NetComm Vodafone MachineLink 3G User manual

Vodafone MachineLink 3G
USER GUIDE

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Copyright
Copyright© 2013 NetComm Wireless Limited. All rights reserved.
Copyright© 2013 Vodafone Group Plc. All rights reserved.
The information contained herein is proprietary to NetComm Wireless and Vodafone. No part of this document may be translated, transcribed,
reproduced, in any form, or by any means without prior written consent of NetComm Wireless and Vodafone.
Please note: This document is subject to change without notice.
Save our environment
When this equipment has reached the end of its useful life, it must be taken to a recycling centre and processed separately from domestic waste.
The cardboard box, the plastic contained in the packaging, and the parts that make up this device can be recycled in accordance with regionally
established regulations. Never dispose of this electronic equipment along with your household waste. You may be subject to penalties or
sanctions under the law. Instead, ask for disposal instructions from your municipal government.
Please be responsible and protect our environment.
This user guide covers the following products:
Vodafone MachineLink 3G M2M Router
DOCUMENT VERSION DATE
Initial document release 9 April 2013
Cosmetic fixes 17 May 2013
Aligned to firmware version 1.10.16.X. Added description of Data usage button and Ethernet port LED
indicators 12 June 2013
Aligned to firmware version 1.10.32.X. Added Vodafone GDSP roaming settings page, hostname
description on LAN settings page and updated Administration settings screenshot and descriptions.
20 September 2013
Table 1 - Document Revision History

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Table of contents
Overview.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
Introduction...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
Target audience .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
Prerequisites..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
Notation......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
Product introduction.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................5
Product overview.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................5
Package contents....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................5
Product features.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
Physical dimensions and indicators....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7
Physical dimensions...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................7
LED indicators...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................8
Ethernet port LED indicators................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................9
Interfaces................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Placement of the MachineLink 3G router.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................11
Mounting options ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
Installation and configuration of the Vodafone MachineLink 3G.......................................................................................................................................................................16
Powering the router............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Power consumption............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Installing the router............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 17
Advanced configuration .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................18
Status............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................19
Networking.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................21
Data connection.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Connect on demand............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 29
Operator settings.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
SIM security settings............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 34
LAN ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 38
Routing..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 42
VPN............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 52
Services........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................65
Dynamic DNS ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 65
Network time (NTP).............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 66
Ping watchdog....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 67
SNMP......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 69
TR-069...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 71
SMS Diagnostics and Commands.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 72
Diagnostics.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 76
Sending an SMS diagnostic command.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 79
System..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................86
Log............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 86
System configuration.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 89
Appendix A: Tables ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................97
Appendix B: Device Mounting Dimensions ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................98
Appendix C: Mounting Bracket...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................99
Appendix D: Default Settings...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................100
Restoring factory default settings ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................101
Recovery mode ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................102
Appendix E: HTTP Secure ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................103
What is HTTP Secure?........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................103
Generating your own self-signed certificate.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................103
Uploading a self-signed certificate...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................105
Appendix F: RJ-45 connector...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................107
Safety and product care.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................108

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Overview
Introduction
This document provides you all the information you need to set up, configure and use the Vodafone MachineLink 3G Router.
Target audience
This document is intended for system integrators or experienced hardware installers who understand telecommunications terminology and
concepts.
Prerequisites
Before continuing with the installation of your Vodafone MachineLink 3G, please confirm that have the following:
1. A device with a working Ethernet network adapter.
2. A web browser such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome.
3. A working SIM card if your router was not shipped with one pre-inserted.
4. A flathead screwdriver (No. 3) if field terminated power is required.
Notation
The following symbols are used in this user guide:
The following note requires attention
The following note provides a warning
The following note provides useful information

