AT&T MicroCell User manual

AT&T MicroCell™
User Guide

Getting Started
Requirements 4
Getting to Know your Device 4
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Overview 7
Step 1: Connect your device to the Internet 8
Step 2: Power on your device 9
Step 3: Activate your device online 9
Step 4: Wait while your device connects 10
Step 5: Confirm your success 10
Things to Know 11
Troubleshooting
Help with Activating your MicroCell 12
Help after Activating your MicroCell 15
Additional Information
Understanding the Lights on your MicroCell 18
Important Safety Instructions 20
Firewall Settings 23
Specifications 23
RF Exposure 24
FCC Compliance 24
Index 26
One-Year Limited Warranty Back Cover
Table of Contents

AT&T MicroCell User Guide | Getting Started
4
Getting to Know your Device
Requirements
To use the AT&T MicroCell™, you will need:
• Fixed broadband Internet service such as DSL, fiber, or cable.
For best performance, download speeds of at least 1.5 Mbps
and upload speeds of at least 256 Kbps are recommended.
Not compatible with satellite and mobile broadband.
• A dedicated Ethernet port available on your modem or router.
• Computer with Internet access to activate your device.
• Device must be able to access a Global Positioning System
(GPS) signal to verify the device location. Installation near a
window is strongly recommended.
• AT&T 3G, 4G, or 4G LTE wireless handset.
• Post paid wireless plan from AT&T
Package Contents
• AT&T MicroCell™
• Yellow Ethernet
cable
• AC power adapter
• Quick Start
• User Guide
STATUS INDICATORS
Your MicroCell uses indicator lights on the
front of the device to show service status.
DEVICE CONNECTIONS
Color coded connection ports are located
on the back of the device.
Ethernet
Power
Power
Ethernet
GPS
Network

5
Frequently Asked Questions
I completed my MicroCell online
activation at the AT&T store. Do I have
to do it again?
No, you can skip Step 3 and proceed to
Step 4 of the setup process.
What’s the best location for the
MicroCell?
Your MicroCell works best within three
feet of a window and not in a basement
or closet. You will improve the chances
of receiving a GPS signal when you install
your MicroCell:
• On first floor or above basement level.
• Next to a window with a clear,
unobstructed view of the sky.
• At least one foot away from other
wireless broadcasting devices.
• When the weather is clear (no clouds
or rain).
Will all cell phones work with my MicroCell?
All 3G, 4G and 4G LTE cell phones that
receive wireless service from AT&T will
work with the MicroCell if they are added
online to the MicroCell’s approved user list.
Do I need to change any settings on
my AT&T cell phone to make it work
with my MicroCell?
No, you don’t have to change anything on
your phone. If your AT&T cell phone
number is on your approved user list, it
should work.
What is an approved user list?
The approved user list contains the phone
numbers of friends, family and associates
that you allow to use your MicroCell while
they are at your home or office. You can only
add people to this list who have an AT&T
wireless service plan. When they make phone
calls, they will use their own minutes and
service plan. To add an AT&T 3G, 4G or 4G LTE
wireless cell phone number to your approved
user list, go to att.com/MicroCell and
manage your settings.
IMPORTANT NOTE: When adding a wireless
number to your approved user list, that
handset will need to be restarted (turned
off and back on again) when in range of your
MicroCell. This is a one-time occurrence and
only needs to be done the first time you add
the wireless number to your approved user
list.
What type of Internet service does the
MicroCell need?
The MicroCell uses high speed fixed
broadband Internet service such as DSL or
cable. For best performance, your service
should have download speeds of at least
1.5 Mbps and upload speeds of at least
256 Kbps. You can use any high-speed
Internet service provider. Not compatible
with satellite or mobile broadband. Contact
your Internet Service Provider if your
Internet service is slower than minimum
requirements.

