Tips
Compatibility Notice: This document applies to firmware version 6.6.1 (April 24, 2026). Features introduced after this version may not be covered.
The Linux-based operating system designed for Advantech cellular routers combines the user-friendliness of a web-based configuration interface with the versatility and power of an open platform. This design facilitates the development of custom configuration scripts and Router Apps, allowing for extensive customization. The features described in this chapter are supported by the most recent firmware version for these routers.
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| Ethernet | Supports 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds in both half and full duplex modes. Offers IEEE 802.1X Authentication (as a client) with EAP-PEAP/MSCHAPv2 or EAP-TLS methods for secure network access. Features bridged interfaces and the 802.1d Spanning Tree Protocol (configurable via script only). |
| VLAN | Supports IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tagging, allowing the creation of up to three virtual LANs on a single physical Ethernet interface. These virtual interfaces can be used for network segmentation or as a basis for other connections, such as PPPoE. |
| Port-based VLAN | Routers equipped with a switch interface support Port-based VLANs, enabling traffic segmentation by assigning specific physical ports to distinct VLANs. |
| IPv4/IPv6 | Provides full support for both IPv4 and IPv6 dual-stack operation, including multicast capabilities. |
| DHCP Client | Features a configurable DHCP client for automatically obtaining an IP address and other network settings from a DHCP server. Supports DHCPv4 and DHCPv6. |
| DHCP Server | Offers both dynamic and static DHCP leases with a customizable lease time for managing IP address allocation within the local network. Also supports IPv6 prefix delegation for distributing network addresses to downstream routers. |
| DNS Forwarder | Provides DNS forwarding, which can enhance network efficiency and speed up domain name resolution for local clients by caching DNS queries. |
| DHCP Relay | Incorporates support for a DHCP Relay Agent, which forwards DHCP requests from clients to a DHCP server on a different subnet, facilitating centralized IP address management. |
| VRRP | Supports Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRPv2 and VRRPv3) to create redundant, high-availability router setups, ensuring continuous network connectivity by switching to a backup router in case of failure. |
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| Mobile WAN | Depending on the model, supports GPRS, UMTS, LTE, and 5G cellular technologies with PAP and/or CHAP authentication. Accommodates up to two SIM cards with optional PIN protection. Features automatic SIM switching based on connection failure, roaming status, data limit, or Digital Input state. Includes dial numbers for CSD connections and supports private APN usage. Also supports PLMN whitelisting to permit connections exclusively to specific operators. Monitors traffic limits with SMS warnings and provides a connection log. Offers functionalities for SIM lock and unlock. |
| PPPoE Client | Enables connections to broadband services using PAP and/or CHAP authentication. Includes support for PPPoE over VLAN (PPPoEoV). You can select a pre-configured VLAN interface (e.g., eth0.100) directly as the PPPoE interface. |
| Wi-Fi Access Point / Wi-Fi Station | Depending on the model, supports IEEE 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz), 802.11a/n/ac (5 GHz), and 802.11ax / WiFi 6 and 6e. Provides WPA/WPA2/WPA3 authentication with Pre-Shared Key (PSK) or an external RADIUS server. Features WEP, TKIP, or AES encryption. Incorporates Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) for QoS. Includes Accept or Deny lists for MAC address filtering, as well as SSID and client isolation. Supports simultaneous AP and Station modes, with support for two SSIDs in AP mode. The Follow STA radio settings feature adjusts the AP to align its radio settings with a foreign AP. |
| Automatic Channel Selection (ACS) | Automatically selects the optimal Wi-Fi channel to minimize interference and improve performance. This feature is enabled by default on most platforms. The list of available channels is dynamically filtered based on the Wi-Fi module's capabilities and the selected Country Code. Note: After changing the Country Code, you must click Apply for the channel list to update. |