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Product introduction
Product overview
HSPA+ up to 14.4Mbps downstream
Penta-band 3G with quad-band 2G auto-fallback
Internal diversity antennae with option for external main antenna (auto-sensing)
Ethernet port with full passive Power over Ethernet (PoE) support (802.3af)
Intelligent tri-colour LED display for clear, easy-to-read modem status information
Integration with Vodafone GDSP back end
Roaming algorithm with prioritisation for cost effective, flawless network connection across the globe
Extensive device management with support for TR-069, web configuration and full feature management with SMS
Optimised web configuration
Flexible mounting suitable for in-home use or industrial applications with built-in wall mount, DIN and C-Rail mounting options
Package contents
The Vodafone MachineLink 3G package consists of:
1x Vodafone MachineLink 3G router
1x 1.5m yellow Ethernet cable 8P8C
1x DIN rail mounting bracket
1x quick start guide and safety manual
If any of these items are missing or damaged, please contact NetComm Wireless Support or your Vodafone sales representative immediately. The
NetComm Wireless Support website can be found at: http://support.netcommwireless.com and the Vodafone support agreement details are part
of your commercial contract with Vodafone.

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Product features
The Vodafone MachineLink 3G is a feature-packed wireless M2M device designed by Vodafone to address the rapid growth in M2M deployments.
The first M2M device of its kind, it is designed to deliver state of the art features, versatility and ease of use at an affordable price. Compatible with
Vodafone networks worldwide, MachineLink is managed by Vodafone's global M2M platform enabling remote management and support wherever
you are. The open management system also allows you to customise your own software applications for scalability, large scale compatibility and
an easy path to large deployments across a broad range of industries.
The Vodafone MachineLink 3G meets the global demand for a reliable and cost-effective M2M device that successfully caters to mass deployment
across businesses.

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Physical dimensions and indicators
Physical dimensions
Below is a list of the physical dimensions of the Vodafone MachineLink 3G.
Figure 1 – Vodafone MachineLink 3G Dimensions
VODAFONE MACHINELINK 3G
(WITHOUT EXTERNAL ANTENNA ATTACHED)
Length 140 mm
Depth 103 mm
Height 30 mm
Weight 180g
Table 2 - Device Dimensions

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LED indicators
The Vodafone MachineLink 3G uses 7 LEDs to display the current system and connection status.
Figure 2 - Vodafone MachineLink 3G LED Indicators
LED ICON NAME COLOUR STATE DESCRIPTION
Power
Off Power off
Double flash Powering up
On Power on
On Power on in recovery mode
Slow flashing Hardware error
Network
On Connected via WWAN
Blinking1Traffic via WWAN
Slow flashing Connecting PDP
On Registered network
Slow flashing Registering network
Slow flashing SIM PIN locked
Fast flashing SIM PUK locked
On Can’t connect
Signal strength
On 3G
On 2G GPRS
On GSM only (no GPRS)
Table 3 - LED Indicators
1The term “blinking” means that the LED may pulse, with the intervals that the LED is on and off not being equal. The term “flashing” means that the LED turns on
and off at equal intervals.

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Signal strength LEDs
The following table lists the signal strength range corresponding with the number of lit signal strength LEDs.
NUMBER OF LIT LEDS SIGNAL STRENGTH
All LEDs unlit < -109 dBm
1 -109 dBm < -101dBm
2 -101 dBm < -91 dBm
3 -91 dBm < -85 dBm
4 -85 dBm < -77 dBm
5 ≥-77 dBm
Table 4 - Signal strength LED descriptions
LED update interval
The signal strength LEDs update within a few seconds with a rolling average signal strength reading. When selecting a location for the router or
connecting or positioning an external antenna, please allow up to 20 seconds for the signal strength LEDs to update before repositioning.
Ethernet port LED indicators
The Ethernet port of the Vodafone MachineLink 3G router has two LED indicators on it.
Figure 3 - Ethernet port LED indicators
The table below describes the statuses of each light and their meanings.
LED STATUS DESCRIPTION
Green
On There is a valid network link.
Blinking There is activity on the network link.
Amber
On The Ethernet port is operating at a speed of 100Mbps.
Off The Ethernet port is operating at a speed of 10Mbps or no Ethernet cable is connected.
Table 5 - Ethernet port LED indicators description

