User's Guide

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2. Getting Started
2.1. Introduction
This chapter guides you through the initial physical setup of a host terminal (usually a PC), the
Multipurpose Interface Board (MIB), and a modem. Related start-up issues such as cellular
activation are also covered. If you have any difficulties, consult the reference chapters in the
Hardware View to become more familiar with the components and their setup.
After completing this chapter, you should be able to communicate (DTE to DCE) with the modem
by using AT commands from a host terminal. Modem connection to a remote modem is not
covered until the Operational View.
The chapters immediately following deal with the Operational View. Software Installation will
deal with the installation on a host PC of the Watcher and WirelessExpert
™
software which make
further configuration of the modem and testing on a CDPD network (if applicable) much simpler.
A reference section covering the Hardware View follows at the end of the manual.
2.2. Registration
Before you can use your modem for wireless communication you must register it with a cellular
service provider. This section describes what they will need to know and what information they
will provide to you.
Contact your service provider to get the registration process started. While the service provider is
getting your account configured, you can install and configure your modem. Record the
information provided by your carrier for configuring the modem later.
In any coverage area there can be two providers, each assigned to a “side” (A or B) of the cellular
waveband. Each provider is also assigned a Service Provider Network Identifier (SPNI) number.
2.2.1. CDPD
To use your modem in CDPD mode it must be activated on a CDPD network. To register your
modem for Wireless IP activation on CDPD networks, contact your local CDPD service provider.
Give the CDPD service provider the Equipment Identifier (EID). This is the identification
number of the radio/modem. A Sierra Wireless modem EID has the following format:
00-A0-D5-xx-xx-xx
Look for this number on the back of your modem and on a label affixed to the outside of the
package that the modem was shipped in. If only the ESN (Electronic Serial Number) can be found
you can convert it to a Sierra Wireless EID by expressing the last 8 digits as hexadecimal values.
For example:
ESN: 206 - 00057628 = EID: 00-A0-D5-00-E1-1C
57628 = 0xE11C
The EID number is also available by querying the modem with the AT+WPEID command.
The CDPD service provider supplies the following:
1. Modem address, commonly referred to as a Network Entity Identifier (NEI). This may also
be referred to as your Internet Protocol (IP) address. This identifies your modem on a CDPD
network and on the Internet.
2. IP address of a router or server to ping when testing the connection. This may be a Domain
Name Server (DNS).