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Coban - GPS-401 Protocol

This page describes the public protocol context for using the Coban GPS-401 tracker with the Plaspy platform. It focuses on how the device communicates at a high level, how Plaspy receives reporting data, and what to check when integrating the tracker for real time monitoring. The technical details here are general and intended to help with setup and verification rather than replace device specific manuals.

Plaspy uses shared connection settings across supported devices and automatically detects the tracker protocol when devices report to the Plaspy endpoint. Exact protocol behavior can vary between firmware versions, hardware revisions, and manufacturer implementation, so you should validate device specific behavior against the official Coban documentation and your unit configuration.

Protocol Overview​

At a high level the tracker reporting protocol is the set of conventions the GPS-401 uses to send location, status, and alarm information to a server. For integration with Plaspy, the protocol determines how the device identifies itself, how location and sensor data are conveyed, and how the platform can respond or acknowledge where applicable.

  • Provides device identification so the platform can associate reports with the correct unit.
  • Delivers location data and preferred positioning method for real time tracking and history.
  • Conveys status flags and alarms such as power, ignition, movement, and low battery.
  • Supports configuration and reporting controls so reporting intervals, live tracking, and sleep strategies are managed.
  • Enables fallback reporting channels such as cellular location or network based positioning when GPS is unavailable.

How Plaspy Detects the Protocol​

Plaspy receives device reports on a shared endpoint and port and applies automatic detection to identify the tracker protocol. In most cases a GPS-401 that is configured to report to the Plaspy endpoint will begin sending location and status that Plaspy can parse without requiring the user to manually select a protocol in the platform.

  • 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 so manual protocol selection is typically not required if reporting is configured correctly

Transport and Connection Context​

Understanding how the GPS-401 connects to the network and which transport it uses helps ensure reliable delivery to Plaspy. The tracker may support both UDP and TCP reporting modes and will use the cellular data channel configured on the device.

  • Devices may be configured to use either UDP or TCP depending on the GPS-401 firmware and configuration
  • Devices may point to d.plaspy.com or 54.85.159.138 as the server address for reporting
  • All traffic for supported trackers on Plaspy is consolidated to the same port for simplicity
  • Cellular APN, SIM status, and mobile network coverage are common causes of connectivity issues to check first
  • Network devices and firewalls should allow outbound traffic from the tracker network to port 8888 to avoid blocked reporting

Protocol Compatibility Notes​

  • The GPS-401 is reported as compatible with Plaspy but behavior can differ by firmware release and hardware revision
  • Some firmware versions may default to UDP or TCP; confirm the tracker transport setting matches your intended configuration
  • Manufacturer side settings such as APN and SMS fallbacks can affect whether the device uses GPRS reporting or other channels
  • Features like geofence, cut engine, and alarms depend on the specific unit firmware and how commands are implemented by the manufacturer
  • When updating firmware be aware that protocol message content or timing may change and revalidation is recommended
  • Always verify behavior on a test device before rolling changes into production fleets

Why Protocol Understanding Matters​

A practical understanding of the communication protocol helps speed initial setup, resolve connectivity issues, and maintain long term reliability for vehicles monitored with Plaspy. Knowing what the device is expected to send and how the platform receives it reduces ambiguity during troubleshooting.

  • Speeds setup by focusing attention on server address, transport, and APN settings
  • Helps diagnose missing or malformed reports by checking device configuration and firmware
  • Clarifies why a device might fall back to network based positioning or reduce reporting frequency
  • Informs decisions around heartbeat and sleep intervals to balance battery life and tracking fidelity
  • Prepares operators for changes after firmware updates that could affect reporting behavior

Why Use Plaspy with This Protocol​

Using the Coban GPS-401 with Plaspy offers a straightforward way to bring vehicle location, alarms, and status into a centralized monitoring platform. The combination of the GPS-401 hardware features and Plaspy’s automatic protocol detection and unified port approach reduces configuration complexity for mixed fleets and small vehicle deployments.

If you want to learn more about Plaspy and how it handles device reporting, please visit https://www.plaspy.com. For the most current device specific protocol details, firmware notes, and implementation guidance consult the manufacturer documentation at https://www.coban.net/. Protocol support, firmware behavior, and manufacturer implementation can change over time so verifying the latest information with the official manufacturer materials is recommended.

Tracker Communication

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