AT&T MicroCell User Guide | Getting Started
6
Why did my MicroCell lights go
off during activation?
Your MicroCell automatically checks
for software updates each time you
turn it on. If necessary, the MicroCell
downloads updated software and then
restarts.
Will my MicroCell slow down my network?
The MicroCell takes up very little of your
bandwidth. Downloading music, videos, or
other large files may impact the bandwidth
available for your MicroCell and affect
voice quality.
Should I use my MicroCell for data
instead of Wi-Fi?
The MicroCell supports data usage.
However, it is not intended to be a
replacement for your wireless network
(Wi-Fi). Data over Wi-Fi doesn’t affect
your wireless plan and provides best
performance for Wi-Fi capable cell phones
and other devices. The MicroCell is a
great supplement for data on cell phones
that aren’t Wi-Fi capable.
How do I move my MicroCell to a new
location?
Use the Quick Start for setup instructions
and then update your account online
with the new address by visiting
att.com/MicroCell and manage your
settings.
NOTE: The new location must be in an area
where AT&T is licensed to provide service.
How do I purchase the Unlimited
MicroCell Calling feature?
Go to www.att.com/mywireless. Log
in to your online wireless account, click
the “I want to...” dropdown, hover the
mouse over “Manage my plan & services”,
and click “Add or change a service”.
Scroll down and select “AT&T Unlimited
MicroCell Calling”.
Is there a MicroCell Mobile App?
Yes, you can download the free MicroCell
iPhone App at the Apple App Store. The
app allows you to activate and manage your
MicroCell settings, including adding a new
approved user, changing your location, and
updating your email address.
I have more questions.
For more information about your MicroCell,
visit att.com/MicroCell.
Frequently Asked Questions (continued)

7
Overview
This guide will take you step-by-step through configuration,
activation, and confirmation.
STEP 3
Activate your device online
STEP 5
Confirm your success
STEP 2
Power on your device
STEP 4
Wait while your device connects
90
MIN
STEP 1
Connect your device to the Internet
www

AT&T MicroCell User Guide | Getting Started
8
STEP 1
Connect your device to the Internet
Connect the yellow Ethernet cable
from the “Ethernet” port on your
MicroCell to your modem or router.
PLACEMENT TIPS
Your MicroCell works best within three feet of a window and not in
a basement or closet.
You will improve the chances of receiving a GPS signal when you install your MicroCell:
• On first floor or above basement level.
• Next to a window with a clear, unobstructed view of the sky.
• At least one foot away from other wireless broadcasting devices.
• When the weather is clear (no clouds or rain).

9
If you completed online activation at the AT&T store, proceed to Step 4.
Visit att.com/MicroCell-Activate
and follow the instructions on the screen.
You’ll need the following
• Serial Number (S/N)–it’s on the bottom of the device or the box label.
• Your AT&T wireless phone number/user name or AT&T Access ID, as well
as your password.
• If you haven’t set up an AT&T online wireless account, you’ll need to do so.
E911 SERVICE
You were required to provide the address where the device will be located during the
activation process. The location address you provided is sent to local emergency
responders and must be kept up to date if you move your device. To update your
location address information, visit att.com/MicroCell and manage your settings.
STEP 3
Activate your device online
www
STEP 2
Power on your device
Connect your MicroCell to a power outlet with
the AC power adapter.
The power light on the front of the device will come on
immediately. Within a few minutes, other lights will flash
as a GPS signal is located and software is updated.

AT&T MicroCell User Guide | Getting Started
10
Take a break!
You will receive a text message and email once activation
is complete.
Visit att.com/MicroCell to learn more on how to get the
most out of your MicroCell.
STEP 4
Wait while your device connects
NOTE:
It can take up to 90
minutes from step 1 to
complete activation.
Your device may update
and restart during this
time.
STEP 5
Confirm your success
Your device is configured and working
properly when:
• You receive a text message and an email confirmation.
• The Network light on your MicroCell is solid and green.
• Your cell phone shows “AT&T MicroCell” or “AT&T M-Cell”
instead of “AT&T” as the network provider (as shown below).
NOTE:
You may need to
restart your cell
phone for “AT&T
MicroCell” or “AT&T
M-Cell” to appear.
90
MIN
NOTE: Some mobile devices may display network provider information differently.
AT&T AT&T MicroCell AT&T M-Cell
or

