pivotal Echo 5G Boost User manual
© 2022 Pivotal Commware, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Pivotal Commware® is a registered trademark of Pivotal Commware, Inc.
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Pivotal Echo 5G Boost
Installation Manual
(ESBoost-n261)
Version 2022.1
© 2022 Pivotal Commware, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Pivotal Commware® is a registered trademark of Pivotal Commware, Inc.
Page 2 of 30
Table of Contents
Safety and Regulatory Information .....................................................4
FCC Signal Booster User Information .......................................................................................4
FCC Part 15 Information for User .............................................................................................4
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement ..........................................................................................4
Intellectual Property...........................................................................5
Disclaimer of Warranties; Exclusion of Liability...................................5
Overview of Echo 5G Boost.................................................................6
Why is Low-E Glass a Challenge?................................................................................ 6
How does Echo 5G Boost Solve Low-E Glass? ............................................................ 7
Installation & Setup ............................................................................8
System Components................................................................................................... 8
Choosing a Location for your Echo 5G Boost.............................................................. 9
Finding the Best Window for Reception...................................................................................9
Pre-Installation Cleaning...........................................................................................10
Wipe Instructions ...................................................................................................................10
Installing the Outdoor Unit (ODU) and Indoor Booster Unit (IDU)........................... 11
Before you Begin ....................................................................................................................11
Connecting to Echo 5G Boost............................................................14
Connect to the Echo 5G Boost via Bluetooth with a Laptop ....................................14
Add the Echo 5G Boost as a Recognized Device via Smartphone ............................ 15
Commissioning the Echo 5G Boost....................................................17
Connecting to Echo 5G Boost via Web Browser.....................................................................17
Echo 5G Boost Settings (Details) ............................................................................................20
Setting Azimuth or Elevation Manually ..................................................................................20
Appendix A –Echo 5G Boost Technical Specifications.......................22
Appendix B –Troubleshooting & Support.........................................23
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Pivotal Commware® is a registered trademark of Pivotal Commware, Inc.
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Indicator Lights Overview .........................................................................................23
What the IDU Indicator Light Displays Mean............................................................24
Overview.................................................................................................................................24
FAQ / Troubleshooting..............................................................................................24
Getting Technical Assistance ....................................................................................26
Appendix C –Warranty Information .................................................27
Standard Limited Warranty ...................................................................................... 27
User License Agreement for Software......................................................................28
© 2022 Pivotal Commware, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Pivotal Commware® is a registered trademark of Pivotal Commware, Inc.
Page 4 of 30
Safety and Regulatory Information
This manual should be read and used as a guideline for properly installing and operating the Echo 5G Boost device. This manual
may be changed for system improvement, standardization, and other technical reasons without prior notice. Updated manuals
are available at: https://pivotalcommware.com/Echo5GUserManual.pdf.
FCC Signal Booster User Information
WARNING. This is not a CONSUMER device. This device may not be sold at retail. You MUST have an FCC LICENSE or express
consent of an FCC Licensee (or express consent of your service provider) to operate this device. Antennas must be installed at
least 20 cm (8 inches) from any person. Unauthorized use may result in significant forfeiture penalties, including penalties in
excess of $100,000 for each continuing violation.
FCC Part 15 Information for User
Echo 5G Boost (Model: ESBoost-n261) Outdoor Unit (ODU) and Indoor Unit (IDU) –FCC ID: 2AUVU-ESB261.
•The device contains FCC IDs: 2AUVU-UBR410M and Z64-WL18SBMOD
The Echo 5G Boost system is sold as a system and shall only be operated as a system, with both the Outdoor and Indoor units
installed on low-E glass. Neither can be operated standalone, as both units are required for operation.
Pursuant to part §15.21 of CFR Title 47, you are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
•Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that which the receiver is connected
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement
To ensure the safety of users, the FCC has established criteria for the amount of radio frequency energy various products may
produce depending on their intended usage. This product has been evaluated to comply with the FCC’s exposure criteria. This
transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
The installation of the Echo unit should allow at least 20 centimeters between the device and persons to be in compliance with
FCC RF exposure guidelines.
