This article is a sub-section of Troubleshooting the IXrouter connection using LED status codes, specific for IXrouters that are connected via Cellular.

Cellular connection

Wait at least 2 minutes for the IXrouter to finish booting and attempting to connect to the IXON Cloud. If the Signal () LED is off and the Activity (ACT) LED status is still constant red after these 2 minutes, click below.

• (ACT) Constant red

If the Activity LED is not constant red then the IXrouter was configured and we'll first focus on the Signal LED and only once it's constant purple/blue we'll continue with the Activity LED. Reason is because the IXrouter will need to be connected to the cellular network, indicated by the Signal LED, before it can try to connect to the IXON Cloud, indicated by the Activity LED.

Select what the Signal () LED status is after these 2 minutes:

• () Blinking blue
• () Blinking blue 1 pulse
• () Blinking red 1 pulse
• () Blinking red 2 pulses
• () Blinking red 3 pulses
• () Blinking red 4 pulses
• ()  Blinking red 5 pulses
• () Constant red
• () Constant purple
• () Constant blue

If the Signal LED is constant purple/blue, select what the Activity (ACT) LED status is:

• (ACT) Blinking red 1 pulse
• (ACT) Blinking red 3 pulses
• (ACT) Blinking red 4 pulses
• (ACT) Blinking red 5 pulses
• (ACT) Blinking blue 1 short pulse
• (ACT) Blinking blue 1 long pulse
• (ACT) Blinking blue 2 short pulses
• (ACT) Constant blue

(ACT) Constant red

Description
The IXrouter is booting, which usually takes ~1 minute, or is not registered.

Solution
Register the IXrouter. If you just attempted to register the IXrouter using a USB flash drive, this status means that the IXrouter didn't recognize the USB flash drive or didn't find the file "ixrouter.conf". Make sure that:

• the USB flash drive is formatted as FAT or FAT32. File system exFAT is not supported.
• the configuration file is named "ixrouter.conf".
• the configuration file is located in the root directory of the USB flash drive.

Upon insertion of the USB flash drive, the IXrouter's ACT LED should blink blue quickly, indicating that it's reading the configuration file and configuring itself. If you don't see this happen, double check the steps above or try a different USB flash drive.

If the problem persists, try to factory reset the IXrouter.

Back to Cellular overview

() Blinking blue

Description
The cellular module is being initialized.

Solution
Please wait for the IXrouter to finish. You will see a different LED status shortly.

Back to Cellular overview

() Blinking blue 1 pulse

Description
The IXrouter is unable to connect to the cellular network.

Solution
The IXrouter may not be configured correctly. Open the configuration file with Notepad, or simply create a new one, and make sure that:

• the Access Point Name (APN) is correct. If you're unsure, search online or ask your provider directly for the correct APN.

The cellular network may not be within reach or the reception is poor.

• Check if the provider has good 3G/4G coverage at your location.
• Make sure that the cellular signal is able to reach the IXrouter:
  • If the IXrouter is placed within a cabinet, that will strongly reduce the strength of the signal. It is strongly advised to place the IXrouter's antenna outside of the cabinet.
  • The same applies in a lesser degree to obstacles, machines, or the construction of the hall itself that the IXrouter is located in. Reduce the obstacles and interference as much as possible. It may be beneficial to place the antenna as close to the outside world as possible: near a window or on the roof.
• Use the right antenna. A cellular antenna will have an SMA Male connector.
• Connect the antenna to the correct SMA connector on the IXrouter.
  • The 4G/LTE model has 2 SMA connectors for a cellular antenna. The one closest to the power connector is the MAIN and the other connector is the DIV. Always connect an antenna to the MAIN.
• Connect an extra antenna to the DIV SMA connector to reduce signal interference. Make sure the antennas are at least 25 centimeters apart.
  • Only the 4G/LTE model has a DIV connector.

Make sure that the SIM card is activated:

• Contact the provider directly or check the provider's online portal, if available.
• If the SIM card subscription is shared with another SIM card, make sure that the master SIM card is still in use and active to keep both SIM cards active.

In some countries you may need to take action to allow foreign devices, like the IXrouter, to use the local cellular network.

