Cisco 888 G.SHDSL Router configurable with a choice of 3G modems
CISCO888GW-GN-A-K9
Cisco 888 G.SHDSL Wireless Router 802.11n FCC Compliant, configurable with a choice of 3G modems
CISCO888GW-GN-E-K9
Cisco 888 G.SHDSL Wireless Router; 802.11n ETSI Compliant, configurable with a choice of 3G modems
Q. What kind of 3G modem is integrated with the Cisco 880G Series Integrated Services Routers?
A. When ordered with the 3G option, these routers are available with the 3G cards listed in Table 2 for 3GPP Standard based on Wideband Code Divison Multiple Access (WCDMA) and 3GPP2 standard based on Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000) carriers. These 3G cards are backward compatible to 2G technologies namely EDGE/GPRS based on GSM technology and 1xRTT based on narrowband CDMA technology.
Table 2. Ordering Information for Cisco 880 Series with 3G cards for WCDMA/GSM and CDMA2000 Carriers
Part Number
Description
PCEX-3G-HSPA(=)
3G Wireless WAN PC Express card supporting GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSPA (Global SKU)
PCEX-3G-HSPA-A(=)
3G Wireless WAN PC Express card supporting GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSPA (North America)
PCEX-3G-CDMA-V(=)
3G Wireless WAN PC Express card supporting 1xRTT/EVDO Rev A/Rel 0 (Verizon SKU)
PCEX-3G-CDMA-S(=)
3G Wireless WAN PC Express card supporting 1xRTT/EVDO Rev A/Rel 0 (Sprint SKU)
Q. Can I use my own 3G modem for the Cisco 880G Series 3G interface?
A. No. The Cisco supported Sierra Wireless 3G modems will be bundled with the Cisco 880G Series 3G routers. Cisco will not support any modems not bundled with the platforms.
Q. Can I order the 3G modem separately?
A. Each Cisco 880G Series 3G router will be shipped with a 3G modem. You can order additional modems separately as spare units.
Q. What technology is the Cisco modem based on?
A. The Cisco 3G PC Express AirCard with part number PCEX-3G-HSPA and PCEX-3G-HSPA-A are based on Sierra Wireless AC880E modems, and the Cisco PC Express AirCard with part number PCEX-3G-CDMA-x based on the Sierra Wireless AC597E modems.
Q. Is the 3G modem hot-swappable?
A. Yes, the 3G modem is hot-swappable, but with the same modem type. You need to put the cellular interface in the shut-down state using the Cisco IOS® Software command-line interface (CLI) before you replace the modems.
Please note that the new, replacement modem must go through the activation process if not previously activated.
Q. Is the account information stored on Cisco IOS Software? If I remove an existing 3G modem connected to the Sprint network and replace it with another 3G modem, will the replacement modem retain the same values?
A. No. The account information is stored on the nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM) for the Cisco 3G CDMA modems and on the subscriber-identity-module (SIM) card for the Cisco 3G WCDMA/GSM modems -- not on Cisco IOS Software. Each 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 are the available antenna solutions with the integrated 3G modem for the Cisco 880 Series routers?
A. For all the Cisco 880G Series Integrated Services Routers and spares, one multiband dipole antenna with a 4.5-ft cable with (SSMB) plug connector is included with the router.
Q. What wireless standards are supported with the 3G modem for the Cisco 880 Series?
A. The following 3G and second-generation (2G) wireless technologies are supported on the 3G modems. Note that 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 A1 (forward link up to 3.1 Mbps; reverse link up to 1.8 Mbps)
– CDMA 1xEV-DO Rel 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/UMTS, EDGE/GPRS (WCDMA and GSM)
– HSPA: 850, 1900, and 2100 MHz (downlink up to 7.2 Mbps; uplink up to 2.0 Mbps)
– Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (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 236 kbps; reverse link up to 124 kbps)
Q. What Cisco IOS Software release and feature set are required to support the Cisco 880 Series with the 3G integrated modems?
