Sierra Wireless AIRLINK HELIX 2140847 User Manual
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Sierra Wireless AIRLINK HELIX 2140847 User Manual

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AirLink Helix

User Guide

2140847
Rev 3.0D

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Summary of Contents for Sierra Wireless AIRLINK HELIX 2140847

  • Page 1: User Guide

    AirLink Helix User Guide 2140847 Rev 3.0D...
  • Page 3 Important 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 Notice totally lost. Although significant delays or losses of data are rare when wireless devices such as the Sierra Wireless AirLink Product Name are used in a normal manner with a well-constructed network, the Sierra Wireless AirLink Product Name should not be used in situations where failure to transmit or receive data...
  • Page 4 AirLink Helix User Guide All safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. Do not use onboard aircraft or in hazardous locations such as gas stations or explosive environments. Not designed, manufactured or intended for machinery, medical, or industrial applications or for any other application may be hazardous.
  • Page 5 rights under, or grants you rights that supersede, the terms and conditions of any applicable Open Source License. In particular, nothing in this document restricts your right to copy, modify, and distribute that Open Source Software subject to the terms of Open Source License. As required by the terms of the GPL and LGPL or any other applicable Open Source License, Sierra Wireless makes the Open Source Software available to the public in source code form on a CD.

  • Page 6: Contact Information

    AirLink Helix User Guide Contact Information Consult our website for up-to-date product descriptions, documentation, application notes, firmware upgrades, troubleshooting tips, and press releases: Revision Release Changes number date 2009 AirLink Helix documentation draft created. 2009 AirLink Helix documentation revised. 2009 USB Chapter added.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    Contents Introduction ........... . .5 What’s Included with the AirLink Helix? .
  • Page 8 Status ............19 Home .
  • Page 9 Configuring Security ..........41 Security .
  • Page 10 AirLink Helix User Guide Regulatory Information ......... . 53 Federal Communications Commission Notice (FCC United States) .

  • Page 11: Introduction

    1: Introduction • What’s Included with the AirLink Helix? • What Else Do You Need to Get Started? • Getting Going (the quick version) Rev 3.0D May.10 The AirLink Helix enables computers and other devices to connect quickly and easily to the Internet and remote enterprise networks using cellular data networks.

  • Page 12: Getting Going (The Quick Version)

    AirLink Helix User Guide Getting Going (the quick version) The AirLink Helix is designed to be simple to use. No additional software is required for most users. The remainder of the User Guide provides complete instructions for using the device. CDMA If you have a CDMA device, please follow the instructions as below: 1.

  • Page 13: Connecting A Computer To The Airlink Helix

    2: Connecting a Computer to the AirLink Helix • Connecting Through Ethernet • Connecting Through Wi-Fi • Where to Find More Help Rev 3.0D May.10 Any laptop, desktop, handheld, printer, or other computing device that supports Ethernet (or optional Wi-Fi) can connect to the AirLink Helix. If your computer supports these common network interfaces, you don’t need to install any additional software to connect to the AirLink Helix.

  • Page 14: Connecting Through Wi-Fi

    AirLink Helix User Guide Connecting Through Wi-Fi Wi-Fi is available as an option on some versions of the Helix RT. To connect wirelessly to the AirLink Helix using a Wi-Fi equipped computer, simply select the network name “helix” using the Wi-Fi connection software provided with your operating system or Wi-Fi network interface.

  • Page 15: Hardware Overview

    3: Hardware Overview • Physical Interfaces • Turning On the AirLink Helix • Status Lights • Cellular Antennas • Wi-Fi Antennas • Reset Button • Power Connector • SIM Slot Note: An ALEOS update support USB is expected by September 2009. Rev 3.0D May.10 Physical Interfaces The AirLink Helix has the following physical interfaces and connection...

  • Page 16: Leds

    AirLink Helix User Guide Signal Strength Figure 3-1: Status LEDs LEDs The LED patterns in the Helix are as follows: (Left) – 3G • • (Middle) – Signal Strength (RSSI) • • • • • (Right) – WWAN Status • •...
  • Page 17 Note: This device is not The Helix will work with most dual band cellular antennas with SMA connectors. intended for use within Connect antennas directly to the connectors found on the sides of the Helix. close proximity of the human body. Antenna Note: When using a cable to an antenna placed away from the Helix, minimize the length installation should provide of your cable.

  • Page 18: Wi-Fi Antennas

    AirLink Helix User Guide Wi-Fi Antennas The antennas on the back of the Helix are for transmitting and receiving Wi-Fi signals. Connect antennas directly to the connectors found at the back of the Helix. Note: Optimal antenna performance can be achieved by orienting the WiFi antennas horizontally.

  • Page 19: Power Connector

    Hardware Overview Power Connector Helix comes with a switching adapter. The power connector is located on the back plate of the Helix. Power adapter Figure 3-5: Power Connector SIM Slot Note: This section applies to Helix with GSM technology only. To insert the SIM in to the SIM slot, follow the instructions as below: 1.

  • Page 20: Remove The Sim

    AirLink Helix User Guide Figure 3-8: Pushing SIM in to the SIM slot Remove the SIM Firmly press on the SIM and it will unlock from the holder with a click sound. Once the SIM ejects, use a pair of tweezers to pull out the SIM. Figure 3-9: Removing SIM 2140847...

  • Page 21: Usb Connection

    4: USB Connection Rev 3.0D May.10 A single USB modem can be connected to Helix RT. USB modems Compass 598 (Sprint) and Compass 895 (AT&T) are supported. Only one cellular device, that is either the Helix RT or the USB modem operates at a given time.

  • Page 22: Usb Modem Connection

    AirLink Helix User Guide USB Modem connection Instructions to connect your USB modem to the Helix RT are as follows. 1. Unplug the Helix RT. 2. Plug in the USB modem. You can also use the extender cable provided. 3. Plug in the Helix RT. Note: The USB modem needs to be inserted when the Helix is turned off, in order for Helix to recognize the USB modem at startup.
  • Page 23 USB Connection 6. Check the LED lights on the USB modem, to check the status of the USB connection. Information for the USB modem connection is available on the Status tab in ACEmanager. GSM users can configure their APN on the WAN/Cellular tab in ACEmanager.
  • Page 24 AirLink Helix User Guide 2140847...

  • Page 25: Configuring Airlink Helix

    5: Configuring AirLink Helix • ACEmanager • Status Rev 3.0D May.10 ACEmanager ACEmanager is the free utility used to manage and configure the AirLink Helix RT. After powering on the Helix, you can log on to ACEmanager by : Entering http://192.168.2.1:9191/index.htm in your browser. •...

  • Page 26: Wan/Cellular

    AirLink Helix User Guide Table 5-1: Status: Home Command Description Backhaul mode WAN backhaul mode : cellular, failover, passthrough. Phone Number This is the phone number that is programmed in to your device. Current WAN IP This can be the IP address of the cellular modem, if it is being used or the IP address of address WAN port if WAN Failover has switched to the Ethernet connection.

  • Page 27: Lan/Wifi

    Command Description Keepalive IP Address The IP address that WAN keepalive uses to test cellular connectivity. Keepalive Ping Time The amount of time between keepalive pings in minutes. 0 is off and 255 is max. Gateway Gateway IP address of the local network. DNS Server 1 First DNS IP addresses of cellular or Ethernet network.

  • Page 28: Vpn

    AirLink Helix User Guide Figure 5-3: ACEmanager: Status - LAN/WiFi Command Description Ethernet Port 1 Address / status of the LAN port. Ethernet Port 2 Address / status of the WAN / LAN port. Security Encryption Options are Open, WEP, or WPA. Shows the Wi-Fi encryption type. type WiFi Mode The type of Wi-Fi network.

  • Page 29: Security

    Command Description VPN 1 Disabled, Enabled, Connected. The status of the IPSec VPN client. VPN 2 Disabled, Enabled, Connected. The status of the GRE client. Security The security section provides an overview of the security settings on the Helix. Figure 5-5: ACEmanager: Status - Security Command Description Disabled or Enabled.

  • Page 30: About

    AirLink Helix User Guide Command Description ACEnet ACEnet status. If an ACEnet account has been setup, the status will change from "Not Configured" to "Configured". ACEmanager Status of ACEmanager access selected. Dynamic DNS Service Dynamic DNS Service that you have selected under Services tab. Full Domain Name Dynamic DNS full domain name configured.

  • Page 31: Configuring Wan/Cellular

    6: Configuring WAN/Cellular • WAN/Cellular Command Backhaul Mode Network Credentials Rev 3.0D May.10 WAN/Cellular The WAN/Cellular section allows changes to the cellular connection and main operating mode of the Helix. Some settings may appear differently and are dependent on cellular carrier settings. The default mode is "Cellular".

  • Page 32: Wan Failover

    AirLink Helix User Guide Command Description Set APN (GSM only) APN or Access Point Name is specific to GSM networks. Custom access points can be used to create VPN connections or to provide specific routing functionality. Contact your cellular carrier for more information about how these work.

  • Page 33: Setup

    Figure 6-2: ACEmanager: WAN/Cellular - WAN Failover Command Description Ethernet WAN IP Static or DHCP. If DHCP is selected, no other IP related information needs to be entered. If Static is selected enter the IP information about the secondary Internet connection. IP Address If Static mode is selected, this is the IP address of the Helix Box on the secondary network.

  • Page 34: How It Works

    AirLink Helix User Guide 4. If needed, change the Primary Route IP and interval. 5. Click on Apply and reboot the box when prompted. 6. Plug in the Ethernet cable for the WAN connection in to WAN/LAN port of the How it works When enabled, Helix will ping the Primary Route IP at the interval you have configured.

  • Page 35: Configuring Lan/Wifi

    7: Configuring LAN/WiFi • LAN/WiFi Rev 3.0D May.10 LAN/WiFi The LAN/WiFi section displays VLAN configuration parameters, in ACEmanager. VLAN stands for virtual LAN. VLANSs help structure the network growth of companies. A VLAN typically has a cluster of hosts that are together in a broadcast domain and not based on their physical location.

  • Page 36: Wifi Global

    AirLink Helix User Guide Command Description Interface There is a Default interface (Bridged Ethernet and WiFi) and three Ethernet VLANs and WiFi WLAN interfaces respectively, in the interface column. VLAN ID Enter your VLAN IDs here. Ethernet Three virtual ethernet interfaces for three VLANs in addition to the default LAN is displayed on the ACEmanager screen.

  • Page 37: Shared Wep

    Figure 7-2: ACEmanager: LAN/WiFi - WIFI Command Description Enable Wireless WI-Fi on or Wi-fi off. Allows you to disable or enable the Wi-Fi access point. If you are using Access Point the Helix in an environment where security or safety require that you disable Wi-Fi, you can turn Wi-Fi off here.

  • Page 38: Wpa/Wpa2 Personal

    AirLink Helix User Guide Figure 7-3: ACEmanager: WIFI - Shared WEP Command Description Key Length 64 bit, 128 bit, Custom. WEP is available with shorter 64 bit keys or longer 128 bit keys. While 128 bit encryption provides a higher level of security, some computers and Wi-Fi clients only support 64 bit encryption.

  • Page 39: Wpa Enterprise

    Command Description WiFi Encryption TKIP or AES. Defines what encryption scheme to use under WPA. Options are Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). WPA Passphrase By default this is 'HelixWPAPassphrase'. You can change this to another phrase with alphanumeric characters and symbols when creating a passphrase.

  • Page 40: Wifi 2

    AirLink Helix User Guide WiFi 2 The WiFi interface can support up to 4 WiFi LANs (WLAN), each with a separate SSID, and separate encryption settings. Global settings apply to all WLANS. Each WLAN may be routed to the Internet under user control. Figure 7-6: ACEmanager: LAN/WiFi - WiFi 2 Global DNS Global DNS allows you to override the default DNS settings of the cellular...

  • Page 41: Vrrp

    Command Description Alternate Primary Alternate primary DNS address. This is optional. If the primary DNS is unavailable, this DNS address will be used. Alternate Secondary Alternate secondary DNS address. This is optional. If the secondary DNS is unavailable, this DNS address will be used. VRRP VRRP allows multiple routers to act as the default gateway router for a subnet which reduces the possibility of a single point of failure.
  • Page 42 AirLink Helix User Guide 2140847...

  • Page 43: Configuring Airlink Helix

    8: Configuring AirLink Helix • Rev 3.0D May.10 The Helix Box can act as a Virtual Private Network (VPN) client, providing enterprise VPN access to any device connected to the Helix RT even when a device has no VPN client capability on its own. The Helix supports up to two tunneling protocols, IPsec and GRE.
  • Page 44 AirLink Helix User Guide Command Description VPN 1 Type Tunnel Disabled or IPsec tunnel. Use this option to enable or disable the VPN tunnel. If custom settings are used, they will be saved and the tunnel can be disabled and re- enabled without needing to reenter any of the settings.

  • Page 45: Vpn 2

    Command Description Perfect Forward Yes or No. Provides additional security through a DH shared secret value. When this Secrecy feature is enabled, one key cannot be derived from another. This ensures previous and subsequent encryption keys are secure even if one key is compromised. IPSec Key Group DH1, DH2, or DH5.
  • Page 46 AirLink Helix User Guide Command Description Remote (IP Add- The default configuration is 0.0.0.0/0 which will direct all traffic over the GRE tunnel. mask) GRE TTL GRE time to live (TTL) value is the upper bound on the time that a GRE packet can exist in a network.

  • Page 47: Configuring Security

    9: Configuring Security • Security Command Port Forwarding Enabed DMZ IP DMZ Enabled Rev 3.0D May.10 Security Most security features can be configured on the Security page. It is recommended you change the default password for ACEmanager. Port Forwarding and DMZ To add a rule, fill in the outside port (ie, 8080), the protocol (TCP or UDP), the host (or internal) IP, and the private port (the port on the inside of the network).

  • Page 48: Port Filtering - Outbound

    AirLink Helix User Guide Port Filtering - Outbound Figure 9-2: ACEmanager: Security - Port Filtering-outbound Command Description Port Filtering - Independent of the IP filtering, this mode can be enabled to block ports specified. When Outbound enabled, all ports not matching the rule will be blocked depending on the mode. MAC Filtering Figure 9-3: ACEmanager: Security - MAC Filtering Command...

  • Page 49: Configuring Services

    10: Configuring Services • Services Command ACEnet Management Service URL Device Initiated Interval (Minutes) Account Name Status Rev 3.0D May.10 Services The services sections allows configuration of external services that extend the functionality of the Helix. ACEnet ACEnet is a remote management service that can be used to remotely configure and view the status of Helix boxes and other ALEOS compatible devices.

  • Page 50: Acemanager

    AirLink Helix User Guide ACEmanager Figure 10-2: ACEmanager: Services - ACEmanager Command Description Enable ACEmanager Enable ACEmanager on Tethered Host and Wifi or ALL (includes OTA). ACEmanager Port Port for accessing ACEmanager is 9191. Dynamic DNS Dynamic DNS allows a Helix Box WAN IP address to be published to a third-party service.

  • Page 51: Landing Page

    Command Description Password Password for Dynamic DNS provider. Interval Enter Interval in Sec. Be careful when entering this information to match the recommendations from your Dynamic DNS provider. Full Domain Name Full domain name provided by your Dynamic DNS provider. An example is, helixrt.noip.org for instance.
  • Page 52 AirLink Helix User Guide Figure 10-5: ACEmanager: Services - Management (SNMP) Command Description SNMP community The SNMP Community String acts like a password to limit access to the device’s SNMP String data. • string = string of no more than 20 characters (default = public). 2140847...

  • Page 53: Configuring Admin

    11: Configuring Admin • Admin Rev 3.0D May.10 Admin The admin section of the Helix allows the box to be reset to defaults, the password to be changed, and debug mode. Figure 11-1: ACEmanager: Service - Admin It is highly recommended to change the default password of the Helix.

  • Page 54: Debug

    AirLink Helix User Guide Click Reset to Factory Defaults to initiate the process to reset the Helix to its default settings. After clicking on the button, the Helix will reset and you can connect to ACEmanager with the default username and password. Debug Debug mode allows direct control over the cellular module for additional control, technical support, and custom settings.

  • Page 55: Log

    Configuring Admin The log file is a system log of the helix unit. Log 0 is the current data and Log 1 to 5 is the archived data. The Refresh tab will refresh the display with current data. Clear tave will clear the log displayed. Figure 11-4: ACEmanager: Admin - Log Rev 3.0D May.10...
  • Page 56 AirLink Helix User Guide 2140847...

  • Page 57: Technical Specifications

    12: Technical Specifications • • • Routing • Administration • Hardware • Physical Rev 3.0D May.10 • WAN fail-over of landline backhaul (DSL, cable, etc.) • WAN Alive maintains persistent cellular connection • Dynamic DNS client compatible with third-party DDNS services •...

  • Page 58: Hardware

    AirLink Helix User Guide Hardware • • • Physical • • • • • FCC CFR47 PART 15 SUBPART C (FCC) compliant · MC5727 id is N7N-MC5725 · MC8790 id is N7NMC8790 · WLM54G WiFi PCI card id MK8CPX-05-WLM54G. Power, Status, Activity LEDs Outlet Power adapter (12VDC, 1.5 amp) Compact, rugged case Dimensions: 6.25"x1.3875"x7.0625"...

  • Page 59: Regulatory Information

    13: Regulatory Information Rev 3.0D May.10 Federal Communications Commission Notice (FCC United States) Electronic devices, including computers and wireless modems, generate RF energy incidental to their intended function and are therefore subject to FCC rules and regulations. This equipment has been tested to, and found to be within the acceptable limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.

  • Page 60: Antenna Considerations

    AirLink Helix User Guide Cet appareillage numérique de la classe B répond à toutes les exigences de l'interférence canadienne causant des règlements d'équipement. L'opération est sujette aux deux conditions suivantes: 1. ce dispositif peut ne pas causer l'interférence nocive, et 2.

  • Page 61: Weee Notice

    Regulatory Information The Declaration of Conformity made under Directive 1999/5/EC is available for viewing at the following location in the EU community. Sierra Wireless 39677 Eureka Drive Newark, CA 94560 The device is a Class A device for use in commercial environment. WEEE Notice If you purchased Product Name in Europe, please return it to your dealer or supplier at the end of its life.
  • Page 62 AirLink Helix User Guide 2140847...

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