In Turkey, it is important to know that IMEI registration for foreign devices is mandatory. If a device is not registered, you can only use this device on a Turkish network for a maximum of 120 days, after which the IMEI of that device will be blocked by the local network provider. If you see "registering_denied" on the IXrouter's local web interface at Overview > Network > WAN > Cellular > Network, this confirms that the IXrouter is being blocked from connecting to the cellular network.

• You will need to register the IXrouter's IMEI, listed on the side, in Turkey. Please contact a local network provider for details about this process.

Additionally, we recommend testing the SIM card to be completely sure:

• Insert the SIM card in a mobile phone that accepts a mini SIM card (2FF) , open a mobile browser, and navigate to a webpage, like ixon.cloud. If you are unable to open the webpage, contact the provider directly or check the provider's online portal.

Back to Cellular overview

() Blinking red 1 pulse

Description and Solution
See the following identical status: Blinking blue 1 pulse.

Back to Cellular overview

() Blinking red 2 pulses

Back to Cellular overview

() Blinking red 3 pulses

Description
The IXrouter can't unlock the SIM card. PUK code is required.

Solution
The IXrouter may not be configured correctly. Open the configuration file with Notepad, or simply create a new one, and make sure that:

• the PIN is entered correctly. Leave the PIN field empty only if there is no PIN set on the SIM card.

When the IXrouter is configured correctly, the SIM card still requires its PUK code to unlock it again:

• Insert the SIM card in a mobile phone that accepts a mini SIM card (2FF) . Enter the PUK code when prompted.
  • If no such phone is available, contact us for remote support.

Back to Cellular overview

() Blinking red 4 pulses

Description
The SIM card is invalid or missing or the IXrouter doesn't recognize the SIM card.

Solution
Make sure that the SIM card:

• is inserted correctly .
• is inserted fully. When you insert it, you should hear a small but audible "click". The SIM card should not stick out of the IXrouter.
• is inserted before powering on the IXrouter. If you do happen to have inserted it after you had already powered on the IXrouter, simply reboot the IXrouter once.

If the SIM card is inserted correctly, fully, and before the IXrouter was powered on and it is still not recognized, there may be poor contact between the SIM card slot and the SIM card.

• Increase the thickness of the SIM card by using a SIM card adapter or place something on the SIM card before you insert it.

Back to Cellular overview

() Blinking red 5 pulses

Description
The IXrouter is unable to register itself onto the cellular network or is unable to set up a data connection via the cellular network.

Solution
The IXrouter may not be configured correctly. Open the configuration file with Notepad, or simply create a new one, and make sure that:

• the Access Point Name (APN) is correct. If you're unsure, search online or ask your provider directly for the correct APN.

The cellular network may not be within reach or the reception is poor.

• Check if the provider has good 3G/4G coverage at your location.
• Make sure that the cellular signal is able to reach the IXrouter:
  • If the IXrouter is placed within a cabinet, that will strongly reduce the strength of the signal. It is strongly advised to place the IXrouter's antenna outside of the cabinet.
  • The same applies in a lesser degree to obstacles, machines, or the construction of the hall itself that the IXrouter is located in. Reduce the obstacles and interference as much as possible. It may be beneficial to place the antenna as close to the outside world as possible: near a window or on the roof.
• Use the right antenna. A cellular antenna will have an SMA Male connector.
• Connect the antenna to the correct SMA connector on the IXrouter.
  • The 4G/LTE model has 2 SMA connectors for a cellular antenna. The one closest to the power connector is the MAIN and the other connector is the DIV. Always connect an antenna to the MAIN.
• Connect an extra antenna to the DIV SMA connector to reduce signal interference. Make sure the antennas are at least 25 centimeters apart.
  • Only the 4G/LTE model has a DIV connector.

Make sure that the SIM card is activated and has data available:

• Contact the provider directly or check the provider's online portal, if available.
• If the SIM card subscription is shared with another SIM card, make sure that the master SIM card is still in use and active to keep both SIM cards active.
• With most providers the connection is automatically restored when the data limit is exceeded and refilled, However, this is not the case with some providers and a restart of the IXrouter is required.

In some countries you may need to take action to allow foreign devices, like the IXrouter, to use the local cellular network.