| Bluetooth | Certain router models provide Bluetooth functionality, which can be enabled by installing the official Bluetooth Router App. This allows the router to communicate with nearby Bluetooth-enabled devices. Hardware-dependent feature; requires a specific Router App to be installed. |
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| Static Routes | Allows manual configuration of up to thirty-two routing paths to direct traffic towards a specified destination through a designated gateway and interface. |
| Backup Routes | Automatically switches to backup connections if the primary link fails (e.g., LTE failover to the cellular connection). Supports backup via Mobile WAN, PPPoE, Wi-Fi Station, or Ethernet. Offers modes for Single WAN, Multiple WANs (for accessibility on all links), and Load Balancing to distribute traffic according to predefined weights. |
| Stateful Firewall | Enables detailed filtering of incoming and forwarded packets for both IPv4 and IPv6. Rules can be defined based on source/destination IP, protocol, and port. Includes protection against common Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. Supports up to thirty-two rules for both incoming and forwarded packets. |
| Site Blocking | Enables blocking access to specific websites by defining a list of URLs or domain names within the firewall configuration. For advanced features, such as category-based filtering, consider using the URL Blocker Router App. |
| NAT | Facilitates access from the public WAN to services on the private LAN. Allows forwarding of incoming traffic to specific IP addresses and ports (Port Forwarding), including forwarding all unspecified traffic to a default server. Supports Port Address Translation (PAT), masquerading of outgoing packets, and NAT64 for IPv6-to-IPv4 translation. |
| QoS (via scripting) | Quality of Service settings can be tailored through custom scripts, enabling precise control over traffic prioritization and bandwidth allocation for critical applications. Wi-Fi QoS is supported natively via WMM. |
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| IPsec | Supports both policy-based and route-based VPNs with IKEv1/IKEv2. Authentication methods include pre-shared keys or X.509 certificates (RSA/ECDSA), including TPM-based hardware key storage for enhanced security. Offers a broad selection of ciphers (e.g., AES-GCM, SHA512), Dead Peer Detection, and Perfect Forward Secrecy. |
| VXLAN | Enables the creation of a logical Layer 2 network overlay over an existing Layer 3 infrastructure using UDP encapsulation. It allows for the configuration of up to four virtual tunnels, enabling geographically dispersed devices to communicate as if they were on the same local network segment. |
| Cisco FlexVPN | Provides a Cisco-specific implementation of the IKEv2 standard, configurable via the IPsec settings page for robust and flexible VPN solutions with Cisco environments. |
| OpenVPN | A highly flexible VPN solution supporting IPv4/IPv6 over UDP or TCP in either client or server mode. Authentication can be performed via a pre-shared secret or X.509 certificates for versatile and secure connections. |
| WireGuard | A modern, high-performance VPN solution that is simple to configure. Allows for the creation of up to four secure, lightweight tunnels with minimal overhead using state-of-the-art cryptography. |
| GRE Tunnels | An unencrypted tunneling protocol supporting keyed tunnels with a 32-bit pre-shared secret and multicast traffic. Multipoint tunnel support can be enabled with the NHRP Router App. |
| L2TP | An unencrypted tunneling protocol supporting client or server mode for creating VPNs. It can be used in conjunction with IPsec to provide encryption. |
| PPTP | An unencrypted legacy tunneling protocol supporting client or server mode. Provides PPTP Passthrough capabilities. Its use is discouraged due to known security vulnerabilities. |
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| Dynamic DNS | A client service that automatically updates the router's dynamic IP address (IPv4 and/or IPv6) with a remote DNS server, ensuring access via a fixed hostname. It supports the DynDNS protocol (HTTP API) for popular web-based providers, including secure updates via HTTPS, and the DDNS protocol (RFC 2136) for direct updates to RFC-compliant DNS servers. |
| NTP Client / Server | Supports time synchronization utilizing the NTPv4 protocol with up to three remote NTP servers. Can also function as an NTP server for the local network to provide consistent time to other devices. |
