ePMP Elevate: ePMP Elevator Tool Configuration

Products ePMP
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When using ePMP Elevate to upgrade non-Cambium Networks subscriber modules and allow registration to an ePMP Access Point, it is important to carefully consider subscriber configuration prior to upgrading. 

To ensure that subscriber network access is maintained and that wireless parameters are properly configured, the ePMP Elevator Tool may be utilized to pre-configure non-Cambium Networks subscribers and install ePMP Elevate software (optional).  This pre-configuration is useful for preparing device IP addresses, wireless security passwords, cnMaestro onboarding credentials, etc. to ensure a smooth transition to the ePMP system.

ePMP Elevator Tool (Windows and Linux/Mac) – download, installation, and execution instructions are available here: https://github.com/m0sia/elevator

Elevator Tool Operation Sequence

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Subscriber Pre-Configuration

The ePMP Elevator Tool preconfigures non-Cambium Networks devices based on a user-configured .json file.  The .json file used by Elevator defines the configuration parameters which are configured prior to ePMP upgrade.

JSONfile.pngUnderstanding the sample SM.JSON File

The Elevator tool is bundled with a default JSON configuration file sm.json which, by default:

  1. configures a Preferred AP SSID of TestSSID and associated Wireless Security mode WPA2, and sets the WPA2 Pre-shared Key to VerySecretKey
  2. configures the device Network Mode to Bridge, sets the device IP Address to 192.168.1.33, and the device Gateway to 192.168.1.1
  3. configures the cnMaestro cloud-based wireless network manager Cambium ID to CAMBIUM and the Onboarding Key to BOARDINGKEY

Operators may supply a custom-configured JSON file to configure any configuration parameters supported by the ePMP Elevate software! 

Creating a Custom JSON File

To create a custom JSON file which can be used to configure a certain variant of ePMP Elevate-compatible subscribers, the following process needs to be executed only ONCE.  Once the custom JSON file is created, it may be edited as needed and reapplied in subsequent device pre-configuration and ePMP Elevate software installation (via the ePMP Elevator Tool).

  1. Run the ePMP Elevator Tool
    • Configure the default sm.json file as necessary (with accessible IP address, for example)
    • Upgrade the device to ePMP Elevate
  1. With IP configured in sm.json, access and configure device ePMP Elevate parameters and click Save
  • Each parameter configured on the ePMP Elevate device will be added to the device JSON configuration file
  1. In ePMP Elevate, navigate to Tools > Software Upgrade and upgrade the device back to its native software
  • This step is necessary for the device’s native software to create a new JSON file which contains the JSON-formatted configuration parameters configured in step 2.
  1. Access the updated device via the original IP, then use file-transfer SCP (Linux/Mac) or WinSCP (Windows – make sure that Show hidden files is enabled) to retrieve file /var/etc/persistent/mnt/config/.configured_<version>
  • The file .configured_<version> may now be configured as necessary and used for all subsequent ePMP Elevator usage (with similar hardware variants).
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