In Turkey, it is important to know that IMEI registration for foreign devices is mandatory. If a device is not registered, you can only use this device on a Turkish network for a maximum of 120 days, after which the IMEI of that device will be blocked by the local network provider. If you see "registering_denied" on the IXrouter's local web interface at Overview > Network > WAN > Cellular > Network, this confirms that the IXrouter is being blocked from connecting to the cellular network.

• You will need to register the IXrouter's IMEI, listed on the side, in Turkey. Please contact a local network provider for details about this process.

Additionally, we recommend testing the SIM card to be completely sure:

• Insert the SIM card in a mobile phone that accepts a mini SIM card (2FF) , open a mobile browser, and navigate to a webpage, like ixon.cloud. If you are unable to open the webpage, contact the provider directly or check the provider's online portal.

Back to Cellular overview

() Constant red

Description
The IXrouter is connected to the cellular network, but has poor reception.

Solution
This may not be an issue, but can result in slower data transmission or unwanted disconnects. There are a few things you can do:

• Check if the provider has good 3G/4G coverage at your location.
• Make sure that the cellular signal is able to reach the IXrouter:
  • If the IXrouter is placed within a cabinet, that will strongly reduce the strength of the signal. It is strongly advised to place the IXrouter's antenna outside of the cabinet.
  • The same applies in a lesser degree to obstacles, machines, or the construction of the hall itself that the IXrouter is located in. Reduce the obstacles and interference as much as possible. It may be beneficial to place the antenna as close to the outside world as possible: near a window or on the roof.
• Use the right antenna. A cellular antenna will have an SMA Male connector.
• Connect the antenna to the correct SMA connector on the IXrouter.
  • The 4G/LTE model has 2 SMA connectors for a cellular antenna. The one closest to the power connector is the MAIN and the other connector is the DIV. Always connect an antenna to the MAIN.
• Connect an extra antenna to the DIV SMA connector to reduce signal interference. Make sure the antennas are at least 25 centimeters apart.
  • Only the 4G/LTE model has a DIV connector.

Back to Cellular overview

() Constant purple

Description
The IXrouter is connected to the cellular network, and has decent reception.

You generally won't experience issues with this reception strength, but you can always check the tips above to improve the reception.

Back to Cellular overview

() Constant blue

Description
The IXrouter is connected to the cellular network, and has good reception.

Back to Cellular overview

(ACT) Blinking red 1 pulse

Description
The IXrouter is unable to reach the IXON Cloud.

Make sure that the SIM card is activated and has data available:

• Contact the provider directly or check the provider's online portal, if available.
• If the SIM card subscription is shared with another SIM card, make sure that the master SIM card is still in use and active to keep both SIM cards active.
• With most providers the connection is automatically restored when the data limit is exceeded and refilled, However, this is not the case with some providers and a restart of the IXrouter is required.

Additionally, we recommend testing the SIM card to be completely sure:

• Insert the SIM card in a mobile phone that accepts a mini SIM card (2FF) , open a mobile browser, and navigate to a webpage, like ixon.cloud. If you are unable to open the webpage, contact the provider directly or check the provider's online portal.

Back to Cellular overview

(ACT) Blinking red 3 pulses

Description
There is a LAN/WAN conflict in the IXrouter settings. In other words, the LAN (machine network) IP range and WAN (corporate network) IP range are the same or IP-technically considered to be a part of one another. This means the IXrouter cannot differentiate between the two and cannot reliable determine which way is "the internet".

Solutions
Since the IXrouter's WAN will automatically receive a "public" IP address from the provider, this means that you also chose a "public" IP address for the IXrouter's LAN, instead of a "private" IP address. The solution is:

• Change the IXrouter's LAN IP range by creating a new configuration file with the same WAN settings, but a private LAN IP range. For available IP ranges, search online for "private IP range". Note that you will also have to change the IP range on your connected hardware, like the PLC.

Back to Cellular overview

(ACT) Blinking red 4 pulses

Description
The IXrouter was removed from the IXON Cloud.

Solution
The IXrouter needs to be registered again without rebooting the IXrouter. If the USB flash drive with the configuration file is still in the IXrouter, simply take out the USB flash drive and insert it again, without rebooting the IXrouter. If you do reboot the IXrouter, wait for the ACT LED to start blinking red 4 pulses again and then insert the USB flash drive with the configuration file.