| SSH / SFTP Server | Secure Shell and Secure File Transfer Protocol services are available for users with Admin role, ensuring secure remote command-line administration and file management. |
| Telnet Server | Provides unencrypted remote console access. Its use is strongly discouraged for security reasons. |
| FTP Server | Enables unencrypted file transfers for authenticated users. Its usage is generally not recommended due to its lack of security. |
| Serial over TCP/UDP | Facilitates access to RS232/RS485/RS422 serial interfaces via UDP or TCP client/server connections. Also supports many common USB-to-serial converters for extended connectivity. |
| GNSS Receiver | For models supporting GNSS, enables location tracking using the cellular module's capabilities. Supports forwarding NMEA messages to the system console, serial ports, or external servers via TCP/UDP. |
| External Data Storage | Allows for the use of USB flash drives or MicroSD cards for additional data storage, logging, hosting custom files, or for automatic updates. |
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| Web / HTTP(S) | Employs TLS 1.2+ for secure web interface connections. HTTP requests can be automatically redirected to HTTPS. Implements brute-force attack mitigation by temporarily banning an IP address for 1 minute after 3 unsuccessful login attempts. |
| SNMP Agent | Compatible with SNMP v1, v2c, and v3 (with authentication and encryption). Offers standard MIBs for system/network information, plus custom MIBs for mobile WAN, GPS, and I/O. Supports remote control of Binary I/O and reporting via SNMP Traps. |
| SMTP(S) Client | Secures email sending with SSL/TLS or STARTTLS encryption. Enables sending of automated email notifications from custom scripts. |
| Events | Allows for the configuration of automated actions triggered by specific system events or state changes, offering a flexible mechanism for event-driven router behavior. |
| User LED | Allows customization of the user-defined LED (USR) to indicate specific events or statuses. It can be configured via Configuration → Peripheral Ports → Inputs/Outputs. |
| SMS Control | Supports sending notifications for critical events (e.g., reboot, WAN outage, input change). Allows remote control of the router via SMS commands (e.g., reboot, go online, set out0=1) and supports user-initiated SMS through AT commands or TCP/serial interfaces. |
| Custom Scripts | Executes user-defined shell scripts at startup (Startup Script) or in response to WAN interface status changes (Up/Down Scripts), allowing for flexible automation and customization. |
| Status Displays | Provides real-time information on Network, Mobile WAN, Wi-Fi, DHCP, IPsec, WireGuard, and DynDNS status for comprehensive operational monitoring. |
| Active Connections | Displays a detailed, real-time list of all active network connections (sessions) on the router. This is useful for troubleshooting and is accessible via a link on the Status → Network page. |
| LLDP | The Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) is a vendor-neutral, Layer 2 protocol that allows the router to advertise its identity and capabilities to neighboring devices. It facilitates easier network mapping and topology discovery. Not available on ICR-2000/2400/2500/2600 platforms. |
| Logging | Offers persistent local log storage and the ability to forward logs to a remote syslog server. Features include secure forwarding over TCP with SSL/TLS, optional certificate-based authentication, and periodic Mark Messages for availability checks. Not available on ICR-2000/2400/2500/2600 platforms. |
| One-Click Report | Facilitates the easy collection of detailed configuration and status data into a single text file (Save Report) for efficient troubleshooting and support. |
| Live Data in GUI | Automatically updates status information in the web interface in real-time, eliminating the need for manual page refreshes. |
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| Quick Setup | A page displayed upon initial login to a new router, allowing for the configuration of essential settings required for basic operation on a single screen. |
| Passwordless Console Login | Allows secure SSH access without a password by utilizing SSH Public Key authentication, enhancing both security and convenience for automated access. |
