Network traffic from 8x00 back to flexHQ

VK1HF

Hi all,

Experienced networking/IT guy here.

I'm seeking to better understand the way a flex radio unit (8x00 etc) registers itself back at flex HQ for smartlink.

I'm new to flex still but most of the docs I have seen are very high level.

What I'm wanting to understand is..;

1. When the radio unit phones home and registers with flexHQ smartlink servers - what is the hostname it reaches out to?

2. For 1 above..is it using HTTP or HTTPS?

3. Does anyone have a packet capture file done using Wireshark or similar for this?

Mike-VA3MW

SmartLink, the remote access solution for FlexRadio systems, is designed to make it easy for users to connect to their radios from virtually anywhere. Here's how it manages the connection:

1. Authentication via SmartLink Account:
   When you use SmartLink, your FlexRadio is linked to your SmartLink account. This allows the system to securely identify your radio and authenticate you as the rightful user.
2. Cloud Broker Service:
   SmartLink uses a cloud-based broker to facilitate the connection between your remote client (e.g., SmartSDR on a PC, Mac, or mobile device) and your FlexRadio. This broker helps bypass common networking challenges, such as dynamic IP addresses or routers blocking incoming connections. We do not publish that server name but it is secure and encrypted.
3. Automatic Network Handling:
   SmartLink eliminates the need for complex manual configuration like port forwarding. It works by utilizing industry-standard protocols, such as UPnP (Universal Plug and Play), to open the required ports on your home router automatically. If UPnP isn't supported, you can still manually configure your router with straightforward port settings.
4. Secure Communication:
   Security is a priority with SmartLink. All data is TLS encrypted during transmission, ensuring that your remote connection remains private and protected from unauthorized access.
5. Efficient Connection Management:
   SmartLink is optimized to handle varying network conditions. It maintains a stable, low-latency connection to ensure seamless operation, even over less-than-ideal internet connections.
6. Client-to-Radio Connection:
   Once authenticated and connected through the broker service, the remote client communicates directly with your radio. This ensures minimal latency and a smooth user experience.

73

VK1HF

Thanks Mike

I'm ultimately looking to solve the issues faced from double NAT and CG-NAT being one of those NATs.

If the radio established an outbound tunnel to an endpoint in the cloud then the Maestro connected to the head end of that tunnel seems that would sort everything. Do you know if there are any short term plans for smartlink to have this functionality.?

73, Ian

Mike-VA3MW

There are VPN solutions that work around CGNAT (such as SoftEther with the middle man server). But, performance and latency is an issue.