Internet Connection Function - GF82.60-P-2040FR
Model 257, 290 up to model year 2021
Shown on model 257
Shown on model 290
Function requirements for Internet connection, general
- Circuit 30t ON
- Transport mode not active
Internet connection, general
The head unit is the user interface for the Internet connection. The Internet connection is established depending on the equipment involved over the HERMES control unit or the mobile phone system. The following conditions apply here:
- Vehicles with code 380 (Car telephony package) and HERMES control unit (with code 362 (HERMES LTE)): Internet access optionally through mobile phone system or HERMES control unit (selected on head unit)
- All other vehicles:
- With code 362 (HERMES LTE): Internet access is through the HERMES control unit
- Except code 362 (HERMES LTE) Internet access is through the mobile phone system
In the interest of data security, SSL encryption (Secure Socket Layer) is used.
For successful certificate exchange, the head unit automatically synchronizes the data and time signal.
The following controls can be used for operation of the function:
- Audio/COMAND control panel (except code 446 (Touchpad only))
- Touchpad (with code 446 (Touchpad only) or with code 448 (Touchpad))
- Head unit multifunction steering wheel button group
- Voice control system (with code 531 (COMAND APS)), for app services
The head unit receives the signals from the Audio/COMAND control panel (except code 446 (Touchpad only)), e.g. movements of the Audio/COMAND controller or operation of the "Back" button (direct access to browser), over the telematics CAN.
The head unit receives the touchpad signals (with code 446 (Touchpad only) or with code 448 (Touchpad)) over the telematics CAN.
The signals from the head unit multifunction steering wheel button group are received via the following route:
Steering wheel electronics →
Steering wheel CAN →
Steering column tube module control unit →
Suspension FlexRay →
Electronic ignition lock control unit →
User interface CAN →
Head unit
If the voice control system (with CODE 531 (COMAND APS)) has been activated, the head unit receives the voice commands via the driver hands-free system microphone.
The Internet connection function is described using the operation via the Audio/COMAND control panel by way of example in the following.
The Internet connection function is divided into the following subfunctions:
- Internet access (dial-in) via the HERMES control unit
- Internet access (dial-in) via the mobile phone system
- Internet usage
Additional function requirements for Internet access (dial-in) via the HERMES control unit
- The "Internet access" service is authorized and the authorized communications module of the HERMES control unit is configured with the telephone number of the service provider in question.
- The vehicle owner is registered and authorized at the Service Center.
- With code 380 (Car telephony package):
The HERMES control unit is selected for the Internet connection.
Internet access (dial-in) via the HERMES control unit
The function is activated by calling up the menu on the Audio/COMAND display. The selection is confirmed, e.g. by pressing the Audio/COMAND controller on the Audio/COMAND control panel (except code 446 (Touchpad only)).
The signals from the Audio/COMAND control panel (except code 446 (Touchpad only)) are received by the head unit over the telematics CAN where they are processed and sent for display over an HSVL line to the Audio/COMAND display.
The Mercedes-Benz Internet and Application Gateway is generally used as the server for protected data traffic in order to connect to the Internet. This means that the user is only generally identifiable as a user of the Mercedes-Benz Internet and Application Gateway when surfing the net and using services, and cannot be located in the network via his activities. Some data such as updates of map data, Internet radio or data over the in-car hotspot are not routed through the Mercedes-Benz Internet and Application Gateway.
The head unit sends the encoded data over the WLAN antenna to the HERMES control unit.
The HERMES control unit sends the encrypted data over the emergency call system 1 antenna (model 257), left telephone antenna, right telephone antenna and the telephone antenna splitter (model 290) and over the emergency call system 2 antenna to the mobile phone network.
The HERMES control unit uses two antennas simultaneously for sending and receiving to achieve transmission and reception diversity.
According to the requests from the head unit, the Mercedes-Benz Internet and Application Gateway exchanges data with the World Wide Web and the service providers via the Internet and sends the received data in the opposite direction to the head unit.
Additional function requirements: Internet access (dial-in) via the mobile phone system
- The mobile phone network provider allows the mobile phone to be used for data services.
- With code 380 (Car telephony package):
The telephone control unit is selected for the Internet connection, a suitable SIM card (Subscriber Identification Module) is inserted or the telephone control unit can access the SIM card using a suitable mobile phone and the SAP (SIM Access Profile) profile.
- With code 899 (Multifunction telephony):
A mobile phone has been placed onto the mobile phone cradle control unit and connected to the head unit.
- When using the PAN profile (Personal Area Network):
Internet access must be activated.
Internet access (dial-in) via the mobile phone system
Depending on the equipment involved, one of the following components is used as a modem:
- Telephone control unit (with code 380 (Car telephony package))
- A mobile phone connected to the head unit (with code 899 (Multifunction telephony) or basic telephony)
The function is activated by calling up the menu on the Audio/COMAND display. It is also possible to directly access the browser via the "Back" button. For mobile phones that support the DUN profile (Dial-up Networking), the mobile phone network provider has to be selected on the head unit first. The mobile telephone network provider can either be selected from the country-specific lists or, if the mobile telephone network provider cannot be found in the list, added using "New Provider". Further access information is required (e.g. on the tariff) that can be obtained from the mobile telephone network provider. As soon as the data is available, the connection to the Internet is set up.
