The ORB can communicate with the Senquip Portal or a remote server via Wi-Fi or 4G LTE. Where both Wi-Fi and 4G LTE networks are selected, the ORB will first attempt to connect via Wi-Fi and if that is unsuccessful, the ORB will then attempt to connect via 4G LTE. In the event that neither Wi-Fi or 4G LTE networks can be found, the ORB can be set to log data to internal memory and then upload it when a network becomes available (see Endpoint settings).
Wi-Fi on the ORB is used to transmit data, to allow settings to be remotely updated, to allow in-field software updates and also to enable setup via an integrated web-server that can be accessed in setup mode via a mobile phone or other Wi-Fi device.
The ORB Wi-Fi implementation supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n. The Wi-Fi antenna is integrated into the ORB. In typical applications, the range achievable with Wi-Fi is 500m.
Connecting to a Wi-Fi or LTE Network with the Senquip Connect App
The Senquip Connect App is a mobile application that allows users to connect to nearby Senquip devices using Bluetooth to configure networks and for data viewing. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices running recent firmware. See the Senquip Device Firmware Changelist for more information on compatible firmware versions.
Network configuration via Bluetooth is available when the Senquip device is in setup mode. To enter setup mode, press the setup button on the device. The green light will start to flash. Open the Senquip Connect App and scan for available devices. Devices in setup mode will allow connection for the purpose of network configuration. Press connect and enter the device setup password.
For Wi-Fi networks, the chosen SSID and password need to be entered. Further advanced Wi-Fi settings are available when using the embedded webserver or Senquip Portal for configuration.
For LTE networks, Auto APN can be enabled in which case the device will attempt to find a suitable APN for the network. Alternatively the APN for the network should be entered. In rare cases, a username and password are required for the SIM.
Press Submit to send the settings to the device. The device will save the settings and will reboot back into setup mode. To exit setup mode, press reset on the device. Continue device configuration using the Senquip Portal.
Connecting to a Wi-Fi Network with the Embedded Webserver
Once in setup mode, use the Network page to connect the ORB to a Wi-Fi network.
On the Network page, press the Scan for Wi-Fi Networks button. After a few seconds, a list of SSIDs for visible Wi-Fi networks will be shown. Select the Wi-Fi network to which you would like to connect by selecting the SSID from the list. The SSID will automatically be copied to the Wi-Fi SSID field and you will be prompted for the network password. After entering the password, press Save Settings. You will be prompted to restart the device; settings will only be applied after a restart. To continue with setup, press CANCEL or to restart and apply your settings, press OK.
After a reboot, the ORB will attempt to connect to the specified Wi-Fi network. You can check if the ORB has successfully connected to the chosen network by placing the ORB in setup mode and returning to the Network page. At the top of the page, the current network status will be shown. Note the IP address that your Wi-Fi modem has allocated to the ORB; you can use this address to access the ORB directly on your WiFI network.
Further Wi-Fi settings are available by selecting the Advanced option. Once selected, a static IP address, netmask, gateway and DNS server can be specified.
The integrated web-server is normally only active in setup mode; it can however be made to be always on by setting the web setting to ON. This may be an advantage in systems where permanent power is available and the user wants to be able to make remote changes directly on the ORB without having to access the Senquip Portal. Keeping the web-server active will require that the ORB remain awake at all times but does mean that the user can make instant changes to settings and see the latest measured data.
When connected to a Wi-Fi network, the ORB may need to be able to make outgoing connections to remote services. To allow the ORB to make connections, some ports need to be enabled for outgoing connections on your Wi-Fi network.
Function
Port Number
Description
NTP Time
123
To be able to correctly timestamp measured data and for certain
encryption functions the ORB needs to know time accurately.
Time is accessed by connecting to an NTP server on this port.
MQTT to Senquip Portal
8883
Secure communications with the Senquip Portal are established
on this port.
OTA update
80, 443
Over the Air (OTA) is a method by which the ORB software can be
remotely updated. To enable remote software upgrades of the
ORB software, outgoing connections need to be enabled on this
port.
Note
If custom endpoints are enabled, additional ports may need to be opened.
The following Wi-Fi authentication modes are supported:
A full list of Wi-Fi settings is given in the table at the end of the chapter.
Connecting to an LTE Network with the Embedded Webserver
Once in setup mode, use the Network page to connect the Senquip ORB to a mobile network.
In most cases only an APN will be required to establish a 4G LTE connection. Some service providers will require a username and password and some SIM cards will require a pin. If these are not needed, leave them blank.
For CAT-1 devices, an additional Connection Mode setting is available. This setting allows the selection of 4G or 2G, 3G, 4G mobile technology. 4G offers higher bandwidth and is recommended unless there are initial connection issues.
A Roaming option is available for SIM cards that offer connection to networks other that SIM card home network.
