| Inmarsat |
Data : BGAN |
| 1. | How do I check that the USB drivers are installed? |
| On the EXPLORER 300, 500, or 700, and Nera WorldPro 1000/1010 (Windows PC only) - To check that the installation of USB drivers on your computer was successful, display the list of modems on your operating system.
To do this:
- On a Windows PC, select Start > Control Panel > Phone and Modem options, then select the Modems tab. If two ports associated with the terminal (either Thrane & Thrane or Nera) are displayed, the drivers have been installed.
- On a Mac (drivers only required for a Thrane & Thrane terminal)
– select Macintosh HD > Library > Modem Scripts. If two ports associated with the Thrane & Thrane terminal are displayed, the drivers have been installed.
On the HNS 9201 – To check that the installation of USB drivers on your computer was successful, connect to the terminal and look for the IP address 192.168.128.100.
To do this:
- On a Windows PC, select Start > Program Files/Hughes/USB LAN. If you can see this IP address, the drivers have been installed.
On a Mac – select System Preferences > Network.
- If you can see this IP address, the drivers have been installed.
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| 2. | How do I manage the BGAN Satellite terminal? |
| Inmarsat recommends that you use BGAN LaunchPad to manage the BGAN terminal.
You can install BGAN LaunchPad and use its in-built Wizard to point the terminal to the BGAN satellite and register with the network.
Once registered, you can use BGAN LaunchPad to open and close data connections, send and receive text messages, and manage phone operations, as well as manage the terminal interfaces, monitor status and usage and access support services.
The other options you have for managing the terminal are as follows:
- EXPLORER 300, 500 and 700 – use the terminal’s display and keypad to carry out registration and manage terminal operations. You can also use the Thrane web interface to carry out many management functions. To open this, connect to the terminal, then simply type the terminal’s IP address (192.168.0.1) into your web browser. Refer to the User Manual supplied with your terminal for guidance.
- Nera 1000/1010 – if you have a Nera WorldSet, you can use this to manage some terminal operations.
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| 3. | How do I perform a Master Reset on my Thrane 500 Unit? |
| A Master Reset must be performed on the Thrane Explorer 500 BGAN Satellite phone in order to receive a signal from the Atlantic Ocean Region Satellite.
Follow the AT Commands below to perform a Master Reset:
1) Open up dos window
2) On command prompt, type "telnet 192.168.0.1 5454"
3) Blank dos screen with curser will appear
4) Type "AT"
5) Response should be ok
6) Type, in upper case, "AT+CMAR=1234"
7) If done correctly, your Thrane unit should reboot
8) You must reacquire a GPS after these steps |
| 4. | How do I test my Ethernet connection? |
| You can test your Ethernet connection by attempting to ping the IP address of the terminal from your computer. If you receive a reply, the terminal is connected.
The IP address of each terminal is as follows:
- HNS 9201: 192.168.128.100
- Thrane & Thrane Explorer 300,500,700: 192.168.0.1
- Nera WorldPro 1010: 192.168.0.1
To ping the IP address from your computer:
- On a Windows PC, select Start > Run, in the Run dialog box type cmd and click OK. At the command line prompt type ping x.x.x.x, where x.x.x.x is the IP address for your terminal (see the table above). If you see the message Reply from x.x.x.x, the Ethernet connection is active.
- On a Mac, select Finder > Applications > Utilities > Network Utility > ping. In the text box type in the IP address for your terminal (see the table above). If you see the message Reply from x.x.x.x, the Ethernet connection is active.
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| 5. | When should I use standard (background) and when should I use streaming? |
| The background class is a variable bit rate, up to 492 kbps, always-on type service. This service is intended for web access, email, instant messaging, file transfers and other applications which are tolerant of varying throughput and do not require the lowest possible latency. The user is only charged for the data transferred, and not by the time the data session (PDP context) remains active in the network.
On the other hand, the streaming class provides a guaranteed full duplex bit rate. User selectable streaming options with the WorldPro is 32 kbps and 64 kbps. This service is targeted towards applications such as live video and audio streaming, video conferences i.e. applications that require a guaranteed and constant throughput, typically UDP applications requiring low latency. For streaming, the user will be charged for the connection time.
Most users will find that background class (“standard” in Launchpad) is the most cost effective and most practical alternative for the vast majority of data applications. Also, it is important to be aware that the support of streaming is a subscription matter. If the user tries to request streaming service with a USIM that is not registered as a streaming capable (as per the subscription details in the network), then service access will be denied. Also, only some APNs are capable of handling streaming connections, implying that attempts to request streaming from such APNs (e.g. BGAN.INMARSAT.COM - which only handles background class) will also encounter service rejections from the network.
