LTE Modem GUI using the procedure above for the specific modem.
• Select Setup->Network->Cellular->APN
• Select "Manual"
• Enter the APN provided with the SIM
• Save
• Verify the configuration is saved

Verizon Dynamic IP

The Access Point Name (APN) must be set manually.

• Browse to the 4G LTE Modem GUI using the procedure above for the specific modem.
• Select Setup->Network->Cellular->APN
• Select "Manual"
• Enter the APN provided with the SIM (will most likely be vzwinternet)
• Save
• Verify the configuration is saved

Verizon Static IP

The Access Point Name (APN) must be set manually. This will generally be we01.vzwstatic unless otherwise specified by us. The required APN should be printed on a label on the SIM card.

• Browse to the 4G LTE Modem GUI using the procedure above for the specific modem.
• Select Setup->Network->Cellular->APN
• Select "Manual"
• Set the APN to the APN provided with the SIM (Will most likely be so01.vzwstatic or we01.vzwstatic)
• Verify the configuration is saved

Carrier Switching SIM

• Browse to the 4G LTE Modem GUI using the procedure above for the specific modem.
• Select Setup->Network->Cellular->APN
• Select "Manual"
• Enter the APN provided with the SIM
• Save
• Verify the configuration is saved

Customer Provided SIM

The Protectli 4G LTE Modems can be purchased without a cellular service. In this case, the customer must provide their own SIM for the desired cellular service. If the customer provides their own SIM for the cellular service, it may require setting the APN manually on the 4G LTE Modem. If the cellular service does not come up automatically, contact your cellular provider for the APN. Follow the instructions above to browse to the 4G LTE Modem GUI and set the APN appropriately for the service.

Customer Provided 4G LTE Modem

The Protectli 4G LTE cellular service can be purchased without a 4G LTE Modem. In this case, the customer must provide their own 4G LTE Modem.  If the user provides their own 4G LTE Modem and requests Verizon service, Protectli needs to have the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) of that specific unit. The IMEI uniquely identifies the specific device and includes information regarding the vendor, the model and serial number. Verizon requires the IMEI in order to activate the SIM and provision service. When the customer provides their own 4G LTE Modem, the APN configuration guidelines follow the same instructions as the section above for Protectli provided equipment and SIM.

Optional Accessories

Protectli provides optional accessories for the 4G LTE Modems.

Antennas – Optional antennas with a 2 Meter cable and sticky back can be used to place the antennas away from the unit itself in a better location and/or position for reception. The Product SKU is AC-4G-LTE-ANT-1 and contains 2 antennas.

USB Power Brick – An optional USB Power Brick can be used to power the External 4G LTE Modem, IDG400. This is particularly useful if the 4G LTE Modem is located at a distance from the device attached via the Ethernet port.

Wall Brackets – Optional Wall Brackets can be used to mount the External 4G LTE Modem, IDG400, on a wall.