When using mobile phones that support the PAN profile, the dial-up data of the mobile telephone network provider that has been entered into the mobile phone is used.
If the telephone control unit (with code 380 (Car telephony package)) is operated without its own SIM card (Subscriber Identification Module), the telephone control unit access the mobile phone's SIM card using the SIM Access Profile over Bluetooth®.
The signals from the Audio/COMAND control panel (except code 446 (Touchpad only)) are received by the head unit over the telematics CAN where they are processed and sent for display over an HSVL line to the Audio/COMAND display.
Fees: Internet access and services are free from Mercedes-Benz. However, fees must be paid to the mobile telephone network provider in accordance with the respective mobile phone contract. Display options and the option of separating the connection via the "System" menu make cost management easier in time as well as data volume contracts.
On vehicles with code 380 (Car telephony package), the head unit sends the encrypted data over the WLAN antenna to the telephone control unit.
The telephone control unit sends the encrypted data over the following path to the mobile phone network:
Telephone antenna changeover switch (model 290 with code 899 (Multifunction telephony)) →
Telephone and Remote Parking Pilot/stationary heater antenna changeover switch (model 290 with code 503 (Pre-installation for Remote Parking Pilot) or with code B24 (Remote control for stationary heater)) →
Telephone antenna splitter →
Left telephone antenna and right telephone antenna
For vehicles with code 899 (Multifunction telephony) the head unit sends the encoded data over the Bluetooth® antenna to the mobile phone.
The mobile phone transmits the encrypted data as follows to the mobile telephone network:
Mobile phone cradle control unit →
Cellular telephone system antenna amplifier/compensator →
Telephone antenna changeover switch (model 290 with code 380 (Car telephony package)) →
Telephone and Remote Parking Pilot/stationary heater antenna changeover switch (model 290 with code 503 (Pre-installation for Remote Parking Pilot) or with code B24 (Remote control for stationary heater)) →
Telephone antenna splitter →
Left telephone antenna and right telephone antenna
For basic telephony, the head unit sends the encoded data over the Bluetooth® antenna to the mobile phone, which then sends the encoded data to the mobile phone network.
Multiple use of mobile phone: Basically, several functions can be processed at the same time via mobile phones that are suitable for the Internet connection function, i.e. it is possible to make phone calls while connected to the Internet. However, this depends on the quality of the respective network. If the network connection is too weak, the Internet connection is merely maintained while the telephone call is being made.
Internet usage
The Internet can be used in the vehicle in the following ways:
- Use of Mercedes-Benz Internet and Application Gateway services
- Unrestricted surfing
- InCar Hotspot (with code 380 (Car telephony package) or with code 531 (COMAND APS))
The services of the Mercedes-Benz Internet and Application Gateway are supplementary to the navigation system and can be used while driving. Free surfing is only possible if the vehicle is stationary. The head unit receives the speed signal from the instrument cluster over the user-interface CAN.
Audio and video signals from the Internet can also be played back. The video signals (HTML5) are sent by the head unit over an HSVL line to the Audio/COMAND display. The audio signals are sent by the head unit to the following components:
- Speaker system (model 257 (except 257.361) except code 810 (Sound system) and except code 811 (Advanced Sound System))
- Midline sound system amplifier control unit, over MOST (model 257.361, model 290 except code 810 (Sound system) and except code 811 (Advanced Sound System))
- Sound system amplifier control unit, over MOST (with code 810 (Sound system))
- Advanced Sound System amplifier control unit, over MOST (with code 811 (Advanced Sound System))
For Internet access through the HERMES control unit (except code 494 (USA version)), the various uses are settled differently (by Vodafone GmbH). For data-intensive services with non-foreseeable, usage-dependent data volumes such as Internet radio or Internet use via the in-car hot spot, a data contract is required. For services with a data volume that can be calculated such as downloading map files, a simple contract suffices.
Use of Mercedes-Benz Internet and Application Gateway services
By turning the Audio/COMAND controller, the menu with the on-line services of the Mercedes-Benz Internet and Application Gateway is selected on the Audio/COMAND display. Selection is confirmed by pressing the audio/COMAND controller on the Audio/COMAND control panel (except code 446 (Touchpad only)).
The individual services and the options for the services can now be activated in the same way using the Audio/COMAND control panel (except code 446 (Touchpad only)). The method of operation and the screen displays have been adapted to the general operation of the head unit as have the design of the displays on the Audio/COMAND display so that operation is essentially intuitive.
The signals from the Audio/COMAND control panel (except code 446 (Touchpad only)) are received by the head unit over the telematics CAN where they are processed and sent for display over an HSVL line to the Audio/COMAND display.
