🛠 First connection and startup of the KNOT Gateway HL9

Objectifs

This tutorial guides you through the initial deployment of the MikroTik KNOT Gateway HL9. You will learn how to ensure secure power supply, establish a stable wired network connection, and access the RouterOS v7 management interface. As the HL9 is an IP66-certified outdoor gateway designed for agriculture and asset tracking, a rigorous commissioning process is crucial to ensure the reliability of data collected via Wi-Fi HaLow, Bluetooth LE, or LTE.

Matériel nécessaire

• 1x MikroTik KNOT Gateway HL9.
• 1x PoE switch or injector compatible with 802.3af/at (18-57V).
• 1x RJ45 Ethernet cable Cat5e or higher.
• A computer with an Ethernet port or USB-Ethernet adapter.
• A recent web browser.

Étapes

1. Power Preparation: The HL9 accepts PoE (Power over Ethernet) or DC input. For a standard outdoor installation, prefer PoE via a 802.3af/at compatible switch. Verify that your source delivers between 18V and 57V. The maximum consumption is 7W, which is well covered by the 802.3af standard.

1. Physical Connection: Connect an Ethernet cable from the PoE port of your switch to the Gigabit Ethernet port of the HL9. Ensure the connector's O-ring is properly seated to maintain IP66 sealing.

1. Initial Network Access: By default, the HL9 is configured as a DHCP client on its Ethernet interface. Connect your computer to the same local network as the PoE switch. Wait approximately 60 seconds for the RouterOS v7 system to initialize.

1. Device Discovery: Use the MikroTik Winbox tool or the website http://knot-hl9.local (if mDNS is active) or identify the assigned IP address via your DHCP server. You can also use the MikroTik mobile app to scan the network.

1. Connection to RouterOS: Open a web browser and enter the detected IP address. The RouterOS v7 WebFig interface appears. By default, the username is admin and there is no password.

1. Immediate Security: Click on System > Users > admin. Define a strong password. This is a critical step before any network exposure.

1. Cellular Connectivity Check: If you wish to use the Quectel EG800Q LTE modem, insert the SIM card or activate the eSIM via the Interfaces > LTE interface. Verify that the signal is captured in Status.

Vérification

• Check that the power LED is lit and stable.
• In RouterOS, go to Log and ensure no critical errors are displayed.
• Test Internet connectivity by going to Tools > Ping and pinging 8.8.8.8. A response confirms that the gateway has network access, either via Ethernet or LTE.

Pour aller plus loin

Once the base is secured, explore the configuration of Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah) to connect long-range sensors, or configure RouterOS scripts to transmit Bluetooth LE data to an MQTT broker.