Network Configuration
April 19, 2026 ยท View on GitHub
This guide covers network configuration options for your WarDragon Pro v3.
Prerequisite: Network configuration requires local console access (monitor + keyboard) during initial setup. See Unboxing & First Boot for instructions on connecting a monitor and keyboard. After configuring remote access, you can make network changes via SSH or remote desktop.
Important: Internal Network Interfaces
Do NOT modify "Wired connection 1" - This interface is used internally for communication with the DragonSDR and has a static IP configuration.
DragonSDR Internal Network
The DragonSDR and WarDragon communicate over a dedicated internal Ethernet connection:
| Device | IP Address | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WarDragon (Wired connection 1) | 172.31.100.1 | Internal interface to DragonSDR |
| DragonSDR | 172.31.100.2 | With boot switch in SD card mode |
Warning: Modifying these addresses will break DJI DroneID detection. The DragonSDR's IP is configured in its firmware (SD card mode). Advanced users can change this, but it requires coordinated changes to both the DragonSDR and WarDragon network configuration.
External Network
The external Ethernet port uses "Wired connection 2" - this is the interface you should configure for LAN connectivity.
Network Modes
WarDragon can operate in several network modes:
| Mode | Use Case | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hotspot | Field deployment | WarDragon creates its own WiFi network |
| Client | Home/office | WarDragon joins existing WiFi network |
| Ethernet | Fixed installation | Wired connection to network |
| Hybrid | Flexible | Hotspot + Ethernet simultaneously |
Default Network Settings
Out of the box:
| Interface | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Wired connection 1 | Static 172.31.100.1 (internal DragonSDR link) - DO NOT MODIFY |
| Wired connection 2 | DHCP (external Ethernet port) |
| WiFi | Available for hotspot or client mode |
Ethernet Configuration (Wired connection 2)
DHCP (Default)
The external Ethernet port requests an IP address via DHCP. To find the assigned IP:
- Check your router's DHCP lease table
- Look for hostname
wardragonor the device's MAC address - Use network scanning on your subnet
Static IP
To configure a static IP on the external Ethernet port:
sudo nmcli connection modify "Wired connection 2" \
ipv4.addresses "<your-ip>/<prefix>" \
ipv4.gateway "<your-gateway>" \
ipv4.dns "<dns-server>" \
ipv4.method manual
sudo nmcli connection down "Wired connection 2"
sudo nmcli connection up "Wired connection 2"
WiFi Client Mode
To connect WarDragon to an existing WiFi network:
# List available networks
nmcli device wifi list
# Connect to a network
sudo nmcli device wifi connect "YourNetworkSSID" password "YourPassword"
# Verify connection
nmcli connection show --active
The connection will automatically reconnect on boot.
WiFi Hotspot Mode
See Hotspot Setup for detailed hotspot configuration.
When configured per the video tutorial, the hotspot uses:
- IP: 192.168.12.1
- SSID: Configurable
Hybrid Mode (Hotspot + Ethernet)
For maximum flexibility, run hotspot on WiFi while maintaining Ethernet connectivity:
# Ensure Ethernet is connected
nmcli device status
# Enable hotspot on WiFi
sudo nmcli connection up <your-hotspot-connection>
# Both interfaces now active
ip addr show
This allows:
- Field devices to connect via hotspot
- WarDragon to reach internet/TAK servers via Ethernet
- Data forwarding between interfaces
Network Diagnostics
Check Interface Status
# All interfaces
ip addr show
# Routing table
ip route show
# DNS resolution
cat /etc/resolv.conf
Test Connectivity
# Gateway
ping -c 3 <your-gateway>
# Internet
ping -c 3 8.8.8.8
# DNS resolution
ping -c 3 google.com
TAK Server Connectivity
For TAK Server integration, ensure:
- WarDragon can reach the TAK Server IP/hostname
- Required ports are open:
- TCP 8089 (default TAK server)
- TCP 8443 (TLS)
- UDP 6969 (multicast)
Test connectivity:
nc -zv <tak-server> <port>
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Diagnosis | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No IP address | ip addr show | Check cable/DHCP server |
| Can't reach gateway | ping <gateway> | Check IP/subnet config |
| DNS not working | ping 8.8.8.8 works but names don't | Check DNS configuration |
| DragonSDR not working | Modified Wired connection 1 | Restore default static config |