This week we will focus on the security features of the Unimax router. These security features have been added in the product after consultation and feedback from our customers. These features not only add that extra level of security but provide the confidence that the modem can not be interrogated for any network credentials in case of theft or loss.

Sim Pin Code: This new feature that has been added for customers concerned about unauthorised use of SIM card in any other device then that intended for. Unimax now allows leaving the pin code activated/enabled on the SIM Card. On power up, Unimax can be configured to enter the PIN code automatically pre set by the user in the web interface. The PIN code entry does not disable the PIN request but allows the modem to successfully log on to the network until next power down sequence. On power up the PIN code entry sequence is repeated by the modem. If the SIM card is removed from the modem and inserted in to another device, User will have to enter the SIM PIN code in order to make any voice or data calls. 3 incorrect PIN code entries will lock the SIM card and require PUK code from wireless provider to unlock the SIM.

Web Page settings: Another feature that is handy for customers who are concerned about illegal access of the web page settings inside the Unimax via the internet or WAN connection. Under Systems menu, a new option has been added called Unimax Admin login. Enabling this feature will reset all web page settings including network authentication credentials in case of 3 consecutive incorrect login attempts. The modem will reset all settings to factory default. In case of loss of settings SMS can be used to reconfigure username, password and authentication details if the modem is located remotely. For further info on the SMS feature please contact the Maxon Technical help desk team on +61 2 8707 3000 or e-mail support@maxon.com.au.

For the past 2 weeks we have been discussing in the blog section some of the advanced features of the Unimax modem. These features have been designed to give you our customers that extra level of reliability plus confidence in the product. This week we will discuss how the Unimax or the host connected to Unimax can be remotely controlled or monitored over the 3G/HSPA network. There are two ways of remotely logging in to the Unimax.

Dynamic DNS: Short for dynamic Domain Name System, a method of keeping a domain name linked to a changing IP address as it Is not possible for every device in wireless network to use static IP addresses. Typically, when a 3G device connects to the Internet, the ISP assigns an unused IP address from a pool of IP addresses, and this address is used only for the duration of that specific connection. This method of dynamically assigning addresses extends the usable pool of available IP addresses. A dynamic DNS service provider uses a special program that runs on the user’s computer, contacting the DNS service each time the IP address provided by the ISP changes and subsequently updating the DNS database to reflect the change in IP address. In this way, even though a domain name’s IP address will change often, other users do not have to know the changed IP address in order to connect with the other computer. The Unimax supports DDNS and automatically updates DDNS database with the new IP address. This way user doesn’t have to worry about the changing IP address of the Unimax modem and communication is possible via the use of domain name.

Static IP address: The second option for remote management of the modem and communicating with the remote hosts is to have a static IP address assigned to the modem by the ISP provider. Maxon has a service called maXwan that allows 3G data modems within Telstra’s network to have a static IP address. This requires a special username and password assigned to each device. Upon authentication a fixed IP address is assigned to the Unit and from another maXwan or maXvpn service these units can be accessed over the Next G network. The maXwan network is isolated from the internet and provides that added level of security and robustness for data telemetry applications. For more information on these two services (maXwan and maXvpn) please refer to our website http://www.maxon.com.au/menu_ipwanservices.php or contact the Maxon Value Added services team on +61 2 8707 3000.

Maxon Australia’s second generation of HSUPA router is now available with many enhanced features. Two important features such as automatic recovery in case of TCP layer failure and network outages were mentioned last week in this section. This week we will discuss 2 additional features that gives this product an edge against it competitors in the market.

Periodic Reset: This feature allows setting an interval in the web interface (selectable between 1 ~ 24 hours) whereby the modem will automatically perform a power reset. If the modem is connected in a data session, it will terminate the data session and then perform a power reset. This ensures that the modem will be online at all times and avoids any lock up that could be caused by any abnormalities in the network conditions.

Scheduler: Scheduler controls the Internet/WAN connection of the Unimax modem. This feature is handy when the modem is used in solar powered sites where the overall power consumption of the system can be minimised by controlling the on air connectivity of the modem or locations where 24X7 internet connections is not required. This allows enabling on what days and between which times the UniMax modem will establish an internet connection and stay on line. This feature helps lower the load on the backup battery and any additional on air connectivity costs. The idle current draw of the Unimax modem is under 165mA whilst about 410mA in a data connection.

The new Unimax HSUPA router has been designed for mobile or fixed wireless applications and offers the same level of performance and reliability as our other 3G wireless industrial broadband modems. Some additional smarts have been added in this new version making it more robust and reliable such as it has a new feature where the router can recover if there is a network outage. The Unimax router checks for signal and registration status on wake up or loss or signal.

If the Unimax Router fails to register successfully on to the wireless network, it will try continuously 10 times (10 minute duration) and if it still doesn’t register and connect (Router Mode), it will reboot it self and start the sequence again until it has successfully logged on.

One of the other new features added in to this unit is the ability to ping two designated servers to ensure that the TCP connection is alive and operational. If the ping test to both servers fails for the count set in the web interface, the router will disconnect Internet connectivity, perform a soft power reset and start all over again.

These two new features will ensure that the modem will not require a site visit to turn the power on and off in case of loss of connectivity or wireless network.

Keep an eye for this column in the coming weeks as we will be discussing more features of this product and what makes it an ideal communications solution for use in any M2M application.