7. Internet connectivity
Connect the Cerbo GX to the internet to access the full functionality of the VRM Portal. The Cerbo GX collects data from all connected products and sends it to the VRM Portal, where you can view the current status of connected products, configure email alarms and download data in CSV and Excel formats.
To monitor your system from a smartphone or tablet, download the VRM App for iOS or Android.
In addition to remote monitoring, an active internet connection allows the Cerbo GX to regularly check for firmware updates. Depending on your settings, updates can be downloaded and installed automatically.
Note: IPv6 is supported via automatic configuration. Manual IPv6 configuration is not available.
Internet connection options
You can connect the Cerbo GX to the internet using any of the following methods:
Ethernet: Connect a network cable between your router and the Cerbo GX Ethernet LAN port.
Built-in WiFi: Connect wirelessly to a router using the internal WiFi module.
Mobile network: Use a GX LTE 4G - a cellular USB modem, or connect through a mobile router.
USB tethering: Share a mobile phone’s internet connection via USB.
Watch this video for guidance on connecting via LAN, WiFi, or GX GSM (also applies to GX LTE 4G):
7.1. Ethernet LAN port
When you connect an ethernet cable between a router and Cerbo GX, the Settings → Ethernet page of your Cerbo GX will confirm connection. CautionBefore connecting the ethernet cable, be very careful not to confuse the GX device Ethernet port with the VE.Bus or VE.Can/BMS-Can ports! |  |
7.2. WiFi
The Cerbo GX includes built-in WiFi, supporting connections to WEP, WPA, and WPA2 secured networks. It is also possible to connect a supported external USB WiFi dongle, for example, to improve wireless range when installed inside a cabinet. Note: The built-in WiFi only supports 2.4 GHz networks. While it may detect 5 GHz networks, it cannot connect to them.
Supported USB Wifi dongles
Part Number | Model | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
BPP900100200 | CCGX WiFi Module Simple (Nano USB) | Compact, low cost. |
BPP900200300 | Higher cost; better reception than Nano USB. Supported from software v2.23. | |
BPP900200400 | Highest cost; superior reception. Supports Wireless AC, G, and N (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). |
Older, still supported dongles
Part Number | Model | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
BPP900200100 | ||
BPP900100100 | ||
BPP900200200 | Slightly higher cost; better reception. | |
BPP900200400 |
Although other WiFi dongles may work, they have not been tested and we do not offer support for other dongles.
WiFi network selection and behaviour
|  |
Note
WiFi is inherently less reliable than a wired Ethernet connection. Use Ethernet wherever possible for optimal stability. If using WiFi, ensure the signal strength is at least 50% to maintain reliable operation.
7.3. GX LTE 4G
The GX LTE 4G is a cellular modem for the Victron GX range of monitoring products. It provides both a mobile internet connection for the system and connectivity to the VRM Portal. The modem is compatible with 2G, 3G, and 4G networks.
For detailed installation and configuration instructions, refer to the GX LTE 4G Manual
Note
The GX LTE 4G provides an internet connection only for the GX device. It does not share its connection with laptops, phones, or other external devices.
7.4. Using a mobile router
When to use a mobile router
For installations where:
Multiple devices require internet access (e.g., yachts, RVs), or
A reliable failover/backup connection is needed,
we recommend installing a professional-grade mobile router.
A mobile router can:
Share the cellular internet connection with multiple devices via Ethernet or WiFi.
Switch automatically between cellular and WiFi connections if either link fails.
Connecting the Cerbo GX
To connect the Cerbo GX via a cellular network:
Install a mobile router
Connect the Cerbo GX to the router using either:
LAN (Ethernet) cable, or
The router’s WiFi network.
Important
Choose a router designed for unattended setups. Avoid low-cost consumer routers intended for temporary or personal use. Professional routers may be more expensive, but offer higher reliability and reduce the risk of downtime.
Example of suitable routers:
Compatibility notes
The Cerbo GX does not support mobile broadband USB dongles, except for the official GX GSM and GX LTE 4G accessories available from Victron.
7.5. Manual IP configuration
In most cases, manual IP configuration is not required, as most systems support automatic IP assignment via DHCP,which is also the default setting for the Cerbo GX. If manual IP configuration is necessary, select the appropriate template. For full details regarding IP requirements and port numbers used by the Cerbo GX, refer to the VRM FAQ - ports and connections used by the Cerbo GX. |   |
7.6. Multiple connections (failover)
GX devices support simultaneous connections to multiple networks: Ethernet, WiFi, and LTE (via the GX LTE 4G).
When multiple interfaces are available and DHCP is used, the device automatically prioritises them in the following order:
Ethernet; always preferred, regardless of WiFi or LTE availability
WiFi; used if Ethernet is unavailable, regardless of LTE availability
LTE; used only if both Ethernet and WiFi are unavailable
Note: Having a local Ethernet network while using WiFi for the internet connection is also possible. To achieve that, Manual IP configuration is required:
Set the Ethernet gateway to 0.0.0.0
Set the WiFi gateway to a valid address (ask your network administrator for the correct gateway address)
Important
Connection priority is based solely on network interface availability, not on whether the connection provides actual internet access. The device does not verify connectivity to the internet when selecting an interface.
7.7. Minimise internet traffic
In situations where internet traffic is costly, such as satellite connections or roaming GSM/cellular networks, you may wish to reduce the data usage.
Disable auto firmware updates.
Set VRM mode to read-only - see Access settings for Remote Console & Controls pane in VRM
Disable remote support (Settings → General → Remote support)
Reduce the VRM log interval (Settings → VRM online portal → Log interval) to the lowest acceptable frequency. Note: State changes (e.g., from charging to inverting, or from bulk to float) and alarms will still trigger additional data transmissions.
Estimating data usage
To estimate the required data allowance:
Let the system operate normally for several days.
Monitor the internet RX (received) and TX (transmitted) counters in your mobile router.
Alternatively, some mobile providers offer online tools to monitor data usage.
Factors affecting data consumption
Systems with more connected products generate more traffic.
Frequent state changes (e.g., inverter to charger transitions) increase the number of transmitted messages. This is particularly common in certain Hub-1 and Hub-2 systems.
Recommendations
Choose a data plan with a cap or pre-paid structure to avoid expensive excess charges.
Consider setting up automatic notifications for approaching data limits.
Advanced option: VPN traffic control
One customer, facing high international data costs, implemented a solution by routing all GX device traffic through a VPN. A firewall at the VPN server then controlled traffic based on time, connection type, location, and destination. Note that this method requires Linux and networking expertise and is beyond the scope of this manual.
7.8. More information on setting up an internet connection and VRM
For detailed instructions and further guidance, refer to: