Proxicast LAN-Cell 3 User manual

LAN-Cell 3
4G/3G Cellular Router + VPN + Firewall
Quick Start Guide
Version 5.2
The REALLY QUICK Start Guide
1. Insert an activated USB modem & power on the LAN-Cell 3.
2. Wait 60 sec. for the Status & USB LEDs to stop flashing.
3. Connect a DHCP-enabled PC to one of the 4 LAN ports.
The LAN-Cell will automatically detect the USB modem and connect to the Internet.
The USB LED will be solid green when the connection is active.
If the modem fails to initialize or connect to the Internet:
•Browse to http://192.168.1.1:8080 Username/Password: admin/1234
•Select Setup > WAN from the drop-down menus
•Select your modem model and service provider under WAN (USB Modem)
•Click “Save Settings”
•Power-cycle the LAN-Cell to make a cellular connection
Check http://support.proxicast.com for the latest firmware updates

1
Introducing the LAN-Cell 3
The LAN-Cell 3 is the most advanced and secure way to provide cellular Internet access to
Ethernet-based devices. Use the LAN-Cell 3 to provide access to remote equipment, gather
telemetry or other M2M data, establish Internet service in temporary locations, or back-up
wired Internet service with a 4G/3G cellular connection.
Beyond Internet connectivity, the LAN-Cell 3 provides an integrated full-featured IP router,
802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi access point and client, automatic WAN fail-over, policy-based routing,
bandwidth management (QoS), and special features to maximize up-time. Security features
include built-in IPsec & PPTP VPN clients and servers, 3DES & AES encryption, DMZ and
VLAN support, an SPI firewall and NAT/PAT services. The LAN-Cell’s platform independent
tablet-friendly embedded management interface makes setup easy and allows the LAN-Cell
to be managed from the LAN or remotely over the Internet with any web browser on any
PC, tablet or smartphone.
Figure 1: Typical LAN-Cell 3 Network Configuration
This guide covers the initial configuration needed to start using the LAN-Cell 3. Please see
the LAN-Cell 3 User’s Guide for more information on all of the LAN-Cell 3’s features. Also
refer to Proxicast’s Support Web Site (http://support.proxicast.com) for technical notes,
application configuration examples and knowledgebase articles.
Package Contents
•LAN-Cell 3
•Multi-Function Mounting Base with Modem-SAFE
•120/240 VAC to 12 VDC Power Adapter
•2x 3 dBi Wi-Fi Antennas
•1x CAT5e Cable
•4x Rubber Feet
•Mounting Hardware Kit
•Quick Start Guide

2
Indicators & Connections
Figure 2: LAN-Cell 3 Front Panel
LABEL
LED STATE
DESCRIPTION
USB
MODEM USB 2.0 port for 4G/3G USB modems only
USB
Flashing
USB modem is initializing
– or –
USB modem is not registered on the carrier network
– or –
There is no compatible cellular service available at the
current location
Solid USB modem has made a connection & has been
assigned an IP address
Wi-Fi
Solid The LAN-Cell’s internal Wi-Fi radio is enabled
OS
Solid An internal OS error has occurred
PWR
Solid Power is on
STAT Flashing Power-on Self Test is in progress (approx. 60 sec)
Solid LAN-Cell is at normal operational status
WAN Solid Link Status on the wired WAN Ethernet port
Flashing Data activity on the wired WAN Ethernet port
LAN 1-4 Solid Link Status on the corresponding LAN Ethernet port
Flashing Data activity on the corresponding LAN Ethernet port
EJECT
USB
Press & hold for 5 seconds and wait for LED to stop
flashing before removing a USB modem
RESET
Press & hold for 5 seconds until the STAT LED begins
to flash. Wait for STAT LED to stay on solid. This
returns the LAN-Cell to its default settings:
LAN IP = 192.168.1.1:8080
Username/Password = admin/1234
To prevent accidental resets, install the button cover
included with the Multi-Function Mounting Base

