Soma Networks SOMAport User manual

SOMAport Setup Guide
Release 2.0
Part 003776A revision 04
TM

Copyright 2001, 2002, 2003 SOMA Networks, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
SOMA Networks, Inc.
185 Berry Street
Suite 2000
San Francisco, CA 94107
U.S.A.
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
SOMA, SOMA Networks and the star-and-circle logo are trademarks of SOMA Networks, Inc. All SOMA
Networks product names are trademarks of SOMA Networks, Inc. All other company and product names
may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Products and services of SOMA Networks, Inc. may be protected by one or more pending or issued U.S. or
foreign patents.
A list of third-party software used in the production of or included in this product, as well as any available
documentation for such software, can be obtained at www.somanetworks.com/thirdparty.html.
This product contains intellectual property which is provided to you subject to the enclosed Enduser License
Agreement (EULA). Your rights and obligations are defined in this EULA, which you must review.
SOMA Networks, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information
presented or for any use of the information contained in this document. SOMA Networks, Inc. reserves the
right to, without notice, make changes to its products as progress in engineering or manufacturing methods
or circumstances may warrant.

SOMA NETWORKS INC. ENDUSER PRODUCT
LICENSE AGREEMENT
THE SOMAPORT™ SUBSCRIBER STATION AND
PROVIDED SOFTWARE CONTAIN CERTAIN
COMPUTER PROGRAMS AND OTHER
PROPRIETARY MATERIAL OF SOMA NETWORKS
INC. OR LICENSED TO SOMA NETWORKS, INC.,
THE USE OF WHICH IS SUBJECT TO THIS
AGREEMENT. BY: (A) SIGNING AN AGREEMENT
FOR SERVICE WITH YOUR SERVICE PROVIDER; (B)
OPENING THE SEALED ENVELOPE CONTAINING
THE SOMAPORT; OR (C) USING THE SOMAPORT,
YOU ASSENT TO AND ACCEPT THIS ENDUSER
PRODUCT LICENSE AGREEMENT. IF YOU DO NOT
AGREE WITH ALL THE TERMS OF THIS
AGREEMENT YOU MUST RETURN THIS PRODUCT
(WITH THE ENVELOPE STILL SEALED), ALL
MANUALS AND DOCUMENTATION, ANY
SOFTWARE PACKAGES PROVIDED WITH THE
SOMAPORT AND PROOF OF PAYMENT TO THE
PLACE YOU OBTAINED THEM FOR A FULL
REFUND WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS OF FIRST
ACQUIRING THE SOMAPORT, OTHERWISE YOU
ARE DEEMED TO HAVE ACCEPTED AND AGREED
TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION,
DISTRIBUTION, DECOMPILATION OR OTHER
REVERSE ENGINEERING OF THIS PRODUCT
INCLUDING ITS HARDWARE AND/OR SOFTWARE,
OR ANY PORTION OF IT, IS PROHIBITED AND
MAY RESULT IN SEVERE CIVIL AND CRIMINAL
PENALTIES, AND WILL BE PROSECUTED TO THE
MAXIMUM EXTENT POSSIBLE UNDER THE LAW.
1. GRANT OF LICENSE: Subject to the terms of this
Enduser Product License Agreement (the “Agreement”),
SOMA Networks, Inc. (“SOMA”) grants you (the
“Licensee”) a non-sub-licensable, non-exclusive right
(“License”) to use the Product. “Product” means, collectively,
the Software and the provided hardware, and specifically the
SOMAport™ subscriber station and its accessories, if any,
together with documentation provided to you by SOMA or
your service provider. “Software” means, collectively, the
version of the SOMA software program in object code
format and all updates to that program distributed to you by
SOMA, directly or indirectly, by any means and includes any
firmware provided to you with the Product. You have no
right, unless otherwise explicitly permitted, to receive any
source code or design documentation relating to the Product.
SOMA retains ownership of all Software copies. The
Software and this License is only provided to you to be used
in conjunction with the SOMAport provided to you by
SOMA or your service provider when you subscribed to
services that utilize the SOMA wireless air interface
technology and is not licensed to you to be used for any other
purpose.
2. RESTRICTIONS: Except as reasonably required to use
the Product strictly in accordance with the License and this
Agreement, you may not copy any Software. Licensee shall
not (and shall not allow any third party to): (I) decompile,
disassemble, or otherwise reverse engineer or attempt to
reconstruct or discover any source code or underlying ideas
or algorithms or file formats or programming or
interoperability interfaces of the Product by any means
whatsoever; (II) remove any Product identification, copyright
or other notices; (III) modify, incorporate into or with other
software or create a derivative work of any part of the
Software or Product; or (IV) modify or otherwise alter the
operation of the Product. Various components, functions,
routines and/or portions of the Product may be protected by
Intellectual Property Rights (“IPR”) including, but not
limited to, designs, copyrights, trade secrets and one or more
patents or pending patent applications. Licensee is licensed
under such IPR, if any, only to the extent that such a license
is required by the licensee to operate the Product in the
manner intended by SOMA. No other rights are granted
under such IPR and no right to repair or replace the Product
is intended or provided and specifically, no right of
reconstruction, substitution or repair is provided.
3. TERMINATION: This License is effective until
terminated. This License will terminate automatically if you
fail to cure any material breach, as determined at the sole
discretion of SOMA, of this Agreement within thirty (30)
days after such breach first occurs (or immediately in the case
of a breach of § 2). Upon termination, you shall immediately
cease all use of the Product and return all of the Product
including Software, hardware, manuals, documentation of
any kind accompanying Product to the place where you first
obtained such Product or such other location as may be
designated from time to time. Except for this License and
except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the terms of
the Agreement shall survive termination.
4. WARRANTY DISCLAIMER: THE SOFTWARE IS
PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY
KIND INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON-
INFRINGEMENT. FURTHER, SOMA DOES NOT
WARRANT, GUARANTEE OR MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE USE, OR
THE RESULTS OF THE USE, OF THE PRODUCT OR

