I’ve noticed a number of posts in forums about how to set up ISA Server to work with a Starband (and other Gilat based 2 way satellite internet connection). I thought that as I am using the connection it was time to set up ISA Server on the gateway PC running the Starband software and see whether it could be made to work.
The way the Gilat Skyblaster 360 satellite modem and Starband software interact makes allowing ports a little strange and some of the required ports (such as the one required to be open to allow updates otherwise the software decides the modem is disconnected!) make you wonder what Gilat were up to when designing the software.
Just one last thing you cannot connect the Gilat Skyblaster 360 directly into a hardware router as the proprietary protocol used is not routable and Gilat blocks IP packets (not encapsulated in its protocol). You can get it to work but only at ISDN speeds.
Anyway here are the packet filters required for the Starband connection to work.
Packet filters
I am not going to show how to create each individual packet filter. A good article on the subject and how to create them is at http://www.isaserver.org/tutorials/How_to_use_ISA_Server_Packet_Filters.html
Server 360 #1 (224.0.0.1 is the multicast address)
IP Protocol: Custom
Protocol number: 2
Direction: both
This computer (on the perimeter network): 172.21.1.254
This remote computer: 224.0.0.1
Server 360 #2
(for the Starcontrol software to “check” the modem (part of the Ibqossvc Module))IP Protocol: UDP
Direction: Both
Local Port: Fixed port – 1880
Remote Port: Fixed port – 1880
This computer (on the perimeter network): 192.168.255.252
This remote computer: 239.192.19.1
Server 360 #3
(for the Starcontrol software to “check” the modem (part of the Ibqossvc Module))IP Protocol: UDP
Direction: Both
Local Port: All ports
Remote Port: Fixed port – 1880
Default IP address on the external interface
This remote computer: 192.168.255.252
AS Agent #1 (the Internet Page Accelerator)
IP Protocol: TCP
Direction: Both
Local port: All ports
Remote Port: Fixed port – 9877
Default IP address on the external interface
All remote computers
AS Agent #2 (the Internet Page Accelerator)
IP Protocol: TCP
Direction: Both
Local port: All ports
Remote Port: Fixed port – 9876
Default IP address on the external interface
All remote computers
Note from Tom Shinder:
I have never seen a Starband connection, so I won’t be able to help you with the any problems with Starband or any other type of satellite link. If you have problems, you should try posting to the Web boards and see if Marcus will be able to to help. The link at http://forums.isaserver.org/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=008962 is dedicated to this topic and article. Thanks! –Tom