Users are therefore encouraged to consult with their service provider about the streaming capabilities covered by their subscription, before attempting to use the streaming service. In typical link conditions, you should not expect the WorldPro to support more than 64kbps streaming, implying that you should not try any other than the following streaming use cases; 1x 32kbps, 1x64 kbps or 2x32kbps. The availability of streaming services is also highly dependent on the traffic load and capacity available at the time in the BGAN system. |
Voice : BGAN |
| 1. | How do you setup and use Inmarsat BGAN Satellite Phone Voice Mail |
| When connected to the BGAN network, dial 57# or +870772001899.
You will then be required to follow the recorded message. You will be asked to select a PIN number (4 characters or more), then you will be asked to leave your name. Finally you will be asked to set-up a greeting message.
When you receive a voicemail the network will send an SMS message to the terminal to inform you. You can then dial the short code 57# to pick up your voice mail message. |
| 2. | What are the DNS Settings for Inmarsat BGAN Satellite Phones? |
| Inmarsat BGAN Satellite Phone DNS Settings
DNS Settings for the different networks including their APN Values
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| 3. | What is the minimum signal strength I require for registration? |
| The typical minimum signal strength required to register on the BGAN network is as follows:
- HNS 9201 : 49 dBHz
- Thrane & Thrane EXPLORER 300, 500, 700 : 46 dBHz
- Nera WorldPro 1000/1010 : 41 dBHz
If you are connected to BGAN LaunchPad, check the signal strength on the status bar. You can also use the LEDs or the display on the terminal to monitor signal strength. The amount and type of information provided depends on the terminal. |
Voice : General |
| 1. | Are the Inmarsat phones secure? |
| Because they are digital in nature, phone calls via Inmarsat can be encrypted - turned into complex code - just as easily as any other form of data, using any one of various types of secure phone equipment. The most widely used standard for phone encryption is the US STU-III Secure Telephone Unit, which can take digitised speech from an Inmarsat terminal and instantaneously transform it into coded data for transmission. A similar unit at the receiving end decodes the data and turns it straight back into clear, high-quality intelligible speech. Just like a normal phone conversation, except that anyone tapping the line will get nothing but a stream of impregnable code. Government officials, diplomats, business people and anyone else who needs guaranteed authenticity and protection against eavesdroppers can enjoy the assurance of secure communications via Inmarsat. |
| 2. | Does my phone work from inside a building? |
| The antenna must be outside with a clear line of sight to the satellite. |
| 3. | Does the Inmarsat service work everywhere on the globe? |
| No. The North and South Poles are not covered by Inmarsat. The Mini-M and M4 service works on spot beam technology that does not cover all places. |
| 4. | How do I place a call using a WorldPhone satellite terminal? |
| The satellite terminal is relatively easy to set up. A few rules of thumb:
A direct line of sight is needed to the satellite - there can be no obstruction between the phone and the satellite such as trees or buildings. Some windows have a solar coating on them that do not allow a signal through.
Also, never stand directly in front of the antenna when it is turned on because a small amount of radiation is given off, and this will also block the signal.
- Lift the antenna (lid of terminal) and turn the power on.
- Enter the PIN code.
- Select the proper satellite depending on what geographic area you are in.
- The antenna, which is located in the lid, must be aimed at the satellite. The easiest way to find the satellite is to slowly move the antenna around until the bars on the LCD display go as high as possible (strongest signal is shown when bar is about half way across the screen).
- If steps 3 and 4 are done correctly, the display on the LCD should say “To place a call dial 00 (country code) (phone number) #”
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| 5. | How do people call me on the Inmarsat phone? |
| They start with the International prefix for the country they are located in followed by an ocean region code and the satellite phone number. |
| 6. | Is there one ocean code that covers all regions? |
| You can try 870 but this is not currently available in all countries.
However, beginning 1 January, 2009, phoning Inmarsat mobiles will be easier than ever.
All Inmarsat services have now been brought into line with our most advanced voice and high-speed data services, such as BGAN, FleetBroadband and SwiftBroadband.
Simply dial the Inmarsat country code +870, followed by the Inmarsat Mobile Number, to reach any Inmarsat customer anywhere in the world.
You can now use the +870 country code for the following Inmarsat services:
Fleet 33
Fleet 55
Fleet 77
Inmarsat B
Inmarsat M
Mini M
Inmarsat GAN
Classic Aero*
Swift 64
IsatPhone
FleetPhone
*Please note, +870 may not be useable for Classic Aero services until later in 2008.
Withdrawal of ocean region codes
From midnight, 24:00 hours GMT, on 31 December, 2008, the four original Inmarsat ocean region codes of +871, +872, +873 and +874 will be discontinued.
In the past, you needed to know in which Inmarsat ocean region our customer was roaming - for example, the Pacific Ocean Region (+872) or Indian Ocean Region (+873).