WRITTEN MATERIALS IN TERMS OF
CORRECTNESS, ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, OR
OTHERWISE. YOUR SERVICE PROVIDER MAY
PROVIDE FURTHER WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR
YOU.
5. LIMITATION ON REMEDIES AND DAMAGES:
SOMA SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE
UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE WITH RESPECT TO
ANY SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS ENDUSER
PRODUCT LICENSE AGREEMENT UNDER ANY
CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR
OTHER THEORY: (A) FOR LOSS OR INACCURACY
OF RECORDS OR DATA OR (EXCEPT FOR RETURN
OF AMOUNTS PAID TO SOMA THEREFOR) COST
OF PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS,
SERVICES OR TECHNOLOGY, (B) FOR ANY
SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING, BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF
SAVINGS, (C) THIRD-PARTY CLAIMS AGAINST YOU
FOR DAMAGES, OR (D) FOR ANY MATTER
BEYOND THE REASONABLE CONTROL OF SOMA
EVEN IF SOMA AND / OR ITS SUPPLIERS IS/ARE
INFORMED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. SOME
JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW FOR THE
EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE
LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO
YOU.
6. UPDATES TO SOFTWARE and TRANSMISSION OF
PERSONAL DATA: You consent to receive and employ
updates to Software, without requiring further notice to you,
that may occur from time to time, as may be necessary, as
determined at the sole discretion of SOMA and/or your
service provider, for the use of Product by you and for the
efficient utilization of services as may be purchased or
subscribed to by you from your service provider. You also
agree to the application of the terms of this Agreement to any
and all such updates. You accept and acknowledge that
Software shall be able to transmit such data as is authorized
by your service provider in order to allow for the utilization
of services subscribed or purchased by you in order to allow
for the billing of such services or as may be necessary by law.
7. MISCELLANEOUS: This Agreement and the License
provided by this Agreement are not assignable or transferable
by you without the prior written consent of SOMA. Any
attempt by you to do so shall be void and void this License.
Any notice, report, approval or consent required or permitted
hereunder shall be in writing. If any provision of this
Agreement shall be adjudged by any court of competent
jurisdiction to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision
shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent
necessary so this Agreement shall otherwise remain in full
force and effect and enforceable. This Agreement shall be
construed pursuant to the laws of the United States of
America and the State of California and without regard to
conflicts of laws principles thereof. If successful in any action
to enforce this Agreement, SOMA shall be entitled to recover
costs and expenses including, without limitation, attorney's
fees. The parties agree that a material breach of this
Agreement would cause irreparable injury to SOMA, or its
suppliers, for which monetary damages would be an adequate
equitable relief and SOMA shall be entitled to any other
remedies it may have available hereunder or at law. Both
parties agree that this Agreement is the complete and
exclusive statement of mutual understanding of the parties
and supersedes and cancels all previous written and oral
agreements and communications relating to the subject
matter of this Agreement. BOTH YOU AND SOMA
AGREE AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT SOMA
RESERVES THE RIGHT TO AMEND THE TERMS
AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT
WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE TO YOU OTHER
THAN PROVIDING TO YOU THE AMENDED
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT.
IF YOU DO NOT ACCEPT THE AMENDED TERMS
AND CONDITIONS AS PROVIDED TO YOU BY
SOMA, THIS LICENSE SHALL TERMINATE
IMMEDIATELY. ALL USE OF THE SOFTWARE AND
ANY SERVICES SUPPORTED BY THE PRODUCT
AND SOFTWARE MAY CEASE OR BE CAUSED TO BE
CEASED WITHOUT ANY LIABILITY TO YOU BY
SOMA AND YOU SHALL RETURN ALL PRODUCT
HARDWARE, MANUALS, DOCUMENTATION OF
ANY KIND ACCOMPANYING SOFTWARE TO THE
PLACE WHERE YOU FIRST OBTAINED SUCH
HARDWARE, MANUALS, DOCUMENTATION AND
SOFTWARE.

