Rakwireless 7249 Installation Manual

The Rakwireless 7249 is a high-performance LoRaWAN gateway designed for industrial IoT applications, featuring multi-channel reception, GPS support, Ethernet and cellular backhaul connectivity, and robust outdoor/indoor deployment capabilities. This manual provides essential information for safe installation, hardware setup, network configuration, and initial operation.

Package Contents & Inspection

Unpack the box and verify all components are present and undamaged.

NOTE: Contact your supplier immediately if any item is missing or damaged.

Safety Precautions

Read all safety instructions before installation and operation.

1. Electrical Safety: Use only the provided 12V DC power adapter. Do not use damaged cables.
2. Environment: Install in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, rain, or extreme temperatures unless rated for outdoor use.
3. Mounting: Ensure the mounting surface is stable and can support the gateway's weight (approx. 1.2 kg).
4. Lightning Protection: For outdoor installations, use appropriate surge protection on Ethernet and power lines.
5. RF Exposure: Maintain a minimum distance of 20 cm from the gateway during operation.

WARNING! Installation should be performed by qualified personnel. Disconnect power before making any connections.

Hardware Overview

Key interfaces and components of the Rakwireless 7249 gateway.

Mounting the Gateway

Choose an optimal location with clear line-of-sight for best LoRa and GPS performance.

1. Indoor Mounting: Place on a stable, flat surface away from metal obstructions.
2. Wall Mounting: Use the provided bracket. Mark drill holes, insert wall plugs, secure bracket, then attach the gateway.
3. Pole Mounting: Secure the bracket to the pole using stainless steel hose clamps (not included). Ensure the gateway is oriented vertically.
4. Height: For maximum coverage, install as high as possible (recommended > 5 meters above ground).

CAUTION! Do not mount near high-voltage power lines or heavy machinery that may cause interference.

Connecting Cables

Connect all necessary cables before applying power.

1. Power: Connect the DC plug from the power adapter to the gateway's POWER port.
2. Ethernet: Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the gateway's ETHERNET port and the other end to your network switch/router.
3. Optional Cellular: Insert a compatible 4G LTE SIM card into the slot (ensure data plan is active).
4. Lightning Arrestor (Outdoor): Install on the Ethernet cable between the gateway and the building entry point.

Tip: Use cable ties to secure loose cables and prevent strain on connectors.

Powering On

Apply power and verify initial boot sequence.

1. Plug the power adapter into a grounded electrical outlet.
2. The gateway will boot automatically. The POWER LED will light solid green.
3. Observe the LED sequence:
   • POWER: Solid Green (steady)
   • LoRa: Flashing Blue (searching for network)
   • Ethernet: Solid Amber/Green (link established)
   • GPS: Flashing (searching for satellites)
4. Full boot process takes approximately 90 seconds.

NOTE: If the POWER LED does not light, check the power connection and outlet.

Initial Configuration

Access the gateway's web interface to configure basic settings.

1. Determine the gateway's IP address (check your router's DHCP client list or use the default: 192.168.10.10).
2. Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network and enter the IP address.
3. Log in with default credentials (Username: admin, Password: admin).
4. Change the admin password immediately.
5. Configure basic network settings (IP, subnet, gateway, DNS) if not using DHCP.
6. Set your LoRa Network Server (LNS) details (e.g., ChirpStack, TTN).
7. Set the gateway's location (manually or via GPS) and frequency plan (e.g., US915, EU868).

CAUTION! Always change default passwords to secure your network.

Network Integration

Register the gateway with your chosen LoRaWAN Network Server (LNS).

1. Obtain a Gateway EUI (printed on the label on the bottom of the unit).
2. Log into your LNS platform (e.g., The Things Stack).
3. Add a new gateway, entering the Gateway EUI and the gateway's IP address or public DNS name.
4. Select the appropriate frequency plan and antenna configuration.
5. Save the configuration. The gateway should connect to the LNS within 2 minutes (LoRa LED will become solid blue).
6. Verify connectivity by checking for uplink packets from test end devices.

Tip: For public networks like The Things Network (TTN), you must claim your gateway on their console first.

LED Status Indicators

Use the front panel LEDs to diagnose gateway status.

Troubleshooting

Reset to Factory Defaults: Press and hold the recessed RESET button for 10 seconds until all LEDs flash rapidly.

Support: For further assistance, visit https://support.rakwireless.com or contact your distributor.

Technical Specifications

• Model: RAK7249
• LoRa Concentrator: Semtech SX1302
• Frequency Bands: Supports EU868, US915, AS923, AU915, KR920, IN865 (region-specific models)
• Max Receive Channels: 8
• GPS: u-blox MAX-7Q module
• Backhaul: 10/100 Mbps Ethernet, 4G LTE Cat-M1/NB-IoT (optional)
• Processor: ARM Cortex-A7 @ 650 MHz
• Memory: 256 MB DDR3, 128 MB Flash
• Power Supply: 12V DC, 2A (Power over Ethernet not supported)
• Operating Temperature: -30°C to 65°C (-22°F to 149°F)
• Ingress Protection: IP67 (outdoor model)
• Dimensions: 200 x 200 x 60 mm (without bracket)
• Weight: 1.2 kg
• Certifications: CE, FCC, RoHS