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Interfaces
The following interfaces are available on the Vodafone MachineLink 3G:
Figure 4 - Interfaces
ITEM DESCRIPTION
External main antenna socket
SMA female connector for an optional external antenna (not supplied). The main internal antenna
is disabled when an external antenna is connected but the auxiliary antenna remains active to
provide (where possible) diversity assistance.
Power LED Indicates the power status of the device and whether the device is in recovery mode.
Network LED Indicates the network and SIM status.
Signal strength LEDs Indicates the signal strength and network type.
RJ45 PoE Ethernet port
Connect one or several devices via a network switch here. This port can also optionally receive
Power over Ethernet (802.3af PoE) in which case the DC power supply can serve as backup power
source if required.
Reset button
Press and hold for less than 5 seconds to reboot to normal mode.
Press and hold for 5 to 15 seconds to reboot to recovery mode.
Press and hold for 15 to 20 seconds to reset the router to factory default settings.
Two-way captive power Connect power source here. Power wires may be terminated on optional terminal block and
connected to DC input jack. Operates in the 8-35V DC range.
SIM tray eject Insert a pencil or paper clip here to eject the SIM card tray.
SIM card slot Insert SIM card here.
Table 6 - Interfaces

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Placement of the MachineLink 3G
router
When selecting a location to mount the MachineLink 3G router, keep in mind that it houses two high performance internal antennas designed to
provide optimum signal strength in a wide range of environments. If you find the signal strength is weak, try moving the router to a different place
or mounting it differently. If signal strength doesn’t improve, you may need to attach an external antenna (not included) to the router’s female
SMA connector.
Note: If you connect an external antenna to the female SMA connector, the main internal antenna disables automatically but the
auxiliary internal antenna remains connected to provide (where possible) diversity assistance.
Note: When selecting a location for the router, allow at least 20 seconds for the signal strength LEDs to update before trying a different
location or connecting an external antenna.
Mounting options
The Vodafone MachineLink 3G router can be quickly and easily mounted in a variety of locations.
Mounted flat against the wall
When mounted flat against the wall, the MachineLink 3G router has a slimline form factor. Use appropriately sized screws in the mounting holes
provided on the base of the unit.
Figure 5 - Wall mount - Flat against the wall
Perpendicular to the wall
If a large surface area is not available, there is the option of mounting the router perpendicular to the wall. This gives the router a small wall
footprint while remaining securely attached. Use appropriately sized screws in the mounting holes provided on the back of the unit.

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Figure 6 - Wall mount - Perpendicular to the wall
C Section DIN Rail mount
The MachineLink 3G router easily slides onto a C Section DIN rail so that it is horizontally mounted. The DIN Rail mounting bracket is not required
for C Section DIN rail mounting.
Figure 7 - C Section DIN rail mount
To mount the unit on a C-Section DIN rail, slide it on as illustrated below:
Figure 8 - Mounting the unit on a DIN rail

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Mounting bracket
The provided mounting bracket provides additional methods of mounting the MachineLink 3G Router.
To attach the mounting bracket, slide it onto the rear of the router as shown in the diagram below:
Figure 9 - Sliding on the mounting bracket
To remove the bracket, press the PUSH button and slide the router off the bracket:
Figure 10 - Removing the mounting bracket

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Using the mounting bracket for wall mounting
By first attaching the DIN rail bracket to the wall, the MachineLink 3G can be easily attached and removed from the bracket.
Figure 11 – Wall mount - Mounted via DIN rail bracket
Using the mounting bracket for Top hat DIN rail mounting
The MachineLink 3G Router may be vertically mounted to the wall with the bracket by sliding the bracket onto a top hat DIN rail
Figure 12 - Top hat DIN rail mount
Alternatively, you can attach it to the DIN Rail by using the V bend in the bracket as illustrated below:
Figure 13 - Attaching the mounting bracket to the DIN rail using the V bend

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Desk mount
In situations where wall mounts and DIN rails are not required, you can simply place the MachineLink 3G router on a desk using its rubber feet to
prevent it from slipping.
Figure 14 - Desk mount

