SurfControl User Guide

SurfControl is the management console for your 5G2GO private cellular network. It lets you see what's happening on your network, add new devices, and fix common issues—all from a web browser.

SurfControl Dashboard

Accessing SurfControl

Open your web browser and go to your SurfControl URL:

http://[your-system-ip]:8080

The exact address depends on your installation. Ask your administrator if you're unsure.

Once connected, you'll see the Dashboard with your network's current status.

Understanding the Dashboard

The dashboard gives you a quick overview of your entire network.

Status Cards

At the top, four cards show key numbers:

System Health

Below the cards, you'll see:

• Core Status — Shows "Operational" (green) when your network is running normally

• Active Connections — Shows "Active" when devices are connected, "None" when idle

Connected gNodeBs

This section lists your radio units. Each entry shows:

• The radio's name and ID

• Its IP address

• Connection status (green "Connected" badge when online)

Active Connections

A table showing every device currently using your network:

• Device Name — The friendly name you assigned

• IMSI — The device's unique network ID (like a phone number)

• IP Address — The address assigned to the device on your network

• DNN — The network service the device is using

• Status — Shows "CONNECTED" when actively communicating

Managing Devices

The Subscribers page is where you manage all devices on your network.

Subscribers List

Viewing Your Devices

Click Subscribers in the left menu to see all devices. The table shows:

Finding a Device

Use the search box to filter by:

• Device name (e.g., "Camera-01")

• IMSI number

• IP address

Adding a New Device

1. Click the green Add Subscriber button

2. Fill in the form:

Add Subscriber

3. Click Add Subscriber

The system automatically creates:

• A unique device ID based on your network settings

• A static IP address for the device

After adding: Insert the SIM card with matching unique ID (IMSI), power on, and add APN ‘internet’ if data connection is not immediately established. Updates from SurfControl are live almost immediately.

Editing a Device

1. Find the device in the list

2. Click the pencil icon in the Actions column

3. Update the device name

4. Click Save

Removing a Device

1. Find the device in the list

2. Click the trash icon in the Actions column

3. Confirm the removal

Note: Removing a device disconnects it immediately. The device won't be able to use the network until re-added.

Network Configuration

The Network Config page shows your network's settings. This is view-only—contact your administrator to make changes.

Network Configuration

Key settings you'll see:

This system is configured with three DNN, think of them like a high level group with it’s own rules and configuration that apply to all users. In 90% of cases your devices will use the ‘internet’ DNN. This system is used in our labs for testing so we have some additional DNNs shown.

Radio Management (gNodeB)

The gNodeB Management page helps you manage your radio units and fix connectivity issues. The current version of SurfControl supports the following radios;

gNodeB Management

What You'll See

For each radio unit:

SAS Registration (connection to the spectrum system):

• Status — "Granted" (green) means the radio is authorized to transmit

• Last Heartbeat — When the radio last checked in

• SSL Errors — "No" is good; "Yes" indicates a time sync problem

• Healthy — Overall status indicator

BTI Indoor 5G Radio Only

Time Synchronization

• System Time — The radio's current clock

• Time Drift — How far off the radio's clock is (should be under 60 seconds)

Fixing Common Issues

Radio Shows "Not Registered" or Has SSL Errors

This usually means the radio's clock is wrong. The spectrum authorization system rejects radios with incorrect time.

Quick fix — use the automated button:

1. Click Automate SAS Registration

2. Confirm when prompted

3. Wait about 70 seconds for the process to complete

This automatically:

• Syncs the radio's clock

• Restarts the registration service

• Verifies the connection

Manual fix:

1. Click Sync Time to correct the clock

2. Click Restart CBRS to reconnect to the spectrum system

3. Wait 60 seconds, then click Refresh to check status

Time Drift Over 60 Seconds

Large time drift causes SSL certificate errors. Click Sync Time to correct it.

Status Stuck on "In Progress"

The radio is trying to register. Wait 2-3 minutes. If it doesn't change to "Granted," try the automated fix above.

Troubleshooting

Device Won't Connect

1. Check the device is provisioned — Look for it on the Subscribers page

2. Verify SIM credentials — Make sure the device's SIM # matches the IMSI shown

3. Check radio status — Go to gNodeB Management and ensure status is "Granted"

4. Check signal — The device needs to be in range of your radio unit

Dashboard Shows No Active Connections

This is normal when no devices are actively transmitting. Devices may show as "Registered" but not "Connected" when idle (screen off).

Radio Shows Offline

1. Check physical connections to the radio unit

2. Verify the radio has power

3. Check network cables between the radio and your system

Can't Access SurfControl

1. Verify you're on the same network as the system

2. Check the URL is correct

3. Try refreshing the page

4. Contact your administrator if the problem persists

Quick Reference

Getting Help

If you encounter issues not covered here:

1. Note any error messages you see

2. Check which page you're on and what you were trying to do

3. Reach out to the team support@waveriders.live

SurfControl v1.3.2 — Making private cellular networks accessible to everyone.