3
Figure 3: LAN-Cell 3 Rear Panel
LABEL
DESCRIPTION
Wi-Fi (B)*Attach one of the supplied cylindrical Wi-Fi antennas to this
RP-SMA (reverse polarity) connector if using the LAN-Cell’s
integrated 802.11 b/g/n radio. If using only 1 antenna, use jack A.
LAN 1-4
(yellow) Connect equipment to these ports with Ethernet cables. These ports
are auto-negotiating (supporting 10, 100, 1000 Mbps) and auto-
sensing (adjusts to the Ethernet cable type: straight-through vs.
cross-over).
WAN
(blue) Connect a cable/DSL modem or other 10/100/1000 Ethernet-based
WAN equipment to this auto-sensing/auto-negotiating port.
PWR Connect the included 12V DC power adapter to this jack. This is a
2.1mm center pin positive connector.
ON/OFF Power Switch. To prevent accidental disengagement of the switch,
install the Power Switch cover included with the Multi-Function
Mounting Base
Wi-Fi (A)
*
Attach one of the supplied cylindrical Wi-Fi antennas to this
RP-SMA (reverse polarity) connector if using the LAN-Cell’s
integrated 802.11 b/g/n radio. If using only 1 antenna, use jack A.
*Attaching other types of antennas (such antennas with standard SMA, TNC or FME
connectors) to this jack may damage the antennas and/or Wi-Fi antenna jack!
LAN-Cell 3 Default Settings
LAN-Cell’s LAN IP Address
192.168.1.1
HTTP Management Access
admin / 1234 on port 8080
LAN DHCP Server 192.168.1.33 to .65
Subnet mask 255.255.255.0
USB 4G/3G WAN
Auto Detect & Configure
Ethernet WAN
DHCP Client Enabled
Wi-Fi Access Point
Disabled
DNS Host Name
serial#.proxidns.com
Press the RESET button for 5 seconds to return the LAN-Cell to these settings.

4
LAN-Cell 3 Web Management Interface
The LAN-Cell’s web management interface is divided into 3 sections (Figure 4):
1. Drop-down Navigation Menus
2. The Status Summary Column
3. Configuration Parameters
Figure 4: Typical LAN-Cell 3 Screen
Menu Structure
Status
Provides real-time and historical information about the
LAN-Cell’s operation.
Setup
Changes the LAN-Cell’s LAN, WAN, DHCP, DDNS, Time and
other settings. The WAN screen configures the
USB modem and
wired Ethernet connections. WAN Advanced configures fail-over
modes and related settings.
Wireless (Wi-Fi)
Configures the LAN-Cell’s embedded 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi radio.
Security
Includes screens for configuring the LAN-Cell’s firewall, filtering,
and VPN features.
Applications
Port-Forwarding, DMZ and other application-specific settings.
QoS
Enables Quality-of-Service (bandwidth management) and
performance enhancing features.
Admin
Includes system management, firmware updates, utilities and
system event logging.

5
Configuring the LAN-Cell 3
Step 1: Enter http://192.168.1.1:8080 as the web site address in a web browser.
Step 2: At the Login screen (Figure 5), enter the default Username=admin and the
default Password=1234. Click Login to proceed.
Step 3: The LAN-Cell’s Router Status screen will be displayed (Figure 6).
Step 4:Changing the default password highly recommended!
Navigate to the Admin > Management screen (Figure 7). Enter a new
password, retype it to confirm and click Save Settings.
Figure 5: Login Screen
Figure 6: Router Status Screen
Figure 7: Changing the Password

6
Configuring USB Modems
The LAN-Cell 3 auto-recognizes and configures itself for over 100 different USB
modem models on dozens of cellular service provider networks. Please refer to the
LAN-Cell 3 Firmware Release Notes for the list of currently supported modems.
The USB modem may need to be activated with a cellular service provider before it
can used in the LAN-Cell 3 Follow the service provider or modem manufacturer’s
instructions for activating, testing, and updating the firmware on the USB modem
before attempting to use it in the LAN-Cell 3.
Proxicast recommends implementing the WAN Fail-Over Connectivity Check found
on the Setup > WAN Advanced screen for maximum 4G/3G connection reliability.
By default, this feature is enabled and configured to ping a high-availability server.
Some modems require cellular service provider specific settings to be entered on
the LAN-Cell 3’s Setup > WAN screen. If the USB modem and carrier settings are
not auto-detected, obtain the following information from the service provider:
Parameter
Your Cellular Carrier’s Settings
APN†
Authentication Type
Username / Password
ISP Access #
Φ
#777 for CDMA, *99# for GSM
PIN Code
‡
† APN applies only to GSM carriers. Many GSM carriers operate different APNs for different types of data service plans.
ΦThe LAN-Cell does not use the phone number assigned to the USB modem. That number is used only by the provider.
‡ The 4 digit PIN code field is required only if the SIM/RUIM is has been locked.
Once the LAN-Cell is functioning satisfactorily, Proxicast strongly
recommends backing up the device configuration to a PC.
See: Admin > Management > Configuration > Export
External Antenna Connections
Most USB modems include one or more external antenna ports. Consult the USB
modem documentation for the location of these ports. For modems without external
antenna ports, use a USB extension cable to relocate the modem for improved
signal strength if necessary.
Use a LAN-Cell “pigtail” consisting of the connector for the USB modem and a
standard SMA female jack. Install the SMA connector in one of the “D” shaped
SMA mounting holes in the Multi-Function Mounting Base (Figure 8).
Warning:The external antenna ports on USB modems are very fragile.
Use extreme care when inserting and removing antenna pigtails.

