Pivotel Redport aurora Assembly instructions

Aurora

ADVANCED USER GUIDE

FOR INSTALLERS & NETWORK ADMINISTRATORS

v2.0 – 18DEC2020

wXa-171-Aurora Aurora v2.0.

Table of Contents

1. ABOUT THIS GUIDE ............................................................................................................................... 4

2. INTRODUCTION TO AURORA .............................................................................................................. 5

2.1. KEY FEATURES .......................................................................................................................................... 5

2.2. SERVICES INCLUDED ................................................................................................................................. 6

2.3. PREMIUM SERVICES AVAILABLE ............................................................................................................... 6

2.4. IRIDIUM SATELLITE NETWORK .................................................................................................................. 6

3. SAFETY .................................................................................................................................................... 7

4. THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GETTING STARTED ............................................................................. 8

4.1. DESIGNED USE OF THE AURORA ............................................................................................................... 8

4.1.1. Single User Environment .................................................................................................8

4.1.2. Multi-User Environment...................................................................................................8

4.2. HOW IT WORKS AT FIRST LAUNCH (OUT OF THE BOX) ........................................................................... 9

4.3. HOW DATA FLOWS THROUGH THE ROUTER ........................................................................................... 10

4.3.1. Default Configuration ....................................................................................................10

4.3.2. Without RedPort-Certified Service ...............................................................................10

4.4. NAVIGATING THE USER INTERFACE ......................................................................................................... 11

5. GETTING STARTED - USER INTERFACE ACCESS .......................................................................... 12

5.1. ACCESS THE HOME PAGE ........................................................................................................................ 12

5.1.1. Onsite Administrator Login (Admin) .............................................................................13

5.1.2. Installer/Network Administrator Login (Superadmin).................................................14

5.2. HOW TO USE WITH DEFAULT SETUP ....................................................................................................... 16

5.2.1. Email and Web Browsing...............................................................................................16

4.2.2. Voice Calls.......................................................................................................................17

4.2.3. SMS Messaging ..............................................................................................................17

5. SERVICES ............................................................................................................................................... 18

5.1. REDPORT EMAIL ..................................................................................................................................... 18

5.1.1. Enable and Configure RedPort Email...........................................................................19

5.1.2. Primary Accounts ...........................................................................................................21

5.2. SMS MESSAGING .................................................................................................................................... 22

5.2.1. SMS Settings ..................................................................................................................22

5.2.2. Configure SIP Extensions to Receive SMS Messages................................................23

5.2.3. How to Send/Receive SMS Messages..........................................................................23

5.2.4. SMS Management ..........................................................................................................24

5.3. GPS TRACKING ....................................................................................................................................... 25

5.3.1. Tracking powered by RedPort with GSatTrack ...........................................................25

5.3.2. Tracking via SMS ............................................................................................................26

5.4. WI-FI EXTENDER ..................................................................................................................................... 27

5.5. GPS/NMEA REPEATER ......................................................................................................................... 28

5.6. VOICE PBX ............................................................................................................................................ 29

5.6.1. Voice PBX Settings.........................................................................................................29

5.6.2. Setup Extensions............................................................................................................30

5.6.3. How to Make/Receive Voice Calls ................................................................................31

5.6.4. CDR (Call Data Records)................................................................................................32

5.6.5. Logs .................................................................................................................................33

5.7. NETWORK SHARES .................................................................................................................................. 34

wXa-171-Aurora Aurora v2.0.

5.7.1. Create a Shared Directory .............................................................................................34

5.7.2. Add Users ........................................................................................................................36

5.7.3. How to Access the Shared Directory and Path Folders: ............................................36

6. STATUS ................................................................................................................................................... 40

7. SYSTEM .................................................................................................................................................. 41

7.1. SYSTEM SETTINGS ................................................................................................................................... 41

7.2. ROUTER PASSWORD ............................................................................................................................... 42

7.3. PROFILES ................................................................................................................................................. 43

7.3.1. Add a Profile....................................................................................................................44

7.3.2. Change to Another Saved Profile .................................................................................44

7.3.3. Export a Profile ...............................................................................................................45

7.4. BACKUP/FLASH FIRMWARE .................................................................................................................... 46

7.4.1. Backup/Restore..............................................................................................................47

