Sierra Wireless AirLink MP70 LTE-Advanced Vehicle Router User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the Sierra Wireless AirLink MP70 LTE-Advanced Vehicle Router. The AirLink MP70 is designed for high-performance mobile applications, offering robust and secure connectivity in demanding environments.

2. Product Overview

The Sierra Wireless AirLink MP70 is an LTE-Advanced vehicle router engineered for mission-critical applications. It features dual-band Gigabit Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet, supporting a comprehensive range of broadband services. Key attributes include:

• High Performance Vehicle Area Network (VAN): Facilitates simultaneous operation of multiple broadband applications.
• Connected Vehicle Awareness: Provides remote visibility and insights into the vehicle network and assets.
• Purpose-Built for Vehicles: Designed for reliability and continuous operation in harsh environments, with resistance to extreme transient surges and power fluctuations.
• Secure, Intelligent Communications: Supports up to 5 concurrent VPN sessions for secure data transmission and remote authentication management.
• LTE-Advanced Connectivity: Offers peak download speeds up to 600 Mbps (Cat 12) and upload speeds up to 150 Mbps.
• Dual Band Wi-Fi: 2.4/5GHz 802.11 b/g/n/ac with support for up to 128 clients.
• Durability: MIL-STD-810G conformance for shock, vibration, thermal shock, and humidity, with an IP64 ingress protection rating.

Figure 1: Sierra Wireless AirLink MP70 LTE-Advanced Vehicle Router. This image displays the top-down view of the black router, highlighting the Sierra Wireless logo, AirLink MP70 model name, and LED indicators for GNSS, Wi-Fi, Network, Signal, Activity, and Power. A SIM card slot and reset button are also visible on the side.

3. Setup

3.1 SIM Card Installation

1. Locate the SIM card slot on the side of the router (refer to Figure 1).
2. Open the SIM card cover using a small screwdriver.
3. Insert the activated SIM card into the slot with the gold contacts facing down and the notched corner oriented correctly.
4. Gently push the SIM card until it clicks into place.
5. Close the SIM card cover securely.

3.2 Power Connection

• Connect the DC power cable to the power input port on the router.
• Connect the other end of the DC power cable to a compatible vehicle power source (e.g., 12V or 24V DC). Ensure the power source meets the router's voltage requirements.

3.3 Antenna Connection

• Attach the appropriate cellular, Wi-Fi, and GNSS antennas to their respective connectors on the router.
• Ensure all antenna connections are finger-tight to maintain optimal signal integrity.

3.4 Initial Configuration

• Upon powering on, the router will initiate its boot sequence.
• Access the router's web-based management interface via an Ethernet connection or Wi-Fi to perform initial configuration, including network settings, Wi-Fi SSID, and security protocols. Refer to the AirLink OS documentation for detailed configuration steps.

4. Operating

4.1 LED Indicators

The AirLink MP70 features several LED indicators on its front panel to provide status information:

• GNSS: Indicates Global Navigation Satellite System (GPS) status.
• Wi-Fi: Indicates Wi-Fi module activity and status.
• Network: Indicates cellular network connectivity status.
• Signal: Displays cellular signal strength.
• Activity: Indicates data transmission activity.
• Power: Indicates power status of the device.

Refer to the full product documentation for detailed descriptions of LED states (e.g., solid, blinking, color variations).

4.2 Network Connectivity

Once powered on and configured, the router will attempt to establish a cellular network connection. The Network and Signal LEDs will indicate the status of this connection. Ensure proper antenna placement for optimal signal reception.

4.3 Wi-Fi Operation

The AirLink MP70 broadcasts Wi-Fi networks as configured. Connect client devices (laptops, tablets) to the router's Wi-Fi SSID using the configured password. The Wi-Fi LED will illuminate when the Wi-Fi module is active.

5. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Periodically clean the exterior of the router with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using liquid cleaners or solvents.
• Firmware Updates: Regularly check the Sierra Wireless support portal for firmware updates. Keeping the firmware current ensures optimal performance, security, and access to new features.
• Environmental Considerations: Ensure the router operates within its specified temperature and humidity ranges. Avoid exposing the device to direct sunlight for extended periods or extreme vibrations beyond its MIL-STD-810G rating.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1 No Power

• Verify that the DC power cable is securely connected to both the router and the power source.
• Check the vehicle's power source for proper voltage and fuse integrity.
• Ensure the Power LED on the router is illuminated.

6.2 No Network Connectivity

• Confirm the SIM card is correctly installed and activated with a data plan.
• Check the Network and Signal LEDs for status. If the Signal LED indicates low signal, reposition antennas or the vehicle.
• Verify that the cellular antennas are properly connected.
• Access the router's web interface to check cellular connection status and APN settings.

6.3 Wi-Fi Issues

• Ensure the Wi-Fi LED is illuminated, indicating the Wi-Fi module is active.
• Verify client devices are within range and connected to the correct SSID with the correct password.
• Check Wi-Fi settings in the router's web interface.

6.4 Resetting the Router

A reset button is located on the side of the router (refer to Figure 1). Use a paperclip or similar pointed object to press and hold the reset button for approximately 10 seconds to perform a factory reset. This will revert all settings to their default values.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, and additional resources, please refer to the official Sierra Wireless website or contact your authorized reseller. Detailed documentation, including the AirLink OS Software Configuration Guide, is available on the manufacturer's support portal.