FAQ

The Mac OS X compatible Launch Pad provides the same functionality as the Windows version. If you are not ready to download the Mac OS X Launch pad, you can still use the Satellite IP Modem with your Macintosh computer. After connecting the Satellite IP Modem to your Macintosh, enter the Modem's IP address (192.168.128.100) into your browser address window. This will allow you to view the all of the Control Pad pages, including the Pointing page. Note: The Satellite IP Modem cannot be upgraded using a Macintosh without the Mac OS X compatible Launch pad. Currently, Macintosh computers are only supported through the Ethernet Interface.

How do I exit antenna pointing mode?

From the Pointing screen, click on the Exit Pointing button. In early versions of the User Manual, it was incorrectly stated that briefly pressing the Modem power button would exit the antenna pointing mode. This is not correct. The only way to exit antenna pointing mode is by clicking the Exit Pointing button.

Sometimes it takes longer than 5 minutes for my Regional BGAN Satellite IP Modem to obtain a GPS position fix even with a clear view of the sky. What should I do when this happens?

Turn the Modem off, wait 5 seconds, and turn the Modem back on again. If the Modem cannot obtain a GPS position fix after 2 power cycles, please see the Troubleshooting section of the Satellite IP Modem User Manual.

Why can't my Satellite IP Modem locate itself using GPS?

You may have no signal or a weak signal. Make sure no obstruction is blocking the GPS antenna and that the Modem has a clear view of at least 3/4 of the sky. Make sure that you do not place your hand or another object over the GPS antenna. Determining GPS position can take up to 5 minutes. If your Modem cannot determine its position within 5 minutes, switch the Modem off and on again. The Modem may be configured to use an external GPS antenna. Go to the Advanced Network Settings page on the Control Pad and set 'Switch GPS Antenna' to 'internal.'

When I am trying to access the Control Pad, it appears to lock up. What causes this?

Make sure that you have a compatible browser and that Java is enabled. Your computer must have one of the following supported Internet browsers. Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.5 or later. Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 1.4.1 or later must be installed. JRE is installed by the Installation CD included with your Satellite IP Modem. If it did not get installed, it can be downloaded from http://java.sun.com/. Netscape Communicator version 7.0 or later. The Java plug-in must be enabled.

Why won't my Satellite IP Modem turn on when I press the power button?

This is most likely related to the battery. The battery may not be inserted properly. Remove and reinsert the battery. Make sure the battery latch is in its farthest right hand position after the battery is inserted. The battery contacts may be dirty or damaged. Check the battery contacts and clean them if necessary. If you find any damage, replace the battery.

Why won't my SIM card work with the Satellite IP Modem?

Verify that your SIM card is properly installed. Refer to the QuickStart Wizard or User Manual for instructions. The outside surface of the SIM card boot should be flush with side of the Modem. Also verify that the SIM card or SIM contacts are not damaged in any way. If the SIM card still will not work, please contact your service provider to ensure that your SIM is enabled.

Why can't I launch the Control Pad from the Launch Pad menu?

Verify that the correct interface (USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth) is chosen. Refer to the QuickStart Wizard or User Manual for instructions. You should also disconnect all other LAN connections. Make sure the Modem is the only active LAN connection. If the correct interface was chosen, the PC may not have been able to successfully discover the Satellite IP LAN connection. Make sure the Windows network settings in the PC are set to choose IP settings automatically (DHCP). Then reboot the PC. If your PC is correctly configured to choose IP settings automatically, you may need to reboot the PC so that it can discover the IP settings. You can also go to a Command Prompt and enter "ipconfig /release" followed by "ipconfig /renew." If none of this works, the browser may not be configured properly. For Netscape, go to Advanced Preferences and select 'Direct connection to the Internet'. For Microsoft Internet Explorer, select Tools / Internet Options / Connections / LAN Settings and uncheck the box labeled 'Use a proxy server for your LAN'. YOU MAY NEED TO RECHECK THIS BOX UPON RETURNING TO YOUR OTHER INTERNET CONNECTION.

Sometimes the compass doesn't appear to work correctly. What should I do?

Place the Satellite IP Modem on a flat and level surface away from metallic objects. If the compass still appears to work incorrectly, use the map in the User Manual to help determine the rough direction of the satellite from your location.

What if I forget my security code?

Contact your service provider for help. You will need to give your IMEI to the service provider in order for them to help. You can find the Modem's IMEI on the label on the bottom of the product.

What if I forget my SIM PIN?

When you received your SIM, you should have been given both a PIN and a PUK (PIN Unlock Key). Consult your service provider if you do not have this information.

I think that I have pointed the Satellite IP Modem correctly, but I cannot get any signal strength or the signal is very weak.