5
Important safety instructions
Installation
Read instructions — Read and follow all of the safety and operating instructions before
operating the SOMAport.
Retain instructions — Retain the safety and operating instructions for future reference.
Heed warnings —Adhere to all warnings on the SOMAport and in the operating
instructions.
Ventilation — Slots and openings in the SOMAport housing provide ventilation, ensure its
reliable operation, and protect it from overheating. Do not block or cover these openings. Do
not place the SOMAport in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless there is
proper ventilation or the installation instructions have been adhered to.
Power sources — Use only the type of power source indicated on the label. If you are not
sure of the type of power supplied to your home, consult your product dealer or local power
company.
Grounding or polarization — The plug for the power cord on the SOMAport fits into the
power outlet only one way. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, contact
your electrician to replace your outlet. To prevent electric shock, do not use this plug with an
extension cord or outlet unless you can fully insert the blades without blade exposure. Do not
defeat the safety purpose of this plug.
Power-cord protection — Route power-supply cords so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them. Watch for wear in the cord at
the plug and socket.
Accessories — To avoid personal injury or damage to the SOMAport, do not place it on
an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table.
Attachments — Do not use attachments with the SOMAport that have not been
recommended in this guide as they may cause hazards.
Water and moisture — Do not use the SOMAport near water or moisture.

6
SOMAport Setup Guide
Maintenance and servicing
Cleaning — Unplug the SOMAport from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use
liquid cleaners or aerosol cleanser. Use a dry cloth for cleaning.
Servicing — Do not attempt to service the SOMAport yourself as opening or removing
covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards and may void the warranty.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.
Replacement parts — When replacement parts are required, have the technician verify
that the replacements being used have the same safety characteristics as the original parts.
Use of replacement parts specified by the product manufacturer can prevent fire, electric
shock, or other hazards.
Conditions requiring service — Unplug the SOMAport from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
The power supply or cord is damaged.
Liquid has been spilled on the SOMAport or it has been exposed to water.
An object has fallen into the SOMAport.
The SOMAport does not function normally even though you have adhered to the
operating instructions and have made adjustments to only those controls covered by
the operating instructions.
The SOMAport has been dropped and a change in performance has occurred.
The SOMAport exhibits a distinct change in performance.
Alerts used in this guide
WARNING: Where you see this symbol and the WARNING heading,
strictly follow the instructions to avoid personal injury or damage to the product.

7
Regulatory notices
The SOMAport 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, you can try to correct the
interference by:
Relocating the SOMAport
Increasing the distance between the SOMAport and the device experiencing the
interference
Connecting the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the SOMAport is connected
ATTENTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by
SOMA Networks for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
Declaration of Conformity
SOMA Networks, Inc.,
185 Berry Street, Suite 2000
San Francisco, CA 94107 U.S.A.
[phone]
declares under our sole responsibility that the product
SOMAport
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.

