GeoSteer®
71
PN 2006410—ENG Rev. B
CDMA MODEMS (PRIMARILY NORTH AMERICA)
The Cell Modem screen allows the operator to view basic
information about the cell modem and network properties. It
also allows the operator to change the priority list that it uses to
connect to the cell network if the one that is selected does not
To access the Cell Modem screen, select the Connections tab
from the main AutoSteer Setup screen and then press the Cell
Modem button.
The information and button available in the Cell Modem screen
are:
Status
—This is the status of the modem. In North America the
cell modem connects only when data needs to be transferred.
The possible Status states of the cell modem are:
Disconnected
—No data is being transferred and the cell modem is not connected to the network.
Connecting...
—The cell modem is attempting to connect to the cell network.
Connected
—The cell modem is currently connected to the cell network.
Disconnecting
—The cell modem is disconnecting from the cell network.
Signal Strength
—When the cell modem is disconnected, the Signals Strength the cell modem detects between it and
the cell tower is shown graphically and numerically. The more bars on the graph or the higher the dBm value (-50 is higher
than -90), the higher the strength and the better the reception will be. Signal Strength will only be shown when the cell
modem is disconnected. Low Signal Strength values will make communicating with the GeoSteer system unreliable and
slow.
Mobile Identification Number (MIN)
—This is the number assigned by the wireless service provider to identify the cell
modem on their network. This number would be changed by the wireless service provider if the wireless service provider
changed or the plan changed for that number.
Mobile Directory Number (MDN)
—This is the actual phone number of the cell modem. This value is often the same as
the MIN, however operators can keep their MDN and transfer it to different wireless service providers if they choose to.
Manage PRL
—This button allows the operator to change the Preferred Roaming List that the cell modem uses to dial out.
Manage PRL
The GeoSteer system cell modem is compatible with multiple cellular communication carriers. The cell modem
automatically shifts to different carriers if the preferred one is unavailable. This provides optimum coverage in many parts
of North America and allows the system to easily switch carriers if in a certain area one works better than another one. The
GeoSteer system manages which carrier it prefers by using a Preferred Roaming List (PRL) to determine the order of which
company to attempt to connect to first and then down the line.
In most cases, it is best to leave the PRL set to the default setting for the best performance and connectivity, however in
some areas the system may attempt to connect to a weaker cell signal from one company that is higher on the list even if
there is stronger signal from a different provider lower on the list. In most cases this is normally not a problem, however if
the cell modem is shown to always have difficulties establishing connections in an area, the PRL can be changed to see if
that improves performance. Contact your AutoSteer Dealer for help in determining which PRL will work best if the default
one does not. Under most circumstances the Verizon Prioritized (40112) selection should be used.