First, check that the antenna is pointed using the correct compass direction and antenna angle from the Control Pad Pointing screen. Next, make sure that no obstruction is blocking the satellite signal and that the Modem has a clear view of the sky in the direction of the satellite. Be aware that window glass may reduce the signal level. Finally, check the antenna switch to make sure that 'L' is selected for Regional BGAN service.

Why can't the Satellite IP Modem access the Internet even though I can successfully activate the Control Pad?

Make sure that you did exit antenna pointing mode by clicking on the 'Exit Pointing' button from the Pointing page. If you have exited antenna pointing mode and still cannot access the Internet, the antenna may not be pointed properly. Turn the Satellite IP Modem off and then back on again, and attempt antenna pointing again to improve the signal strength. You may need to reposition the Satellite IP Modem, verifying that there are no obstructions blocking the satellite signal and that the Modem has a clear view of the sky in the direction of the satellite. The Modem network settings may not be correctly configured. Refer to the network settings supplied by your Service Provider. If you change the DNS Host settings in the Modem, you must turn the modem off and then on again and reboot your PC. If none of this works, the browser may not be configured properly. For Netscape, go to Advanced Preferences and select 'Direct connection to the Internet'. For Microsoft Internet Explorer, select Tools / Internet Options / Connections / LAN Settings and uncheck the box labeled 'Use a proxy server for your LAN'. YOU MAY NEED TO RECHECK THIS BOX UPON RETURNING TO YOUR OTHER INTERNET CONNECTION.

Why are all of the indicator lights blinking red?

The Modem/battery is overheated. Let the Modem/battery cool down. Wait until the Indicator Lights stop blinking red to continue.

How do I get back into antenna pointing mode?

If the Control Pad is open, close it and then turn the modem off and back on again. If you are not in antenna pointing mode when you launch the Control Pad, the Modem may be configured to skip antenna pointing. Go to the Advanced Network Settings page on the Control Pad and check 'Enable Antenna Pointing.' Then follow the same procedure again.

Why does the signal quality meter on the Control Pad change from time to time?

There are several types of channels used by the Modem, each with different signal strengths. Because the Signal Quality meter measures the channel currently in use, there may be slight differences in what the meter shows as channels change from one type to another.

This is an uncommon problem, but one that is easy to resolve. Simply unplug AC Mains from the Modem, wait 5 seconds, then plug AC Mains back.

I would like to use the Bluetooth interface. Are there any Bluetooth cards that are recommended for use with the Satellite IP Modem?

The Satellite IP Modem has been successfully tested with following Bluetooth devices: • IBM Bluetooth PC Card II • TDK Systems Bluetooth PC Card • TDK Systems Bluetooth USB Adapter • Compaq MultiPort Bluetooth Wireless Module for use with Compaq Evo Notebook PCs Note: The Bluetooth control software on your computer must allow the direct entry of DNS information. Before purchasing a Bluetooth device for use with the Satellite IP Modem, consult your Bluetooth device vendor to confirm that DNS entry is possible with your device.

What are the optimum TCP window sizes for the Satellite IP Modem?

The recommended TCP window size on both the PC and remote server should be at least 64K.

What is the maximum length of the Ethernet and USB cables?

The maximum length of the USB cable depends on the type of cable used. Any off-the-shelf USB cable should meet the USB requirements. The maximum length of the Ethernet cable is 100 meters.

APN

An Access Point Name (APN) identifies an external network that is accessible from a terminal. An APN has several attributes associated with it that define how you can access the external network at that point. By default, the SIM card in your terminal is configured with the APN of your Service Provider. You may want to configure further APNs if you have arranged with your Service Provider to use more than one SIM Card.

DNS server

The domain name system (DNS) is an internet service that is required because the Internet does not recognize the text-based web address or e-mail address that you type into your Web browser or e-mail application. All or part of a web address or an e-mail address is a domain name, and DNS translates this domain name into an IP address that is recognized by the Internet. Dynamic DNS server - If you are using dynamic IP addressing, Inmarsat recommends that you use a dynamic DNS server. A dynamic DNS server updates the IP address information in the DNS database each time your IP address changes. A dynamic DNS server also enables a computer using a dynamic IP address to use network applications that normally require a static IP address, for example FTP servers. This service requires subscription with a Dynamic DNS provider. Static DNS Server - If you are using static IP addressing, Inmarsat recommends that you use a static DNS server. If you select this option, you must enter the IP address of the primary DNS server. This is supplied by your internet service provider. Optionally, you can enter the IP address of a secondary DNS server, also supplied by your ISP. This is used in the event of failure of the primary DNS server.