Back to Cellular overview

(ACT) Blinking red 5 pulses

Description
The IXrouter is trying to register itself in an IXON Cloud company, but there is still an old registration from the IXrouter listed in that IXON Cloud company. This situation usually happens when someone has factory reset the IXrouter and immediately tries to register it again.

Solutions
There are two solutions to this situation that you can choose from. If you want to re-use the settings from the old IXON Cloud registration:

• Turn on "Recover upon next registration".
• Do NOT reboot the IXrouter. If you do, wait for the ACT LED to start blinking red 5 pulses again before continuing.
• Take out the USB flash drive and plug it back in.

If you do NOT want to re-use the settings from the old IXON Cloud registration:

• Remove the device from the IXON Cloud.
• Do NOT reboot the IXrouter. If you do, wait for the ACT LED to start blinking red 5 pulses again before continuing.
• Take out the USB flash drive and plug it back in.

Back to Cellular overview

(ACT) Blinking blue 1 short pulse

Description
The IXrouter has internet access and is trying to reach to the IXON Cloud.

• Contact the provider directly or check the provider's online portal, if available.
• If the SIM card subscription is shared with another SIM card, make sure that the master SIM card is still in use and active to keep both SIM cards active.
• With most providers the connection is automatically restored when the data limit is exceeded and refilled, However, this is not the case with some providers and a restart of the IXrouter is required.

Additionally, we recommend testing the SIM card to be completely sure:

• Insert the SIM card in a mobile phone that accepts a mini SIM card (2FF) , open a mobile browser, and navigate to a webpage, like ixon.cloud. If you are unable to open the webpage, contact the provider directly or check the provider's online portal.

Back to Cellular overview

(ACT) Blinking blue 1 long pulse

Description
The IXrouter's VPN connection is manually disabled.

Solution
If you keep seeing this LED status it means that the IXrouter's VPN connection is manually disabled.

• Enable the VPN connection. Depending on how it is disabled, through its Digital Input or through the IXON Cloud, use that same method to enable it again. Details can be found at: Switch VPN on/off.

Back to Cellular overview

(ACT) Blinking blue 2 short pulses

Description
The IXrouter is initiating a VPN connection to the closest IXON VPN server.

Solution
If you keep seeing this LED status it means that the IXrouter is unable to establish the VPN connection.

Try the following first. It may enable your edge gateway to connect without further troubleshooting.

1. Try Stealth mode.
   • This masks the edge gateway's VPN traffic as regular internet traffic (HTTPS) and may allow your edge gateway to connect.
   • Configurable at Fleet Manager > Devices > Click on your device name > Network > VPN.
   • Once enabled, make sure to reset or unblock the error message so your edge gateway will try to connect again. This may take several minutes, depending on the situation.
   • If your edge gateway successfully connects, you can continue to use this workaround or proceed with the steps below to find and resolve the root cause. The latter is recommended to find a proper solution instead of using a workaround.
   • Stealth mode may have a marginal impact on performance. Though this if often not noticeable in practice.
   • If your edge gateway does not connect, turn Stealth mode off and proceed with the steps below.
2. Try VPN connection type UDP.
   • This makes your edge gateway use a different port (1194) than with TCP (443) and may allow your edge gateway to connect.
   • Configurable at Fleet Manager > Devices > Click on your device name > Network > VPN.
   • Once enabled, make sure to reset or unblock the error message so your edge gateway will try to connect again. This may take several minutes, depending on the situation.
   • If your edge gateway successfully connects, you can continue to use this workaround or proceed with the steps below to find and resolve the root cause. The latter is recommended to find a proper solution instead of using a workaround.
   • VPN connection type UDP does not negatively impact the performance or functioning of the edge gateway.
   • If your edge gateway does not connect, set VPN connection type to TCP and proceed with the steps below.

The following solutions are situation dependent and may not all be relevant to you. Don't forget to reset or unblock the error message after trying a solution so your edge gateway will try to connect again. This may take several minutes, depending on the situation.

