CISCO C1921-3G-U-K9 Cisco 1921 3.5G EHWIC HSPA/UMTS
Q. What is 3G? What are the 3G standards groups?
A. Third-generation (3G) is the term for the latest generation of mobile services, which provide advanced voice communications and high-speed data connectivity, including access to the Internet, mobile data applications, and multimedia content. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU), working with industry-standards groups from around the world, has defined the technical requirements and standards as well as the spectrum for 3G systems under the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) program. The ITU requires that IMT-2000 (3G) networks deliver (among other capabilities) improved system capacity and spectrum efficiency over second-generation (2G) systems and that they support data services at minimum transmission rates of 144 kbps in mobile (outdoor) and 2 Mbps in fixed (indoor) environments.
Q. What is the difference between EVDO and HSPA?
A. Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO) and high-speed packet access (HSPA) are parallel 3G data standards in the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) environments. EVDO evolved from the Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000) standards, whereas HSPA evolved from the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) standard that was developed for the countries using Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technology.
Q. What are the associated theoretical speeds with the different 3G technologies?
A. With 3G HSPA one can get 7.2 Mbps down/5.7 Mbps up. With HSPA+ (also called 3.7G technologies) one can get 21 Mbps down/5.7 Mbps up. The EVDO-RevA can support 3.1 Mbps down/ 1.8 Mbps up.
Q. Does the Cisco 3G Enhanced High-Speed WAN Interface Card (EHWIC) support Mobile IP (MIP), or Simple IP only?
A. The CDMA 3G EHWIC SKUs support MIP on the modem. Depending upon the configuration on the carrier network, it could be set to either MIP only or MIP preferred mode. In the MIP preferred mode, when MIP fails, the modem falls back to Simple IP. The GSM 3G wireless WAN (WWAN) SKUs do not have a Mobile IP stack.
Q. How does the modem select the service to which to attach? Does it switch to a better service when one is available?
A. Yes. For GSM networks, the modem always looks for HSPA/HSPA+ as the first choice. If HSPA/HSPA+ is not available, the modem downshifts to the next best available radio network; that is, Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS) to Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) and finally to General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). If you have only EDGE service, the modem continues to scan in the background for UMTS or HSPA service. If the UMTS or HSPA service becomes available, the modem automatically switches to that service. For CDMA networks, the modem always looks for EVDO Rev A first, then Rev 0, and then 1xRTT.
Q. What factors affect throughput on the 3G WWAN?
A. Several factors can affect throughput and performance. Some examples include:
• Congestion-3G WWAN data services use a shared wireless medium. Therefore, the number of active users in a cell site affects throughput
• Coverage-The distance from the cell tower affects throughput. The further you are located from the cell tower, the lower the achievable throughput. A site survey is recommended as part of the installation process to help ensure adequate network coverage
• Interference-RF noise from nearby devices can inhibit performance
Q. Are the Cisco® 3G WWAN interfaces suitable for use as primary links?
A. The 3G wireless standards for data rate and latency performance have continuously improved. Today, both EVDO or Evolution-Data only EVDO and HSPA services offer fractional T1 data rates and latency below 100 milliseconds (ms). For sites and applications that have low and intermittent data usage (such as bank ATMs, kiosks, and gas stations), Cisco 3G WWAN interface may be suitable.
Q. Can I run voice-over-IP (VoIP) traffic over Cisco 3G WWAN EHWICs?
A. Yes, it is recommended to use the latest 3G technology-EVDO Rev A and HSPA+/HSPA-to run VoIP over a 3G link.
Q. Is latency a problem with the Cisco 3G solution?
A. Latencies vary by technology. Depending on the service available in your area and the applications you are running over your link, latency may be a concern. The most advanced technologies support latencies of less than 100 m.
Product Overview
Q. What are the available models for the integrated 3G Wireless WAN Enhanced High-Speed WAN Interface Cards for Cisco Integrated Services Routers Generation 2 (3G WWAN EHWIC for Cisco ISR G2)?