7.4.2. Flash New Firmware Image ...........................................................................................48

7.4.3. Flash SD Drive Image .....................................................................................................49

7.4.4. Wi-Fi Extender ................................................................................................................49

7.5. REBOOT ................................................................................................................................................... 52

8. NETWORK .............................................................................................................................................. 53

8.1. INTERFACES ............................................................................................................................................. 53

8.2. WI-FI ........................................................................................................................................................ 55

8.2.1. Rename the Wireless Network......................................................................................56

8.2.2. Restrict Wireless Network Access................................................................................57

8.3. DHCP AND DNS ..................................................................................................................................... 58

8.4. HOSTNAMES ............................................................................................................................................ 59

8.5. STATIC ROUTES ....................................................................................................................................... 60

8.6. DIAGNOSTICS ........................................................................................................................................... 61

8.7. FIREWALL ................................................................................................................................................. 62

8.7.1. General Settings .............................................................................................................62

8.7.2. Port Forwards .................................................................................................................65

8.7.3. Firewall Rules..................................................................................................................66

8.7.4. IP Sets..............................................................................................................................69

8.8. PPP ......................................................................................................................................................... 70

8.8.1. PPP Settings for Aurora.................................................................................................70

8.8.2. PPP Settings for GSM ....................................................................................................73

8.8.3. Signal Monitor.................................................................................................................78

9. STATISTICS ............................................................................................................................................ 79

9.1. GRAPHS ................................................................................................................................................... 79

10. INSTALLERS GUIDELINES FOR CUSTOMIZATION .................................................................... 80

11. LOGIN ACCESS TABLE .................................................................................................................... 81

12. PRODUCT SUPPORT INFORMATION ............................................................................................ 82

12.1. PRODUCT WARRANTY INFORMATION ..................................................................................................... 82

12.2. PRODUCT SUPPORT INFORMATION ........................................................................................................ 83

12.3. REDPORT COMPANY CONTACT INFORMATION ...................................................................................... 83

wXa-171-Aurora Aurora v2.0.

1. About this Guide

This guide is intended for installers and network administrators of the RedPort Aurora

Iridium Wi-Fi Terminal. It features only those sections of the user interface that require

configuration for a specific service or may need to be accessed to perform a specific

function.

For information regarding the installation of the hardware, please see the RedPort Aurora

QuickStart Guide.

wXa-171-Aurora Aurora v2.0.

2. Introduction to Aurora

RedPort, the leaders in advancing satellite data speeds and services, helps Fixed and

Mobile Satellite Services providers and their customers by offering the industry’s fastest,

most reliable and easy-to-use email, web, VoIP and other hardware and software

services to maritime, oil and gas, first responder and business continuity users.

Ship to shore network management solutions are sold by Pivotel under the RedPort

Global brand name at www.redportglobal.com and as white-label solutions for the

world’s premier satellite data service service providers.

Aurora is an Iridium satellite Wi-Fi terminal, with a built-in RedPort Optimizer router, that

provides satellite voice, data and tracking services all under one dome. It is designed so

you can make voice calls and check email with devices you already have - your

smartphone, tablet or computer.

2.1. Key Features

Designed specifically for use with Iridium satellite service:

• Built-in RedPort Optimizer router for integrated voice, data and tracking.

• Supports voice calling and SMS messages using smartphones connected to the

local network.

• GSM Compatibility with optional bring your own GSM modem and service.

• GPS NMEA Repeater broadcasts the built-in GPS coordinates via Wi-Fi to share

with your onboard marine electronics.

• Supports GPS tracking.

• Logging/Reporting to keep track of usage.

• Wi-Fi hotspot makes setup and use easy for crew with compatible computers,

tablets and smartphones.

• Supports RedPort Email Service.

• Data optimization powered by RedPort Optimizer hardware.

• Powerful firewall accommodates virtually any common installation scenario, with

features including block or allow any range of port, IP address and protocols.

wXa-171-Aurora Aurora v2.0.

2.2. Services Included

The following services are included:

• Voice PBX - allows smartphones to send/receive calls to others on the local area

network for free, or over the satellite link at standard satellite airtime rates. See

Chapter 5.6.