Use only Pivotal Commware approved power supplies and accessories that are specifically designed for your Echo 5G Boost
device.
© 2022 Pivotal Commware, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Pivotal Commware® is a registered trademark of Pivotal Commware, Inc.
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Intellectual Property
All Intellectual Property, as defined below, owned by or which is otherwise the property of Pivotal Commware, Inc. (“Pivotal”)
or its respective suppliers relating to the Pivotal device, i.e., Pivotal Echo 5G Boost, including but not limited to, accessories,
parts, or software relating thereto (the “Echo 5G Boost”), is proprietary to Pivotal and protected under federal laws, state laws,
and international treaty provisions. “Intellectual Property” means any Pivotal (or where applicable, Pivotal’s supplier’s)
intellectual property including, but not limited to, inventions (patentable or unpatentable), patents, trade secrets, copyrights,
software, computer programs, and related documentation and other works of authorship. You may not infringe or otherwise
violate the rights secured by the Intellectual Property. Moreover, you agree that you will not (and will not attempt to) modify,
prepare derivative works of, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or otherwise attempt to create source code from the
software. No title to or ownership in the Intellectual Property is transferred to you. All applicable rights of the Intellectual
Property shall remain with Pivotal and its suppliers.
Disclaimer of Warranties; Exclusion
of Liability
This document provides an introduction to features, functions, setup, and operation of Pivotal Commware’s Echo 5G Boost. For
more information, refer to the Warranty Information.
© 2022 Pivotal Commware, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Pivotal Commware® is a registered trademark of Pivotal Commware, Inc.
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Overview of Echo 5G Boost
Why is Low-E Glass a Challenge?
Low-e glass or low-emissivity glass has a thin coating between two or three panes of glass to reflect
energy and keep temperatures in your home or enterprise consistent. This is good news for saving
energy, but bad news for acquiring a mmWave 5G signal. The losses from low-e glass can be as high as
50 dB. When the signal arrives indoors it has been attenuated significantly due to the difficulties
penetrating low-e glass.
Estimates of the number of U.S. households and businesses with low-e glass are 25% and 35%,
respectively. But recently, says the Department of Energy
1
, more than 50% of window sales in the
commercial market and 80% of the sales in the residential market incorporate low-E coatings.
1
EERE Success Story—Energy-Efficient Windows are Saving Americans Billions of Dollars, https://www.energy.gov/eere/
success-stories/articles/eere-success-story-energy-efficient-windows-are-saving-americans
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Pivotal Commware® is a registered trademark of Pivotal Commware, Inc.
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How does Echo 5G Boost Solve Low-E Glass?
Echo 5G outdoor units use Pivotal’s patented Holographic Beam Forming® technology to acquire the 5G
mmWave signal, amplify it, and transmit it indoors though the low-e glass.
By adding an Indoor Boost Unit, that low signal can be captured, amplified, and flooded indoors to
extend the range of the gNB and provide gigabit speed coverage.
© 2022 Pivotal Commware, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Pivotal Commware® is a registered trademark of Pivotal Commware, Inc.
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Installation & Setup
The Echo 5G Boost is designed to be easily installed. The following material provides guidance to
perform a typical installation. Subsequent sections offer additional assistance if needed.
System Components
Echo 5G Boost ODU (1)
Outdoor unit (ODU) with HBF antenna and RF front-end functions:
•Conveys wireless data between user devices and nearby base station
Echo 5G Boost IDU (1)
Indoor unit (IDU): Transmits power through low-e glass
ODU Mounting Ring (with pre-attached level)
Mounts the ring on the window that the ODU locks into, and levels unit.
Booster Alignment Ring
Aligns Indoor Unit indoors with Outdoor Unit outdoors.
Power Adapter (1)
Provides power from wall outlet to Indoor Unit
OUTSIDE Cleaning Wipes (1)
For cleaning the OUTSIDE of the window ONLY to ensure a good bond between the
Outdoor Unit and the window.
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Pivotal Commware® is a registered trademark of Pivotal Commware, Inc.