A. Table 1 outlines the available part numbers for the Cisco 3G WWAN EHWIC for Cisco ISR G2.
Table 1. Part Numbers
|
Part Number
|
Description
|
|
EHWIC-3G-HSPA-U
EHWIC-3G-HSPA-U= (Spare)
|
3G HSPA Wireless WAN EHWIC Supporting GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA (Global SKU)
|
|
EHWIC-3G-EVDO-V
EHWIC-3G-EVDO-V= (Spare)
|
3G EV-DO Wireless WAN EHWIC Supporting 1xRTT, EV-DO Rev A/Rev 0 (Verizon SKU)
|
|
EHWIC-3G-EVDO-S
EHWIC-3G-EVDO-S= (Spare)
|
3G EV-DO Wireless WAN EHWIC Supporting 1xRTT, EV-DO Rev A/Rev 0 (Sprint SKU)
|
|
EHWIC-3G-EVDO-B
EHWIC-3G-EVDO-B= (Spare)
|
3G EV-DO Wireless WAN EHWIC Supporting 1xRTT, EV-DO Rev A/Rev 0 (BSNL SKU)*
|
|
EHWIC-3G-HSPA+7
|
3.7G HSPA+ Release 7 EHWIC w/ SMS/GPS (MC8705)( (non-US)
|
|
EHWIC-3G-HSPA+7-A
|
3.7G HSPA+ Release 7 EHWIC w/ SMS/GPS (MC8705) (AT&T)
|
Q. For what platforms are the EHWICs supported? What platform bundles are supported?
A. The EHWICs are supported for the Cisco 1900,2900, and 3900 Series ISR platforms. For the Cisco 800 Series Routers the 3G functionality is embedded in the platform. 3G EHWIC bundles are supported for the 1900 platforms mentioned below. Table 2 lists the product bundles for the Cisco 1900 Series ISRs.