• SMS Messaging - allows smartphones to send sms messages to others on the

local area network for free, or over the satellite link at standard satellite airtime

rates. See Chapter 5.2.

• GPS NMEA Repeater – allows other devices onboard/on-site to read your GPS

location. See Chapter 5.5.

• GSM Compatibility - allows Internet connectivity via your GSM modem or cell

phone with your own SIM card. See Chapter 8.8.

• File Sharing - Network Shares allows the sharing of files among Windows and

Mac computers via Wi-Fi, without the requirement of a wired local network of

computers.

2.3. Premium Services Available

The following additional services are available. Contact your RedPort dealer to purchase.

RedPort Email – is a multi-user satellite email service. Crew and/or passengers can

access their RedPort Email account via smartphones, tablets or computers. See the

Optimizer RedPort Email Administrator’s Guide for more information about this service.

See Chapter 5.1 and the Optimizer RedPort Email Guide.

GPS Tracking - Using a GPS-enabled device, submit position reports to a central

database for viewing on the tracking website. See Chapter 5.3.

2.4. Iridium Satellite Network

RedPort Aurora uses the Iridium satellite network. The Iridium satellite network is

comprised of 66 Low-Earth Orbiting (LEO), cross-linked satellites, providing voice and

data coverage over Earth’s entire surface. The satellites operate in six orbital planes, 781

kilometers (485 miles) from Earth. This ensures that every region on the globe is covered

by at least one satellite at all times. Each satellite is cross-linked to four other satellites;

two satellites in the same orbital plane and two in an adjacent plane. RedPort

recommends the use of Pivotel Iridium airtime service. Pivotel Iridium service plans can

be found at pivotel.com.

wXa-171-Aurora Aurora v2.0.

3. Safety

Shock Hazard

The Glow LTE is a sealed device and is not meant to be opened for repair

in the field by operators or technicians. Covers must remain in place at all

times on the Terminal Unit to maintain the warranty terms. Make sure the

system is correctly grounded and power is off when installing, configuring

and connecting components.

Antenna Radiation Hazards

To comply with FCC Radio Frequency radiation exposure limits, the

antenna must be installed at a minimum safe distance. During operation,

the antenna radiates high power at microwave frequencies that can be

harmful to individuals. While the unit is operating, personnel should

maintain a minimum safe distance of 1.0 meter (3.3 ft.) from the antenna.

The antenna should be mounted in an area that prevent the possibility of

close exposure to the antenna’s radiation.

Proposition 65

This product can expose you to Acrylonitrile, which is known to the State

of California to cause cancer. For more information go

to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

WARNING

SHOCK

HAZARD

wXa-171-Aurora Aurora v2.0.

4. Things to Know Before Getting Started

4.1. Designed Use of the Aurora

This terminal is suitable for two distinctly different audiences:

4.1.1. Single User Environment

For the single user that wants the convenience of BYOD (bring your own device) for email,

web browsing, SMS and phone calls. All that is required is a RedPort-certified

compression email account like XGate and/or compression web-browsing service like

XWeb. By adding the XGate Phone app, a smartphone can be used to place and receive

voice calls and/or SMS messages over the satellite network.

4.1.2. Multi-User Environment

The Aurora includes a RedPort Optimizer router that can be configured for use in a multi-

user environment. The idea is that you, as the installer or network administrator, will

configure the router, using these guidelines, before installing it at its ultimate destination.

Once installed, the onsite administrator will login and land on the Home page. The Home

page has the common tasks that will be used locally such as creating and managing

crew accounts.

The onsite administrator does not have access to the full user interface and therefore

does not have the ability to re-configure the router. There is a separate user guide for

the onsite administrator: Aurora Onsite Administrator Guide.

wXa-171-Aurora Aurora v2.0.

4.2. How It Works at First Launch (Out Of The Box)

We ship the Aurora ready for use with a RedPort-certified compression email and/or web

browsing account.

This default setup allows anyone with a RedPort-certified email or web account (with a

Primary Account username and password) to use the terminal, as is, to send and receive

email and to browse the Internet.

This out-of-the-box configuration works well for single users.

This configuration is also suitable for the multi-user environment where each person has

a separate primary email and/or web browsing account.