11
Cell phones may take some time to
switch to the MicroCell
Your cell phone may not immediately
switch to your MicroCell when you enter
its coverage area. Depending on the
signal strength of the AT&T cell tower, the
time for your cell phone to switch to the
MicroCell can vary. It may take seconds or
up to five minutes.
Connecting to the MicroCell doesn’t
always mean unlimited calling
You can purchase AT&T Unlimited
MicroCell Calling for an individual phone
number, your whole account or use your
existing wireless plan minutes. Other
3G, 4G or 4G LTE cell phone owners on
your approved user list also use their
existing wireless plan minutes unless they
purchase the Unlimited MicroCell
Calling feature.
Calls transfer out, but don’t transfer in
Calls transfer from the MicroCell to
the strongest available AT&T cell tower
signal. However, calls initiated on the cell
tower do not transfer to the MicroCell.
NOTE: With the optional Unlimited
MicroCell Calling feature, calls that
originate on the MicroCell and transfer to
a nearby AT&T cell tower continue on as
unlimited.
Restarting fixes most problems
Like many electronic devices, the
MicroCell and your 3G, 4G or 4G LTE
cell phone may occasionally need to be
rebooted (turned off and back on again)
to reestablish their connection to each
other.
Things to Know

AT&T MicroCell User Guide | Troubleshooting
12
Help with activating your MicroCell
STEP 1:Have you completed online activation?
NO: Go to att.com/MicroCell-Activate
and follow the instructions on the screen.
YES: Go to STEP #2.
STEP 2:Is your power light flashing red?
NO: Go to STEP #3.
YES: Return your MicroCell to the place of purchase for
replacement.
STEP 3:Have you waited a full 90 minutes after completing
online activation and connecting your MicroCell to your
broadband connection?
NO:
Please wait the full 90 minutes. Do not restart your MicroCell
prior to 90 minutes as this will delay your activation time.
YES: Go to STEP #4.
STEP 4:Is your GPS light solid green?
NO: Refer to page 5 “What’s the best location for the
MicroCell” for placement tips. Once you have moved the
device, wait 60 minutes for your GPS light to turn solid green.
In rare instances it may take up to 24 hours.
If you need to relocate your MicroCell beyond the reach of
your Ethernet cable, refer to page 14 “My Internet equipment
isn’t near a window and I am unable to get a GPS lock” under
the second bullet.
YES: Go to STEP #5.
90
MIN
WWW
Troubleshooting
If your issue cannot be resolved via the troubleshooting steps provided in this section,
please visit att.com/MicroCell-Help or call AT&T Support at 1-800-331-0500.

13
STEP 5:Is your Network light solid green?
NO: Follow the steps below in order, until the Network light is solid
green:
• Make sure the address you used during online activation
matches the location of your MicroCell.
• Restart your MicroCell. Unplug the power adapter from the wall
outlet, wait 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait 30 minutes for
the Network light to turn solid green. In rare instances it may
take up to 24 hours.
• You may need to change your modem or router settings.
See the required firewall settings on page 23 or go to
att.com/MicroCell-Help.
YES: Go to STEP #6.
STEP 6:Does your 3G, 4G or 4G LTE cell phone display “AT&T MicroCell”
or “AT&T M-Cell” on the idle screen (as shown below)?
NO: Follow the steps below in order, until “AT&T MicroCell” or
“AT&T M-Cell” appears:
• Make sure your cell phone is 3G, 4G or 4G LTE capable and 3G
service is enabled in your device settings. The MicroCell only
works with AT&T 3G, 4G or 4G LTE enabled cell phones.
• Restart your 3G, 4G or 4G LTE cell phone. Turn your cell phone
off and then turn it back on.
• Make sure your 3G, 4G or 4G LTE cell phone is on the approved
user list for your MicroCell. Go to att.com/MicroCell and
manage your settings.
YES: Your MicroCell is active and your device is connected successfully.
NOTE: Some mobile devices may display network provider information differently.
AT&T AT&T MicroCell AT&T M-Cell
or