Table 2. Cisco 1900 Series ISR Bundles
|
Part Number
|
Description
|
|
C1921-3G-U-K9
|
CISCO1921 Bundle with EHWIC-3G-HSPA-U, Universal Base, 256FL/512DR
|
|
C1921-3G-G-K9
|
CISCO1921 Bundle with HWIC-3G-HSPA-G, Universal Base, 256FL/512DR
|
|
C1921-3G-V-K9
|
CISCO1921 Bundle with EHWIC-3G-EVDO-V, Universal Base, 256FL/512DR
|
|
C1921-3G-S-K9
|
CISCO1921 Bundle with EHWIC-3G-EVDO-S, Universal Base, 256FL/512DR
|
|
C1921-3G-U-SEC/K9
|
CISCO1921 Bundle with EHWIC-3G-HSPA-U, Universal Base, 256FL/512DR, Adv Security
|
|
C1921-3G-G-SEC/K9
|
CISCO1921 Bundle with HWIC-3G-HSPA-G, Universal Base, 256FL/512DR, Adv Security
|
|
C1921-3G-V-SEC/K9
|
CISCO1921 Bundle with EHWIC-3G-EVDO-V, 256FL/512DR, Adv Security
|
|
C1921-3G-V-SEC/K9
|
CISCO1921 Bundle with EHWIC-3G-EVDO-S, 256FL/512DR, Adv Security
|
Q. What accessories are orderable?
A. Table 3 highlights the accessories that are orderable.
Table 3. Accessories
|
Part Number
|
Description
|
|
3G-ANTM1919D
3G-ANTM1919D= (Spare)
|
Multi-Band Swivel Mount Dipole Antenna-Faceplate Mount
|
|
3G-ANTM1916-CM
3G-ANTM1916-CM= (Spare)
|
Multi-Band Omnidirectional Antenna-Ceiling Mount
|
|
3G-AE010-R
3G-AE010-R= (Spare)
|
Single Unit Antenna Extension Base (10-ft cable included
|
|
3G-AE015-R
3G-AE015-R= (Spare)
|
Single Unit Antenna Extension Base (15-ft cable included
|
|
3G-CAB-ULL-50
3G-CAB-ULL-50= (Spare)
|
50-ft (15m) Ultra Low Loss LMR 400 Cable with TNC Connector
|
|
3G-CAB-ULL-20
3G-CAB-ULL-20= (Spare)
|
20-ft (6m) Ultra Low Loss LMR 400 Cable with TNC Connector
|
|
3G-ACC-OUT-LA
3G-ACC-OUT-LA= (Spare)
|
3G Outdoor Antenna Lightning Arrestor
|
|
3G-ANT-OUT-LP
3G-ANT-OUT-LP= (Spare)
|
Multi-Band Outdoor Low Profile Antenna with 15ft cable
|
|
3G-ANT-OUT-COMBO
3G-ANT-OUT-COMBO= (Spare)
|
Multi-Band Outdoor Omnidirectional Antenna Mast/Wall Mount and 3G Outdoor Antenna Lightning Arrestor (3G-ACC-OUT-LA)
|
|
3G-CAB-LMR240-25
3G-CAB-LMR240-25= (Spare)
|
25-ft (7.5 m) Low Loss LMR 240 Cable with TNC Connector
|
|
3G-CAB-LMR240-50
3G-CAB-LMR240-50= (Spare)
|
50-ft (15 m) Low Loss LMR 240 Cable with TNC Connector
|
|
3G-CAB-LMR240-75
3G-CAB-LMR240-75= (Spare)
|
75-ft (23 m) Low Loss LMR 240 Cable with TNC Connector
|
Note: All 3G EHWICs (including spares) ship with one default dipole antenna 3G-ANTM1919D and
3G-AE010-R.
Q. What 3G modem is integrated with the Cisco 3G WWAN EHWICs?
A. The Cisco 3G WWAN EHWICs are available with the third-generation Partner Project (3GPP) standard based on Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) and the 3GPP2 standard based on CDMA2000 carriers as listed in Table 4. These 3G modems are backward-compatible to 2G technologies, namely EDGE and GPRS based on Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technology and 1xRTT based on narrowband CDMA technology. In addition, EHWICs support "HSPA Evolved" (or HSPA+) embedded modems based on 3GPP Release 7. Table 4 lists the modems available.
Table 4. Cisco 3G WWAN EHWICs Modems for HSPA+/HSPA and CDMA2000 Carriers
|
Part Number
|
Description
|
|
MC5728V
|
3G EV-DO Wireless WAN EHWICsupporting CDMA Rev A/Rev 0/1xRTT (Sprint, Verizon, and BSNL SKU)
|
|
MC8795V
|
3G HSPA Wireless WAN EHWICsupporting HSPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS (Global SKU)
|
|
MC8705
|
3G HSPA Wireless WAN EHWICsupporting supporting HSPA+/HSPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS (Global SKU and North American SKU)
|
Q. What technology is the Cisco modem based on?
A. The Sierra Wireless MC5728V modem is based on the Qualcomm QSC6085 chipset, which supports CDMA Rev A/Rev 0/1xRTT. It can support speeds up to 3.1-Mbps downlink and 1.8-Mbps uplink. The Sierra Wireless MC8795V modem is based on the Qualcomm MSM6290 chipset, which supports Quad-Band HSPA (850/900/1900/2100 MHz). It supports speeds up to 7.2-Mbps downlink and 2.0-Mbps uplink. It is also backward-compatible with GPRS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz). The Sierra Wireless MC8705 modem is based on the Qualcomm MDM8200A chipset, which supports Quad-Band HSPA+ (850/900/1900/2100 MHz). It supports speeds up to 21.1-Mbps downlink and 5.76-Mbps uplink. It is also backward-compatible with GPRS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz).
Q. Is the account information stored on Cisco IOS® Software?
A. No, the account information is stored on the non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) for the Cisco 3G CDMA modems and on the subscriber-identity-module (SIM) card for the Cisco 3G HSPA+/HSPA modems-not on Cisco IOS Software.
Each CDMA modem is uniquely provisioned using the electronic serial number (ESN). You need to activate the new card with your service provider, and your service provider needs to move your account information to the new ESN.
Q. What wireless standards are supported with the 3G modem for the Cisco WWAN EHWIC?
A. The following 2G and 3G wireless technologies are supported on the 3G modems. Performance numbers listed here are theoretical limits and may not be seen in production networks. Contact your preferred wireless carrier for expected performance rates.
