Coban - GPS312 Protocol
This page covers the public protocol context for using the Coban GPS312 tracker with Plaspy. It summarizes how the GPS312 communicates to a remote server, the connection settings Plaspy expects, and practical compatibility considerations for vehicle tracking and monitoring. The intent is to explain the communication role of the tracker in a way that helps integration and troubleshooting without exposing private or sensitive implementation details.
Plaspy uses shared connection settings across supported devices and automatically detects the tracker protocol, while exact protocol behavior can vary depending on firmware, hardware revision, and manufacturer implementation. Use this documentation as a high level integration guide and consult the manufacturer for device specific commands and firmware notes.
Protocol Overview
The device protocol for the GPS312 defines how the tracker reports position, status, alarms, and optional telemetry to a remote server such as Plaspy. The protocol is the bridge between device capabilities like positioning, geo fencing, SOS alerts, and two way audio and the Plaspy platform that receives, decodes, and displays those events.
- Enables the GPS312 to identify itself and deliver GPS position and status reports to a backend server
- Carries event messages such as SOS alarms, tamper alerts, and geofence triggers to the platform
- Transmits telemetry and optional two way audio control signals when supported by the device
- Supports reporting over cellular data channels so Plaspy can receive real time updates
- Allows the device to operate in different modes depending on firmware and server configuration
How Plaspy Detects the Protocol
Plaspy listens on a single shared endpoint and port for incoming tracker connections and detects the device protocol automatically when a correctly configured tracker reports in. This reduces manual setup inside the platform and simplifies onboarding for many common GPS tracker models.
- Plaspy server domain is d.plaspy.com
- Plaspy server IP is 54.85.159.138
- The port is 8888
- The device may be configured using UDP or TCP on port 8888
- All devices in Plaspy use the same port
- Plaspy automatically detects the tracker protocol
When a GPS312 is configured to send data to the Plaspy endpoint, the platform uses the received connection and message patterns to route and interpret device reports without requiring the user to pick a protocol manually.
Transport and Connection Context
The GPS312 can send data using the cellular data channel and typically supports GPRS or internet data transmission methods. The transport layer and server address are the primary settings needed to ensure the device reaches Plaspy; protocol behavior above that layer is handled by the platform once messages arrive.
- Devices may point to the Plaspy endpoint by domain d.plaspy.com or by the server IP 54.85.159.138
- The device may be configured to use UDP or TCP on port 8888 depending on device support and SIM network conditions
- Plaspy uses port 8888 for all supported devices so there is no need to configure multiple ports for different trackers
- If SMS or fallback reporting is needed, those channels are separate from the Plaspy data connection and are handled according to device capabilities
- Verify APN and cellular data settings on the GPS312 so it can establish a GPRS or internet session to the Plaspy endpoint
Protocol Compatibility Notes
- Firmware revisions can change message timing, available features, and optional fields that the device reports
- Hardware revisions or SKU differences may modify supported transports or peripheral features such as audio or sensors
- Some manufacturer configurations may default to a different server address or use operator specific APN settings; update the device to report to Plaspy
- Choose UDP or TCP based on network reliability and device recommendations; both transport options are supported to reach port 8888
- Plaspy detects the protocol automatically but successful detection depends on the device actually sending data to the Plaspy endpoint
- Always cross check the tracker model and firmware against manufacturer documentation before large scale deployment
Why Protocol Understanding Matters
Understanding the communication protocol of the GPS312 helps ensure reliable device onboarding, accurate data interpretation, and easier troubleshooting when a tracker does not behave as expected. Even when the backend platform handles message parsing, knowing what the tracker sends and how it connects is valuable for operations teams.
- Helps confirm correct server address and transport settings on the device for reliable reporting
- Speeds troubleshooting when position, alarms, or telemetry are not appearing in the platform
- Clarifies which device features will be visible and actionable in Plaspy based on firmware support
- Guides decisions about using UDP versus TCP in different network environments
- Supports planning for firmware updates and rollouts across a fleet to maintain consistent behavior
Why Use Plaspy with This Protocol
Using Plaspy with the Coban GPS312 provides a straightforward way to consolidate vehicle location, alarms, and device status into a single platform. Plaspy’s shared endpoint approach and automatic protocol detection reduce per device configuration, making it easier to deploy multiple trackers and get real time visibility without deep protocol selection tasks.
Plaspy centralizes incoming reports from trackers that send to d.plaspy.com or 54.85.159.138 on port 8888 and presents position, alarm, and telemetry data in a single dashboard. To learn more about Plaspy and how it handles common tracker protocols visit https://www.plaspy.com. For the most current device specific protocol details firmware behavior and manufacturer implementation notes verify information with the device manufacturer at https://www.coban.net/.
Tracker Communication
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