7
Multi-Function Mounting Base
The LAN-Cell 3’s Multi-Function Mounting Base (Figure 8) provides:
A. Wall and deck mounting options
B. Multiple external antenna mounting and cable tie-down points
C. Power switch & button protectors
D. Modem-SAFE™ USB modem mounting system
Figure 8: Mounting Base
Modem-SAFE™
The LAN-Cell 3’s patent-pending Modem-SAFE system is a mechanism for securing a
USB modem to prevent it from being removed or coming loose in mobile applications.
Insert a Velcro strip through the slotted mounting plate with the loop (soft) side facing
you (Figure 9). Loop the tapered end up through an adjacent slot and secure through
the hole in the top of the strip (Figure 10). Place the USB modem (with USB adapter
attached) onto the plate and loop the strip over the modem and under the plate. Pull
tightly to secure (Figure 11). Repeat as necessary. Attach the USB cable to the front
USB jack and the external modem antenna to a “D” hole in the base (Figure 12).
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12
A
B
C
D

8
Common Tasks
HOW TO
WHERE
ACTION
Change the
LAN-Cell’s IP
address/subnet
Setup > LAN Enter the IP address to assign to the
LAN-Cell and select the subnet mask for
the LAN. The DHCP Server will
automatically adjust to the new subnet.
Configure the
USB modem Setup > WAN Select the modem model and service provider from the drop-down lists or
override the settings using Manual mode.
Enable Wi-Fi Wireless > Basic Enable the Wi-Fi radio and configure the
Access Point’s SSID and security settings.
Forward ports to
LAN devices Applications > Port Forwarding Click the Add button to create a new port- forward/translation rule.
Set up a VPN Security > VPN Select either the PPTP or IPSec menus to
create the corresponding VPN connection.
Connect to a
remote Wi-Fi
network
Setup > WAN
Wi-Fi must first be
enabled via
Wireless > Basic
Change the Connection Type of the
Ethernet WAN to Wi-Fi Client and enter
the connection details for the remote Wi-Fi
network.
Configure
Dynamic DNS
settings
Setup > DDNS Select the preferred DDNS service
provider and enter the required login
information and host name.
Each LAN-Cell 3 also has a unique
permanent DNS name:
serial#.proxidns.com
Configure WAN
keep-alive &
fail-over
Setup > WAN
Advanced Set primary WAN, fail-over target and tolerance parameters to periodically send
pings to detect WAN failures.
Restart
Periodically Setup > Time Select the frequency for the LAN-Cell 3 to automatically reboot.
Change the
default unit name Admin > SNMP Enter the System Identification parameters.
Change the
default password Admin > Management Passwords are case sensitive. The username cannot be changed from
“admin” however, multiple users may log
in concurrently.
Update Firmware Admin >
Management Download firmware updates from http://support.proxicast.com
Consult the LAN-Cell 3 User’s Guide for more detailed information on how to
configure all of the LAN-Cell’s features.

9
Troubleshooting
PROBLEM
CORRECTIVE ACTION
None of the LEDs
turn on Ensure that the correct power adapter is connected to the LAN-Cell and plugged in to an appropriate power source. If the
LEDs still do not turn on, there may be a hardware failure.
Cannot access the
LAN-Cell from a
PC on the LAN
Check the cable between the computer (or hub/switch) and the
LAN-Cell. Check that the corresponding LAN port LED is ON.
Configure the PC to receive its IP settings via DHCP (automatic
assignment).
Confirm that any other network interfaces on the PC (such as
Wi-Fi) are disabled. Wi-Fi cannot be used for the initial
configuration of the LAN-Cell – the internal Wi-Fi Access Point is
disabled by default.
Cannot ping any
computer on the
LAN
If the LAN LEDs are off, check the cable connections.
Verify that the IP address and subnet of the LAN-Cell is in the
same range as the computers on the LAN and that the LAN-Cell
is the default gateway for all LAN devices.
USB modem does
not initialize
(USB LED
continues to flash)
Confirm that the USB modem has been activated by the cellular
carrier. Follow their instructions for activating the modem using a
Windows PC.
Ensure that the SIM/RUIM card (if required) is properly inserted.
Network registration may take several minutes.
Confirm that the USB modem is supported by the LAN-Cell’s
current firmware version.
Cannot make (or
maintain) a
cellular data
connection when
cellular signal is
present
(i.e. no USB WAN
IP address)
Confirm that the USB modem’s APN, Username, Password,
Authentication Type, PIN and ISP Access Phone Number
settings are correct for the cellular service provider.
Confirm that the USB modem has been provisioned with the
correct type of Internet access data service.
Confirm that the USB modem has been activated by the carrier
and/or by using a Windows PC.
Consult the manufacturer’s documentation for the USB modem
regarding its LED status indicators.