EVDO (CDMA2000):
• CDMA 1xEV-DO Rev A (forward link up to 3.1 Mbps; reverse link up to 1.8 Mbps)
• CDMA 1xEV-DO Rev 0 (forward link up to 2.4 Mbps; reverse link up to 153.6 kbps)
• CDMA 1xRTT (forward link up to 153.6 kbps; reverse link up to 153.6 kbps)
HSPA+/HSPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS:
• HSPA+: 850, 900, 1900, and 2100 MHz (downlink up to 21.1 Mbps; uplink up to 5.76 Mbps)
• HSPA: 850, 900, 1900, and 2100 MHz (downlink up to 7.2 Mbps; uplink up to 5.76 Mbps)
• UMTS: 850, 1900, and 2100 MHz (forward link up to 2.0 Mbps; reverse link up to 384 kbps)
• Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE): 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz (forward link up to 384 kbps; reverse link up to 115 kbps)
Q. What Cisco IOS Software releases and feature sets are required to support the Cisco 3G WWAN EHWIC?
A. Cisco IOS Software Releases 15.1(4)M and 15.2(1)T or later.
Q. For 3GPP HSPA+/HSPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS carriers, how many kinds of modems exist today?
A. Two. MC8795V supports the global (non-U.S.) HSPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS networks. MC8705 supports both the global (non-U.S.) and the North American HSPA+/HSPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS networks. Some carriers may require unique modem settings or modem firmware, but most of the carrier and account information resides in the SIM.
Q. Are different firmware versions available for the Cisco 3G WWAN EHWIC?
A. Yes. Different firmware versions may be introduced to address feature enhancements or carrier-specific functions. Current firmware versions and supported carriers . MC5728V has firmware Version 1.33.0.1; MC8795V has firmware Version K2.0.7.44; and MC8705 has firmware Version T1.0.3.2.
Q. Is the firmware bundled with the Cisco IOS Software image?
A. The firmware comes preloaded with the PCI Express Mini-card Standard Form Factor F2.I It is not bundled with the Cisco IOS Software image. When a new firmware version is released.
Q. How are the Cisco 3G routers integrated with Cisco IOS Software?
Q. What management capabilities are available for the Cisco 3G WWAN EHWICs?
A. You can configure and monitor the Cisco 3G WWAN EHWICs from the router command-line interface (CLI) using Cisco IOS Software commands that allow you to:
• Activate the 3G modem (only for CDMA)
• Configure the data profile (only for HSPA)
• Upgrade 3G modem firmware either locally or remotely
• Remotely dial in and bring up the 3G link remotely through Short Message Service (SMS) and voice
• Monitor the signal strength, available network and service, and data-connection statistic
• Use SIM locking/unlocking; It adds SIM security by verifying the SIM PIN at modem power-up
• Use mobile equipment personalization (MEP) unlocking, which allows locking the modem or high-speed WAN interface card (HWIC) to a particular cellular carrier, thus allowing the carrier to subsidize the equipment. This feature allows end users to use the modem with other carriers after the locking period is over, as required in some geographical regions and countries
• Use Open Mobile Alliance Diagnostic & Monitoring (OMA-DM) activation, which allows CDMA modems to be activated and provisioned using the OMA-DM protocol
For remote-management capabilities, the EHWICs supports the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) interface 3G MIB, allowing access to the standard interface counters. The interface MIB also provides traps for interface up, interface down, and modem presence events. (A cellular MIB that allows polling of signal and network statistics is under development.)
It supports collecting modem logs through remote Diagnostic and Monitoring capability.
Q. What new 3G MIB features are supported on the Cisco 3G WWAN EHWIC?
A. In addition to traditional 3G WWAN, ENTITY, and IF MIB support, the Cisco 819 ISRs support 3G WWAN MIB persistence, which allows SET objects to survive from router reloads and modem power cycle. New MIB objects will be implemented for SMS statistics and Global Positioning System (GPS) data:
Q. What is SMS-initiated data callback?
A. Voice-initiated data callback (also called dial-in), which is implemented in previous Cisco 3G products, requires customers to subscribe to a voice plan. However, not all service providers offer voice service for data-only modems. SMS-initiated data callback addresses this limitation. It allows customers to set up a data connection by sending a text message to the modem. This feature includes message screening using the originating number. This feature improves the feature security and eliminates unauthorized callback requests.