| Profiles | Supports up to four independent configuration profiles (1 standard, 3 alternate). Allows for dynamic router reconfiguration based on different operational scenarios, switchable via web interface, SMS, or digital input state. |
| Online Firmware Update | Facilitates firmware updates directly from the router's web interface by connecting to the public Advantech server over the Internet. |
| Online Router App Installation | Enables the installation or updating of Router Apps directly from the router's GUI, using the public Advantech server over the Internet. |
| Backup and Restore | Offers the ability to back up and restore the complete router configuration, including defined users, in an optionally password-encrypted file for secure and easy management. |
| Automatic Update | Schedules firmware and/or configuration updates to be performed at a specified time or periodically. Updates can be downloaded from a Web (HTTP/S, FTP/S) server or a local USB flash drive. |
| Upgrade Rollback | Automatically reverts a firmware upgrade if the router fails to reboot successfully afterward, ensuring system reliability and preventing downtime. |
| Schedule Reboot | Allows for scheduling a router reboot at a specific time and day of the week. |
| Factory Reset | Allows for resetting the router to its factory default settings, effectively erasing all custom configurations. |
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| User Authentication (PAM) | A comprehensive user management system with support for a local user database or remote authentication via RADIUS/TACACS+. The Services → Authentication page offers: • Password Policies: Admins can enforce password complexity (Force Password Complexity) and set automatic expiration periods. • Forced First Change: Passwords set by an admin are expired by default, forcing the user to set a new one upon first login. • Account Lockout: The system can lock an account after a specified number of failed login attempts, configured via Lock Account After, Count Fails For, and Unlock After. • Login Delay: A delay can be enforced between login attempts (Delay After Fail) to mitigate brute-force attacks. • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enhances security with a second verification factor (TOTP), easily configured via a QR code. • Secure Password Changes: Users must enter their previous password to set a new one. Optional email/SMS notifications can alert users of account changes. |
| Login Banner | Allows for the configuration of a custom text message displayed on the login page, typically used for legal notices or system identification. |
| Secure Boot | For S1 Routers only. Ensures that only Advantech-signed and verified firmware can run on the device, preventing the execution of unauthorized or malicious code. |
| System Integrity Check | For S1 Routers only. Features a configuration integrity check using configuration hashes and AIDE to ensure that all settings remain secure and unaltered. If an unauthorized modification is detected, the affected service is automatically stopped to prevent potential security risks. |
Router Apps, formerly known as User Modules, are specialized software packages that extend the core functionality of Advantech cellular routers. Beyond the extensive set of modules offered by Advantech, users can also develop their own custom applications using the provided Software Development Kit (SDK) to meet specific project requirements.
Tips
- In addition to the official Router Apps, a growing collection of example applications with source code is available in the Public Bitbucket Repository to aid your development.
- A limited number of Router Apps are supported on the v1 product platform. To see which apps are supported, visit the Available Router Apps for category v1 page.
| RA Name | Description |
|---|
| 802.1X Authenticator | Implements an 802.1X authenticator (server) role, allowing the router to control network access via an external RADIUS server, with the ability to exempt specific MAC addresses. |
| Band Select | Allows for the manual selection of specific cellular frequency bands, which can help optimize performance and stability in challenging RF environments. |
| Backup APN | Automatically switches to a secondary Access Point Name (APN) if the primary APN connection fails, ensuring resilient cellular connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Incorporates Bluez 5 and D-Bus to provide comprehensive Bluetooth functionality, enabling communication with nearby Bluetooth devices. |
