Support data plan profiles for FortiExtender 6.4.2

The data plan profile allows users to configure connectivity settings based on modem, carrier, slot, SIM ID, or cost. Users can also specify billing details related to the data plan, as well as smart switch thresholds to define when to switch over to a different SIM.

A FortiExtender has multiple SIM card slots. Certain models also have multiple modems. Essentially, each modem can make one connection with one of the two SIMs associated with the modem. The data plan profile allows users to create general configurations that work across multiple SIMs, or specific profiles that work on a specific SIM. First, the data plan matches the criteria based on the modem ID and type.

Syntax

config extender-controller dataplan
    edit <name>
        set modem-id {modem1 | modem2 | all}
        set type {carrier | slot | iccid | generic}

Variable	Description
set modem-id (Available on in the GUI)	Select the match criterion based on the modem: modem1: Use modem 1. modem2: Use modem 2. all: Use both modems (default).
set type (Type in the GUI)	Select the match criterion based on the type: carrier: Assign by SIM carrier. slot: Assign to SIM slot 1 or 2. iccid: Assign to a specific SIM by ICCID. generic: Compatible with any SIM (default). Assigned if no other data plan matches the chosen SIM.

When a modem connects to the network through a SIM, it will read the SIM information and try to match a data plan based on the modem ID and type. It then uses the data plan connectivity settings to connect (authentication, PDN type, preferred subnet, APN, private network). The billing details (such as the monthly data limit) and smart switch threshold settings define how the SIMs will be switched.

Multiple data plans can be configured:

Once the FortiExtender is controlled by the FortiGate, the data plan is sent to the FortiExtender. The format is identical between devices.

To configure a data plan in the GUI:

1. Go to Network > FortiExtender and in the top menu, click Data plans.
2. Click Create New.
3. Enter a name and ensure the Status is enabled.
4. For Available on, select a criterion (Modem 1, Modem 2, or All Modems).
5. For Type select a criterion (Carrier, ATCA Slot, ICCID, or generic).
6. Configure the other settings as needed (Connectivity, Billing Details, and Smart Switch threshold).

   

7. Click OK.

To configure a data plan in the CLI:

config extender-controller dataplan
    edit "Telus-modem1"
        set modem-id modem1
        set type carrier
        set carrier "Telus"
        set capacity 2000
        set billing-date 30
    next
    edit "Fido-modem2"
        set modem-id modem2
        set type carrier
        set carrier "Generic"
        set capacity 3000
    next
    edit "Bell"
        set type carrier
        set carrier "Bell"
        set APN "pda.bell.ca"
        set capacity 6000
    next
end