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Installation and configuration of the
Vodafone MachineLink 3G
Powering the router
The MachineLink 3G Router can be powered in one of three ways:
1. Power over Ethernet (802.3af PoE)
2. DC power input via 2-pin connector (8-35V DC)
3. DC power input via field terminated power source (8-35V DC)
4. The green power LED on the router lights up when a power source is connected.
Power over Ethernet (802.3af PoE)
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a method of connecting network devices through Ethernet cable where power and data are passed along a single
cable. This may be a desirable method of powering the device if PoE is available, or if it’s most convenient in the desired installation environment
to only have a single cable running to the MachineLink 3G device.
There are 5 power classes defined in the IEEE 802.3-2005 standard, of which the Vodafone MachineLink 3G is a class 3 device.
CLASS CLASSIFICATION
CURRENT POWER RANGE CLASS DESCRIPTION
3 26-30 mA 6.49 – 12.95 W Mid power
Table 7 - PoE power classes
To use PoE to power the MachineLink 3G, simply connect your router to a PoE injector or PoE network switch using the bundled yellow Ethernet
cable 8P8C.
DC power via 2-pin connector
The DC input jack can accept power from a separately sold DC power supply. Both a standard temperature range DC power supply and an extended
temperature range DC power supply are available to purchase as accessories.
To power the device via DC Power via the 2-pin connector, remove the attached green terminal block from your router and connect the external
DC power supply to the router’s green DC power jack.
DC power via field terminated power source
If an existing 8-35V DC power supply is available, you can insert the wires into the supplied terminal block to power your router. Use a No. 3
flathead screwdriver to tighten the terminal block screws and secure the power wires, making sure the polarity of the wires are correctly matched,
as illustrated below.
Figure 15 - Locking Power Terminal Block
PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
+ V+ Voltage +
- V- Ground
Table 8 - Locking power block pin outs

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Failover power support
The MachineLink 3G Router includes support for connection of two power sources at the same time. When a PoE Ethernet cable is connected and
DC power is also supplied to the DC input jack of the router, the router will source power exclusively from the PoE source. In the event that power
from the PoE cable is lost, the router will automatically switch to source power from the DC input jack, without affecting the router’s operation.
When PoE power is restored, the router automatically switches back to receive power from the PoE input source.
Viewing power source information
You can view the current power input mode in the Advanced status section of the device’s Web user interface. This is useful for remotely
monitoring the device. You can also use the Software Development Kit to access this information for advanced purposes (e.g. configuring SMS
alerts to inform you of the power status of the router).
To view the router’s power source information, log in to the router and expand the Advanced status box on the status page. See the Status
section of this manual for more information on the status page.
Power consumption
To assist with power consumption planning, the following table summarises average power consumption during the various states of the
MachineLink 3G under normal usage conditions. It’s important to note that this table serves as an indication only as the power consumed by the
device is affected by many variables including signal strength, network type, and network activity.
Average power consumption figures
STATE POWER CONSUMPTION
Powered on, idle and connected to packet data 1.2W
Powered on, connected to packet data with average load 2.0W
Powered on, connected to packet data with heavy traffic 4.0W
Peak power draw at maximum 3G module transmission power 5.0W
Table 9 - Average power consumption figures
Installing the router
After you have mounted the router and connected a power source, follow these steps to complete the installation process.
1. Connect equipment that requires network access to the Ethernet port of your router. This may be your computer for advanced
configuration purposes, or your end equipment which requires data access via the MachineLink 3G. You can connect one device
directly, or several devices using a network switch.
If you’re using PoE as the power source, you need to connect any devices via an available data Ethernet port on your PoE power source
(be it a PoE network switch or PoE power injector).
2. Ensure the external power source is switched on and wait 2 minutes for your Vodafone MachineLink 3G to start up and connect to the
mobile network. Your router has an active SIM card preinstalled and arrives with preconfigured settings that should suit most customers.
Your router is now connected. To check the status of your router, compare the LED indicators on the device with those listed on page 8
of this guide.