8
SOMAport Setup Guide

9
Contents
Important safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Regulatory notices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
The front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
The back panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Connection options for telephones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Installing the SOMAport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Installing the SOMAport and Connecting Equipment ............................................ 22
An overview of the installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Unpacking the SOMAport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Choosing the best location for the SOMAport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Connecting the power supply and powering on the SOMAport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Connecting a computer via Ethernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Connecting a computer via USB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Connecting multiple computers to the SOMAport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Connecting telephones to the SOMAport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Activating service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Changing Ethernet Network Settings ...................................................................... 40
Changing network settings in Windows 95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Changing network settings in Windows 98 and ME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Changing network settings in Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Changing network settings in Windows XP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Changing network settings in Mac OS 8 and 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Changing network settings in Mac OS X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Changing network settings in Linux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

10
SOMAport Setup Guide
SOMAport Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Status light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Signal strength indicator lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Ethernet status lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
SAU light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Troubleshooting and Getting Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Finding problem causes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
The signal is weak. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
There is a fault condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
The SOMAport is not getting power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
There is no connection between the SOMAport and your computer or hub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
The computer uses an old dial-up connection to connect to the Internet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Internet Explorer LAN settings are incorrect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

11
This chapter gives an overview of the SOMAport and shows the layout of the
front and back panels.
Contents
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
The front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
The back panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Connection options for telephones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Chapter 0
I
NTRODUCTION

12
SOMAport Setup Guide
Overview
The SOMAport is a compact terminal to which you can connect a computer or a
local area network (LAN) as well as telephones.
One company, the wireless service provider, delivers both high-speed, always-on
Internet service and telephone service to the devices that are connected to the
SOMAport. Because the SOMAport uses wireless technology, there is no wiring
or cabling connecting it to your wireless service provider’s facilities. Instead, the
SOMAport communicates with your wireless service provider’s network over the
air.
NOTE: Although this document makes a distinction between the
wireless service provider, which provides you with telephone and
Internet service via the SOMAport over a wireless connection, and
the telephone company, which provides telephone service over a
land-line connection, it is possible that your telephone company is
also your wireless service provider.
Internet service
The SOMAport provides a high-speed Internet connection that is much faster
than a regular dial-up modem. You can also be connected to the Internet and use
the telephone at the same time.
Internet connections are made via Ethernet. You can connect one computer
directly to the Ethernet port, or you can connect multiple computers to the
SOMAport using a hub or a switch. If your computer does not have an Ethernet
card, you may be able to connect using the USB port.
Telephone service
The telephone service provided by the SOMAport is independent and separate
from your wired phone service. Wireless services may differ from your traditional
wired services. Consult with your wireless service provider for details.

13
Introduction
Radio spectrum
The SOMAport supports various bands of radio spectrum from 1.8–2.7 GHz.
Routine maintenance
The SOMAport does not require maintenance or servicing other than
occasionally cleaning the outside of the unit. Follow these guidelines:
Wipe the unit down with a dry cloth periodically.
Do not use cleaners, solvents, or water.
If you spill liquid inside the SOMAport, unplug it, and call your wireless service
provider.
Other documents
Once you have installed the SOMAport using this guide, you may need to refer
to one or more of the following documents.
SAU Installation Guide – This document is shipped with the optional
SOMAport Accessory Unit (SAU). It describes how to install the SAU
outdoors, ground it, and connect it to the SOMAport.
Services documentation – The SOMAport Setup Guide does not describe
how to use telephone and Internet services. Contact your wireless service
provider for information.

14
SOMAport Setup Guide
The front panel
There are five lights on the front panel of the SOMAport. These lights indicate
the state of the SOMAport. Their locations are shown below.
Lights
The lights have the following functions.
See the chapter “SOMAport Lights” on page 57 for information about reading
the lights.
00076
Status Light
Signal Strength
Indicator Lights
Light Description
Status The top light is the status light. It indicates whether or not the SOMAport is receiving
power and functioning normally.
Signal Strength
Indicator
The group of four lights below the status light report on the strength of the radio
signal.

15
Introduction
The back panel
The jacks and ports that are used to connect other devices to the
SOMAport are located on the back panel. The telephone jacks connect
telephones to the SOMAport, whereas the Ethernet port is used to connect to
computer equipment. The locations of the connectors are shown below.
The connectors and switches on the back panel have the following functions.
Part Description
SAU connector This is the connector to which the optional SOMA Networks SOMAport
Accessory Unit (SAU) attaches.
ATTENTION: The SAU connector should be connected to the
SOMA Networks SAU only, as control voltages and signals are present at
this connector. Other manufacturers’ antennas should never be
connected to the SAU connector as they will provide no improvement to
reception and will result in irreparable damage to the SOMAport or to the
device connected to it, rendering it inoperative.
Continued
Ethernet Port
00077
Telephone Jacks
SAU Connector
Power Jack
USB Port
SAU Light