Q. Do the Cisco 3G WWAN EHWICs support SMS?
Q. Do the Cisco 3G WWAN EHWICs support GPS?
Q. How do I display GPS data information?
A. The Cisco IOS EXEC command show cellular<slot>gps displays GPS state, mode, latitude, and longitude information.
Q. Can I use IP Security (IPsec) with the Cisco 3G WWAN EHWIC?
A. Yes. IPSec is supported on the Cisco 3G WWAN EHWIC. IPSec has been tested in both site-to-site and Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN) configurations.
Service Plans and Carriers
For the GSM express card, the service plan information is included in the SIM card. You must purchase the SIM card from your local wireless carrier. In general, service plans should be metered plans. Several of the unlimited data plans are designed for laptop computers and PDAs and not for routers, where a customer can have multiple data devices.
For the CDMA express card, the carrier must activate the modem. Typically this activation involves providing account information as well as the ESN of the modem.
Q. How do I get my Cisco 3G activated?
A. The service activation procedure varies by wireless carrier. Activation can be performed through a phone call or by logging into a specific website so that the carrier can perform the activation. To activate a modem, typically you need to have a reseller agreement with the carrier. The typical scenarios follow:
• Managed services or wireless carrier-If you purchased the modem through a wireless carrier or affiliate, that carrier or affiliate should activate the modem
• Reseller-If your reseller has an agreement with a wireless carrier, the reseller may perform service activation. If the reseller does not have a relationship with a wireless carrier, the reseller may partner with a wireless agent to activate the modem
Q. Is over-the-air (OTA) provisioning supported, or is provisioning performed by a technician during installation over the connection to the console port?
A. OTA provisioning is supported. However, the OTA protocols of different wireless network operators vary. Sprint supports OMA-DM provisioning and Verizon support OTASP provisioning.
Q. Why are there two antenna connectors on the 3G WWAN EHWIC?
A. The two antenna connectors provide diversity, allowing for stronger signal reception in areas where a signal might be poor or otherwise degraded. As a parallel example, most wireless LAN cards use diversity antennas to offer the PC client the strongest possible signal. Diversity also allows you to orient one antenna at one angle or direction and the other at another angle or direction to help improve signal reception.
Q. Is quality of service (QoS) supported with the 3G EHWIC wireless cards?
A. QoS is supported on the Cisco router itself; none of the service providers support QoS on their current wireless networks.
Q. Do I always need to configure dial-on-demand routing (DDR)?
A. The 3G EHWIC WWAN cellular interface is a DDR interface. That is, the connection is set up only when there is associated traffic. So you have to configure the dialer group and Chat script whether the cellular interface is being used as a primary or backup interface.
Q. Can I configure the 3G EHWIC WWAN cellular interface as the primary interface and configure another interface as a backup to the cellular interface?
A. No, the 3G EHWIC interface is an asynchronous serial, DDR interface. You cannot configure another interface as the backup interface to any DDR interface because the DDR interfaces themselves are designed to function primarily as backup interfaces
Q. How many profiles can I configure for my GSM modem, and how many are active at any given time?
A. You can configure 16 access point name (APN) profiles. Only one will be active at any point in time.
Q. What information do I need before activating my 3G wireless HWIC GSM modem (EHWIC-3G-HSPA-U)?
A. You need to get the following information from your service provider to activate the modem:
• APN
• Authentication type-Password Authentication Protocol (PAP) or CHAP
• Username and password
Q. What is the command to lock or unlock the SIM on my 3G wireless HWIC (EHWIC-3G-HSPA-U)?
A. The cellular GSM SIM lock or unlock command is: cellular <unit>gsmsim<lock | unlock><pin>
Q. I have the cellular EHWIC activated, but it appears that the interesting traffic is not able to activate the dialer. When trying to ping anything, the router displays the following response: "% unrecognized host or address, or protocol not running". What is wrong?
A. Verify that the following is configured: dialer-list 1 protocol ip permit.
