I am attempting to configure a Pepwave MAX HD2 for use with two separate satellite communication systems. One is an Iridium AST ComCenter II terminal, the other is a Cobham Fleet 250 Inmarsat terminal.
Each of these terminals includes a multi-port switch, a web server for configuration and the satellite modem. In order to configure the device and to cause it to form a satellite connection, one must access the internal web server with a browser and adjust settings.
Access to the web server is via static IP address; one simply browses to the IP address to which the terminal has been configured. Once the satellite connection has been formed, the same static IP address becomes the WAN gateway.
I don’t understand how to configure the Pepwave to support this. In order to browse to the terminal’s web server, I need an IP address in the subnet of the LAN. However, the WAN gateway cannot be in the subnet of the LAN. It seems like a catch 22.
Can you provide simple network diagram include the IP addresses info for your setup ? Just thinking whether optional IP address for the WAN can help for you case.
My network is pretty simple. I have a LAN that is primarily wired, fixed-IP devices although there are a few mobile phones and ipads that connect using wifi and DHCP.
The fixed IP addresses are all in the range 10.81.0.10 … 10.81.0.49.
The DHCP range is 10.81.0.50 …10.81.0.240.
All that has a subnet mask of 255.255.0.0
In addition, I have a satellite “terminal”, which is an IP-connected device with a satellite modem. To get the Terminal to form a satellite link, I have to browse to it’s web-server UI and click on a few buttons.
The Terminal’s IP address is 10.60.1.1 with subnet mask of 255.255.0.0. It is plugged into a WAN port on the HD2.
Any and all of these IP addresses are easily changed. It’s my understanding that the IP address of the WAN device must not be in the subnet of the LAN. The only problem I’m having is that I must be able to browse to the IP address of the “Terminal” so that I can tell it to connect. I can’t figure out how to configure things so that I can browse to the IP address of the WAN-connected terminal. Rumor has it that a “static route” can do this, but the support people I’ve contacted (point-of-sale) can’t figure it out.
That looks to be exactly what I need. I’ll try it in a few hours and report back.
Out of curiosity, when I use the 2nd WAN port, may its attached device, another satellite modem with the same requirements, be in the same subnet as the first WAN modem or should it be in a 3rd subnet?
Hello @ksltd,
I’d recommend having them in different sub net.
Also check if your satellite modem can run in bridge mode with the authentication done from your Peplink router using PPPoE.
Happy to Help,
Marcus
I’m unsure of what you mean when you say Bridge Mode and also Authentication?
Regarding authentication
The satellite modems get their credentials from a SIM card provided by a service provider, not with a name/password as is the case with a DSL modem; the SIM card is the basis for billing just as with a mobile network modem. The access to the modem’s web server is necessary to initiate the “call”, not to provide credentials.
This might work, but exactly how to make it work with my Satellite Terminal isn’t clear. It looks like I need to turn on PPPoE on that terminal and get it into Bridge Mode.
Is there any chance that I could arrange a 3-way phone call between the satellite terminal support guys, the pepwave router support team and me for today? Unfortunately, they don’t come online until 0900 USA East Coast time.
Please let me know your thoughts on how to resolve this.
Hello @ksltd,
I’m based in Australia, so timing is a bit of a challenge.
Have you reached out to your local Authorised Peplink Partner for specialised assistance?
Your local Certified Peplink Partner can help you with all sorts of good quality information and support, as a bonus you will find they have a diverse background so will have differing ideas that my also help you along the way. For myself I am part of the team of Peplink Partners looking after Australia & New Zealand, we all know each other and with Peplink’s support work to support the region, your local Peplink Partners will be doing the same in your region.
In regards to the bridge mode of operation of your Satellite Modem, you mentioned previously that your satellite modem uses a SIM Card, so PPPoE authentication is most likely not required in your situation, though there are other options within the balance routers. It really comes down the the model of the satellite modems and the firmware within that modem as to the options in making this work.
if you can get your Satellite modem into Bridge Mode, then these Peplink Settings may work