| Ethernet Mirroring | Allows mirroring of data packets from one Ethernet interface to another, which is useful for network traffic monitoring or analysis with an external device. |
| Layer 2 Firewall (L2FW) | Filters network traffic based on MAC addresses to enhance security at the data link layer. |
| NAT | Implements advanced Source NAT (SNAT) and Destination NAT (DNAT) rules for flexible internet sharing and granular access control. |
| PPP Gateway | Enables internet access for legacy devices that only have a serial line interface by encapsulating their traffic in PPP frames. |
| Transparent Mode | Directly assigns the public IP address from the mobile WAN connection to a device connected to the router's Ethernet port, simplifying network configuration. |
| URL Blocker | Restricts access to specific domain names (URLs) for content filtering, security policy enforcement, or productivity management. |
| WiFi SSID Switch | Dynamically switches the router's Wi-Fi client (station) between up to four predefined Wi-Fi Access Points based on signal strength or availability. |
| WiFi STA Relay | Bridges the Wi-Fi station mode interface to an Ethernet port, enabling a transparent Layer 2 connection over a Wi-Fi link. |
| RA Name | Description |
|---|
| FRR | Provides a comprehensive suite of Internet routing protocols (including BGP, OSPF, and RIP) specifically tailored for Advantech routers, enabling advanced dynamic routing. |
| OpenVPN Custom Config | Enables advanced, text-based configuration of OpenVPN tunnels, offering greater flexibility for complex VPN setups beyond the standard GUI options. |
| Stunnel | Creates encrypted SSL/TLS tunnels for network traffic, adding a layer of security for data in transit, especially for applications that do not natively support encryption. |
| RA Name | Description |
|---|
| Captive Portal | Provides a customizable access page for Wi-Fi users, offering features such as password authentication, bandwidth limits, session timeouts, and data usage caps. |
| File Uploader | Automates the transfer of files to and from FTP/SFTP servers, including downloading, uploading, and cleanup of old files, facilitating seamless data distribution. |
| GPSD | Enables and configures the GPSD daemon, a service that collects NMEA data from the GNSS receiver and makes it accessible to other applications or network clients via TCP/IP. Also includes command-line tools cgps and gpsmon for real-time diagnostics and monitoring of satellite data from the router's console. |
| MQTT Broker | Implements a local MQTT message broker for IoT messaging, based on the popular Mosquitto project. |
| MQTT Manager | Enables remote control and monitoring of Advantech routers via the MQTT protocol, allowing for integration into IoT platforms. |
| NetFlow/IPFIX | Supports NetFlow v5, v9, and IPFIX protocols for comprehensive network traffic analysis, with options for sampling and exporting flow data to collectors. |
| NTRIP Client | Enhances GPS accuracy by utilizing RTK corrections from an NTRIP base station, ideal for applications requiring high-precision positioning. |
| Samba | Provides a Samba server for shared access to the router's /var/data/samba directory, enabling easy file sharing on Windows networks. |
| RA Name | Description |
|---|
| Customer Logo | Allows for branding of the web administration interface with a custom logo, enhancing corporate identity. |
| GNU Nano | A simple and user-friendly command-line text editor. |
| Lynx Web Browser | A text-based web browser. Lynx allows for browsing the web from the console, supporting frames and tables but not images. |
| Ext4 Filesystem Utilities | Adds advanced filesystem management capabilities (e.g., checking, repairing) for storage devices using the ext4 filesystem. |
| Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA) | Enables remote firmware updates for the router's cellular module, ensuring it has the latest features, performance improvements, and security patches. |
| Loopback | Creates a virtual loopback interface, which is useful for advanced routing strategies, testing, and management purposes. |
| Midnight Commander | Adds a user-friendly, text-based file manager to the router's console for easier file navigation and operations. |
| Nmap | Delivers a powerful network discovery and security auditing tool to identify hosts, services, and potential vulnerabilities on a network. |
| PDU SMS | Extends the standard SMS capabilities to allow for the sending and receiving of longer, concatenated messages in PDU format. |
