Sierra Wireless Unveils AM/AMM 2.17.5

Sierra Wireless recently made a significant stride in empowering administrators with the release of AM/AMM 2.17.5, a major update to their AirLink Manager Platform. Unveiled on October 20, 2023, this release brings a host of new features and improvements, redefining the approach to server upgrades and enhancing the platform’s overall functionality and security.

Self-Serve Upgrades

A groundbreaking change introduced in this release is the self-serve upgrade feature. Administrators can now seamlessly upgrade to 2.17.5 using a single command in a Linux terminal window. Once installed, future upgrades can be completed effortlessly through a new menu option in the administrative user interface. This user-friendly approach eliminates the need for direct support from Sierra Wireless, enabling end-users to keep their systems up-to-date without hassle.

Enhanced User Interface

AM/AMM 2.17.5 introduces a revamped user interface, simplifying administrative tasks. The admin dropdown menu has been redesigned to streamline functions, making it more intuitive and efficient for users to navigate and manage the platform effectively.

Improved Security

To bolster the security posture of the AM/AMM platform, Sierra Wireless has integrated new security patches. These patches ensure that the platform remains robust and resilient against potential threats, providing users with a secure environment for their IoT deployments.

New Configuration Options

This release also introduces two new user interface options: System Configuration GUI and High Availability Configuration GUI. The System Configuration GUI empowers administrators to configure system and application settings seamlessly. On the other hand, the High Availability Configuration GUI provides a menu option for configuring HA pairs, simplifying tasks related to HA setup, role swapping, and teardown.

Expanded Administrative Privileges

AM/AMM 2.17.5 enhances user management by introducing the Admin privilege. This privilege grants specific users administrative rights over others, enabling them to access all admin features and efficiently manage user roles within the platform.

LDAP Search Optimization

The update optimizes LDAP search operations, incorporating “search base” and “search filter.” This enhancement allows administrators to define the scope and criteria for their searches, improving the efficiency of retrieving specific entries and ensuring faster and more accurate results.

API Enhancements

AM/AMM 2.17.5 introduces a new API endpoint designed to enhance user experience. Customers can now retrieve the latest statistics data from a fleet of devices within a group using fewer API calls. This improvement streamlines data retrieval, making the process more efficient and reducing the workload on the server.

Transparent System Information

In a move towards transparency, the System ID for the AMM server is now displayed prominently in the Help > About menu. This information provides users with clear identification, ensuring they are always aware of the system they are interacting with.

Updated Documentation

It’s important to note that all AM/AMM documentation is now available online, offering users easy access to comprehensive resources. The updated documentation for this release can be found on Sierra Wireless’s website, providing detailed information on the new features and enhancements introduced in AM/AMM 2.17.5.

T-Mobile Home Internet Users See What Can Happen with a Bad Firmware Update

When it comes to updates or upgrades, it may be a good rule of thumb to say that, “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” However, with concerns around security, it’s a good idea to keep your electronic hardware up to date when security patches are made available. 

This is something that tens of thousands of T-Mobile home internet users have encountered as of last week. Due to a software update, users reported their service had stopped working. The reason not all of their 1.5 million users (as of Dec 2022) were affected was because the update was only sent to a certain model modem – Sagemcom Fast 5688W.

The problem caused the modems to be cut off from the carrier’s network. This then prevented them from being reset from T-Mobile’s end, according to the Mobile Report. What makes matters worse, is that customers’ only solution is to swap out the modem for a completely new unit. 

Not surprisingly, T-Mobile has stopped the update from being pushed out. The update was supposed to fix an issue of unintended reboots that had impacted the Sagemcom routers, so they continue to work with the manufacturer on next steps.  

Sierra Wireless AirLink OS Patch Release – Should I Update?

Sierra Wireless has announced AirLink OS 3.1.26, a patch release to 3.1, which is available on the Source and ALMS

The patch release includes:

  • New Verizon 5G certified radio module firmware enabling operation on Verizon’s C-Band network.
  • Bug fix for GNSS reporting when Ethernet is the only WAN link.