For the above services simply dial +870 and our global satellite network will locate the Inmarsat terminal.It's that easy. We recommend you begin dialing the +870 country code with your next call. |
| 7. | What is an ocean region code? |
| An ocean region code represents the Inmarsat Satellites that provide coverage.
Previously, the ocean codes were:
- Atlantic Ocean Region East (AORE) = 871
- Atlantic Ocean Region West (AORW) = 874
- Indian Ocean Region (IOR) = 873
- Pacific Ocean Region (POR) = 872
- 870
Beginning 1 January 2009, calls made to Inmarsat terminals must be dialed using Inmarsat’s new single country code +870. This code replaces the four Inmarsat ocean codes: +871, +872, +873 and +874. Any calls made using the old codes will fail to connect.
You can use +870 to call the following Inmarsat services:
- Land services
BGAN
Inmarsat B
Inmarsat M
Mini M
IsatPhone
LandPhone
- Maritime services
FleetBroadband
Fleet 33, 55, 77
FleetPhone
Inmarsat B
Inmarsat M
Mini M
- Aero services
SwiftBroadband
Classic Aero*
Swift 64
The country code +870 is available today, so please use it when making your next call. |
| 8. | What is STE? |
| STE is a secure ISDN modem directly compatible with Storm terminal. This modem is available at no extra cost on the EMS STORM terminals. |
| 9. | What is STU-III? |
| STU-III can be used with low-speed voice and can be combined with special fax machines to assure the security of fax transmissions. Other types of secure telephone equipment can be fitted with interfaces that allow them to work with standard fax machines. A third solution is the install an encryption device that encodes the output of a standard fax machine before passing it to the satellite terminal for transmission via the Inmarsat system. |
| 10. | What number sequence do I dial to place a call from the Inmarsat satellite phone? |
| All calls start with 00 followed by Country Code, Area Code and
Telephone number. |
Troubleshooting: : BGAN |
| 1. | BGAN LaunchPad can’t find terminal over Bluetooth connection |
| Interface disabled, profile not activated or device out of range
Is your Bluetooth connection correctly configured?
This section applies to the EXPLORER 300, EXPLORER 500, EXPLORER 700 and Nera WorldPro 1000/1010.
- By default, the Bluetooth interface is disabled. To enable the interface, in BGAN LaunchPad go to Terminal > Bluetooth Interface Settings, and click on Enable.
- The terminal supports various Bluetooth profiles. Remember to activate/install the profile(s) you are going to use on your computer. For a list of supported profiles, refer to the documentation supplied with your terminal.
- The Bluetooth device should be placed within a specified maximum distance of the terminal. The maximum distance varies depending on the terminal. Note that this is the maximum distance in open air; the actual distance may be shorter, depending on the environment.
Refer to the documentation supplied with your terminal. |
| 2. | BGAN LaunchPad can’t find terminal over Ethernet connection |
| Incorrect Ethernet configuration OR
Incorrect Ethernet cable type OR
Computer’s Ethernet interface not enabled OR
Terminal’s Ethernet interface not enabled (EXPLORER 300, 500 and 700 only)
Have you configured your Ethernet connection?
For the Ethernet interface to work without any further setup, your computer must be configured to obtain an IP address and a DNS server address automatically. You can do this by refreshing the computer’s IP address.
NOTE: The settings from a previous network connection can sometimes be stored on your computer. Refresh the computer’s IP address to clear the previous settings.
NOTE: Some corporate computers may be configured with a static IP address and DNS settings. |
| 3. | BGAN LaunchPad can’t find terminal over USB connection |
| USB drivers not installed
Have you installed the USB drivers? You must install USB drivers onto your computer before you can connect to the terminal over USB. The required USB drivers are provided on the installation CD supplied with the terminal, or can be downloaded from www.inmarsat.com/bgan-updates NOTE: For the Nera 1000/1010, you don’t need USB drivers on a Mac. |
| 4. | BGAN LaunchPad can’t find terminal over wireless connection |
| Is your wireless card compatible with the terminal?
Make sure that the wireless mode (802.11a/b/g) of your wireless card is supported by the terminal, and that the terminal is configured for the required wireless mode.
- The HNS 9201 supports 802.11b mode only.
- The EXPLORER 700 supports 802.11a/b/g, but you must select the required mode on the terminal using BGAN LaunchPad.
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| 5. | Error Messages: CME10 "The BGAN terminal cannot be enabled for services" |
| No SIM Card installed.
You must install a SIM card into the terminal before you can register with the network NOTE: Check that the gold contact strip of the SIM card is in contact with the SIM connectors on the terminal. Make sure the SIM card is flat against the terminal’s connectors.