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INSIDE Cleaning Wipes (1)
For cleaning the INSIDE of the window ONLY to ensure a good bond between the
Indoor Booster Unit and the window.
Removal Tool (1)
To remove the mounting ring and adhesive if necessary.
Quick Start Guide (1)
Easy instructions for installation and commissioning.
Choosing a Location for your Echo 5G Boost
The window you choose for your Echo 5G Boost must:
•Be on the ground floor (2m or less from the floor)
•Receive quality 5G reception
•Have an outlet within 10 feet of the mounting location indoors for plugging in the Indoor Unit
Finding the Best Window for Reception
Identify the window with the best 5G reception by downloading the SpeedTest app from your app store,
turning off your phone’s wi-fi, opening the app, and selecting ‘Go.’
IMPORTANT: You must perform the speed test OUTDOORS as you will not get a good signal through
low-e glass.
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Pivotal Commware® is a registered trademark of Pivotal Commware, Inc.
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Pre-Installation Cleaning
IMPORTANT: There are two wipes packets, one for the INDOOR glass (white packet) and one for the
OUTDOOR glass (gray packet). See below for images of each packet. Make sure you use the CORRECT
wipes packet when cleaning the glass.
Clean the window glass according to the instructions below (also found on the back of the gray outdoor
wipes packet):
Wipe Instructions
[1]Wipe glass vertically and then horizontally to ensure complete coverage. Be sure pad is wetting
the glass surface.
[2]While glass surface is still wet, wipe dry with a clean dry cloth or paper towel.
a. Note: make sure the glass is fully dry before installing either unit.
[3]Apply the item(s) to be bonded within thirty minutes.
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Pivotal Commware® is a registered trademark of Pivotal Commware, Inc.
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Installing the Outdoor Unit (ODU) and Indoor Booster Unit
(IDU)
Make sure you have carefully selected a good window and performed the required glass cleaning before
installing your Echo 5G Boost.
Before you Begin
•Write down the serial number on the Quick Start Guide. The serial number is found on the
bottom of the OUTDOOR UNIT. DO NOT use the serial number from the indoor unit.
•You will be moving back and forth OUTSIDE and INSIDE to install your Echo 5G Boost. Make sure
you are installing on the correct side of the window for each step.
•DO NOT install the Echo 5G Boost above the ground floor.
•Ensure the mounting adhesive and window stay dry throughout the mounting process.
GO OUTSIDE
[1]Bring:
ODU Mounting Ring
Outdoor wipes (if you have not already
cleaned the window)
[2]Remove the adhesive backing from the ODU ring and use the level to attach it to the window.
Ensure the bracket is level be using the leveling tool. Press and hold firm, running your fingers
along the entire ring for 30 seconds.
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GO INSIDE
[3]Bring:
Booster alignment ring
Indoor Unit (Booster)
Indoor wipes (if you have not
already cleaned the window)
[4]Use the magnets on the Booster alignment ring to align with the ring outside with the groove
facing DOWN.
[5]Remove the adhesive backing and place the Booster in the center of the alignment ring with the
dial on the LEFT and the power jack fitting into the groove at the bottom. Press firm all along the
unit and hold for 30 seconds. Remove the Booster alignment ring when finished by pressing the
booster against the window with your thumbs and sliding the ring over and off the Booster with
your fingers.
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Pivotal Commware® is a registered trademark of Pivotal Commware, Inc.
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GO OUTSIDE
[6]Bring:
Outdoor Unit
[7]Remove the leveling tool and mount the ODU on the ring. Align the ODU on the ring such that
the tab is in the top left corner. The ODU will go on the ring at a slight counterclockwise angle
and rotate clockwise until the tab at the top snaps into place.
GO INSIDE
[8]Bring:
Adapter and power cable
[9]Plug the Booster in when finished.
a. Note: Unplug the IDU before moving or realigning either unit.
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Pivotal Commware® is a registered trademark of Pivotal Commware, Inc.
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Connecting to Echo 5G Boost
You will activate the Echo 5G Boost using the Echo Manager web interface. To do this, you must first
establish a wireless Bluetooth connection to the Echo 5G Boost from your laptop or smartphone.
