Digi IX20 Quick Start

Migrating from a WR-series device? Click here for information and tools to set up your new IX-series router.

Welcome to the IX20 router quick start guide. In this guide, we will outline the essential steps to set up your routers, which are the foundation of your cellular network and IoT ecosystem.

You're here because you scanned the QR code on the Welcome card that came inside the router box.

CAUTION! Do not lose the extra product label card that comes with each IX20 router! Every router you receive from Digi has a unique password. This password appears on the product label on the bottom of the router, and on the extra product label card. You must use this password to add and then configure the router. You can change the password, but if you factory reset the router, you will need to use this unique password again.

A CONGRATULATIONS! sticker is now included on the outside of EX, IX, and TX router boxes. This stickers means you have the Digi 360 subscription and all your devices have Digi 360 licenses. Scan the QR code or go to the Digi 360 page on digi.com for information about your subscription, including benefits and warranty. You can also access your Customer Portal from that same page to activate new routers and link them to your Digi account.

For a majority of customers, your new routers may already be linked to your Digi customer account, as well as to Digi Remote Manager. If they are, then you do not need to activate them. If you have any questions about whether you need to activate or register your routers, contact your Reseller or visit Digi Technical Support.

To get your routers set up and connected to the internet and registered in Digi Remote Manager:

Step 1: Connect your device

1. Insert your activated SIM (2FF) card(s) provided by your cellular carrier into the CORE modem, and insert the CORE modem device:
   1. Identify the SIM 1 and SIM 2 slots on the CORE modem. If using only one SIM card, insert it into SIM 1. A second SIM may be inserted into slot SIM 2 for an alternate wireless carrier.

   2. For high-vibration environments, apply a thin layer of dielectric grease to the SIM contacts.

      Note If the IX20 device is used in an environment with high vibration levels, SIM card contact fretting may cause unexpected SIM card failures. To protect the SIM cards, Digi strongly recommends that you apply a thin layer of dielectric grease to the SIM contacts prior to installing the SIM cards. See Apply Dielectric Grease over SIM Contacts for instructions.

   3. Insert the SIM cards into the CORE modem.

      

   4. On the IX20 back panel, remove the CORE modem cover by loosening the cover plate thumb screw and removing the cover plate.

      

   5. With the antennas SMA connectors pointing outward, slide the CORE modem into the IX20 device. A clicking sound will indicate it is properly inserted.

      

   6. Secure the CORE modem with the supplied anchor screw. Use either a Philips #0 or a Torx T10 driver. Torque screw to 2 in lbs (225 mN m) maximum.
   7. Cover the installed Digi1002-CM unit with the CORE modem cover and secure the coverplate by tightening the thumb screw.

      

   Apply Dielectric Grease over SIM Contacts

   Note Digi recommends using either the Loctite® LB 8423 Dielectric Grease or Synco Lube® Silicone Dielectric Grease.

   1. Use a sheet of paper or cardboard over the area where you intend to work.

   2. Use isopropyl alcohol and a cotton-tipped applicator to gently clean the SIM contacts. Using isopropyl alcohol requires a well vented environment. Demineralized water can also be used as an alternative.

      

   3. Once the surface is clean and dry, apply a small amount of dielectric grease in a thin layer over the contacts. Use a new cotton-tipped applicator to work the grease smoothy over the contacts. Apply gentle pressure.

   4. When the dielectric grease has been applied, insert the SIM into the SIM slot as described above.

2. Attach cellular antennas.

   Securely finger tighten each antenna to the threaded barrel using the nut at the base of the antenna.





3. Use an Ethernet cable connect the IX20's WAN/ETH1 port to the internet, such as a home internet router or LAN Ethernet port in an office environment.
   

   

Step 2: Connect DC power

Step 3: Set up access to Digi Remote Manager

• If you already have a Digi Remote Manager account, skip to Register your device.

• If you prefer to configure the device locally rather than using Remote Manager, see Firmware configuration in the IX20 User Guide.

To set up access to Remote Manager:

1. Go to my.digi.com to create a new Remote Manager account.

   You will receive an email from Remote Manager after your registration is complete.

2. Click the link in the email to go to Remote Manager and click Forgot Password to set up your login and password.

3. Log into Remote Manager.

Step 4: Register your device

1. Register the device as instructed by the Remote Manager Getting Started wizard.

Step 5: Complete setup

1. The device should connect within a couple of minutes.

   

2. If newer firmware is available, Remote Manager will prompt you to update the device. Click Update to update the firmware. Remote Manager will perform the update in the background and let you know when the device is up to date.

   

3. Click Done when the firmware update is complete.

Step 6: Configure cellular APN

If you installed a SIM in Step 1: Connect DC power, the device will attempt to setup the APN automatically. However, if your SIM was set up with a custom APN, you will need to configure it manually:

1. Navigate to the Settings tab in the Remote Manager Device Details view.

2. Expand the Config menu item and click on the Network settings menu.

3. Expand Interfaces > Modem > modem > APN list > APN list 1.

4. For APN, enter the custom APN provided by your cellular provider.

5. Click Apply.

6. Navigate back to the Details tab and watch for confirmation of cellular connectivity.