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Advanced configuration
The Vodafone MachineLink 3G Router comes with preconfigured settings that should suit most customers. For advanced configuration, login to
the web-based user interface of the Vodafone MachineLink 3G.
To log in to the web-based user interface of the router:
1. Open a web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari), type http://192.168.1.1 into the address bar and press Enter. The web-based
user interface login screen is displayed.
2. Enter the login username and password. If this is the first time you are logging in or you have not previously configured the password for
the “root” or “admin” accounts, you can use one of the default account details to log in.
ADMIN MANAGER ACCOUNT ROOT MANAGER ACCOUNT
Username: admin Username: root
Password: admin Password: admin
Table 10 - Management account login details
Note:
•To access all features of the router, you must use the root manager account.
•For security reasons, we highly recommend that you change the passwords for the root and admin accounts upon initial
installation. You can do so by navigating via the menu to the System and then Administration page.
Figure 16 – Log in prompt for the web-based user interface
After you have logged in, the Status page is displayed.

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Status
The status page of the web interface provides system related information and is displayed when you log in to the Vodafone MachineLink 3G
management console. The status page shows System information, LAN details, Cellular connection status, Packet data connection status and
Advanced status details. You can toggle the sections from view by clicking the or buttons to show or hide them.
Extra status boxes will appear as additional software features are enabled (e.g. VPN connectivity)
Figure 17 - The Status page

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ITEM DEFINITION
System information
System up time The current uptime of the router.
Device version The hardware and software firmware versions of the router.
Cellular module The type of phone module, firmware version of the module, Cellular configuration ID (CID), and the IMEI (International Mobile
Equipment Identity) of the router.
LAN
IP The IP address and subnet mask of the router.
MAC address The MAC address of the router.
Ethernet port status Displays the current status of the Ethernet port and its operating speed.
Cellular connection status
Network registration status / SIM status The status of the SIM card including whether the SIM is registered on the network and whether it is roaming.
Provider / Signal strength (dBm) /
Frequency
This shows the 3G service provider, the current signal strength measured in dBm and the frequency on which the router is
operating.
Coverage / Roaming status The type of mobile coverage being received by the router and the roaming status of the SIM.
Packet data connection status
Profile name The name of the active profile.
Status The connection status of the active profile.
Default profile Indicates whether the profile is the default profile.
WWAN IP The IP address assigned by the mobile broadband carrier network.
DNS server The DNS servers assigned to the router by the mobile broadband carrier network.
APN The Access Point Name currently in use.
Connection uptime The duration of the current connection to the mobile broadband network.
Transparent bridge mode
Status The status of the bridged connection mode.
IP The IP address and subnet mask of the bridged connection.
APN name The Access Point Name you have selected for the bridged connection.
Service name The optional service name you have chosen for the bridged connection.
Advanced status
Country code The Mobile Country Code (MCC) of the inserted SIM.
Network code The Mobile Network Code (MNC) of the inserted SIM.
Signal quality (Ec/Io) A measurement of the portion of the received signal that is usable. This is basically the signal strength minus the signal noise level.
Received signal code power (RSCP) The power level of the signal on the current connection’s particular channel.
DC input voltage Displays the current voltage of the power input source provided via the DC Input jack
HSUPA category Displays the HSUPA category (1-9) for the current uplink
HSDPA category Displays the HSDPA category (1-8) for the current downlink.
SIM ICCID The Integrated Circuit Card Identifier of the SIM card used with the router, a unique number up to 19 digits in length.
Primary scrambling code (PSC) The Primary scrambling code for the current signal.
Power input mode Displays whether power is currently being sourced from the PoE Ethernet port or from the DC input jack.
Location area code (LAC) The ID of the cell tower grouping the current signal is broadcasting from.
IMSI The International mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) used to identify the router on the cellular network.
Cell ID A unique code that identifies the base station from within the location area of the current mobile network signal.
Channel number (UARFCN) The channel number of the current 3G/2G connection.
Table 11 - Status page item details