The following services can be used for example via the Mercedes-Benz Internet and Application Gateway with code 357 (Map navigation) or code 531 (COMAND APS):
- Weather
- Search for points of interest
- Load points of interest and routes
Additional services are available or can be retrofitted.
Weather
Weather information is displayed either as a weather data table or as a weather map.
In the basic setting the current weather data for the current location of the vehicle and forecasts for the next few hours are displayed. However, different time periods and locations can be selected, such as information about the weather along the route or at the destination. In addition, city names or ZIP codes can be entered with the character bar on the audio/COMAND display. The most up-to-date measurements and forecasts are always displayed.
The topicality of the data depends on the relationship between the time of the query and the time of the last measurement.
Weather data is sent from the weather station nearest to the entered location. It can take a while to transfer and display the respective data, particularly if maps are being displayed or with a weak network connection.
Search for points of interest
Search terms can be selected from lists or entered on the character bar on the audio/COMAND display. Points of interest can be searched for a search term at the current location, at the navigation destination or at an arbitrary location (free entry).
The area that is being searched is defined under "Options".
The search results appear in the form of a list. If the list entry contains a telephone number, a telephone connection can be set up.
Search results can be stored in the address book or under "Personal POIs" on the SD card (Secure Digital) in the SD card slot of the multimedia connection unit.
A selected search result can be transferred to the navigation system, and in this case the head unit switches to the navigation menu.
Load points of interest or routes (with code 357 (Map navigation) or code 531 (COMAND APS))
Points of interest or routes can be transmitted to the vehicle via the Internet connection and made available to the navigation module of the head unit.
If the vehicle is connected to the Internet through the HERMES control unit (with code 362 (HERMES LTE)), the HERMES control unit stores the data at circuit 15 OFF in an integrated buffer.
With circuit 15 ON and the head unit switched on, the HERMES control unit transmits the points of interest via the following route:
Diagnostic CAN →
Electronic ignition lock control unit →
User interface CAN →
Head unit
The reception of information is displayed by the head unit by means of a pop-up window on the Audio/COMAND display.
Because of the limited capacity of the buffer, transmitted POIs and routes are only available for loading for a limited time period (approx. 7 days), and only a limited number of POIs and routes can be made available for loading within the same time period.
Additional function requirements for free surfing
- Stationary vehicle
Unrestricted surfing
In order to connect to the Internet, either a URL must be entered in the browser or a page that is stored under "Favorites" must be selected. After opening the browser, the website last visited is loaded.
To navigate on the site you can either move the cursor using the audio/COMAND controller of the Audio/COMAND control panel (except code 446 (Touchpad only)) as though you were using a mouse, or you can jump on the current page from one selectable object (e.g. link) to the next one (object is then highlighted) using the audio/COMAND controller.
Pressing the Audio/COMAND controller of the Audio/COMAND control panel (except code 446 (Touchpad only)) vertically downwards activates the menu. When the "Back" button is pressed on the Audio/COMAND control panel, the main menu of the browser appears.
When jumping to a text entry field, the character toolbar on the audio/COMAND display can be used to enter text.
Surfing with the mobile browser is subject to the following technical restrictions:
- No playback of Flash videos
- No downloads
HTML5 playback is possible.
Additional function requirements for In-Car Hotspot (with code 380 (Car telephony package) or with code 531 (COMAND APS))
- The "WiFi" function on the head unit is activated.
- A WLAN-compatible mobile terminal is available.
- The head unit (with code 531 (COMAND APS)) or the telephone control unit (with code 380 (Car telephony package)) is connected to the Internet.
InCar Hotspot (with code 380 (Car telephony package) or with code 531 (COMAND APS))
The In-Car Hotspot function allows users in the vehicle to use the Internet wirelessly on mobile terminals; it is implemented by the head unit or the telephone control unit (with code 380 (Car telephony package)). On vehicles with code 380 (Car telephony package) and with code 531 (COMAND APS) the user can choose in a head unit menu whether the head unit or the telephone control unit is used as the In-Car Hotspot.
The head unit (with code 531 (COMAND APS)) then exchanges data as a Wireless Access-Point (WAP) over the WLAN antenna with the mobile terminals and routes the signal to the Internet.
The telephone control unit (with code 380 (Car telephony package)) exchanges data as a Wireless Access-Point (WAP) over the integrated WLAN interface with the mobile terminals and routes the signals to the Internet.
To connect the mobile terminal, the user on the mobile terminal has to search for networks (Wireless Local Area Network) and choose the network of the head unit (with code 531 (COMAND APS)) or of the telephone control unit (with code 380 (Car telephony package)).
Several devices can be connected simultaneously.
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| Internet connection through mobile phone system (model 290) | PE82.70-P-2051-97XBB | ||
| Electrical function schematic for telematics services function | Internet connection through the HERMES control unit | PE82.95-P-2074-97XBA | |
| Overview of system components, telematics | GF82.85-P-9999FR |