Error correction

Error correction ensures that very little data is lost during transfer by asking for dropped packets to be re-sent. However, because it holds subsequent data whilst the packet is being re-sent, you may notice some jitter or delay in the received data. This is normal for most data types. For real-time applications, such as Voice over IP (VoIP) or video, you may find that the level of jitter or delay is too great. In this case, it is recommended that you remove error correction. Removing error correction minimizes delay and jitter, but note that a small amount of data may be lost during transfer, because dropped data packets are not resent.

Header compression

A header is the component of a data packet that precedes the data that you are sending. The header contains information such as source and destination address, error checking and other administrative details. In most data types this does not noticeably affect the data transmission rates. However, in multimedia applications such as voice and video, the header can significantly affect performance. Inmarsat recommends that you switch on header compression for multimedia applications, such as video.

IP address

An Internet Protocol address, or IP address, is a number that identifies the computer that is sending or receiving information transmitted over the Internet. An IP address is made up of four groups of numbers between 0 and 255, separated by periods. For example, 207.115.79.4 is an IP address. In the BGAN system, IP addresses can be dynamic or static. Dynamic IP Address - A dynamic IP address is a temporary address that is assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) when you connect to the Internet. If you do not need a permanent IP address, Inmarsat recommends that you obtain a dynamic IP address. Normally, individual users of the Internet use a dynamic IP address. Static IP Address - A static IP address is assigned permanently, and is used every time you connect to the Internet. Normally, companies and other organizations that have their own networks use static IP addresses.

SIM card

Your Service Provider supplies you with a Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) Card or a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System Subscriber SIM (USIM) Card. A SIM or USIM Card is a card commonly used in a GSM phone. The card holds a microchip that stores information and encrypts voice and data transmissions, making it extremely difficult to listen in on calls. The USIM Card also stores data that identifies the caller to the Distribution Partner.

Virtual private network

A virtual private network (VPN) enables remote offices or users to gain secure access their organization's network over the public telecommunications network. This provides the benefits of remote access without the expense of dedicated leased or owned lines. VPNs work by using tunneling protocols, such as L2TP, to encrypt data at the sending end, and decrypt the data at the receiving end. This "tunnel" cannot be accessed by data that is not properly encrypted.

Why won't my Satellite IP Modem stay on when under battery power?

Your battery may need recharging. Charge the battery using the AC Mains adapter supplied with your Modem. Check the battery light or Control Pad for charging indication. The Modem may also have been reset while under battery power. A reset occurs when the Modem to PC interface is changed or when Modem software is upgraded. Simply turn the Modem back on after the reset. Note: when the Modem is connected to AC Mains and has been reset, the Modem will turn itself back on.

When the Installation CD attempts to install the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) version 1.4.1, it asks me for my Windows CD. If I don't have the Windows CD with me, what should I do?

A.) Try downloading and installing JRE version 1.4.0_02. It can be downloaded from http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4/download.html.

Protocol:

A defined set of communications standards which lay down the parameters to which all users must abide. Protocols in general use are X.25 and X.400.

PSDN: Packet Switched Data Network.

SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card:

Used with Inmarsat mini-M, SIM cards are easily installed and removed, allowing one terminal to be used by multiple users without having complex billing arrangements.

Spot beam:

A concentrated area offering coverage within the global footprint for particular regions in the world.

TCP / IP (Transmission control protocol / Internet protocol):

The set of protocols used to communicate via the Internet and between multiple networks.

TCP PEP

Transmission Control Protocol Performance Enhancing Proxies

What are the APN Values for Regional BGAN

France Telecom Regional BGAN Network Settings

RBGAN_Network_Settings.pdf

APN: public.ft.bgan-r.inmarsat.com

DNS 1: 193.252.234.1

DNS 2: 194.51.3.49

If you have a fixed IP address assigned from France Telecom, use the settings below

APN : static.bgan-r.inmarsat.com

DNS 1: 161.30.46.229

DNS 2: 161.30.46.235

Xantic Regional BGAN Network Settings

APN: xantic.bgan-r.inmarsat.com

DNS 1: 212.165.120.212

DNS 2: 212.165.120.213

SIP

Session Initiation Protocol, ----is a signaling protocol for Internet conferencing, telephony, presence, events notification and instant messaging. SIP was developed within the IETF MMUSIC (Multiparty Multimedia Session Control) working group, with work proceeding since September 1999 in the IETF SIP working group

What is a SGSN

A Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) It is responsible for the delivery of data packets from and to the mobile stations within its geographical service area. Its tasks include packet routing and transfer, mobility management (attach/detach and location management), logical link management, and authentication and charging functions. The location register of the SGSN stores location information (e.g., current cell, current VLR) and user profiles (e.g., IMSI, address(es) used in the packet data network) of all GPRS users registered with this SGSN.