NUMBELINK E2CLink Series User manual

Ethernet to Cellular Router
User Manual
NimbeLink Corp
Updated: May 2016
PN 30027 rev 8© NimbeLink Corp. 2017. All rights reserved. 1

Table of Contents
Introduction 4
Overview 4
Product Description 4
Orderable Part Numbers 5
Accessories 6
Antennas 6
Power Supplies 6
E2CLink Setup 7
Device Overview 7
Attach Antenna 8
Apply Power 9
Plug in Ethernet Cable 9
Plug in Equipment 10
Get Connected 10
Connect with NimbeLink 11
Activate on your Verizon Account 12
Mounting 13
Adhesive Tape 13
Reusable Strap 14
Default Operation 15
Accessing the Management Console 16
How to Connect to the Management Console 16
Password Configuration 18
Lost Password Reset 18
Steps to Reset a Lost Password 18
Checking the MEID/IMEI/SIM ID 21
Updating the Firmware 21
Accessing the System Log 22
Startup Script 23
Provisioning 24
Manually Configuring the APN 25
PN 30027 rev 8© NimbeLink Corp. 2016. All rights reserved. 2

Skywire® Initialization Code 27
Custom Startup Code 27
WANWatchdog & Network KeepAlive 27
KeepAlive Script 28
WAN Watchdog 29
Inbound Connectivity 31
Port Forwarding 32
Configure E2CLink Port Forwarding 33
Traffic Rules 34
Configuring Traffic Rules 34
Inbound Connectivity Examples 38
Remotely Accessing the E2CLink's Management Console 38
Step 1: Configuring the Port Forwarding 38
Step 2: Configuring Traffic Rules 39
Step 3: Remotely Connect to the E2CLink 41
Remotely Access a Device Connected to the E2CLink’s LAN 43
Step 1: Configure the LAN Side Device to have a Static IP Address 43
Step 2: Configure the Port Forwarding 44
Step 3: Configure the Traffic Rules 45
Step 4: Access the Device 47
Pseudo-Bridge Mode 49
Pseudo-Bridge Mode Configuration 49
Troubleshooting 53
The E2CLink Will Not Connect to the Network 53
Poor Signal Quality 53
Troubleshooting APN Misconfigurations 55
Troubleshooting Cellular Data Plans 55
E2CLink’s Management Console Will Not Load 56
Power 56
DHCP Conflicts 56
Browser Caching Error 56
The E2CLink Disconnects from the Network 56
GPL Compliance 57
Federal Regulatory Licensing 57
PN 30027 rev 8© NimbeLink Corp. 2016. All rights reserved. 3

1. Introduction
1.1  Overview
This document is the user manual for NimbeLink’s Ethernet to Cellular
Router. Throughout this document the Ethernet to Cellular Router will
often be referred to as the ‘E2CLink™’ or the ‘router,’ although it may be
referred to by its full name.
NimbeLink E2CLink is available with bundled data plans from leading
cellular carriers.
Make sure to check the E2CLink’s product page for the most up to date
information.
This document documents the operation of the E2CLink using firmware
e2c1p-20160321. If your E2CLink is running an earlier firmware version
certain features described in this document may not be available. If you
would like to update the firmware on your device to the e2c1p-20160321
firmware, please contact NimbeLink's technical support team.
1.2 Product Description
The E2CLink provides a low cost, industrial-grade alternative to cable,
DSL, or Wi-Fi internet connections. The E2CLink™ delivers instant cellular
connectivity over the Verizon network for any Ethernet enabled device. It
is significantly smaller and more affordable than other external cellular
routers and can cost significantly less to operate than cable or DSL
connections.
NimbeLink's E2CLink router has been tested by Verizon and granted
Private Network Certification, which allows it to be used with the Verizon
Private Network service. Verizon offers their Private Network service to
allow customers to assign private IP addresses from their own private
networks, to the E2C Link cellular router.  This ensures that the device
remains separate and inaccessible from the public internet. Generally, the
device is then set up to send data through a hardware Virtual Private
Network (VPN) connection between Verizon's core network and the
customer's endpoint (application server, edge router, or other private
endpoint).  For more information about Verizon’s Private Network service,
please contact a Verizon Wireless business representative, or reach out to
NimbeLink to be connected to a representative.
PN 30027 rev 8© NimbeLink Corp. 2016. All rights reserved. 4

