Proxicast - Support E-Mail Bulletin Archive #6

Support Bulletin #6

Updating Your PRL File

A Preferred Roaming List (PRL) is a small file stored in CDMA modems (Verizon Wireless, Sprint) that contains a list of the carriers cell tower IDs and those of its roaming partners.

As cellular carriers add and move towers, merge, divest and otherwise reconfigure their networks, the PRL information in your 3G PC-Card modem can get out of date. This can result in your inability to make connections or your modem trying to communicate with a tower other than the one closest to it.

Verizon Wireless' recent acquisition of Alltel and its required divestiture of certain market areas coupled with Sprint's continuing roll-out of WiMAX enabled towers are necessitating frequent PRL file updates by these carriers. We expect this to continue for some time.

Mobile 3G devices in laptops, buses, vans, trains, etc are more likely to be affected by out of date PRL files than stationary 3G devices, however all devices should have their PRL information updated periodically. For mobile devices, updating the PRL every 60 to 90 days is recommended.

To update the PRL file in your 3G PC-Card modem:

Power down the LAN-Cell
Remove the modem card from the LAN-Cell
Insert the modem card into a laptop that has the support software for that 3G modem model loaded
Launch the support software and look for a menu option to re-activate the modem or update the modem's firmware
- For Verizon Wireless cards (VZAccess Manager), this option is under Options > Activation
- For Sprint cards (Sprint Mobile Broadband) it is under Menu > Settings (you must also call Sprint Technical Support to request the PRL update be sent to your device)
- For Alltel cards (Axcess) it is under Tools > Activation

You cannot update the PRL file from inside the LAN-Cell. Follow the procedures above.

GSM carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) do not store PRL files in their 3G modems, so no PRL update is required. However it is still a good idea to periodically check for modem firmware updates to ensure that you are getting the maximum performance from your device.

New TechNotes

Our Documentation Team has been hard at work creating detailed TechNotes for some of our most frequently requested topics. Our latest TechNotes include:

Cisco ASA 5500 Series VPN Example
A step-by-step example of how to configure a VPN tunnel between a Cisco ASA series device and the LAN-Cell 2.

Configuring WAN Fail-Over and Traffic Redirect
How to enable the LAN-Cell's WAN fail-over feature (Ethernet, Cellular and Dial-Up) and configure an external router for Traffic Redirect functionality.

Proxicast IPSec VPN Client for Windows Example
Examples of configuring the Proxicast VPN Client for Windiows and the LAN-Cell 2 for remote access VPNs.

Connecting the LAN-Cell 2 to an Existing Router
Integrating the LAN-Cell 2 into an existing network for redundant Internet connectivity or to off-load firewall functions to an existing device.

Download these TechNotes from our Support Web Site: http://www.proxicast.com/support/TechNotes.htm

New Products
Proxicast is pleased to announce 2 new additions to our product offerings:

Cell-PAK: Rugged Portable 3G + WiFi HotSpot

Designed to provide mission-critical wireless communications, Proxicast's new Cell-PAK 3G + Wi-Fi HotSpot in a box is a wireless "grab & go" solution that provides mobile wide-area cellular Internet connectivity (WWAN) and local 802.11 a/b/g Wi-Fi access (WLAN) in an easy-to-deploy portable form-factor. The Cell-Pak features Proxicast's commercial-grade LAN-Cell 2 router.

The Cell-PAK is a rugged, self-contained, battery-powered, portable Wi-Fi HotSpot with built-in 3G cellular Internet access. Its impact and water-resistant MIL-spec rated case and on-board power pack are designed for prolonged operation in harsh environments. The Cell-PAK can connect to any available Internet service including DSL, cable or other Ethernet-based networks; to any serial modem-based service including POTS lines and satellites; or the LAN-Cell's PC-Card slot can accept a 3G modem from any cellular carrier worldwide. The Cell-PAK automatically switches to the best available service.

The Cell-PAK platform features an intelligent power management system that provides 12+ hours of continuous battery operation on a single charge. It operates on 12 VDC and can be powered by AC, DC, vehicle, generator or solar power and recharges while in operation. External antenna jacks and the included high-gain antennas provide additional flexibility for maximizing both cellular and Wi-Fi signal reception in even the most challenging situations. Keep a Cell-PAK charged up and with the flip of a switch, high-speed wireless communications is available whenever and wherever it's needed. The Cell PAK is available with an integrated LAN Cell 2 3G cellular router or as an accessory for existing LAN-Cell 2 3G routers.

interVOLT 12VDC Isolated Switchmode Power Conditioner / Converter

InterVOLT's Mini Series voltage converters and power conditioners are excellent complementary products for the Proxicast LAN-Cell 2, ensuring that clean, consistent power for problem-free operation. Proxicast recommends the use of an interVOLT voltage converter / power conditioner in any situation where the LAN-Cell 3G mobile router is connected to an unregulated DC power supply.

Many applications require that the LAN-Cell be powered directly from a DC source, such as inside a vehicle (automobile, truck, bus, train, van, boat) or from a telecommunications or control cabinet, solar cell, generator or battery. For the these applications, Proxicast is offering the interVOLT model SPCi-121207 for DC supply voltages ranging from 9 to 16V and the interVOLT model SVCi-241208 for supply voltages from 17 to 33V. These devices protect the LAN-Cell from reverse polarity connections, short-circuit connections, under-voltage, over-voltage, surges, spikes, overloads and high temperatures that can result in damage, unnecessary down-time and costly technician visits to remote sites. Capable of up to 7 Amps, these devices can provide fully isolated and regulated power to the LAN-Cell and other sensitive 12 VDC equipment at your sites.

Recent Additions to the LAN-Cell Knowledgebase:

Be sure to check our extensive knowledgebase for answers to common technical support questions like these: