Digi Connect IT 16 User manual

Digi Connect IT® 16/48
User Guide
User Guide

Revision history—90002332
Revision Date Description
A July 2019 Initial release.
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© 2019 Digi International Inc. All rights reserved.
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Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 2

Contents
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide
Connect IT 16 and 48 key features 6
Get started with Connect IT 16/48
Verify product components 8
Included equipment 8
Required additional equipment 9
Optional additional equipment 9
Optional equipment 10
Cellular ONLY: Insert the CORE module 10
Prerequisites 10
Connect the power supplies and fans 11
Optional: Connect SFP+ modules 12
Connect the hardware 12
Connect hardware and connect to site network using an Ethernet LAN 12
Connect hardware and connect to a cellular network 13
Connect equipment to the Connect IT serial ports
Serial connector pinout 14
Configure Connect IT using Remote Manager
Before you begin 15
Create a Remote Manager account and add devices 16
Create a Remote Manager account 16
Log in to Remote Manager 16
Add a Connect IT to your inventory 16
Update the firmware on Connect IT from Remote Manager 17
View identifying information about the Connect IT on the Home page 18
Access the Remote Manager configuration page 18
Schedule system maintenance from Remote Manager 19
Configure VPN using Remote Manager 21
Configure an IPsec tunnel for a VPN from Remote Manager 21
Configure an OpenVPN server from Remote Manager 22
Configure an IP tunnel for a VPN from Remote Manager 23
View system status information from Remote Manager 23
View Connect IT summary dashboard 23
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 3

Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 4
View Connect IT connection history 24
Configure Connect IT using the web user interface
Log in to the Connect IT web UI 26
Manage users, groups, password, and two-factor authentication from the web UI 26
Configure idle timeout from the web UI 26
Add a new user from the web UI 27
Add a user group from the web UI 27
Configure the user groups from the web UI 27
Change a Connect IT password from the web UI 29
Configure two-factor authentication from the web UI 29
Configure authentication methods from the web UI 29
Update Connect IT firmware 30
Download the Connect IT firmware to your PC 30
Configure connection to Remote Manager from the web UI 31
Update modem firmware 31
Configure a serial port 31
Configure the connection settings for a serial port 31
Monitor serial port changes 33
Enable a Telnet connection on the serial port 33
Enable a TCP connection on the serial port 34
Enable an SSH connection on the serial port 35
Configure the modem in the Connect IT 36
Configure the modem 36
Define a custom APN 39
Configure an IPpassthrough for the modem 40
Configure a custom gateway for the modem 41
Configure an IPv4 network interface for the modem 42
Configure an IPv6 network interface for the modem 43
Configure the network from the web UI 44
Configure VPN from the web UI 45
Configure an IPsec tunnel for a VPN from the web UI 45
Configure an OpenVPN server from the web UI 46
Configure an IP tunnel for a VPN from the web UI 47
Back up, restore, and delete the configuration 47
Back up the Connect IT configuration 47
Restore the Connect IT configuration 47
Delete the Connect IT configuration 48
Configure the firewall from the web UI 48
Configure services from the web UI 48
Monitor the data from the Connect IT 49
Configure the find me feature 50
Reboot from the web UI 50
Immediately reboot the Connect IT 50
Schedule a reboot from the web UI 50
Schedule system maintenance from the web UI 51
Synchronize system time from the web UI 53
View Connect IT status information 53
Download an archive of the supported MIBs 53
Download a support report file 54
Configure and view events and logs in the web UI 54
View events information 54
Configure log messages from the web UI 54
View system log information 55

Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 5
Troubleshooting
Reset your device to the factory defaults 57
Tips for improving cellular signal strength 57
Download a support report 57
Hardware
Front panel and LEDs 58
Back panel and LEDs 60
Hardware specifications 62
Power supply 62
Electrical rating 62
Mounting options 63
Regulatory and safety information
Safety warnings 64
Power supply and supplemental fan module considerations 65
Information access 65

Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide
This guide provides reference and usage information for the Connect IT.
The 16/48 provides out-of-band management for remote network or infrastructure devices. Cellular
connectivity, available as standard in some models and as an option in other models, provides fast
reliable cellular connections without additional equipment. All connections are encrypted for security.
Connect IT 16 and 48 key features
The Digi Connect IT 16/48 port products provide these key features:
nDual Gigabit Ethernet and Dual SFP+ option for robust flexible network connectivity.
nDevices with either 16 or 48 serial connections to manage IT assets via console port.
nOption to install Certified Digi Cellular CORE Module to support different cellular speeds with
modules certified for specific regions.
nSuperior network performance management through Digi Remote Manager® (DRM).
nGlobal Deployment support.
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 6

Get started with Connect IT 16/48
This section explains what comes with each Connect IT model, how to install the necessary software,
and how to connect the hardware.
1. Verify product components.
2. Cellular ONLY: Insert the CORE module.
3. Connect the power supplies and fans.
4. Optional: Connect SFP+ modules.
5. Connect the hardware to a network.
6. Access the device from the web UI.
7. Update the firmware on the Connect IT from the web UI.
8. Change the password.
9. Administrators only: Additional configuration to the Connect IT can be done in Remote Manager
or in the Connect IT's web user interface.
nConfigure Connect IT using Remote Manager
nConfigure Connect IT using the web user interface
10. Mount the Connect IT to a rack.
11. Connect equipment to the Connect IT serial ports.
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 7

Get started with Connect IT 16/48 Verify product components
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 8
Verify product components
Verify that you have the following included equipment.
Included equipment
Equipment Description
Digi
Connect IT
16
Digi
Connect IT
48
Note This image is of Connect IT 48. The Connect IT 16 has a blank panel instead of
ports 17 - 48.
For detailed information about the front and back panels, see Connect IT 16/48
hardware and LEDs.
Serial
adapter
DB9 female to RJ45 adapter.
Connects D89 serial port on a PC to the Connect IT 16/48 console port.
Ethernet
cable
8-wire straight-through shielded Cat5 Ethernet cable.
You can also choose to connect to the network with an Ethernet connection rather
than connecting to a cellular network. See Connect hardware and connect to site
network using an Ethernet LAN.
Label The label includes the MAC addresses of the device.

Get started with Connect IT 16/48 Verify product components
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 9
Required additional equipment
Equipment Description
Power supply kit Each kit includes three items: two power supply items and one fan
item. These items are connected to the Connect IT 16/48. See
Connect the power supplies and fans.
You can choose between the following two kits:
nITPS-PSEK: Connect IT 16/48 power supply kit, port-side
exhaust. Use this when the serial ports will be in the hot
aisle. The thumb screws used to connect the items to the
Connect IT are blue.
nITPS-PSIK: Connect IT 16/48 power supply kit, port-side
intake. Use this when the serial ports will be in the cold
aisle. The thumb screws used to connect the items to the
Connect IT are red.
Power cord IEC 60320 power cord
Optional additional equipment
Equipment Description
COREmodule
Note This is required only if you want to connect to a cellular
network. A SIM card is also required.
SIMcard An activated SIM card provided by your cellular network operator.
You can insert up to two SIMcards in the CORE module. See
Connect hardware and connect to a cellular network.
The COREmodule supports the standard mini-SIM cards (2FF).
Note This is required only if you are using a COREmodule to
connect to a cellular network.

Get started with Connect IT 16/48 Cellular ONLY: Insert the CORE module
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 10
Equipment Description
Antennas (2)
Optional equipment
Equipment Description
Power cord IEC 60320 power cord.
An additional power cord used for redundancy.
Cellular ONLY: Insert the CORE module
Note If you are connecting to a network using an Ethernet connection, you can skip this section. See
Connect hardware and connect to site network using an Ethernet LAN.
This section explains how to connect the COREmodule and cellular antennas to the Connect IT
hardware.
Prerequisites
nActivated SIM card from your cellular network provider.
nCORE module. This may be included with your device. If it is not, you must purchase one
separately.
To connect the hardware and connect to the cellular network:
1. Insert your activated SIM card into the COREmodule. The notched end of SIM card should be
inserted first, with the gold metal contacts facing down. You will hear a click once the SIM is
completely inserted.
Note If one SIM card is being used, insert the SIMcard into the SIM 1 slot.
2. Insert the COREmodule into the device.
a. Orient the device so the front of the device is facing you.
b. Remove the COREmodule slot cover from the back of the device.
c. Insert the COREmodule into the slot. Make sure the pin holes on the back of the
module match the location of the pins in the slot.
d. Push the module into the slot.
e. Push the white handle down until you hear it click.

Get started with Connect IT 16/48 Connect the power supplies and fans
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 11
f. Optionally, you can screw one of the COREmodule cover screws into the center of
the handle.
g. Place the white CORE module cover over the end of the device. Make sure that the
antenna labels are oriented correctly.
h. Push the cover in place.
3. Attach both of the included antennas. While gripping the metal connector section with your
thumb and forefinger, tighten until secure. Do not tighten the antenna by holding any part of
the plastic antenna housing.
Note Attaching both antennas ensures maximum performance. If a single antenna solution is
required, it must be attached to the antenna port labeled MAIN.
Connect the power supplies and fans
You must purchase a power supply kit. Each kit includes three units: two fan and power supply units
and one fan unit.
You can choose between the following two kits:
nITPS-PSEK: Connect IT 16/48 power supply kit, port-side exhaust. Use this when the serial
ports will be in the hot aisle. The thumb screws used to connect the items to the Connect IT
are blue.
nITPS-PSIK: Connect IT 16/48 power supply kit, port-side intake. Use this when the serial ports
will be in the cold aisle. The thumb screws used to connect the items to the Connect IT are red.
1. Orient the device so the back of the device is facing you.
2. Connect the first power supply and fan unit to the Connect IT.
a. Orient a power supply and fan unit to match the picture shown above.
b. Insert the unit into the slot on the left side of the device.
c. Turn the red or blue screws to securely attach the unit to the device case.

Get started with Connect IT 16/48 Optional: Connect SFP+ modules
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 12
3. Connect the second power supply and fan unit to the Connect IT.
a. Orient the second power supply and fan unit to match the picture shown above.
b. Insert the unit into the slot on the right side of the device.
c. Turn the red or blue screws to securely attach the unit to the device case.
4. Connect the stand-alone fan unit to the Connect IT.
a. Orient the fan unit to match the picture shown above.
b. Insert the fan into the slot next to the power supply and fan unit on the right side of
the device.
c. Turn the red or blue screws to securely attach the fan to the device case.
Optional: Connect SFP+ modules
You can choose to connect up to two SFP+ modules to the Connect IT.
Note When you use an SFP+ module, you cannot use the equivalent Ethernet port. For example, if you
insert an SFP+ module into the SFP+1 slot, you cannot use the ETH1 slot. If you insert an SFP+ module
into the SFP+2 slot, you cannot use the ETH2 slot.
1. Orient the device so the front of the device is facing you.
2. Insert the first SFP+ module into the SFP+1 slot on the Connect IT.
3. Insert the second SFP+ module into the SFP+2 slot on the Connect IT.
Connect the hardware
These sections explain how to connect the hardware and then connect to either a cellular network
using the COREmodule or to a site network using an Ethernet cable.
nConnect hardware and connect to site network using an Ethernet LAN
nConnect hardware and connect to a cellular network
Connect hardware and connect to site network using an Ethernet
LAN
This section explains how to connect the Connect IT hardware and then connect to a site network,
using an Ethernet WAN cable.
Prerequisites
nCAT5/6 Ethernet cable, which must be purchased separately.
To connect the hardware and connect to a site network:
1. Connect the power supply and fan units to the device. See Connect the power supplies and
fans.
2. Plug the power supply unit into an AC power outlet and connect the other end to the Power
plug on the 16/48.
3. Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to your site network.

Get started with Connect IT 16/48 Connect the hardware
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 13
4. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet ETH2 port on the 16/48. By
default a DHCP request will be sent to the local Ethernet network.
Connect hardware and connect to a cellular network
This section explains how to connect the Connect IT hardware and then connect to a cellular network,
using a CORE module. You must have purchased a COREmodule to be able to connect to the cellular
network.
Note As an alternative, you can also use an Ethernet LAN connection. See Connect hardware and
connect to site network using an Ethernet LAN.
To connect the hardware and connect to the cellular network:
1. Insert a COREmodule with an activated SIM card. See Cellular ONLY: Insert the CORE module.
2. Plug the power supply cord into at least one of the power supplies on the back of the device.
The second power cord can also be plugged in, but it is not required. It is available for power
redundancy.
3. Plug the power supply unit into an AC power outlet to power up the Connect IT 16/48.