AT&T MicroCell User Guide | Troubleshooting
14
Help with activating your MicroCell (continued)
My Internet equipment isn’t near a window and I am unable to get
a GPS lock
• Use a longer Ethernet cable to move your MicroCell closer
to a window with a clear, unobstructed view of the sky.
• If using a longer Ethernet cable will not resolve the issue,
then powerline Ethernet adapters are available which use
your electrical outlets to provide Internet connections to
areas away from existing Internet equipment.
For example, if your router is located on a different floor or
part of the house where you want to place your MicroCell,
powerline Ethernet adapters can be used to connect the
MicroCell to the router through your electrical outlets.
Connect the router to one adapter plugged into an
electrical outlet. Then connect the MicroCell to an
adapter plugged into an electrical outlet in another part
of your house so that the two can communicate via the
electrical wiring.
A minimum of two powerline Ethernet adapters are
required—one for the router and one for the MicroCell.
AT&T offers a HomePlug AV starter kit online at
att.com/
equipment/accessories/network-equipment.jsp . Similar
devices are also available at local electronic stores.
NOTE: Continue to keep your MicroCell and router
plugged into an electrical outlet using the power cord
provided with each device.

15
Help after activating your MicroCell
My range of coverage on the MicroCell is limited
or
I experience dropped calls on the MicroCell
I can’t get my MicroCell to activate in my basement
• If your MicroCell is located next to or in close proximity
to another wireless broadcasting device, move the
MicroCell at least one foot away from that device.
• If your MicroCell is located:
»On the floor, then move it off the floor and onto a desk
or table;
»In a cabinet or closet, then move it out of the cabinet
or closet;
»Behind or next to any furniture or other insulated or
radiating devices (such as a couch, microwave, flat
panel TV, etc.) that may interfere with the MicroCell’s
broadcasting signal, then move it to a new location
where there is nothing blocking the MicroCell.
• If re-locating your MicroCell does not resolve the issue
or does not apply to you, then run a speed test at
att.com/speedtest to ensure your broadband
connection meets minimum requirements of 1.5 Mbps
download and 256 Kbps upload speeds. If necessary,
upgrade to a higher broadband speed.
My range of coverage on the MicroCell is limited
I experience dropped calls on the MicroCell
1 foot
• Move your MicroCell to within 3 feet of a window with a
clear, unobstructed view of the sky.
• If your basement does not have windows, then it may
be necessary to re-locate the MicroCell to the first floor
or above. If necessary, use a longer Ethernet cable
or a powerline Ethernet adapter (as described in the
previous solution).
UPLOADDOWNLOAD
THROUGHPUT
6MB
4MB 8MB
2MB 10MB
My range of coverage on the MicroCell is limited or
I experience dropped calls on the MicroCell

AT&T MicroCell User Guide | Troubleshooting
16
• If your broadband meets minimum requirements,
then place your MicroCell in a central location of your
residence or in a location where your MicroCell is used
most frequently. If necessary, use a longer Ethernet
cable or a powerline Ethernet adapter (as described
on page 14 “My Internet equipment isn’t near a window
and I am unable to get a GPS lock” in the second bullet).
• It is possible as you move around your home that your
MicroCell is handing over your call to an AT&T cell tower,
especially as you move further from the MicroCell. To
reduce the potential dropped calls stemming from
this, a new feature is now available to give you greater
control over your MicroCell experience. Please go
to www.att.com/MicroCell and select the “Manage
Settings” tab. Log into the MicroCell web portal with
your Personal or Business account username and
password. On the “Manage your MicroCell settings
page”, select “disable” automatic hand-out. If you
choose to disable automatic hand-out, this will apply to
all numbers on the approved user list.
NOTE:When automatic hand-out is disabled, MicroCell
calls will drop when the handset is out of MicroCell range.
As such, if you begin a call on your MicroCell, you will need
to stay within range of the MicroCell in order to avoid a
dropped call.
Help after activating your MicroCell (continued)
My range of coverage on the MicroCell is limited or
I experience dropped calls on the MicroCell