Your laptop/smartphone and the Echo 5G Boost will communicate via Bluetooth. (Specifically, they
communicate via IP over a Bluetooth connection). Once connected, you will need to keep your laptop or
smartphone within 10 feet of the Echo 5G Boost unit until you are finished with activation.
Connect to the Echo 5G Boost via Bluetooth with a Laptop
[1]Power on the Echo 5G Boost so the laptop can discover it as a nearby Bluetooth device by
plugging it in.
[2]Right click on the Bluetooth icon in the lower right of your home screen and select Add a
Bluetooth Device.
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Pivotal Commware® is a registered trademark of Pivotal Commware, Inc.
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[3]Select Add Bluetooth or other device, then select Bluetooth as the type of device. The Echo 5G
Boost will be displayed by “Booster”and the last 3 digits of the serial number, e.g. Booster716.
Select the Echo 5G Boost, then select Add.
[4]Right click the Bluetooth icon again and select Join a Personal Area Network. You will see the
Echo 5G Boost as a device here. Right click the Echo 5G Boost and select Connect using > Access
point. A window will pop up saying Connection Successful.
Add the Echo 5G Boost as a Recognized Device via
Smartphone
[1]Turn your phone to airplane mode.
[2]Turn on your phone’s Bluetooth if it is not already on.
[3]You may also need to turn on Bluetooth tethering in your phone’s Bluetooth settings.
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Pivotal Commware® is a registered trademark of Pivotal Commware, Inc.
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[4]Activate the Bluetooth connection and tap the Echo 5G Boost to pair and connect. It will be
displayed by “Booster” and the last 3 digits of the serial number, e.g. Booster716.
a. (Android phones): In the Bluetooth settings you may need to toggle Internet Access off
and on again for the Echo 5G Boost to appear.
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Pivotal Commware® is a registered trademark of Pivotal Commware, Inc.
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Commissioning the Echo 5G Boost
The Echo Web Interface is the same whether it is on a Smartphone browser or laptop browser.
Connecting to Echo 5G Boost via Web Browser
[1]Navigate to web address 10.0.0.1 on your phone’s web browser. If this page does not load, you
may first need to clear your browser cache.
a. If you have trouble accessing 10.0.0.1, toggle your phone into airplane mode. (You may
have to reconnect to Bluetooth after doing this.)
[2]Enter the last six digits of your Echo 5G Boost’s serial number as your password. The serial
number can be found on the bottom of the Outdoor Unit. Then select Submit.
a. IMPORTANT: The Indoor Booster Unit has a different serial number. DO NOT use the
Booster serial number.
Serial number shown on bottom of ODU
[10] The Echo 5G Boost will search for active beams. Once the search is complete the Boost will
make the top beam the default beam.
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Figure 1. Searching for beams
Figure 2. Beam scan result with ranked beams
[11] The dial on the Indoor Unit turns in incremented steps. Turn the dial counterclockwise step
by step until the LED on the Booster turns red. Then turn the dial clockwise step by step until the
LED turns green. Then turn the dial clockwise 1 more step.
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Note the directions on the dial for increasing gain (counter-clockwise) or decreasing gain (clockwise).
[12] Select Save and Finish.
[13] Select Save Configuration on the Setup Complete screen.
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Echo 5G Boost Settings (Details)
[1]If you select Details, you can view the Azimuth (Az) and Elevation (El) along with other details of
the Echo 5G Boost’s alignment in either dB or raw format. You can also manually set the
Azimuth and Elevation if your connection is weak using the heatmap below the details to
identify strong signal sources (which will appear in yellow, orange, or red (strongest)).
Setting Azimuth or Elevation Manually
The Manual Setup tab provides access to beam-pointing (Az, El) control in degrees.
Azimuth can be adjusted in 2-degree increments and decrements, and Elevation in 5-degree increments.
The inputs are bounded from -35 degrees to +35 degrees in Elevation and -76 degrees to +76 degrees in
Azimuth. You can begin with an initial setting of 0 for both Az and El.
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