How to use an Impinj Reader with an external Cellular modem

This step-by-step article will explain how to configure our Impinj R700 and Speedway Revolution readers (and gateways) to use a cellular modem. This is one example of how you might setup these specific cellular modems to provide networking to Impinj readers.

Impinj has tested the following modems:

• NETGEAR^(R) LTE Modem LB1120
• NETGEAR^(R) LTE Modem LB1121

This tutorial uses the Netgear Modem LB1120 to provide network routing capabilities via ethernet so the readers can communicate out to the internet.

Step 1: Purchase the appropriate SIM card

• Purchase the appropriate SIM card for the device
• Insert the SIM card
• Follow the instructions for how to insert the SIM card.

Step 2: Plug in the NETGEAR^(R) LTE Modem

• Plug in the power adapter to the NETGEAR^(R) LTE Modem and the wall outlet
• Connect the Ethernet cable to the NETGEAR^(R) LTE Modem and your computer
• Turn ON the NETGEAR^(R) LTE Modem
• Press the button the back of the NETGEAR^(R) LTE Modem for turning on the power to the unit.
• Login to the Administration Page
  
  • Visit http://192.168.5.1/

• Use the default password located on the modem label.

• We recommend upgrading the cellular modem firmware to the latest version available.

Step 3: Setup the APN information

• Select the Service provider ("Other").
  • Click the "Submit" button.

• Enter the Name.
• Enter the APN.
• Select the Authentication.
• Select the PDP.
• Select the PDP Roaming.
• Click the "Save" button.

• To make it active, select the radio button next to the APN you just created.

• On the left-hand side, you should see a status of the SIM card connection. If it says "Internet Disconnected", click the Connect link to establish the connection.

Step 4: Configure the mobile settings to always turn on

• Click the "Mobile" Tab at the top of the screen.
• Choose "Always" for Auto Connect.

• Click the "Submit" button.
• Click the "Submit" button again.

Step 5. Attach the modem to the reader

• Remove the Ethernet cable from your laptop.
• Connect the Ethernet cable of the cellular modem to your reader.
  • The reader needs to be powered either via DC for Impinj Speedway readers or with a PoE midspan injector between the Modem and the Impinj R700 Reader.
• Your Impinj reader should now be able to communicate over the cellular connection.

FAQ

Q: Is it possible to reach the Impinj reader via IP address?

A: Most of the IoT services from carriers do not have a static IP addresses. Instead they assume that the device will communicate to services on the internet, but this is up to the carrier.

For example, here is a quote from AT&T IoT support: “Can I access my device remotely? For most devices, the answer is no. Each device is given a point-to-point private and dynamic IP address, which allows it to communicate with services on the Internet, but not the other way around.”