Connect equipment to the Connect IT serial ports
After your device is connected and powered up, you can connect equipment to the device using the
serial ports.
The serial ports on the 16/48 provide console access to connected critical equipment through the
cellular network or a connected Ethernet LAN. Depending on your model, you can connect up to 16 or
48 of your network devices to the 16/48 serial ports. For pinout information, see Serial connector
pinout.
You must use a cable with an RJ45 connector to connect to the 16/48 16/48 with a RJ45, DB9F or
DB9M connector, as determined by your device type, to terminate to your device. Consult the user
guide for the device you are connecting to the 16/48 to determine the connector type, cable type, and
pinout positions for your specific device.
The serial port is enabled by default.The serial ports are enabled by default. The network devices
connected to the serial ports may be accessed using Remote Manager, the local web UI, TCP, telnet,
or SSH connections. TCP, telnet and SSH connections to serial ports are disabled by default and must
be enabled by a device-specific configuration.
Serial connector pinout
The Connect IT console port is DTE. The Connect IT serial ports 1-48 (1-16 for IT 16) are DTE ports by
default but may be software configured for DCE.
Signal name Console port and DTE mode DCE mode
CTS 1 N/A
Signals are not used in DCEmode.
DSR 2 N/A
Signals are not used in DCEmode.
RXD 3 6
GND 4 5
GND/DCD 5 4
TXD 6 3
DTR 7 N/A
Signals are not used in DCEmode.
RTS 8 N/A
Signals are not used in DCEmode.
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 14

Configure Connect IT using Remote Manager
The following actions are typically only performed by your network administrator.
Before you begin
You must create a Remote Manager account and add your Connect IT devices to your Remote
Manager inventory.
Note For more detailed information about using Remote Manager, see the Digi Remote Manager User
Guide.
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 15

Configure Connect IT using Remote Manager Create a Remote Manager account and add devices
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 16
Create a Remote Manager account and add devices
To be able to use Remote Manager, you must create a Remote Manager account and add your
Connect IT devices to the device list. You should also verify that the device is enabled to connect to
Remote Manager.
Create a Remote Manager account
Before you can use Remote Manager, you must create a free trial account.
Account owner
Part of creating the Remote Manager account is creating the first user account in Remote Manager.
The first user becomes the account owner, who may not be a particular person, but a role within your
organization. You may want to choose a user name that reflects a role rather than an actual person.
See Determine the Account owner.
1. Go to www.digi.com/remotemanager.
2. Click 30-Day Free Trial.
3. Complete the registration form, making note of the your user name and password for future
reference.
Note This first account is the account owner for Remote Manager.
4. Review and accept the Terms of Service.
5. Enter the image code in the text field.
6. Click Start Free Trial. An account confirmation screen appears.
7. Check your email inbox for your account activation link.
8. Click the account activation link in your email.
9. You can now log in to your Remote Manager account and begin adding devices to your device
inventory.
Log in to Remote Manager
After you have created your Remote Manager account, you can log in.
Note See Create a Remote Manager account for instructions on how to create an account.
1. In a web browser, type https://remotemanager.digi.com.
2. Type your login credentials in the Username and Password fields.
Note If you have forgotten your credentials, click Forgot Username or Password and follow
the online instructions. See Forgot user name or password.
3. Click Log in.
Add a Connect IT to your inventory
This topic explains how to add a Connect ITto Remote Manager.

Configure Connect IT using Remote Manager Update the firmware on Connect IT from Remote Manager
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 17
Note You can also add multiple devices using a CSV file. See Add multiple devices using a CSV file.
1. Log in to Remote Manager.
2. Click Device Management > Devices.
3. Click Add Devices. The Add Devices dialog appears.
4. For each device you want to add:
a. From the drop-down menu, select the device identifier type to use for the device:
MAC address,IMEI #, or Device ID. Typically, you can find the MAC address or IMEI
number on the device label.
Note If a device has both a MAC address and an IMEI #, you must use the MAC address to
add the device.
b. Type in the device identifier.
c. In the Install Code field, enter the installation code found on the device label. If you
attempt to add a device that requires an installation code with a missing or
incorrect code, you receive an error message. For devices that were not
manufactured with an associated installation code, the installation code is optional.
d. Click Add. The device is added to the device list box.
e. Repeat this process to add additional devices.
5. When you have finished entering devices, review the listed devices. If necessary, use Remove
to remove any incorrect entries.
6. Click OK to add all the listed devices to your Remote Manager inventory.
7. After a few minutes, click the refresh icon in the toolbar to refresh the device list. The new
devices appear in your device inventory.
8. Information about the added device is saved in the event log. Click Admin > Event Log to
display the Event log view.
Update the firmware on Connect IT from Remote Manager
You can update the firmware on Connect IT from Remote Manager. You must first get the current
firmware file, and then you can upload it to the device.
1. Download the Connect IT firmware to your PC.
2. Log in to your Remote Manager account.
3. Click Device Management.
4. From the list of devices, click on the Connect IT for which you want to update the firmware.
5. In the toolbar, click More > Update Firmware. The Update Firmware dialog appears.
6. Click Browse to select the firmware file you just downloaded.