| Pinger | Ensures network reliability by continuously monitoring connectivity to a specified host, with options for automatic notifications or actions upon failure. |
| SCEP Client | Offers a secure and automated method for router certificate enrollment using the Simple Certificate Enrollment Protocol (SCEP), simplifying device authentication. |
| Sleep Mode | Enables significant energy savings by configuring the router to enter a low-power mode based on a time schedule or digital input signals. |
| TCP SYN Keep-Alive | Actively verifies the router's ability to establish new TCP connections by sending SYN packets, enhancing network reliability diagnostics. |
| Vim | Provides a powerful and highly configurable text editor for complex scripting and configuration file editing directly on the router. |
| Web Terminal | Offers convenient, web-based access to the router's command-line console, enabling remote administration without an SSH client. |
| RA Name | Description |
|---|
| EdgeLink | Provides an on-device runtime for tasks configured in EdgeLink Studio. EdgeLink acts as an industrial IoT gateway, supporting over 200 protocols (Modbus, OPC UA, MQTT) to securely bridge field devices with cloud platforms like Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud. |
| AT Modem Emulator | Facilitates the conversion of modem-style AT commands to TCP/IP and vice versa, enabling modern IP connectivity for legacy serial devices. |
| DNP3 Outstation | Integrates Distributed Network Protocol 3 (DNP3) support, enabling the router to act as an outstation for data collection from industrial sensors and actuators. |
| Modbus Logger | Captures and logs Modbus RTU traffic on a serial line for detailed analysis and troubleshooting of industrial communication issues. |
| Modbus to LwM2M | Bridges Modbus devices with Lightweight M2M (LwM2M) networks, facilitating modern IoT device management for industrial equipment. |
| Modbus & DI/DO to IEC104 | Designed to bridge Modbus TCP/RTU devices and digital I/O with IEC 104 networks. It operates as a Modbus master to poll devices and as an IEC 104 server to report data to an IEC 104 client. |
| Modbus to MQTT | Integrates Modbus devices with MQTT networks by converting Modbus data to MQTT messages, enabling flexible IoT communication architectures. |
| Operating Hours Counter | Monitors device usage with both resettable and non-resettable counters, useful for scheduling preventive maintenance based on operational hours. |
| Packet Splitter | Duplicates and distributes incoming data flows to multiple targets, which is useful for data logging, analysis, and redundant processing. |
| Protocol IEC101-104 | Simplifies communication by converting the serial IEC 101 protocol to the IP-based IEC 104 protocol, facilitating the integration of legacy serial devices into modern IP networks. |
| Protocol ALPHA-MODBUS | Translates data from Mitsubishi ALPHA2 controllers for use on Modbus TCP networks, ensuring compatibility and integration. |
| Protocol DF1-Ethernet | Translates the DF1 serial protocol used by Allen-Bradley PLCs to industrial Ethernet standards, supporting legacy industrial devices. |
| Protocol MODBUS-RTU2TCP | Converts Modbus RTU (serial) messages to Modbus TCP (IP) messages, enabling seamless integration of serial and IP-based Modbus networks. |
| Protocol MODBUS-RTUMAP | Aggregates data from multiple Modbus RTU slaves into a single Modbus TCP connection, simplifying network architecture and data collection. |
| Protocol MODBUS-TCP2RTU | Transforms Modbus TCP messages from an IP network for communication on a serial line, allowing modern systems to control legacy serial devices. |
| Serial over LAN | Provides TCP/IP server access to a serial port, allowing multiple clients to connect and communicate with a serial device over the network. |
| Serial to TCP | Acts as a TCP/IP client to connect a local serial port to a remote TCP server, extending communication capabilities for serial devices. |
| Wake-on-LAN Gateway | Enables Wake-on-LAN (WoL) functionality across different network subnets, facilitating remote device power management. |
| RA Name | Description |
|---|
| Node-RED | A powerful, flow-based visual programming tool for integrating hardware devices, APIs, and online services. |
| Node-RED / AWS | Adds nodes for seamless integration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), enabling cloud-based data processing and storage. |
