Configuring Cellular Modems

To configure a cellular modem in pfSense® software on a current supported release, plug in a Known Working Modem and log into the firewall GUI to begin configuration.

See also

PPP (Cellular Modem)

Example Cellular Configuration

  • Navigate to Interfaces > Assignments, PPPs tab

  • Click + to create a new entry

  • Configure the settings as follows:

    Link Type

    PPP

    Link Interface(s)

    Select the port for the modem from the list. The list contains all available serial ports on the firewall.

    Note

    A modem may list several serial ports. Typically the correct choice is the last entry, but may require trial and error to identify.

    Description

    Text used to reference this PPP configuration in other parts of the GUI. For example, it could contain the service provider and/or modem model.

    Country

    Select the country in which this modem is operating.

    The firewall populates the Provider list based on the value of this field.

    Provider

    Select the cellular network provider for the modem.

    The firewall populates the Plan list based on the value of this field.

    Plan

    Select the cellular plan used by this modem. Check with the cellular provider to determine which choice is correct.

    This populates the remaining fields where possible with values specific to the Plan.

    Username / Password

    Enter login credentials if the provider requires authentication.

    The remaining settings can typically be left at their automatic or existing values. For more information on the available settings, see PPP (Cellular Modem).

  • Click Save.

../_images/cellular-setup-1.png

Example modem configuration

The GUI lists the newly created PPP interface on the PPPs tab:

../_images/cellular-setup-2.png

PPP list entry for a modem

Assigning the PPP Interface

Next, assign the PPP instance to an interface.

  • Navigate to Interfaces > Assignments

  • Set the Available network ports field to the newly created PPP interface

  • Click fa-plus Add

The firewall will assign the PPP interface as the next available OPTx interface, for example, OPT1.

../_images/cellular-setup-3.png

Assign the PPP interface

Enable the PPP Interface

  • Navigate to the menu entry for the new interface name, e.g. Interfaces > OPT1

  • Check Enable Interface

  • Enter a new name for the interface in the Description field, e.g. CellModem

  • Click Save

  • Click Apply changes

Check the interface status

Navigate to Status > Interfaces and locate the entry for the new PPP interface in the list.

If the interface does not show connected, check the logs under Status > System logs, PPP tab to see if the firewall has log messages indicating why the connection is failing.

Note

Some connection problems are a lack of signal. If the cellular modem is in a location with poor reception, such as an equipment room, datacenter, rack, etc, then it use an antenna and/or longer USB cable to achieve a better signal.