Configure Connect IT using Remote
Manager
View identifying information about the Connect IT on the Home
page
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 18
7. Click Update Firmware to immediately update the firmware.
Note By default, the firmware will update when you click the Update Firmware button. If you
want to schedule when you want the update to occur, click the gear icon to display the options.
See Schedule an action in the Digi Remote Manager User Guide for detailed information about
the schedule options.
View identifying information about the Connect IT on the Home
page
You can display information about Connect IT in the Home page, such as the IPaddress, global
address, and the Connect ITdevice ID. From this page you can also view the data stream and device
file.
1. Log into your Remote Manager account.
2. Click the Device Management tab.
3. Click Devices.
4. From the list of devices, find the Connect IT for which you want to view identifying information.
Note You can use the search bar to search for the Connect IT by an identifier, such as the MAC
address, device ID, or device type.
5. Double-click on the device or click Properties in the toolbar. The Home page for the Connect IT
appears.
Access the Remote Manager configuration page
You can display basic identification and version information about the selected Connect IT in the
configuration Home page. You can also configure the device from this page.
Note The configuration options in Remote Manager are the same as the configuration options in the
web user interface.
1. Log into your Remote Manager account.
2. Click Device Management >Devices.
3. Click Devices.
4. From the list of devices, click the Connect IT that you want to configure.
5. In the toolbar, click Configure.
As an alternative, click Properties in the toolbar and then from the Home page, click Edit
Device Configuration.
6. The configuration Home page appears, and shows basic identification and version information
about the selected Connect IT.

Configure Connect IT using Remote Manager Schedule system maintenance from Remote Manager
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 19
7. You can use the links in the toolbar to manage the Connect IT.
nHome: Click Home to return to the configuration Home page.
nConfig: Click Config to display configuration menu options:
lAuthentication
lCentral management
lFirewall
lMonitoring
lNetwork
lSerial
lServices
lSystem
lVPN
nStatus: Click Status to display a system status menu option:
lCommunications
lSystem
Schedule system maintenance from Remote Manager
You can schedule the system to run a set of system maintenance tasks to run within a specified time
window. You can also schedule a custom script to run at the specified time and frequency.
Note If you are scheduling a custom script, you must have previously created the script.
For example, you can specify a start time of 10:00 and a duration window of 2 hours. In this example,
the system maintenance can take place and custom scripts run at any time between 10:00 and 12:00.
1. Log into your Remote Manager account.
2. Access the Remote Manager configuration page.
3. Click Config > System in the toolbar. The System page appears.
4. Expand the Schedule Tasks section.

Configure Connect IT using Remote Manager Schedule system maintenance from Remote Manager
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 20
5. Configure a system maintenance task.
a. Expand the System maintenance section.
b. Enter the field values:
Field Description
Start time The start time of the maintenance window. All enabled
maintenance tasks take place at any random time
within the time block specified in the Duration window
field.
If this field is empty, maintenance is not scheduled and
no maintenance tasks will run.
Syntax:HH:MM
If the duration in the Duration window field is set to 1
or more hours, the minutes field is truncated.
Duration window The window of time during which the maintenance tasks
are scheduled to run. The default values is 2 hours.
n24 hours: If this option is selected, the start time
entered in the Start Time field becomes
obsolete, as a value of 24 hours means the
maintenance tasks are scheduled to run at any
time during a 24-hour time period.
nImmediately: If this option is selected, all
maintenance processes will execute at the same
time. This could potentially be dangerous, as this
action may stress the system.
Frequency The frequency at which the modem firmware check and
update tasks will run. The default value is Daily.
nDaily: The device runs the modem firmware
check and update once a day within the given
time window.
nWeekly: The device runs the modem firmware
check and update any day within the given time
window only once during the week.