10
Troubleshooting
PROBLEM
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Wrong type of
4G/3G WAN IP
address is
assigned
(i.e. dynamic instead
of static or private
instead of public)
The IP address assigned to the LAN-Cell’s WAN interface is
controlled by the cellular service provider. Confirm that the
account has been provisioned for the proper type of IP address
and that the connection parameters match those required by the
service provider.
“Static” cellular IP addresses are assigned by the carrier via a
DHCP process – the static cellular IP address is not configured in
the LAN-Cell in advance.
Cellular Signal
Strength is low Cellular data connections may be unreliable if the signal strength is poor (< 20%).
Check that the proper external antenna is securely attached to the
USB modem.
Use a USB extension cable to locate the USB modem to a more
favorable location.
Move the LAN-Cell to a location where the carrier’s signal is
stronger or use a higher-gain antenna or amplifier.
Cannot get a
WAN IP address
from the Ethernet
WAN ISP
The WAN IP address is provided after the ISP verifies the MAC
address, host name or User ID. Confirm the verification method
used by the ISP and configure the corresponding fields.
Check the LAN-Cell’s connection to the wired WAN (cable/DSL
modem). Check whether the Ethernet WAN connection requires a
crossover or straight cable.
Check the settings in the WAN screens, especially the fail-
over/load balancing parameters.
Wi-Fi clients
periodically
disconnect, esp.
when LAN-Cell
configuration
parameters are
updated
Some updates to the LAN-Cell’s configuration require that the
Wi-Fi Access Point be reinitialized, causing client connections to
drop. Configure Wi-Fi clients to automatically reconnect to the
LAN-Cell.
Upgrade the firmware and driver software on Wi-Fi client devices
to the latest version.
After pressing
RESET, cannot
make a cellular
connection
The RESET button returns the LAN-Cell to its factory default
settings including clearing any cellular modem parameters. The
USB modem settings may have to be manually reconfigured if the
modem is not auto-detected.

11
Common Carrier-Specific Issues
CARRIER
COMMENT
Verizon
Wireless 4G/LTE By default, Verizon Wireless’ LTE network provides only NAT’d
private IP addresses (10.x.x.x). This prevents all Internet initiated
inbound connections from reaching the LAN-Cell.
Use the LAN-Cell’s VPN features to make an outbound
connection to a VPN server on another network.
Static public IP addresses are available for an additional fee.
To avoid address conflicts, do not use 10.x.x.x addressing on the
LAN-Cell’s LAN subnet if you have a dynamic IP from Verizon.
Verizon
Wireless
3G/CDMA
4G/LTE
Verizon Wireless’ default gateways do not respond to ICMP (ping)
packets. Do not select the “Default Gateway” option under Setup
> WAN Advanced > Fail-Over; select another public IP address.
AT&T Wireless The “broadband” and “isp.cingular” APN’s block all packets
originating from the Internet. To access the LAN-Cell or other
equipment remotely, request that AT&T provide access to the
“internet” APN, or another APN which offers mobile terminated
data service. Or use the LAN-Cell’s VPN features to make an
outbound connection to a VPN server on another network.
Do not select the “Default Gateway” option under Setup > WAN
Advanced > Fail-Over; select another public IP address.
Sprint Sprint blocks access to ports 80 & 5000 (and perhaps others)
from Internet addresses. Move LAN devices to different port
numbers or use the LAN-Cell’s Port Forwarding feature to redirect
open public ports to the blocked ports on the LAN.
Also see our online Knowledge Base at http://support.proxicast.com for more
troubleshooting tips, documentation, TechNotes and configuration examples.
312 Sunnyfield Drive, Suite 200
Glenshaw, PA 15116-1936
1-877-77PROXI (1-877-777-7694)
1-412-213-2477 (outside USA)
[e-mail]
© Copyright 2000 - 2013. Proxicast, LLC. All rights reserved.
Proxicast is a registered trademark and LAN-Cell and Modem-SAFE are trademarks of
Proxicast LLC. All other trademarks/servicemarks mentioned are the property of their
respective owners.