17
I am not satisfied with the voice quality on my MicroCell
My MicroCell was active, but now the Network light is flashing green
My cell phone does not display “AT&T MicroCell” or “AT&T M-Cell”
• Run a speed test at att.com/speedtest to ensure your broadband connection
meets minimum requirements of 1.5 Mbps download and 256 Kbps upload
speeds. If necessary, upgrade to a higher broadband speed.
• Restart your MicroCell. Unplug the power adapter from the wall outlet, wait
10 seconds, then plug it back in. It may take an additional 30 minutes for the
Network light to turn solid green; OR
• If your GPS light is also flashing and you’ve moved your MicroCell from its original
position where it obtained a solid GPS light, then move it back to the original
position.
• Restart your 3G, 4G or 4G LTE cell phone. Turn your cell phone off and then turn
it back on.
• If restarting your 3G, 4G or 4G LTE cell phone does not resolve the issue, then
restart your MicroCell. Unplug the power adapter from the wall outlet, wait 10
seconds, then plug it back in. It may take an additional 30 minutes for the Network
light to turn solid green.

AT&T MicroCell User Guide | Additional Information
18
Status Indicator Light is Then...
Your MicroCell may need replacement.
Return it to the place of purchase.
The MicroCell is not receiving a GPS signal.
This is normal when connecting your MicroCell for
the first time.
If the light is off after a successful activation,
restart the MicroCell and wait until it acquires a
new GPS signal. You may need to wait up to
60 minutes to get a new signal.
If the light remains off after 60 minutes, contact
AT&T Support at 1-800-331-0500 for assistance.
If the light is still flashing 60 minutes after
connecting your MicroCell for the first time, your
MicroCell cannot receive a GPS signal. Refer to
Step 4 on page 12.
Red
Off
Off
Flashing Green
Power
Ethernet
GPS
Understanding the Lights on your MicroCell
Solid Green
Your Ethernet cable may be disconnected
This is a normal condition when your MicroCell
is connected correctly to your modem or router.
(yellow cable provided). Make sure the cable
router is securely plugged in.
between your MicroCell and your modem or

19
Status Indicator Light is Then...
Flashing Green
Flashing Red
The MicroCell may be activating or downloading
new software.
During the activation process, it can take up
to 90 minutes for your MicroCell to complete
activation.
If the light is still flashing after 90 minutes, refer
to Step 5 on page 13.
There may be a problem with your device.
Contact AT&T Support at 1-800-331-0500
for assistance.
Network

AT&T MicroCell User Guide | Additional Information
20
Important Safety Instructions
NOTICE TO INSTALLERS:
The servicing instructions in this notice are for use by qualified service personnel only.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that
contained in the operating instructions, unless you are qualified to do so.
NOTE TO SYSTEM INSTALLER:
For this apparatus, the cable shield/screen shall be
grounded as close as practical to the point of entry
of the cable into the building. For products sold in
the US and Canada, this reminder is provided to call
the system installer’s attention to Article 800-93 and
Article 800-100 of the NEC (or Canadian Electrical
Code Part 1), which provides guidelines for proper
grounding of the cable shield.
This symbol is intended to alert you that
uninsulated voltage within this product may have
sufficient magnitude to cause electric shock.
Therefore, it is dangerous to make any kind of
contact with any inside part of this product.
Ce symbole a pour but d’alerter toute personne
qu’un contact avec une pièce interne de ce
produit, sous tension et non isolée, pourrait être
suffisant pour provoquer un choc électrique. Il
est donc dangereux d’être en contact avec toute
pièce interne de ce produit.
This symbol is intended to alert you of
the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying this product.
Ce symbole a pour but de vous avertir
qu’une documentation importante sur le
fonctionnement et l’entretien accompagne ce
produit.
CAUTION: To reduce
the risk of electric shock,
do not remove cover
(or back). No user-
serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing to qualified
service personnel.
WARNING
TO PREVENT FIRE OR
ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO
NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
20080814_Installer800