3. In Pakistan, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) requires that every VPN connection to the outside world needs to be registered for VPN to work.
   • Information about the procedure can be found on the PTA website: https://www.pta.gov.pk/category/ip-whitelisting-&-vpn-registration. For assistance in this process, contact the PTA themselves or a local authority.
   • Part of the form that you will receive is about the VPN connection. Click below for help.
     Form help

     Parameters	A-end	B-end
     IP addresses used	Enter the internet IP address of the local customer business	Contact us for an up-to-date list of IXON VPN server IP addresses
     Location (Country)	Pakistan	The Netherlands
     Business name	Enter the local customer business name	IXON B.V. Zuster Bloemstraat 20 5835 DW Beugen The Netherlands
     Type of non-standard communication	MQTTS, OpenVPN
     Type of compression	None
     Rate of compression (in bits)	-
     If standard VPN, then mention standard of VPN	OpenVPN
     If VPN is proprietary, mention product detail	-

4. If you're in a different country that you know or suspect to have banned or restricted VPN usage (e.g. Egypt), contact your local Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance in allowing VPN for the edge gateway.
5. If you have the VPN connection type set to UDP and are using a cellular connection, either directly on the edge gateway itself or indirectly by connecting it via cable or Wi-Fi to a cellular router, the MTU size may need to be adjusted. Set the edge gateway's MTU size to automatic or manually to 1350 or 1450.
   Show instructions

   This can be configured on the local web interface or via USB stick.

   Local web interface

   1. Connect your computer to one of the LAN ports.
      • The local web interface is not accessible from the WAN side (Internet port).
   2. Open a new browser tab and go to the edge gateway's LAN IP address.
      • The default LAN IP address is 192.168.27.1.
      • Make sure that your laptop has an IP address in the same range. You may need to configure this manually. There are many online guides on this if you need a step by step guide.
   3. Go to Configuration and log in.
      • The default password (PW) is printed on the side of the edge gateway.
      • If there is no password printed on the side, this edge gateway was manufactured before the local web interface was created. That means it does not have a password and you cannot proceed using this method. Instead, use the IXON Cloud method. Additionally, once the edge gateway is online and has a VPN connection, we can configure a password for you. Please then contact us by granting us support access at Fleet Manager > Tools and tell us the serial number of the edge gateway.
      • If you enter an incorrect password multiple times in a row, you'll need to wait roughly 5 minutes before you can try again. The number of attempts is limited to 5 attempts per 5 minutes.
      • You can change the password by logging in and going to Account in the bottom left corner.
   4. Under Network > WAN > Ethernet or WiFi Client or Cellular, depending on how the IXrouter is configured, at MTU, enter 1402.
      • Cellular MTU was added in firmware 3.20. Ethernet and Wi-Fi MTU was added in firmware 3.29. If the IXrouter is running older firmware, only IXON can configure the MTU size for you. In that case, please contact us, explain the problem, and tell us which MTU you'd like us to configure (wired, Wi-Fi, cellular) to 1402 for you. Please also arrange a laptop with internet access and connect it to the LAN of the IXrouter. This is necessary for us to remotely access the IXrouter and set its MTU size.
   5. Apply the changes.
      
   6. If you configured cellular MTU, make sure to import that configuration into the IXON Cloud to prevent configuration mishaps later.
      • In the IXON Cloud, go to Fleet Manager > Devices and click on your device name.
      • Open the sync optionsand select Import config from device.
         

   USB stick

   1. Create a new text file named ixrouter.conf in any text editor, like Notepad++.
      • You can also use an existing configuration file you created at Fleet Manager > Tools.
   2. Copy one of these lines into the file, depending on how the IXrouter is configured:
      • If you're using an existing configuration file, you can add the line anywhere.
      • Cellular MTU requires firmware 3.20. Ethernet (wired) and Wi-Fi MTU requires firmware 3.29. If the IXrouter is running older firmware, only IXON can configure the MTU size for you. In that case, please contact us, explain the problem, and tell us which MTU you'd like us to configure (wired, Wi-Fi, cellular) to 1402 for you. Please also arrange a laptop with internet access and connect it to the LAN of the IXrouter. This is necessary for us to remotely access the IXrouter and set its MTU size.

      Wired

      ixrouter.wan.mtu=1350

      Wi-Fi

      ixrouter.wan.wlan_mtu=1350

      Cellular

      ixrouter.wan.3g_mtu=1350

   3. Save the file and place it on an empty USB flash drive.
   4. Turn off the IXrouter.
   5. Insert the USB stick into the IXrouter and power it on.
   6. Wait a minute for the configuration to be applied.
   7. Remove the USB flash drive from the IXrouter.
   8. If you configured cellular MTU, make sure to import that configuration into the IXON Cloud to prevent configuration mishaps later.
      • In the IXON Cloud, go to Fleet Manager > Devices and click on your device name.
      • Open the sync optionsand select Import config from device.
         