| Node-RED / Azure | Adds nodes for native integration with Microsoft's Azure IoT platform for cloud connectivity. |
| Node-RED / BACnet | Adds nodes to support the BACnet protocol for Building Automation and Control Networks. |
| Node-RED / Bluetooth | Adds nodes to support Bluetooth communication, with a focus on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices. |
| Node-RED / Dashboard | Enables the design and implementation of interactive, web-based user interfaces and dashboards directly within Node-RED flows. |
| Node-RED / DNP3 | Provides nodes for integrating systems that use the Distributed Network Protocol 3 (DNP3). |
| Node-RED / Filesystem | Introduces a set of nodes for performing filesystem operations like reading, writing, and monitoring files. |
| Node-RED / FTP | Adds nodes to support both FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol). |
| Node-RED / GPS | Adds nodes to access GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) location data from the router. |
| Node-RED / Gzip | Provides nodes for gzip compression and decompression to enable efficient data handling. |
| Node-RED / KNX | Adds comprehensive support for the KNX protocol, a standard in modern building automation systems. |
| Node-RED / LwM2M | Adds support for the OMA Lightweight M2M (LwM2M) protocol for standardized IoT device management. |
| Node-RED / Modbus | Adds comprehensive support for the Modbus protocol, including both Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU (serial) variants. |
| Node-RED / OPC UA | Provides an integrated solution for interacting with OPC UA services, offering both client and server functions. |
| Node-RED / PLC EtherNet/IP | Adds nodes for integrating with Allen Bradley/Rockwell PLCs via the EtherNet/IP protocol. |
| Node-RED / PLC Melsec | Adds nodes for integrating with Mitsubishi PLCs using the Melsec communication protocol. |
| Node-RED / Splunk | Offers robust integration with the Splunk platform for real-time data logging and operational intelligence. |
| RA Name | Description |
|---|
| CPE WAN Management Protocol | Implements the TR-069 standard, enabling remote management and provisioning of the router by an Auto-Configuration Server (ACS), ensuring optimal performance and seamless network administration. |
| Cumulocity Agent | An agent that enables seamless integration with the Cumulocity IoT Platform for device management and data collection. |
| Docker | An open platform that simplifies application development, shipping, and execution using containerization technology. See Docker Official Site. |
| VirtualHere USB Server | Turns the Advantech router into a USB-over-IP hub, enabling USB devices to be shared and accessed remotely over a network as if they were plugged in locally. See VirtualHere Official Site. |
| WebAccess/DMP | A client app that connects the router to the WebAccess/DMP remote management platform for centralized monitoring and control. See Advantech WebAccess/DMP. |
| Zabbix Agent | An agent for the Zabbix network monitoring platform, allowing the router to be monitored as part of a larger IT infrastructure. See Zabbix Official Site. |
| RA Name | Description |
|---|
| Advantech SDK | A comprehensive Software Development Kit for creating custom Router Apps. See the Development page for details. |
| Azure IoT SDK Python API v2 | Enables Advantech routers to securely connect to Microsoft's Azure IoT platform for data exchange and device management. See github.com/Azure/azure-iot-sdk-python. |
| Python 3 | Adds support for the Python 3 programming language, expanding the router's scripting and application capabilities. See www.python.org. |
| Node.js | A JavaScript runtime environment built on Chrome's V8 engine, suitable for building scalable network applications. See nodejs.org/en. |
| Lua | Adds support for the Lua scripting language, which combines simple procedural syntax with powerful data description facilities. See www.lua.org. |
| GNU Debugger (GDB) | A powerful project debugger that allows you to see what is happening inside another program while it executes, essential for software development. See www.gnu.org/software/gdb. |
This chapter highlights a selection of notable commands available in the console environment of Advantech routers. The commands are grouped into categories for easier navigation. For a complete list and detailed descriptions, refer to the Command Line Interface application note.
Tips
Some commands may not be supported on all product platforms.
