Warning
Hazard of Electric Shock: Remove all power from all devices before removing any covers or doors of the system. Disconnect power at the device and at the power source.
Electrostatic Discharge Required: Always discharge static electricity from your person by touching metal prior to handling any hardware. Failure to do so may result in damage to devices.
Caution While removing gateway cover: Open the gateway screws and delicately remove the top cover. Take extra care during this step, as the top cover is connected to the antenna cable via a thin wire. After opening the top cover, you will be able to see the top view of the board, please insert the active SIM card in the designated slot.
Once the Sim Card is properly inserted, fix the screws back and ensure that the 4G&Wi-Fi Antenna is attached properly. If the antenna cable remains disconnected from the board, then the GSM will not work.
Issue
If the flex server is not able to connect to the internet via the SIM card, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi, or is in a hanged state, a phone be used by the Flex server/Gateway for troubleshooting connectivity.
Product Line
EcoStruxure Building Activate
Environment
- EcoStruxure Building Activate Flex Server
- EcoStruxure Building Activate Partner Portal
Cause
USB Tethering may be required at times during provisioning or troubleshooting when the flex server is not able to connect to the internet via the SIM card, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi, or is in a hanged state.
Resolution
If a a smartphone with data connectivity and a USB cable is available, USB tethering can be used to get a Flex server/Gateway online when a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection is not established. It essentially turns a smartphone into an external modem for your Flex server/Gateway.
This guide will cover both Android and iPhone, since the steps vary slightly.
What you'll need:
- Your smartphone (Android or iPhone) with an active mobile data plan.
- A USB cable that connects the phone to a computer (the same one you use for charging usually works).
- A Flex server/Gateway.
Part 1: General Preparations (For Both Android and iPhone)
- Ensure Mobile Data is ON: On the phone, go to quick settings (swipe down from the top of the screen) and make sure "Mobile Data" or "Cellular Data" is turned on.
Alternatively, go to Settings > Network & internet (Android) or Settings > Cellular (iPhone) and confirm it's enabled.
- Important: If the phone has a limited data plan, be mindful of data usage while tethering, as Flex server applications can consume a lot more data than phone apps.
- Charge the Phone (or Keep it Plugged In): Tethering can drain the phone's battery quickly. It's best to have the phone charged sufficiently or keep it plugged into a power source while tethering.
- Find Your USB Cable: Make sure you have a working USB cable that connects the phone to the Flex server/Gateway. Ensure the USB cable used is a Data cable and not a charging cable.
Part 2: USB Tethering with an Android Phone
(The exact wording of menus might vary slightly depending on the Android version and phone manufacturer, but the general path remains the same.)
- Connect the Phone to the Flex server/Gateway: Plug one end of the USB cable into the Android phone. Plug the other end of the USB cable into an available USB port on the Flex server/Gateway.
- Note: there are 2 USB ports in the Flex Server/Gateway you can connect to either port to establish USB Tethering. The Flex server/Gateway prioritizes usb0 (the top USB) interface by default for troubleshooting purpose.
USB Ports
- Allow USB Debugging (If Prompted): When you connect the phone, you might see a pop-up on your phone asking for "Allow USB debugging?" or similar. If you do, tap "Allow" or "OK."
- Access the Phone's Settings: Open the Settings app on the Android phone.
- Navigate to Network & Internet Settings: Look for an option like "Network & internet", "Connections", or "Wireless & networks." Tap on it.
- Find Hotspot & Tethering: Within the Network settings, you should see an option called "Hotspot & tethering" or just "Tethering." Tap on it.
- Enable USB Tethering: Inside the Hotspot & tethering menu, you will see a toggle switch labeled "USB tethering." Tap this switch to turn it ON. The switch should change color (e.g., green or blue) to indicate it's active.
- Check Your Flex server/Gateway is online from the Dashboard. The Gateway Status LED will be Solid Green.
LED pattern
- To Disable USB Tethering (Android).
- Go back to Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering on the phone and turn OFF the "USB tethering" switch. Alternatively, unplug the USB cable from the phone or Flex server/Gateway.
Part 3: USB Tethering with an iPhone
(The exact wording of menus might vary slightly depending on your iOS version.)
- Connect Your iPhone to Your Flex server/Gateway: Plug one end of the Lightning (or USB-C on newer iPhones) cable into the iPhone. Plug the other end of the USB cable into an available USB port on your Flex server/Gateway.
- Note: there are 2 USB ports in the Flex Server/Gateway you can connect to either port to establish USB Tethering. The Flex server/Gateway prioritizes usb0 (the top USB) interface by default for troubleshooting purpose.
USB Port for tethering
- Trust This Device? (If Prompted): The first time you connect the iPhone to a new Flex server/Gateway, the iPhone will ask, "Trust This Device?". Tap "Trust" on the iPhone. You may need to enter the iPhone passcode to confirm.
- Access iPhone Settings: Open the Settings app on the iPhone.
- Navigate to Personal Hotspot: Scroll down and tap on "Personal Hotspot."
- Enable Personal Hotspot: You will see a toggle switch labelled "Allow Others to Join." Tap this switch to turn it ON. It will turn green to indicate it is ON.
- Important: You might see options for Wi-Fi Password or "USB Only." For USB tethering, you don't necessarily need to worry about the Wi-Fi password unless you also plan to use Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Check the Flex server/Gateway is online. The Gateway Status LED will be Solid Green.
Gateway Status LED
Blink pattern for Internet connection
- To Disable USB Tethering (iPhone):
- Go back to Settings > Personal Hotspot on the iPhone and turn OFF the "Allow Others to Join" switch. Alternatively, you can just unplug the USB cable from the iPhone or Flex server/Gateway
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Restart everything: If it's not working, try restarting the phone and then the computer.
- Try a different USB port: Sometimes, a particular USB port on your Flex server/Gateway might be faulty. Try a different one.
- Try a different USB cable: Not all USB cables are created equal. Some are only for charging and don't support data transfer. Try a different cable if you have one.
- Disable VPN on the phone: If you're using a VPN on the phone, try disabling it before tethering, as it can sometimes interfere.
- Check data plan: Ensure you haven't run out of mobile data.
- Contact the mobile carrier: Some mobile carriers have restrictions on tethering or require a specific plan. If you've tried everything else, check with your carrier.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully set up USB tethering and get the Flex server/Gateway online using a smartphone's internet connection!