16
SOMAport Setup Guide
Cables
The following cables are supplied with the SOMAport.
SAU light This light indicates which antenna is being used. See “SAU light” on page
62.
USB port This port provides an alternative method for connecting a
USB-compatible computer or hub to the SOMAport.
Ethernet port This port connects a computer or a hub to the SOMAport. A straight-
through cable is used for direct connection to a computer or to the uplink
port on a hub. A crossover cable is used for connection to the Ethernet port
on a hub.
The Ethernet lights are located on this port. They indicate the status of the
Ethernet connection. See “Ethernet status lights” on page 61.
Telephone jacks These jacks connect telephones to the SOMAport.
Power jack The power supply plugs into this jack.
Part Description
Cable Type Description
Ethernet If your computer has an Ethernet card, use the Ethernet
cable to connect your computer to the SOMAport.
Ethernet cables look similar to telephone cables. However,
you can tell the two apart because the connector on an
Ethernet cable is approximately twice as large as the
connector on a telephone cable.
USB If your computer does not have an Ethernet card, but has a
USB port, use the USB cable to connect your computer to
the SOMAport.
00096
00085

17
Introduction
Antennas
The SOMAport receives radio signals from and transmits radio signals to a
basestation operated by your wireless service provider. The basestation consists of
a tower and an equipment box that houses the radio transmitters and receivers
that allow the tower to communicate with the SOMAport.
The internal antenna
The SOMAport is essentially a two-way radio with an antenna inside. You don’t
have to aim this antenna yourself. The antenna tunes itself when you plug in the
SOMAport. The SOMAport also periodically checks whether or not the current
antenna direction is optimal. If it is not, the SOMAport automatically adjusts the
antenna direction. This means that if you move the SOMAport without
unplugging it first and the antenna direction is no longer optimal for the new
location, the SOMAport will automatically resteer the antenna to improve
performance.
SOMAport performance can be affected by the strength of the wireless signal it
receives. The distance from your wireless service provider’s nearest tower, the
construction of the building, the surrounding terrain, and the placement of the
SOMAport can potentially affect the strength of the signal.
The SAU
The SOMAport internal antenna provides good reception in most situations.
However, in rare cases, the internal antenna is unable to acquire a sufficiently
strong signal. The SOMAport supports an optional device, the SOMAport
Accessory Unit (SAU), to address these circumstances. The SAU is an external
antenna mounted on the outside of your home or building. Contact your wireless
service provider or retailer for more information about the SOMA Networks
SAU.
WARNING: While this device is in operation, a separation distance of
at least 20 centimeters (8 inches) must be maintained between the radiating
antenna and any person exposed to the transmitter in order to meet the
FCC RF exposure guidelines. No change to the antenna or device is
permitted. Doing so may result in the installed system exceeding RF
exposure requirements. This device must not be co-located or operating in
conjunction with any other antenna or radio transmitter. Installers and end
users must follow the installation instructions provided in this guide.

18
SOMAport Setup Guide
WARNING: Only the SOMA Networks SAU can be connected to the
SOMAport. Connecting other manufacturers’ antennas or products to the
SAU connector will provide no improvement to reception and will result in
irreparable damage to the SOMAport or to the device connected to it,
rendering it inoperative.

19
Introduction
Connection options for telephones
If you subscribe to or intend to subscribe to telephone service via the SOMAport,
you can connect telephones to the SOMAport in two ways. You can:
Connect the telephone directly to the SOMAport by plugging it into one of
the telephone jacks on the back of the SOMAport.
Use your in-building telephone wiring to connect telephones to the
SOMAport.
Direct connections
You can use this method if the telephone and computer devices in your home or
office are near each other and the SOMAport can be placed close enough to allow
direct connections to all of them, as shown below.
00080

20
SOMAport Setup Guide
Connections to in-building telephone wiring
If you have a number of telephones located in different rooms that you want to
connect to the SOMAport, you can connect them through the existing telephone
wiring in your building. This allows you to avoid running long cables throughout
your home or office to connect your telephones to the SOMAport.
To connect telephones to the SOMAport using the telephone wiring in your
home or office, you connect the SOMAport and each telephone to a wall phone
jack.
If you decide to use your in-building wiring, do not use wires that are in use for
phone service from the local telephone company. You can test if your home
wiring is active by connecting a telephone to a wall telephone outlet and listening
for dial tone. Contact your wireless service provider for guidelines.
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