Any customer using the above capabilities through Sierra Wireless routers should update to AirLink OS 3.1.26. 

For more details on the release, you may reference the release notes.

How to Avoid the Impact of the AT&T 3G Sunset on Your Peplink, Sierra Wireless and Option CloudGate Devices

AT&T shuts down their 3G network today. Even if you are not using a 3G device, you may still be impacted. See what steps you can take to avoid downtime.

AT&T’s 3G shutdown is upon us. Whether you’re ready or not, your devices may be affected and require updating to continue working. But what if you’re not even using 3G? You may be surprised, but as a part of the 3G sunset process, AT&T has updated their 5G and 4G networks’ custom Access Point Name (APN) behavior. Without the proper APN, your cellular device will never establish a connection to the network. 

AT&T announced that their 3G network sunset process will commence today, February 22, 2022 and will impact many LTE devices including routers.

“AT&T will decommission our 3G (UMTS and HSPA) networks on February 22, 2022. While this action will cause all 3G only devices to stop operating, it will also impact some LTE capable devices,” the cellular carrier said in their bulletin

This shutdown has impacted a number of devices we carry at the 5Gstore. This includes devices from Peplink, Sierra Wireless, and Option CloudGate. We have included important details from each of these manufacturers to outline their response to the shutdown and what steps you need to take to make sure you have working devices.

Almost all of Peplink’s devices are already compliant. Customers using a custom APN should update to one of the following firmware to maintain compatibility. 

No action is required for customers not using a custom APN.

Not sure how to upgrade your firmware? Check out this post for instructions.

Sierra Wireless Devices

Soon after February 22, 2022, without a firmware upgrade, select AirLink RV55/LX40/LX60 LTE routers will cease to connect to the AT&T network due to the AT&T network changes.

Select AirLink RV55/LX40/LX60 LTE routers will require an ALEOS update prior to February 22, 2022 or these routers will go off air and will require a site visit to restore connectivity.

AirLink routers that are affected include:

  • RV55 North America (WP7610); SKUs: 1104335 and 1104334 Wi-Fi
  • LX40 North America GENERIC (WP7603); SKUs: 1104178 and 1104179 Wi-Fi
  • LX40 North America (WP7610); SKUs: 1104579 and 1104573 Wi-Fi
  • LX60 North America GENERIC (WP7603); SKUs: 1103826 and 1103827 Wi-Fi
  • LX60 North America (WP7610); SKUs: 1104580, 1104572 Wi-Fi/GNSS, and 1104493 Telemetry

For more details about the Sierra Wireless 3G sunset plan, see details on this PDF.  

Need instructions on how to update your device firmware, refer to the Software User Guide, available at Sierra Wireless Source.

Option CloudGate Devices

Please review the below PCN from Option and take all necessary steps as they have outlined before February 22nd, 2022 to avoid any device functionality issues. 

VIEW THE PCN

Affected CloudGate SKUs:

  • CloudGate LTE WW Rev4 (CG0124)
  • CloudGate mini (CG0125)
  • CloudGate micro (CM0125)

To update your CloudGate device’s firmware, if needed, you may do so from the CloudGate Universe website. See under Home -> Library -> Firmware. Don’t see what you’re looking for, or do you need additional support? Please reach out to our team.

Update your Pepwave BR1 & Transit Mini Before the 3G Sunset

Are you using the Pepwave MAX BR1 Mini (Cat 4) or Transit Mini cellular routers?

With the pending shutdown of 3G services next year, we want to make sure you upgrade your device. If the update is not completed before the 3G shutdown, it may fail to reestablish its cellular connection.

For the firmware download (to use for a manual firmware update), click here. When you’re ready, simply log into the Pepwave web admin page and go to the System -> Firmware page and begin with the Manual Upgrade.

Transit Mini
BR1 Mini/ BR1 Mini Core