These commands are used for managing system-level operations, processes, and scheduled tasks.
| Command | Description |
|---|
crontab | Manages scheduled tasks (cron jobs) for automated command execution. |
date | Displays or sets the system date and time. |
dmesg | Displays kernel ring buffer messages, useful for diagnosing hardware and driver issues. |
hwclock | Queries and sets the Hardware Clock (RTC) to manage persistent system time. |
kill | Terminates a running process, typically identified by its Process ID (PID). |
ps | Displays information about currently running system processes. |
reboot | Performs a software reboot of the router. |
top | Provides a real-time, dynamic view of running system processes and resource usage. |
A collection of essential tools for configuring, managing, and diagnosing network connections.
| Command | Description |
|---|
arp | Displays and modifies the system's ARP cache, which maps IP addresses to MAC addresses. |
bridge | A utility for configuring and managing Ethernet bridges, including advanced features like VLAN filtering. |
curl | A versatile tool for transferring data from or to a server using various protocols like HTTP and FTP. |
ether-wake | Sends a Wake-on-LAN (WoL) 'Magic Packet' to a specific MAC address to wake up a sleeping device on the network. |
ethtool | Displays or modifies settings of Ethernet network interfaces. |
ifconfig | Configures and displays information about network interfaces. |
ip | A powerful, modern tool for managing network interfaces, IP addresses, routing, and tunnels. |
iptables | Administers the kernel's IPv4 packet filtering and NAT ruleset. |
iw | Manages and configures wireless network devices and their settings. |
netstat | Displays network connections, routing tables, and interface statistics. |
nslookup | Queries Domain Name System (DNS) servers to resolve hostnames or IP addresses. |
ping | Sends ICMP ECHO_REQUEST packets to network hosts to test connectivity and latency. |
portd | Runs a daemon for transparent data transfer between a serial line and a TCP/UDP network. |
route | Shows or manipulates the kernel's IP routing table. |
scp | Securely copies files between hosts on a network using the SSH protocol. |
ssh | Securely logs into a remote machine and executes commands over an encrypted channel. |
tc | Manages network traffic control, including bandwidth shaping and Quality of Service (QoS). |
tcpdump | A powerful command-line packet analyzer that captures and displays network traffic. |
traceroute | Traces the network path that packets take to a remote host. |
Commands for interacting with router-specific hardware components and retrieving status information.
| Command | Description |
|---|
gsmat | Sends an AT command directly to the cellular module for diagnostics and configuration. |
io | Reads the state of digital inputs and controls the state of digital outputs. |
led | Controls the state (on, off, or blinking) of the router's user-programmable USR LED. |
lpm | Manages the router's Low Power Mode, putting it to sleep to conserve energy. |
report | Generates a comprehensive diagnostic report containing system status, logs, and configuration. |
sms | Sends an SMS message from the command line using the cellular module. |
status | Displays the current status of the router's interfaces (Mobile, LAN, Wi-Fi) and system. |
tpm2 | Provides tools for interacting with the Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) chip for secure cryptographic operations. Available only on routers equipped with TPM hardware. |
Tools for managing files, filesystems, and the router's software and configuration.
| Command | Description |
|---|
cat | Concatenates and displays the content of files, often used for viewing text files. |
fwupdate | Manages and applies firmware updates for the router. |
grep | Searches for specific text patterns within files or command output, essential for log analysis. |
mount | Mounts a storage device or filesystem to a specific location in the directory tree. |
openssl | A command-line toolkit for TLS/SSL protocols, used for various cryptographic tasks and certificate management. |
restore | Restores the router's configuration from a backup file. |
shred | Securely deletes files from non-volatile memory by overwriting them multiple times to prevent data recovery. |
tar | Creates, views, and extracts tar archives, useful for bundling files. |
umount | Unmounts a mounted filesystem from the directory tree. |
umupdate | Adds or deletes a user module (Router App) from the command line. |
vi | A standard, powerful text editor for creating or modifying files from the console. |
wget | A non-interactive tool for downloading files from the web via HTTP, HTTPS, and FTP. |