Operation; Performance Highlights; What Happens When You Start Up The Microcell; Authentication - Cisco 3G MicroCell User Manual

Operation

Performance Highlights

Here are some performance highlights for AT&T 3G MicroCell™ service using the MicroCell:
• Supports AT&T 3G wireless phones and devices
• Supports up to four simultaneous calls
• Supports call transfer to the cellular network
• Supports UMTS bands 2 & 5 (1900 MHz and 850 MHz)
• Supports E911 Service

What Happens When You Start Up the MicroCell?

Authentication

At startup, the MicroCell links to the AT&T network using your Internet service. The AT&T network then authenticates the
MicroCell and its location, a process that can take up to 20 minutes to complete. AT&T 3G MicroCell™ service is withheld
until the authentication process completes.

Location Fix

The authentication process cannot move forward without precise location data (referred to here as a location fix). The
MicroCell acquires much of this data from a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite.
• For cold starts (first-time power-up), the MicroCell requires stronger satellite signals and acquisition will take longer. For
warm starts (power-up within 20 minutes of a successful GPS fix), the MicroCell can get by with weaker satellite signals
and acquisition should occur faster than for a cold start.
• At power-up, the GPS status indicator is off for several minutes, then flashes repeatedly while the MicroCell gathers
location data.
• When the process completes, the GPS status indicator turns to steady green and authentication continues.
• The 3G status indicator flashes repeatedly during authentication, then turns to steady green when AT&T 3G MicroCell
service is granted.

What If the GPS Status Indicator Continues to Flash After 20 Minutes?

If the GPS status indicator is still flashing after 20 minutes, your MicroCell has failed to acquire a location fix and is
unlikely to succeed. The cause in most cases is low satellite signal strength at the current MicroCell location. See
Troubleshooting on page 15 for steps you can take to improve satellite signal strength.
E911 Service
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The MicroCell supports E911 (wireless 9-1-1 service) unless the device loses electrical power or Internet access. In the
event of a service disruption, you won't be able to use E911 service with your wireless device unless you have access
to the AT&T wireless network. Additionally, if electrical power is lost for more than 20 minutes, it will be necessary for
the MicroCell to re-authenticate, which will further delay resumption of E911 access. The same is true if you move your
MicroCell to a new address.
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