Best Practice is to have a knowledgeable technician generate a custom configuration. In

a fleet environment, this custom configuration can be recorded and used on other

RedPort Aurora terminals within the organization.

wXa-171-Aurora Aurora v2.0.

4.3. How Data Flows Through the Router

It is important to understand how data flows through the Aurora if you want to customize

your configuration.

4.3.1. Default Configuration

The default configuration is ready for use with RedPort certified Email and/or Web:

Firewall - closed, allows Internet access only via RedPort Services

DNS - closed

RedPort Email - disabled

SMS - enabled

GPS Tracking - disabled

GPS/NMEA Repeater - disabled

Voice Capability – enabled

In its default state, without any modifications, one primary account holder at-a-time can

connect to send/receive email or web browse using a RedPort-certified email service

like XGate or web browsing service like XWeb.

All email requests go directly to the upstream email server. The mail is downloaded to

the end-users computer/device and then the mail is purged from the server.

All web browsing requests go directly to the upstream compression server. Compressed

webpages are returned to the end-user, whenever compression is possible. The end-

user can set the compression level thru the RedPort-certified

web service program.

The default state is designed for the single user that uses services like XGate and XWeb

for email and web browsing and uses the XGate Phone app on their smartphone for

making voice calls.

4.3.2. Without RedPort-Certified Service

In order to use the Aurora for web browsing without a RedPort-certified web service like

XWeb, you must first modify the firewall to allow traffic. See Section 8.7.

With the firewall open, any user on the local network can browse the web without

restrictions, limits, or, compression. All traffic goes straight to the Internet without any

filtering or compression.

wXa-171-Aurora Aurora v2.0.

4.4. Navigating the User Interface

Access to the user interface depends upon how you login to the router. There are two

logins available: admin and superadmin. See Chapter 4.1.

The user interface is divided into sections; use the tabs to access the required service

or information.

On most pages in the user interface you will see three buttons in the lower right corner:

Reset: returns the page to its previous saved state.

Save: saves the changes but does not yet apply the changes.

Save & Apply: saves the changes and applies them to the router configuration. In some

cases, the router must reboot to apply the change. If reboot is required, it will be noted

on the page.

wXa-171-Aurora Aurora v2.0.

5. Getting Started - User Interface Access

In a typical situation, the Aurora arrives to you with the following services enabled:

• Email & Web access via RedPort-certified services (Firewall closed to everything

else)

• SMS messaging using smartphones

• GPS/NMEA Repeater

There are also services available that are disabled:

• Voice Capability using smartphones

• RedPort Email (additional fees may apply)

• GPS Tracking (additional fees may apply)

This guide is designed to help you understand how the Aurora works so you can

customize the configuration to meet your needs.

5.1. Access the Home page

To access the Glow LTE user interface, you must login to the router:

1. Connect to the Wi-Fi Hotspot created by the Aurora using a PC. Connect to the Wi-Fi

Hotspot just like you would any other Wi-Fi connection:

On a Windows PC, go to: Windows Start > Control Panel > Network Connections

On a MAC, go to: Apple > System Preferences > Network

The Network Name will look something like: ‘wxa-171-XXXX’ where ‘XXXX’ is the last

four digits of Aurora's Mac address.

2. Open any web browser on the computer and enter the URL:

http://192.168.10.1

The Aurora ships with two existing accounts:

• Admin - for normal day-to-day operation by the onsite administrator.

• Superadmin - for configuration and maintenance by the installer/network

administrator.

wXa-171-Aurora Aurora v2.0.

5.1.1. Onsite Administrator Login (Admin)

Onsite Administrator:

username=admin

password=webxaccess

This login gives the onsite administrator access to portions of the user interface and the

ability to perform common tasks such as:

• send/receive email (if email is enabled)

• manage crew email accounts (if email is enabled)

• monitor the system status

• modify the local Wi-Fi setup

• request a remote support session

• reboot the router, if necessary

• change the router password for the admin account, if necessary

See the Aurora Onsite Administrator Guide for information in administering the most

used features.

wXa-171-Aurora Aurora v2.0.

5.1.2. Installer/Network Administrator Login (Superadmin)

Technician:

username=superadmin

password=webxaccess

This login provides full access to the user interface for configuration and maintenance.

Once logged in, you will see the Home page:

wXa-171-Aurora Aurora v2.0.