1.3 Orderable Part Numbers
The table below contains a list of orderable part numbers. The retail versions
include the Antenna, power supply, and mounting hardware for the E2CLink
whereas the non-retail versions are for the OEM device only and do not include
any accessories.
Orderable Parts
Part Number
Description
Carrier
Network Type
NL-R-E2GC
R
Ethernet to Cellular Modem 2G
1xRTT Verizon - Retail Version
Verizon
2G 1xRTT CDMA
NL-R-E3GD
R
E2CLink – Ethernet to Cellular
Modem 3G EVDO with 2G 1XRTT
fallback Verizon - Retail Version
Verizon
3G CDMA, 2G
1xRTT CDMA
NL-R-E4GLS
R
E2CLink – Ethernet to Cellular
Modem 4G LTE Verizon - Retail
Version
Verizon
4G LTE CAT 3
NL-R-E2GC
Ethernet to Cellular Modem 2G
1xRTT       - Device Only
Verizon
2G CDMA
NL-R-E3GD
Ethernet to Cellular Modem 3G
EVDO with 2G 1xRTT fallback  -
Device Only
Verizon
3G CDMA
NL-R-E4GLS
Ethernet to Cellular Modem 4G LTE
- Device Only
Verizon
4G LTE CAT 3
NL-R-EC1G-
V
Ethernet to Cellular Modem. LTE
CAT1 Ether -  Device only
Verizon
4G LTE CAT 1
NL-R-EC1G-
VR
Ethernet to Cellular Modem. LTE
CAT1 Ether  - Retail Version
Verizon
4G LTE CAT 1
PN 30027 rev 8© NimbeLink Corp. 2016. All rights reserved. 5

1.4 Accessories
1.4.1 Antennas
The E2CLink requires a cellular antenna that supports the underlying cellular
technology (2G, 3G, or 4G) that the E2CLink is using. These frequencies will
vary between cellular technologies and cellular carriers. The standard antenna
shipped with the E2CLink retail kit is a Taoglas TG.30.8113 and supports 2G, 3G
and 4G applications. The E2CLink requires a dipole antenna for maximum
performance.
Recommended antennas are listed in the table below.
Orderable Parts
Manufacturer
Part Number
Network Type
Taoglas
TG.30.8113
2G/3G CDMA, 2G GSM,
3G HSPA, 4G LTE
CDW
MAG-212-12-SMA-M
2G/3G CDMA, 2G GSM,
3G HSPA, 4G LTE
Taoglas
TG.35.8113
2G/3G CDMA, 2G GSM,
3G HSPA, 4G LTE
Taoglas
GA.110.101111
2G/3G CDMA, 2G GSM,
3G HSPA, 4G LTE
1.4.2 Power Supplies
The E2CLink requires a 5V DC power supply that can supply at least 1.2A.
E2CLink retail kits ship with CUI Inc’s SWI6-5-N-P5. The ethernet port on the
E2C Link does not support Power Over Ethernet (POE). If POE is required an
external power adapter must be used.
PN 30027 rev 8© NimbeLink Corp. 2016. All rights reserved. 6

2. E2CLink Setup
2.1 Device Overview
The E2CLink™ Ethernet-to-Cellular Router provides a low-cost,
industrial-grade alternative to cable, DSL or Wi-Fi internet connections.
The E2CLink™ delivers instant cellular connectivity over the Verizon
network for any Ethernet enabled device.
Figure 1: Connector Side View of the E2CLink
PN 30027 rev 8© NimbeLink Corp. 2016. All rights reserved. 7

Figure 2: Antenna Side View of the E2CLink
2.2 Attach Antenna
The E2CLink requires an external antenna and provides a standard
SMA connector for easy connection.  On 2G and 3G devices there is
only one antenna port. On 4G devices there are two antenna ports
and both antenna ports need an antenna connected to them. If the
E2CLink is installed inside of a metal cabinet, a remote antenna
should be used.
The retail package includes a wide-band blade style antenna that can
attach directly to the SMA connector.
PN 30027 rev 8© NimbeLink Corp. 2016. All rights reserved. 8

2.3 Apply Power
The E2CLink requires a 5V DC power source.  The input is a 5.5mm
outside diameter, 2.1mm inside diameter barrel jack.  The center pin
is +5V.
The retail package includes an AC to DC power converter with 6ft
cord.  Replacement part number: CUI INC. SWI6-5-N-P5
2.4 Plug in Ethernet Cable
The E2CLink connects to equipment with standard CAT 5/CAT 5E
Ethernet cables through a RJ45 jack. The Ethernet port on the E2C
Link does not support port over Ethernet (POE). If POE is needed an
external converter must be used.
PN 30027 rev 8© NimbeLink Corp. 2016. All rights reserved. 9

