How can I set up TinyPilot Pathfinder for cellular failover?
Overview
TinyPilot Pathfinder provides cellular failover so you can reach your Voyager when the site network or Internet connection fails.
A remote access tool is required for cellular recovery. This guide uses Tailscale.
Set up Pathfinder for cellular failover
- While your Voyager is still connected to the site network, set up Tailscale on your Voyager and each computer you'll use to access it.
- Complete OptConnect's cellular activation and connect Pathfinder's antennas and power supply using the OptConnect setup guide.
- Connect Pathfinder's WAN port to the site network.
- Connect your Voyager's Ethernet port to Pathfinder's LAN port. On Voyager 3 Plus, use LAN2.
- Access your Voyager using its Tailscale IP address to confirm that remote access still works.
Optimize video for cellular recovery. Cellular bandwidth varies by location. For more reliable video, open System > Video Settings and set the streaming mode to H.264 and the bit rate to 1 Mbps.
Connect multiple Voyager devices
One Pathfinder can provide cellular failover for multiple Voyager devices. Share Pathfinder's LAN port through a small Ethernet switch, connect additional Voyager devices to Pathfinder's Wi-Fi access point, or combine both methods.
Pathfinder’s Wi-Fi network name and password are printed on the bottom of the device.
A Pathfinder-only connection limits site network access. Pathfinder creates its own network. If your Voyager connects only to Pathfinder:
- You can't access your Voyager directly from the site network using its local hostname or IP address.
- LAN Monitor can't discover devices on the site network.
To retain both capabilities, give your Voyager a separate connection to the site network using one of the options below.
Choose your setup
All three options below provide cellular recovery, direct site access, and LAN Monitor visibility for devices on the site network. Choose how your Voyager connects to Pathfinder and the site network.
| Setup | Connection to Pathfinder | Connection to site network |
|---|---|---|
| Option 1: Pathfinder Ethernet + site Wi-Fi | Ethernet | Wi-Fi |
| Option 2: Dual Ethernet — Voyager 3 Plus | Ethernet (LAN2) | Ethernet (LAN1) |
| Option 3: Pathfinder Wi-Fi + site Ethernet | Wi-Fi | Ethernet |
Connect your Voyager
For every option, keep Pathfinder's WAN port connected to the site network. The steps below describe your Voyager's connections.
Option 1: Pathfinder Ethernet + site Wi-Fi
- Keep your Voyager's Ethernet port connected to Pathfinder's LAN port.
- Connect your Voyager to site Wi-Fi.
Option 2: Dual Ethernet — Voyager 3 Plus
This option requires a Voyager 3 Plus.
- Connect LAN1 to the site network.
- Connect LAN2 to Pathfinder's LAN port, directly or through an Ethernet switch.
Option 3: Pathfinder Wi-Fi + site Ethernet
- Connect your Voyager's Ethernet port to the site network.
- Locate Pathfinder’s Wi-Fi network name and password on the bottom of the device, then connect your Voyager to that network.
Access your Voyager
- Open the web interface using your Voyager's Tailscale IP address. Use this address for remote access.
- Open System > Networking > Status and confirm that each connection you configured has an IP address.
You can also use the site IP address or hostname for direct access from the site network.
Configure LAN Monitor
If you use LAN Monitor:
- Enable scanning on the interfaces connected to the site network: Ethernet, site Wi-Fi, or both.
- Leave scanning disabled on the Pathfinder connection.
Test cellular failover
Pathfinder manages the switch between wired WAN and cellular. Test the complete setup during planned network maintenance, since this test interrupts the site's Internet connection.
- From a computer connected to the Internet outside the site network, access your Voyager through Tailscale.
- Temporarily disconnect the site's Internet connection. Leave Pathfinder, your Voyager, and local network equipment powered on, and leave your Voyager's site Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection in place.
- Confirm that Pathfinder switches to cellular and that you can still access your Voyager through Tailscale. Allow approximately 30 seconds for failover. Check video and control, or the serial console if you use it.
- Restore the site’s Internet connection and confirm that Pathfinder returns to wired WAN without interrupting access.
Pathfinder provides recovery access to your Voyager; it doesn't restore Internet access for the rest of the site.
Documentation and support
Pathfinder is provided by OptConnect as an OptConnect fuse one router. For help with setup, cellular service, or failover, contact OptConnect support.