Sierra Wireless RX55 - User Manual

To Next Page

Sierra Wireless

RX55 Quick Start Guide

One year of AirLink Complete is included with your router when you or your Sierra Wireless Partner register your router with ALMS. Registering with ALMS

allows you to remotely deploy, monitor and maintain multiple AirLink routers and to access technical support.

For more information on AirLink Complete and ALMS, see the included AirLink Complete guide. Note that your Sierra Wireless Partner may have pre-registered the

router and activated your AirLink Complete subscription. Your router will automatically connect to ALMS the first time it powers on to complete its registration.

STEP 1: Register Your Router with ALMS

Reset

1. Using a #1 Phillips screwdriver, remove the SIM card cover.

2. Slide the SIM cards into the SIM card slots until they click into place. By default, the SIM card

in slot 1 (the upper slot) is the Primary SIM card. When the RX55 is powered on or reboots, it

automatically connects to the network associated with the Primary SIM card.

3. Re-attach the cover.

STEP 2: Install Your SIM Cards

What’s in the Box

• AirLink RX55 LTE Router

• Locking DC power cable

• AirLink Complete guide to ALMS router registration

• This Quick Start Guide for quick router configuration and connection

1. Connect Cellular antennas

and GNSS antenna (if

applicable).

GNSS

Cellular Cellular

1 2

STEP 3: Connect and Turn On the Router

4. Connect a Windows® computer to the router with an Ethernet cable. If required

by your application, connect the RS-232 port and / or the USB port.

3. Connect 9 – 36 VDC.

To operate the router between 7 – 36 V,

after startup, adjust the Voltage Threshold

(see the AirLink OS documentation).

2. Connect dual Wi-Fi

antennas (if applicable).

Sierra Wireless strongly recommends that you always ground the chassis using the unpainted mounting hole. For more information, refer to the RX55

Hardware User Guide. A green LED chase may occur when the router is powered on, indicating that the radio module is being configured for your SIM card. The

process can take 6–7 minutes. Once the router’s radio module is configured for the SIM card, it automatically begins the activation/provisioning process and

attempts to connect to the mobile network. This process takes a few minutes. A successful connection is indicated by a green Cellular LED. If the router does not

automatically connect to the network, refer to the AirLink OS documentation at source.sierrawireless.com/airlinkos.

1. If not using an AC adapter, Ignition Sense must be

connected to vehicle ignition or the positive terminal

of your power supply.

Black (GND)

Green (GPIO) Optional

White (Ignition Sense)

Red (Power)

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Sierra Wireless RX55 and is the answer not in the manual?

The Sierra Wireless RX55 is an LTE router designed for robust and reliable connectivity, offering advanced features for remote deployment, monitoring, and maintenance. This quick start guide outlines the essential steps for setting up and configuring the device, emphasizing both local and remote management capabilities.

Function Description

The RX55 serves as a high-performance LTE router, providing cellular connectivity for various applications. It supports dual SIM cards, allowing for primary and secondary network connections to ensure continuous operation. The router is designed to integrate seamlessly with Sierra Wireless's AirLink Management Service (ALMS), enabling remote deployment, monitoring, and maintenance of multiple devices. This integration facilitates efficient fleet management and ensures that routers are always up-to-date and operating optimally. The device also includes GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) capabilities, which are crucial for location-based services and asset tracking. Additionally, the RX55 offers multiple connectivity options, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, RS-232, and USB, making it versatile for various industrial and enterprise environments. The router's robust design and comprehensive feature set make it suitable for critical infrastructure, transportation, and other demanding applications where reliable and secure communication is paramount.

