MultiTech Conduit - mPower (AEP) Base Station

This page describes the installation of the Senet Packet Forwarder on the MultiTech mPower class of Base Station.

Note

mPower (AEP) versions of Multitech firmware do not support configuration or packet forwarder software installation via Command Line Interface (CLI). Configuration changes can be made via the Base Station's Configuration Web interface and installation of the SenRa Packet Forwarder is supported through MultiTech DeviceHQ Graphical User Interface (GUI) only.

System Requirements

MultiTech provides a wide variety of models for the Conduit platform. Most of these models are variations based on network connectivity and operating system (OS); as such if you do not see your model listed, it is highly likely these instructions are still applicable.

We have verified support for the MTAC-LORA-H-915, MTAC-LORA-H-868, and MTAC-LORA-915 Base Station accessory cards;
Note: The -H variants provide faster connectivity between the processor and the LoRa Concentrator.

Warning

The USB variant of the MCAT-LORA-1.0 accessory cards, which has been deprecated, is no longer maintained or supported.

Current supported base models include, but not limited to, 210, 220, 246, 247, 256, 266, 267, 275.

Model	OS Type	OS Version
MultiConnect Conduit	mPower (AEP)	5.3.1+, 6.0.x, 6.3.x
MultiConnect Conduit AP	mPower (AEP)	5.3.1+, 6.0.x, 6.3.x
MultiConnect Conduit IP67	mPower (AEP)	5.3.1+, 6.0.x, 6.3.x

Supported Senet Packet Forwarder Versions
02_24_XX - Release Notes
02_21_XX - Release Notes

Note

Instructions for converting a Conduit Base Station OS from mLinux to mPower are available: Convert Conduit from mLinux to mPower (AEP)

SenRa Packet Forwarder

Prerequisites

Verify Version Compatibility

Ensure your Base Station is running mPower Software version 5.0.1 or greater. If your Base Station is running an older version, please upgrade to the latest mPower Software version before installing SenRa Base Station Software. MultiTech mPower Software upgrade instructions are available at: http://www.MultiTech.net/developer/downloads/
Determine the MultiTech Conduit Serial Number

The Serial Number is 8-Digits and found on the bottom of the Conduit Base Station labeled Serial #.

Note

The Serial Number can also be found in the Configuration Web interface under Home > Device > Serial Number.
Determine the MultiTech Conduit Manufacturer EUI

The Manufacturer EUI is 16-Digits and found on the bottom of the Conduit Base Station labeled LoRa Node.

Note

The Manufacturer EUI can also be found in the Configuration Web interface under Home > Lora > EUI.
Disable Basic LoRa Network Client and Server

In order for the SenRa Base Station Software to operate correctly the basic LoRa Network Server that comes pre-installed on the MultiTech MUST be disabled. Below you will find the instructions on how to disable this setting for MultiTech Base Station models using the mPower OS.
1. Navigate to the mPower Web Interface and select LoRaWAN > Network Settings.
2. If enabled, Select Disabled check box under LoRa Mode.
Note

Additional information on the MultiTech mPower interface is available at: http://www.MultiTech.net
Network Time Configuration

Ensure the Base Station system time is accurate by enabling the SNTP protocol.

Navigate to Setup > Time Configuration and enable SNTP.
Access Configuration

Ensure SSH is enabled.

Navigate to Administration > Access Configuration and enable SSH under SSH Settings.
Security Check

As a basic security precaution, we ask that you change the default password of the Base Station to ensure basic security protection. For more information please refer to the documentation that came with your Base Station.
Device HQ Registration

Register your Base Station with MultiTech DeviceHQ. For detailed information on MultiTech DeviceHQ visit: http://www.MultiTech.net

Installation

Register Base Station on the SenRa Network

If you have not done so already you will need to register your Base Station through your Developer or RAN Provider account.

Users with a free Developer Account can find supplemental information using the following link: Generic Developer Gateway Registration
Users registered as RAN Providers can find supplemental information using the following link: Generic RAN Provider Gateway Registration

1. Enter the 8-Digit Serial Number.
2. Enter the 16-Digit Manufacturer (Lora Node) EUI.
3. Complete the registration process by filling in the remaining fields.

Note

The Base Station supports a maximum of 8 channels at any given time. During registration you will have a chance to select which sub-band of 8 RX Channels the Base Station should operate on to start.

Tip: After registration is complete, you can use the SenRa Portal to reconfigure the RX Channel sub-band without the need to login to the Configuration web interface.

Adding Senet Forwarder to Device HQ account

Follow these steps to add the SenRa Forwarder to your Device HQ account.

Select Store
Click Public Apps
Search for Senet
Click Add to My Apps
Click Add to My Apps and agree to ToS

Schedule SenRa Forwarder Installation

Schedule the SenRa Forwarder installation using the MultiTech DeviceHQ devices tab: https://devicehq.com

Screenshot

Note

Please select the latest SenRa Forwarder version (Release Notes). SenRa Forwarder version 02_24_28 requires a minimum mPower Software version of 6.3.x to operate. Starting with SenRa Forwarder version 02_24_28, if installation is scheduled through DeviceHQ for a Base Station running an mPower Software version prior to 6.3.x, a compatible SenRa Forwarder version will be installed accourding to the mPower Software version. For older mPower Software versions (6.0.x and below) select the SenRa Forwarder version which corresponds to the mPower Software version installed on the Base Station. In the above example, "SenetPktFwd - xx_xx_xx_m5.3.x" is the xx_xx_xx version of the SenRa Packet Forwarder which corresponds to the mPower Software versions between 5.3.0 and 5.3.8s-s1.

Device HQ Checkin

Wait for the next scheduled Device HQ check-in, or force immediate check-in using the Configuration Web interface on the Base Station via: Administration > Remote Management > Check-In To DeviceHQ

SenRa Forwarder Status

The status of SenRa forwarder installation and operation is visible under Active Apps section of the device screen. https://devicehq.com

Screenshot

Once registration and Base Station software installation are complete the Base Station will be displayed in the SenRa Portal Dashboard with the current registration status (this may require a refresh of the browser).

For more information controlling the SenRa Base Station Software, please refer to our Base Station FAQ.