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Sierra Wireless MP 875 User Manual

Page 21

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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.