This Home Page is the onsite administrator's gateway to the most used features. See

the Aurora Onsite Administrator Guide for Home Page details and use.

From the Home Page, the 'superadmin' login has access to the remaining sections of

the user interface.

Services: allows access to all the services available on the router.

Each service is contained in its own tab under the Services section. This is where you

will enable/disable the services and configure them for use.

Status: displays how much memory the router is using, who is connected via Wi-Fi and

other information you may find useful.

The System Log contains detailed information of the router's performance. It will report

error messages and can be useful when troubleshooting connection issues. Realtime

Graphs report how much data is being using by the different interfaces. All Status

information is Read Only.

System: contains some of the router's basic settings for you to configure plus a few

maintenance functions.

Use this section to set your time zone, change the 'admin' and/or 'superadmin'

password, flash new firmware to the router, reboot the router if necessary. Profiles is a

way to 'clone' the router configuration for use on another Aurora.

Network: contains access to the network interfaces and the firewall.

Use this section to configure network interfaces, run diagnostics, or modify the firewall.

Statistics: contains information about resource usage.

wXa-171-Aurora Aurora v2.0.

5.2. How to Use with Default Setup

We ship the Aurora ready for use with a RedPort-certified compression email and/or web

browsing account; Voice, SMS and GPS Tracking are ready to be enabled for use.

This out-of-the-box configuration works well for the single user. This configuration is also

suitable for the multi-user environment where each person has a separate primary email

and/or web browsing account.

While you have the benefit of email and web compression on each primary account, all

users have unlimited access to the Internet.

5.2.1. Email and Web Browsing

This default setup allows anyone with a RedPort-certified email account (such as XGate)

or web account (such as XWeb), with a Primary Account username and password, to

use the router, as is, to send and receive email and to browse the Internet.

Here are the basic instructions:

1. Power the Aurora ON.

2. On your computer, iOS or Android device, connect to the wireless network

created by the Aurora. The name of the wireless network will be something

like: wxa-171-xxxx, where xxxx may represent the last four digits of the Mac

address of the Aurora.

3. Once connected to the wireless network, open the RedPort-certified email

program (such as XGate) and go to Settings > Connection > and set the

Connection Type to "Aurora". Click [OK].

4. Wait for a strong satphone signal.

5. Start an email or a web browsing session.

wXa-171-Aurora Aurora v2.0.

4.2.2. Voice Calls

Voice is disabled by default but can be enabled for use with standard satellite airtime.

See Section 5.6 for details on configuration and use of the Voice service.

4.2.3. SMS Messaging

SMS is enabled by default and configured for use with one extension. See Section 5.2

for details on configuration and use of the SMS Messaging service.

wXa-171-Aurora Aurora v2.0.

5. Services

5.1. RedPort Email

Requires 'superadmin' login.

This is a full-featured Crew solution that runs on the Optimizer router in the Aurora.

RedPort email is designed specifically for use over satellite connections. It uses block

compression, mid-file restart, bigmail quarantine and more to maximize data transfers.

Once enabled, the onsite administrator can manage email for the entire crew. The users

can login to a webmail program to view their email so they do not need special software

on their computer or device. The Optimizer is a POP and SMTP server as well so users

can access email using their preferred email client instead of webmail access, if desired.

Contact your service provider to activate this service.

wXa-171-Aurora Aurora v2.0.

5.1.1. Enable and Configure RedPort Email

In the RedPort Email General Settings:

1. Enable Email Server: click the checkbox to enable email.

2. Main Identity Userid: Enter the username assigned to the Main Identity Primary

Account for email, as given to you by your service provider.

3. Main Identity Password: Enter the password assigned to the Main Identity Primary

Account, as given to you by your service provider.

4. Update Interval: This is how often (expressed in minutes) the mail program will

automatically login to the satellite device to send any pending email and to receive

any email pending. The default is set to 60 minutes, but can be modified to fit

business needs. (See Optimizer- RedPort Email Guide for information on email

block compression and its impact on Update intervals.)

5. Click <Save>.

Note: Typically, the Main Identity is the onsite email administrator. The Main Identity

must be a Primary Account. There must be at least one primary account present on

the system before sub/crew accounts can be created. See section 5.1.2 for more

information regarding primary accounts.

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