Spark 4G Mobile Broadband APN

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garryk

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Topic # 182487 18-Oct-2015 00:20

Does anyone know if there is an APN setting that works with Spark's 4G Mobile Broadband to allow connections from the internet to a 4G Mobile Broadband router (in this case a Huawei B315). i.e I need to be able to connect from externally to a VPN server behind the mobile router. (Used to have everything working on a DSL-based service, but relocation to a more rural setting has forced the need to use a wireless/mobile/RBI solution).

The default profile on the B315 comes configured as 'Broadband'. Connections out from the router work fine, but am unable to ping or connect on other ports from any other internet address. All firewall and port pinhole settings on the B315 to allow traffic through on the VPN port I'm using appear correctly configured, but just will not work, so have concluded that the Broadband APN blocks traffic from the net, just as other standard APNs do.

Changing the Profile to use 'direct' or 'connect' or 'internet' just kills the 4G connection, so they're obviously not set up for 4G addresses (I'm seeing 100.xx.xx.xx addresses assigned).

Am hoping there is an equivalent of 'direct' for 4G, otherwise will have to cancel the service and find another provider that can allow opening these connections.

TIA.

cokemaster

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Reply # 1408501 18-Oct-2015 09:11

Have you tried the direct.telecom.co.nz apn that the spark website recommends ( https://www.spark.co.nz/help/mobile-data/troubleshooting/spark-apns-and-ip-ranges/ )?

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garryk

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Reply # 1408510 18-Oct-2015 09:52

Yes, I tried 'direct' and 'direct.telecom.co.nz', no joy with either, but will re-try just to be sure.

johnr

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Reply # 1408513 18-Oct-2015 10:01

I would say inbound connections are blocked on the Firewall and no APN will let it in

garryk

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Reply # 1408561 18-Oct-2015 12:38

I agree, but the Direct APN does allow this for other Spark mobile based services, does it not?

So the question is does anyone know whether use of a Spark 4G Mobile Broadband based host/server will ever be permitted? i.e is there now, or will there ever be, an APN that does allow inbound connections throught the firewall/s?

gajan

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Reply # 1408574 18-Oct-2015 13:51

DM me some details and I'll check what APNs have been provisioned.

My comments and remarks are not necessarily of my employer.

coffeebaron

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Reply # 1408608 18-Oct-2015 14:56

Ultimate Broadband do public IP on RBI connections. Static IP also on request.

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sbiddle

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Reply # 1408762 18-Oct-2015 19:07

It's pretty much the norm on any mobile network anyway in the world to heavily restrict unbound uninitiated traffic due to the massive implications of allowing this. Allowing this would be very poor from a security perspective.

I'm not aware of Spark allowing this on any of their public APN's but you can get this with a private APN.

mstubbies

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Reply # 1456750 24-Dec-2015 19:53

One person supports this post

Sorry to revive this topic, but it seems like this question will continue to creep up now that Rural Broadband is becoming more prominent.

Should mobile broadband fall under the "mobile" security profile, or should be considered a "home broadband" service with all the pros & cons that go with it?

The modem itself supports "Virtual Servers" and this guide: https://www.spark.co.nz/help/internet-data/equipment/huawei/huawei-b315s-rural-wireless-broadband/ gives the impression is endorsed by Spark (as long as it's not SMTP).

Is the answer a definitive "NO"? Not being able to remotely review security cameras and access files is a major bugger.