Chapter 3 – Using Your Wireless modem

Chapter 3 – Using Your Wireless

Modem

Phone Number for the Wireless Modem

Every wireless modem will have its own unique phone number provided by your wireless provider.

The wireless modem’s phone number may simply be told to the subscriber or be on the SIM or both. Wireless provider implementations may vary.

Examples of Useful AT Commands

A Note About HyperTerminal

In order to verify signal strength and roaming status, you must use a terminal application such as HyperTerminal. To open this program in Windows XP or Windows 2003, go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > Communications

>HyperTerminal. Other Windows operating systems have similar paths to HyperTerminal. See your system’s online Help if you cannot find it.

A Note About AT Commands

AT commands can be used to operate, configure, and query your modem. A reference guide to the EDGE commands is included on the MultiModem CD and on the Multi-Tech Web site.

The following two commands let you query signal strength and roaming status.

Verify Signal Strength

Using HyperTerminal, type AT+CSQ

The modem responds with the received signal strength (rssi) and the channel bit error rate (ber). RSSI ranges from 0 to 31.

BER ranges from 0 to 7 (7 is the highest error rate).

Signal Strength – RSSI

10 - 31 Sufficient

0 - 9 Weak or Insufficient

99 Insufficient

Checking Network Registration and Roaming Status

Using HyperTerminal, type AT+CREG?

The modem will respond in one of the following ways:

+CREG: 0,0 (this tells you that the modem is not registered on any network)

+CREG: 0,1 (this tells you that the modem is registered on the home network)

+CREG: 0,5 (this tells you the modem is registered on a network but it is roaming)

Note: If the modem is showing not registered, perform the procedure for verifying signal strength to determine the strength of the received signal.

Checking the Modem’s Identity

Use the ATI command (Note: This command is illustrated using the capital letter i after AT)

Type ATI

Product information displays. For example, Siemens MC75 Revision xx.yy (xx.yy is the software version)

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MultiModem EDGE Wireless Modem User Guide

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Multi-Tech Systems MTCBA-E Using Your Wireless Modem, Phone Number for the Wireless Modem, Examples of Useful AT Commands

MTCBA-E specifications

The Multi-Tech Systems MTCBA-E is a robust and versatile cellular modem designed to meet the demands of various industrial applications. This innovative device combines reliable connectivity with advanced features, making it a popular choice among businesses looking to integrate cellular communication into their operations.

One of the standout features of the MTCBA-E is its multi-band LTE capability. This modem supports various LTE frequency bands, ensuring compatibility with multiple carriers and networks. This flexibility allows users to deploy the device across different geographical regions without the need for extensive reconfiguration, making it ideal for businesses with a wide-ranging footprint.

The MTCBA-E is engineered for durability and reliability, making it well-suited for harsh environments. Its rugged design ensures that it can withstand extreme temperatures, dust, and moisture, which is essential for outdoor applications and industrial use cases. This resilience helps reduce maintenance costs and enhances lifespan, providing a long-lasting communication solution.

In addition to its physical durability, the MTCBA-E incorporates advanced security features to safeguard data transmission. It supports secure VPN protocols, which is critical for protecting sensitive business information as it traverses public networks. This focus on security ensures that users can transmit data confidently, which is vital for applications that deal with sensitive or proprietary information.

Another notable characteristic of the MTCBA-E is its dual SIM functionality. This feature allows for failover capabilities, ensuring that the modem can switch between two different cellular networks seamlessly. This redundancy is crucial for mission-critical applications that demand uninterrupted connectivity, such as remote monitoring and IoT deployments.

The modem also includes a range of connectivity options, such as Ethernet and USB interfaces, allowing for straightforward integration with various devices and systems. Furthermore, it supports multiple communication protocols, ensuring compatibility with a wide array of applications, from telematics and asset tracking to smart city initiatives.

In terms of management and monitoring, the MTCBA-E offers a user-friendly interface that facilitates easy configuration and monitoring of the device's performance. This greatly simplifies network management, and helps in troubleshooting potential issues quickly and efficiently.

Overall, the Multi-Tech Systems MTCBA-E is a well-rounded cellular modem that combines advanced technology with robust design, making it an ideal choice for organizations looking to enhance their connectivity capabilities in a wide range of applications. Its combination of durability, security, and flexibility ensures that it meets the evolving needs of modern communication.