Important Technical Specifications

Connectivity: The RX55 is an LTE router, supporting high-speed cellular data transmission. It features dual SIM card slots, with slot 1 (upper slot) designated for the Primary SIM card by default.
Power Input: The router operates on a 9 - 36 VDC power supply. For operation between 7 - 36 V after startup, the Voltage Threshold needs to be adjusted, as detailed in the AirLink OS documentation.
Antenna Connections: It includes connections for Cellular antennas and a GNSS antenna (if applicable). Dual Wi-Fi antennas can also be connected for wireless local area network capabilities.
Physical Interfaces: The device is equipped with an Ethernet port for wired network connections, an RS-232 port for serial communication, and a USB port for additional peripheral connectivity.
Grounding: Sierra Wireless strongly recommends grounding the chassis using the unpainted mounting hole for enhanced safety and performance.
Ignition Sense: The DC power connector includes an Ignition Sense wire (white), which, if not using an AC adapter, must be connected to vehicle ignition or the positive terminal of the power supply. This feature is particularly useful in vehicular applications for managing power states.
Operating System: The router runs on AirLink OS, which provides a web-based interface for local configuration and management.
Management Platform: It is designed for integration with AirLink Management Service (ALMS), a cloud-based platform for remote monitoring, configuration, and maintenance.
SIM Card Type: The device uses standard SIM cards that slide into designated slots until they click into place.
LED Indicators: The router features LED indicators, such as a green LED chase during radio module configuration (6-7 minutes) and a green Cellular LED indicating a successful connection to the mobile network.
Security: The device incorporates security features, including a default password that is unique to each router and available on its label. Users are prompted to set a new, secure password, as default passwords are not recoverable by Sierra Wireless. A factory reset restores the default password.

Usage Features

Easy SIM Card Installation: SIM cards are easily installed by removing a cover with a #1 Phillips screwdriver, sliding the cards into the slots, and re-attaching the cover.
Automated Network Connection: Upon power-on or reboot, the RX55 automatically connects to the network associated with the Primary SIM card.
Local Configuration (AirLink OS): Users can connect a computer to the router via Ethernet or Wi-Fi and access the AirLink OS web interface by navigating to https://airlink./ or 192.168.1.1. This allows for initial setup, password changes, and detailed configuration.
Remote Configuration and Monitoring (ALMS): The router is designed for seamless integration with ALMS. After registration, users can remotely monitor device status, apply configuration templates, and perform maintenance activities through a web browser (e.g., na.airvantage.net or eu.airvantage.net).
Template-Based Deployment: For deployments with multiple RX55 routers requiring identical configurations, ALMS allows users to create a template from one configured router and push it to others, streamlining the setup process.
Flexible Power Management: The 9-36 VDC power input, combined with the Ignition Sense feature, makes the RX55 suitable for various power environments, including vehicle installations.
Multi-Connectivity Options: The presence of Ethernet, Wi-Fi, RS-232, and USB ports provides flexibility for connecting to different types of devices and networks, catering to diverse application requirements.
Status Indicators: LED lights provide visual feedback on the router's operational status, such as the configuration process and cellular network connection status.
Secure Access: The requirement to change the default password upon initial setup enhances the security of the router, preventing unauthorized access.

Maintenance Features

Remote Monitoring via ALMS: ALMS provides a centralized platform for monitoring the health and status of all registered RX55 routers. This includes real-time data on connectivity, performance, and potential issues.
Remote Configuration Updates: Configuration changes can be pushed remotely to individual routers or groups of routers via ALMS. These changes are applied immediately if the router is connected to ALMS, or upon its next connection.
Firmware Updates: While not explicitly detailed in the quick start guide, ALMS typically facilitates remote firmware updates, ensuring that routers are running the latest software with security patches and new features.
Troubleshooting Guidance: The guide directs users to the AirLink OS documentation at source.sierrawireless.com/airlinkos if the router does not automatically connect to the network, providing a resource for self-help troubleshooting.
Technical Support Access: Registration with ALMS includes access to technical support, which is crucial for resolving complex issues or obtaining expert assistance.
Factory Reset Option: The ability to perform a factory reset, which restores the default password and configuration, can be a valuable maintenance tool for troubleshooting or re-purposing a device.
Documentation Resources: Sierra Wireless provides comprehensive documentation, including the AirLink RX55 Hardware User Guide, AirLink OS User Guide, ALMS User Guide, and AirLink Complete resources, which are essential for ongoing maintenance and advanced configuration.
Chassis Grounding: The recommendation for chassis grounding is a maintenance-related best practice that enhances the router's reliability and protects against electrical interference and surges.