A. Cisco IOS Software Release 12.4(20)T or later for CDMA part number and 12.4(20)T2 & 12.4(22)T1 or later for HSPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS part number. Recommend IOS release 12.4(22)YB1 for complete HSPA support.
Q. What is the difference between the Sprint and the Verizon express cards?
A. Essentially, these cards are carrier-specific for Sprint and Verizon. Their hardware is the same. The differences are in the following:
• Modem firmware
• Modem Preferred Roaming List (PRL)
The modem activation processes supported on these two carrier-specific products are different. Verizon supports automatic activation based on over-the-air service provisioning (OTASP), whereas Sprint supports a manual modem activation process.
Q. For GSM carriers, how many kinds of modem are there now?
A. Two. Part number PCEX-3G-HSPA-A is a North America part number; it supports AT&T and other North American carriers with HSPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS network. Part number PCEX-3G-HSPA is a global part number, and it supports all non-U.S. HSPA/UMTS/EDGE/GPRS carriers. Some carriers may require unique modem settings or modem firmware, but most of the carrier and account information resides in the SIM.
Q. Can I use multiple Cisco 3G PC Express AirCards in a single router?
A. No. The Cisco 880G Series supports only one 3G express card per chassis. There is no provision to support multiple express cards on a single chassis.
Q. Are different firmware versions available for the Cisco 3G PC Express AirCards?
A. Yes. Different firmware versions may be introduced to address feature enhancements or carrier-specific functions. Current firmware versions and supported carriers are listed at: http://www.cisco.com/go/3g.
Q. Is the firmware bundled with the Cisco IOS Software image?
A. The firmware comes preloaded with the express card; it is not bundled with the Cisco IOS Software image. When a new firmware version is released, it is made available at: http://www.cisco.com/go/3g.
To upgrade the firmware of your modem, download the correct firmware and copy it to the router flash memory. Then use the Cisco IOS Software CLI to complete the upgrade process. Refer to the Cisco IOS Software feature guide for the firmware upgrade command.
Q. Do the Cisco 3G PC Express AirCards ship preloaded with SIM cards?
A. No. You must obtain the SIM cards from a supported wireless carrier; the cards must be associated with an appropriate rate plan. A complete list of carriers is available at: http://www.cisco.com/go/3g.
Q. Can I use the SIM card from my personal digital assistant (PDA) in the express card?
A. No. Rate plans for PDAs and laptop computers typically do not cover multiple users, and they have data-usage restrictions. You are highly recommended to purchase a data plan designed for wireless router or machine-to-machine (M2M) applications.
Features and Applications
Q. What are the applications for the new Cisco 3G PC Express AirCards for the Cisco 880 Series?
A. These express cards are suitable for both backup and primary WAN connectivity:
• WAN backup: Resilient WAN access is often a requirement for branch offices connecting to a corporate site or the Internet. Although DSL, Frame Relay, ISDN, and dialup are common choices for backup if a primary WAN link fails, a nonterrestrial data path such as a 3G wireless WAN (WWAN) provides enhanced WAN diversity. Cisco 3G WWAN Express Cards combined with the Cisco 880 Series Integrated Services Routers offer the capability to automatically initiate connection over the 3G WWAN when the primary WAN link is unavailable. In addition, you can use Cisco 3G PC Express AirCards to provide supplemental bandwidth when the primary WAN link is overused.
• Primary connectivity: For applications that have low data usage but high security requirements such as bank ATMs, gas station kiosks, and telemetry sites, the Cisco 3G PC Express AirCards offer a highly secure, simplified, and cost-effective WAN alternative to DSL or Frame Relay. In areas where terrestrial broadband services (cable, DSL, or T1) are not available or are expensive, 3G WWAN connectivity can be a viable alternative. For businesses requiring rapid setup or temporary connectivity, 3G WWAN offers the capability to bring up a new site quickly and cost-effectively. Using the integrated services available on the Cisco integrated services routers, Cisco 3G Express Cards can provide instant and mobile communications during disasters and service outages.
