LTE Network Provisioning

Overview

The LTE Network Provisioning procedure covers the CAT-M1 SIM card installation and APN configuration.

Prerequisites

  • CAT-M1 SIM card with active data plan
  • LTE antenna connected (if included)
  • Gateway powered on
  • WiFi and SSH access to the gateway

CAT-M1 SIM Card Installation

  1. Locate the co‑host board (upper module next to the charge controller and main board).
  2. Unlock the co-host and pivot it out to access the SIM holder.
  3. Insert the CAT-M1 nano-SIM (gold pads down, notch aligned) and close the shield until it clicks.
  4. Re‑insert the co‑host into the bottom slot, then click the top back into the locks.

The illustration below shows the co-host location inside the enclosure (left) and how to pivot it to access the SIM slot (right).

Change the APN

Once the CAT-M1 SIM card has been inserted, the next step is to configure the correct APN (Access Point Name) so that the gateway can register on the LTE network.

Access the gateway over WiFi and edit the "APN" field in /data/gateway-conf.json to the APN of your CAT-M1 SIM provider. The APN is normally specified in the provider’s documentation or provided when you purchase the CAT-M1 SIM card.

nano /data/gateway-conf.json

The gateway reboots automatically and registers on the LTE network.

Troubleshooting

LTE connection failure

Problem: Gateway cannot establish LTE connection despite proper CAT-M1 SIM card installation and APN configuration.
Cause: The modem's automatic operator selection has failed to connect to your carrier's network.
Solution: Manually force connection to your operator, then restore automatic mode for future connections.

  1. Connect to the gateway via SSH over WiFi (see gateway connection guide)
  2. Power on the modem: gpioset gpiochip0 19=1
  3. Connect to the modem AT interface: minicom -D /dev/ttyUSB1

If /dev/ttyUSB1 is unavailable, try /dev/ttyUSB2 or /dev/ttyUSB0.

  1. Test modem response: at
  2. Check current operator connection: at+cops?

If the response is empty, scan for available operators: at+cops=?

  1. Connect to your operator manually: at+cops=1,2,"23801"

Replace 23801 with your CAT-M1 SIM's operator code from the scan results.

  1. Verify connection: at+cops?
  2. Return to automatic mode: at+cops=0
  3. Exit minicom: Ctrl+A, X
  4. Reboot the gateway and verify LTE connectivity

The modem should now connect automatically on future restarts.

Next steps

  • Install the gateway at your deployment site
  • Test connectivity and monitor gateway performance through your network server