NOTE: Handle the SIM card carefully, as damage to the gold contact strip can affect performance. |
| 6. | Error Messages: CME_149 "The network request cannot be granted, the network needs a correct user name and password to grant the requested service" |
| User authentication not set up for the APN
Have you set up user authentication for the APN?
If your Distribution Partner has provided you with a username and password for an APN, you must configure BGAN LaunchPad to prompt you for this username and password when you open an IP data connection.
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| 7. | Error Messages: IERROR_1 RNC failure.IERROR_1107 "GPRS service is not allowed" INERROR_4587533 |
| SIM card not provisioned. The SIM card you install must be correctly provisioned for use on the BGAN network. To check that it is correctly provisioned, contact your Service Provider. |
| 8. | Error Messages: IERROR_17 or IERROR_1017 "GPS Fix old" |
| The possible cause is an old or invalid GPS fix
The BGAN terminal needs a GPS fix in order to register with the BGAN network.
- Take the terminal outside, and lay it down flat with a clear view of as much of the open sky as possible. The GPS system is relatively tolerant of atmospheric conditions such as heavy cloud or rainfall. However, note that physical blockages, such as tall buildings can significantly degrade the ability of the GPS receiver to obtain a fix.
- It should take no more than 5 to 10 minutes to obtain a fix.
Check the terminal to see if you have a valid GPS fix.
- On the HNS 9201, the GPS LED lights solid green when you have a valid GPS fix.
- On a Thrane & Thrane EXPLORER terminal, enter the PROPERTIES > GPS STATUS menu on the terminal’s display and keypad. If the terminal has a GPS fix, and the position can be displayed, the latitude and longitude details are shown. If the terminal has a GPS fix, but the position cannot be displayed, the word ACQUIRED is displayed. If the terminal is still searching for a GPS fix, the almanac data is displayed as a series of vertical bars giving the status of 16 GPS satellites.
- On the Nera 1000/1010, the Signal LED lights solid green when you have a GPS fix.
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| 9. | I can’t open an IP data connection |
| The APN could be selected incorrectly.
Have you checked the APN?
An Access Point Name (APN) identifies the external network that is accessible from a terminal. By default, the SIM Card in your terminal is configured with the APN of your Service Provider, and the terminal reads this information from the SIM card. If you can’t make an IP data connection, it may be that an incorrect APN is being used by the terminal.
To check that the correct APN is being used, in BGAN LaunchPad:
- Select BGAN Services > LaunchPad APN Options
- The APN that is currently being used is displayed in the APN Configuration screen.
- To make sure this is the correct APN for your SIM card, select Fetch from SIM.
- Click on OK and try making the IP data connection again.
If you still can’t make an IP data connection, check that the individual connection is set to the default APN.
To do this:
- Select the Data tab
- Right-click on the data icon that you want to check and select Edit.
- Then select the Routing tab, and make sure that default is selected in the Select APN drop-down list.
- Click on OK, and try making the IP data connection again.
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| 10. | I have pointed the terminal correctly, but am getting no signal |
| Terminal may need to be reset.
If you point the terminal at the satellite using the instructions in BGAN LaunchPad, you should receive a signal. If you do not receive any signal, power off and power on the terminal.
NOTE: If you power off and power on the EXPLORER 500, and you still can’t obtain any signal, you may need to reset the terminal to factory defaults. |
| 11. | I am having general connection problems |
| It is possible that you have Multiple active connections
Is more than one network connection open?
Check the network connections settings for your operating system. The connection to the terminal should be the only active connection. (In normal operation, it is best to have only one active connection.) To check this:
- On a Windows PC, select Start > Control Panel > Network Connections. If you see an open connection other than the terminal connection, right-click on the connection and select Disable.
- On a Mac, simply make sure that the wireless and Bluetooth interfaces are disabled.
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| 12. | I have poor signal strength on the satellite phone |
| Have you accurately pointed the terminal?
It is vital that you point the terminal as accurately as possible.
Establishing a connection with the BGAN network requires the careful orientation of the BGAN terminal towards the satellite, a process called pointing. Accurate and precise pointing is important, because a badly-pointed antenna may mean you cannot register with the BGAN network, and will reduce the data rate achievable over the network.
To point accurately, ensure clear line of sight: obstacles such as buildings, mountains, trees and vehicles will reduce your signal strength. Also, be aware when pointing a terminal through a window that many windows in offices, hotels and so on have a metallic finish to the glass which will also affect signal strength. Where possible, position the terminal outdoors.
NOTE: During pointing, the location shown on the coverage map in BGAN LaunchPad is based on your previous location, or one that you entered yourself. The coverage map displays your current GPS position only after you are registered with the network. Your current city location only updates after you next register with the network.
NOTE: On the HNS 9201, if your terminal tries to register automatically on start up, you may have automatic registration configured. If you have moved your terminal since you last registered, turn off automatic registration, and re-point the terminal manually. |