Q. How are the Cisco 3G PC Express AirCards integrated with Cisco IOS Software?
A. A new asynchronous serial interface, Interface Cellular, has been created in Cisco IOS Software to support these cards. This interface is a dial-on-demand routing (DDR) interface, so a data call is initiated when there is traffic to be routed over the 3G network. Refer to the configuration guide for more information about how to use the Cisco 3G WWAN Express Cards.
Q. What management capabilities are available for the Cisco 3G PC Express AirCards for the Cisco 880 Series?
A. You can configure and monitor the Cisco 3G Express Card from the router CLI using Cisco IOS Software commands that allow you to:
• Activate the 3G modem (only for CDMA)
• Configure the data profile (only for GSM)
• Upgrade modem firmware
• Select the network (only for GSM)
• Monitor the signal strength, available network and service, and data-connection statistics
For remote-management capabilities, Cisco 3G PC Express AirCards support the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) interface MIB, allowing access to the standard interface counters. The interface MIB also provides traps for interface up, interface down, and modem presence events. (Note that a cellular MIB that will allow polling of signal and network statistics is under development.)
Q. Do the integrated 3G modems on the fixed Cisco 880 Series Integrated Services Routers support the diagnostic monitor port on the chassis?
A. No. Support for the diagnostic monitor port will be available in later releases.
Q. Can I use IP Security (IPsec) with the Cisco 3G PC Express Cards?
A. Yes. All Cisco integrated services router security features are supported on the Cisco 3G Express Card interface. IPsec has been tested in both site-to-site and Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN) configurations with the new Cisco 3G WWAN Express Cards.
Q. What factors affect throughput on the 3G WWAN?
A. Several factors can affect throughput and performance:
• 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 base transceiver station (BTS) or 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 Express Cards suitable for use as primary links?
A. The 3G wireless standards for data rate and latency performance have continuously improved. Today both Evolution-Data Optimized or Evolution-Data only EVDO and high-speed packet access (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 Express Cards may be suitable.
Q. Can I run voice-over-IP (VoIP) traffic over Cisco 3G WWAN Express Cards?
A. VoIP is not a qualified configuration at this time.
Q. Is latency a problem with the Cisco 3G Express Card 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 ms.
3G WWAN Technology
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 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 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. EVDO and HSPA are parallel 3G data standards in the CDMA and GSM environments. EVDO evolved from the CDMA2000 standards, whereas HSPA evolved from the UMTS standard that was developed for the countries using GSM technology.
Q. In general, what is the level of adherence to the 3G Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2)? For example, do the Cisco 3G Express Cards support EVDO Rev A quality of service (QoS)?
A. Adherence to the EIA/TIA and CDMA Development Group (CDG) standards depends on the carrier implementation and a combination of modem hardware and firmware and software. All Cisco 3G Express Cards comply with the standards, but the specifics of carrier implementations vary by carrier.
Q. Do the Cisco 3G Express Cards support Mobile IP or Simple IP only?
A. The CDMA 3G express cards support Mobile IP (MIP) on the modem. Depending on 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 WWAN does 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. The modem always looks for HSPA as the first choice. If HSPA is not available, the modem downshifts to the next best available radio network; that is, UMTS to 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.
Service Plans and Carriers
Q. How do I get a service plan for the Cisco 3G Wireless WAN High-Speed WAN Interface Cards (HWICs)?
A. You must obtain a service plan from a supported wireless carrier. For a complete list of supported wireless carriers, visit: http://www.cisco.com/go/3g.
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 are modems provisioned?
A. Provisioning involves two steps. The first step -- the load of the firmware, PRL, and initial parameters -- occurs in the manufacturing process. The second step occurs during the service activation procedure and may be over-the-air (OTA) or manual. This second step may be performed by the service provider, value-added reseller (VAR), or distributor.
Q. How do I get my Cisco 3G Express Cards 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 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.
