Getting Started with Protectli 4G LTE/5G Modems

Getting Started with Protectli Modems

Protectli offers 4G LTE and 5G Modems. 4G LTE/5G 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/5G 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 Modems (External and Internal)

Protectli offers 2 options for a 4G LTE Modem and one option for 5G. All modems can be seen on the main Cellular Service page. There is an external modem (the IDG400), an internal modem (the MDG200), and a 5G external modem (IDG450). 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 4G modems 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.

All modems offered by Protectli support Verizon, ATT, and T-Mobile SIMs. Cellular service requires a SIM card for operation and eSIMs are not compatible. The IDG400/IDG450 requires a 3FF Micro SIM. The MDG200 requires a 4FF Nano SIM.

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.

The External 5G modem, IDG450, comes with antennas, an Ethernet cable, and a Phoenix connector type power supply.

Modem GUI and Login Credentials

All modems have a web based GUI. To reach the GUI of the external modems, connect the Ethernet cable to a computer. By default the external modems 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 modems are in  "Modem" mode (opposed to NAT modem), 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.

Modem Configuration

Assuming your 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. 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.

Changing the APN required for your SIM

SIMs will typically require a specific APN to be set in order for a connection to be established. The APN required should be provided to you by the service provider, and some SIMs may be fine utilizing an "Auto" APN. If you aren't sure which APN to use, reach out to your service provider.

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

• Browse to the 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

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.