2.5 Plug in Equipment
The final step is to plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into a PC
or router WAN port.
3. Get Connected
The E2CLink typically does not have an active cellular data plan when it arrives.
Once a data plan is active, Verizon devices will automatically provision
themselves during first use. While non-Verizon devices may need to have their
APNs and or provisioning commands configured. The provisioning process
typically takes a few minutes to complete.
Customers using devices on networks other than Verizon will need to contact
their cellular data provider to set up a cellular data plan for their device. For
Verizon enabled devices there are multiple data plan options available from
NimbeLink that will get you connected in minutes or you may contact your
Verizon account representative to set up your cellular data plan.
Cellular devices on the Verizon network can be classified as several different
device types. On the Verizon Network the E2CLink is classified as a Machine to
Machine (M2M) device and needs to be activated on an M2M account. SIM cards
that are on consumer plans may not work with the E2CLink because of this
classification difference. If your Verizon representative is having difficulties
activating a cellular data plan for your E2CLink please have them contact
NimbeLink’s support team at https://support.nimbelink.com/
PN 30027 rev 8© NimbeLink Corp. 2016. All rights reserved. 10

3.1 Connect with NimbeLink
If you don’t have a Verizon M2M Business account, NimbeLink can provide
Verizon data plans directly without contract commitments.
The available data plans can be viewed here:
http://nimbelink.com/skywire-cellular-data-plans/
To activate service please fill out our online form at http://go.nimbelink.com
To activate a line of service you will need to provide the following information for
activation and billing purposes:
● Name
● Address
● Email
● Phone
● Desired Data Plan
● E2CLink MEID or IMEI & SIM ID number which can be found on the back
of the device of the device (examples shown below)
PN 30027 rev 8© NimbeLink Corp. 2016. All rights reserved. 11

3.2 Activate on your Verizon Account
There are two ways to activate an E2C Link on your existing Verizon
account:
1) Log into your Verizon My Business Portal account and select Orders ->
Purchase Service Only.  Follow the onscreen instructions.
2) Call your Verizon account representative and tell them you’d like to activate
service on your E2CLink.  You will need to supply the MEID or IMEI & SIM
details which can be found on the bottom of your device. If your Verizon
account representative would like the recommended feature codes for
activating an E2CLink please have them contact NimbeLink at:
https://support.nimbelink.com/
PN 30027 rev 8© NimbeLink Corp. 2016. All rights reserved. 12

4. Mounting
The E2CLink is a rugged product that can be attached to equipment in numerous
ways.  The retail packaging includes two methods to adhere the E2CLink in the
end application.
4.1 Adhesive Tape
The retail packaged product includes two pieces of weather-resistant, double
sided polyurethane foam adhesive which can be applied to the enclosure to
adhere the product to a surface.  The adhesive attaches well to rigid surfaces.
1) Wipe dust from the surface of the E2CLink and apply double sided
tape as shown.  Be sure to copy the MEID or IMEI and ICCID (SIM
number) from the bottom label if it will not be visible after installation.
2) Wipe dust from surface of the equipment and press the E2CLink firmly
for 30 seconds.
PN 30027 rev 8© NimbeLink Corp. 2016. All rights reserved. 13

4.2 Reusable Strap
The retail package includes one reusable strap that can attach to many surfaces
and provide an installation option that allows you to later remove the product if
necessary.
1) Screw strap to desired surface using screw or bolt appropriate for the
surface type.
2) Wrap strap around E2CLink and tighten strap to secure the product.
  
PN 30027 rev 8© NimbeLink Corp. 2016. All rights reserved. 14

5. Default Operation
When power is applied, the E2CLink will obtain an IP address from the cellular
network if the device has a valid cellular data plan.  The IP address may be either
static or dynamic, and is assigned by your cellular service provider.
By default, the E2CLink acts as a DHCP server and will assign an IP address to
any equipment that connects via the Ethernet port.  The E2CLink will provide the
IP address, subnet mask and default gateway information to the equipment.
If the connected equipment requests or sends data from/to an external IP
address, the E2CLink will use the cellular connection to process the request and
route the data back to the originating equipment.
The device has 3 states:
Powered-Off:  The E2CLink does not have power.  This is indicated by the
power LED being off off and is caused by the device being unplugged or
not having any power applied to its input. The ethernet and cellular
network are powered down and cannot be detected by the cellular network
or any downstream equipment.
Initialization: When power is applied to E2CLink, the power LED will turn
on and stay on and the cellular and ethernet Status LEDs will be off.  The
E2CLink will go through its initialization phase where it will attempt to
automatically connect its WAN interface to the cellular network and enable
the LAN connection via it’s Ethernet port.
The initialization phase may take several minutes to complete.
Powered-On: Once the E2CLink completes its initialization phase it will
enter its powered-on mode. This is indicated by the Power LED being on
and the Cellular and Ethernet Status LEDs may be on or blinking to
indicate connection status and activity.
Once the E2CLink has reached the Power-On state, the connected
equipment can get a DHCP address and begin sending/receiving data
over the internet. The E2CLink is now connected to the cellular network
and is ready to send and receive data.
PN 30027 rev 8© NimbeLink Corp. 2016. All rights reserved. 15