6. The cellular signal may be so poor or unstable that the edge gateway cannot establish its connection. Check the signal strength (quality) on the edge gateway's local web interface at Overview > Network > WAN > Cellular > Signal and improve the signal strength using the tips below if needed.
   How to open the edge gateway's local web interface

   1. Connect your computer to one of the LAN ports.
      • The local web interface is not accessible from the WAN side (Internet port).
   2. Open a new browser tab and go to the edge gateway's LAN IP address.
      • The default LAN IP address is 192.168.27.1.
      • Make sure that your laptop has an IP address in the same range. You may need to configure this manually. There are many online guides on this if you need a step by step guide.
   3. Go to Configuration and log in.
      • The default password (PW) is printed on the side of the edge gateway.
      • If there is no password printed on the side, this edge gateway was manufactured before the local web interface was created. That means it does not have a password and you cannot proceed using this method. Instead, use the IXON Cloud method. Additionally, once the edge gateway is online and has a VPN connection, we can configure a password for you. Please then contact us by granting us support access at Fleet Manager > Tools and tell us the serial number of the edge gateway.
      • If you enter an incorrect password multiple times in a row, you'll need to wait roughly 5 minutes before you can try again. The number of attempts is limited to 5 attempts per 5 minutes.
      • You can change the password by logging in and going to Account in the bottom left corner.
   Cellular connection tips

   • Check the signal coverage at your location.
     • Most cellular providers have an online coverage map available.
   • Make sure that the signal is able to reach the edge gateway:
     • If the edge gateway is placed within a cabinet, that will strongly reduce the strength of the signal. It is strongly advised to place the edge gateway's antenna outside of the cabinet.
     • The same applies in a lesser degree to obstacles, machines, or the construction of the hall itself that the edge gateway is located in. Reduce the obstacles and interference as much as possible. For cellular it may be beneficial to place the antenna as close to the outside world as possible: near a window or on the roof.
   • Use the right antenna.
     • A cellular antenna will have an SMA Male connector.
     • More information: How to choose the right antenna.
   • Connect an antenna and consider a 2nd antenna for improved signal quality. 
     
     • Some edge gateway models have 2 SMA connectors for cellular antennas. Always connect an antenna to the MAIN. Connecting an antenna to the DIV is optional and will improve the signal quality in most situations. It is recommended to place the antennas at least 25 centimeters apart.
     • Some older IXrouter3 models may not have this printed on the housing: The one closest to the power connector is the MAIN and the other connector is the DIV.
   • If the cellular signal is still unstable or slow, consider changing to a wired connection.
     • The edge gateway's WAN configuration will need to be updated to use wired.
7. If the above solutions have not resolved the problem, a firewall is intentionally or unintentionally interfering with the edge gateway's connection attempts. This is most common with a wired or Wi-Fi connection, but has occasionally also been observed with cellular connections. Contact the local IT or Internet Service Provider (ISP) and explain the situation using the problem description at the beginning of this article. Also include the following support article, explaining how the edge gateway connects to the IXON Cloud and listing potential firewall settings that are known to block or interfere: Ports, protocols, and servers used by the edge gateway.
   • Tip: use the IXON Check to test the local network and provide insights.

Back to Cellular overview

(ACT) Constant blue

Description
The IXrouter has an active VPN connection to the IXON Cloud.

Solution
If you see the IXrouter listed in your IXON Cloud company, but it doesn't have an active VPN connection:

• Hard refresh the webpage (CTRL+F5 for Windows users).

If you do not see the IXrouter listed in your IXON Cloud company:

• Check if you are currently looking in the right company. You can switch company by opening the account menu in the top right corner and selecting [Switch company].
• Check with the person who invited you to see if you have access to this IXrouter.

If the above is correct, but you still don't see the IXrouter, then it may have previously been registered in a different company.

• If you wish to save its previous configuration, you can transfer the IXrouter.
• If you do NOT wish to save its previous configuration, you can factory reset the IXrouter and then register it again.

Back to Cellular overview