Sierra Wireless MP 880W - Manual (Page 21)

Getting Started
Rev 1.5 Jul.08 21
The following table summarizes the advantages and disadvan‐
tages of the various interfaces:
You can switch between interfaces after the modem is installed
and configured, but before doing so, you need to understand
the interface hierarchy.
If you switch from a serial interface to any other interface, the
serial interface is disabled. If you switch from USB to either a
Ethernet or wireless access point, the USB connection is lost. If
you switch from Ethernet to wireless access point (MP modem
only), the Ethernet connection is disabled.
Watcher is available for all network interfaces except wireless
access point.
Serial USB Ethernet WAP a
Data
connection
type
Client-initiated MP modem
pro-active initiation
MP modem
pro-active
initiation
MP modem
pro-active initiation
Interface
hierarchy b
Lowest priority Overrides serial Overrides USB
and serial Overrides USB and
serial. Overrides
Ethernet in non-NAT
mode. In NAT mode
(multi-client mode),
Ethernet and WAP are
supported
simultaneously.
Requires reset
to activate
No No No Yes
Required to
use
Client requires PPP
protocol and a
dialing mechanism Install drivers on
PC, install USB
cable to MP modem Install Ethernet
cable Enable WAP and reset
MP modem
When
connection is
dropped
Client must redo
connection
procedure Client needs to do
nothing Rediscovery
required
(automatic in
all clients) Rediscovery required
(automatic in all clients)
Supports
Watcher
Yes Yes Yes No
a. The wireless access point interface is only available with the MP W.
b. Note: If you enable a wireless access point or Ethernet interface after a USB connection has already been
established, the USB connection is disabled.