6. Accessing the Management Console
For advanced networking scenarios, the E2CLink configuration can be modified
via a web-based management console.  The E2CLink is based on the OpenWRT
operating system so there is extensive flexibility in how the device can be
configured.  Typical network use cases may require opening Ports, setting up
specific routing rules, or adjusting default Firewall settings.
6.1 How to Connect to the Management Console
1) Connect the E2CLink to a PC with an Ethernet cable.
2) Configure the PC Ethernet port to get an IP address via DHCP.
3) Apply power to the E2CLink and wait one minute.  After one minute the
E2CLink should be close to completing or will have completed its initialization
process and will have assigned an IP address to the PC.
4) Using a web browser on the PC, navigate to the web URL:  192.168.1.1
The E2CLink will serve up a web page.  The default username is root and
password can be left blank until a new username and password are set.
PN 30027 rev 8© NimbeLink Corp. 2016. All rights reserved. 16

5) Once the user has logged into the E2CLink they will be greeted by the Status
page where they can view system information of the E2CLink. If the password
is not set a yellow warning box will be visible on the top of the page as shown
below.
PN 30027 rev 8© NimbeLink Corp. 2016. All rights reserved. 17

7. Password Configuration
The E2CLink is shipped with “root” as the default user name and no password. The
password needs to be configured upon setup to secure the device against unwanted
users. The password can be changed under System>Administration   as indicated by
the blue circles in the image below.
Figure 5
8. Lost Password Reset
If the E2CLink administrative password is lost or the unit has been configured for
a static IP address that is now unknown, the unit can be recovered by reflashing
the firmware using the boot loader failsafe method.  Note that this recovery
method does revert the unit to factory settings and the previous unique
configuration will be lost. You will need a computer on which you can manually
set a static IP address. DO NOT remove power from the device during the reset
process as removing power could damage your device.
8.1 Steps to Reset a Lost Password
1) Obtain the latest version of the E2CLink Firmware by contacting your NimbeLink
representative at https://support.nimbelink.com/. You will need this firmware
image on the computer before you disconnect it from its normal network and
connect it only to the E2CLink being recovered.
2) Remove power from the E2CLink.
3) Connect the computer and the E2CLink together. Make sure they are the only
two things connected to this network segment.
PN 30027 rev 8© NimbeLink Corp. 2016. All rights reserved. 18

4) Use a T-9 Torx screwdriver to remove the endplate with the antenna
connector(s) attached.  Remove both screws and the end plate will come away,
revealing a small push button on the PCB in the center of the opening.  This
small push button is the reset button. Be careful not to pull the end plate and
coax cable too far out from the enclosure.  The coax cable is fragile.
5) Configure the computer for a static IP address of 192.168.1.2
6) Press and hold the reset button on the E2CLink.
7) Apply power to the E2CLink and carefully watch the LEDs on the other end. As
soon as you see four blinks from the two LEDs closest to the Ethernet jack,
release the reset button. You should get a burst of fast blinks from the two LEDs.
If you do not get the faster blinks, power off the E2CLink and try again.
8) Use a browser on the computer to navigate to the management console at
192.168.1.1. You should see the following screen displaying “Firmware Update”
in a large font.
PN 30027 rev 8© NimbeLink Corp. 2016. All rights reserved. 19

9) Click the browse button to select the firmware image provided by NimbeLink.
10) Click the Update   Firmware   button to initiate the firmware installation. This will
load an update page indicating the firmware update is in progress. DO NOT
remove power from the device during this process as this will brick the device.
11)When this process completes, the E2CLink will be reflashed with fresh firmware
and all settings will be reverted to factory default.  There will be no administrative
password set and you will need to reconfigure any custom settings you had in the
router, including the cellular APN if that was previously customized.
PN 30027 rev 8© NimbeLink Corp. 2016. All rights reserved. 20