NimbeLink Skywire, Skywire NL-SW-LTE-TSVG, Skywire NL-SW-LTE-TSVG-B, Skywire NL-SW-LTE-TNAG-B Series Manual

Configuring Skywire

®

CAT 3 LTE Modems for MBIM Mode on Windows 8 and 10

NimbeLink Corp

Updated: October 2018

Table of Contents

Table of Contents 2

1. Introduction 3

1.1 Overview 3

1.2 Supported Devices 3

2. Skywire Configuration Procedure 4

2.1 Introduction 4

2.2 Install Drivers 4

2.3 Preliminary Skywire Setup 4

2.4 Enable MBIM Mode 4

2.5 Enable Cellular Functionality 5

3. Configure Windows Cellular Settings 6

3.1 Connect the Skywire to USB 6

3.2 Configure the Connection Settings 7

3.2.1 Verizon Connection Settings 8

3.2.2 AT&T Connection Settings 9

3.2.3 T-Mobile Connection Settings 10

3.3 Verify Cellular Connectivity 11

1. Introduction

1.1 Overview

The Mobile Broadband Interface Model (MBIM) is a networking protocol created by the USB Implementers Forum, and is designed for USB-based networking solutions, such as cellular modems. This protocol facilitates the connection of USB-enabled embedded modems with other USB-enabled electronics such as personal computers.

This application note will describe how to configure a 4G LTE CAT3 Skywire modem to use MBIM protocol and establish a connection to a cellular LTE network. Please note that MBIM protocol only works for Windows 8 and Windows 10. Users running Windows 7 must use RNDIS protocol to implement an ethernet over USB interface.

1.2 Supported Devices

This application note has been tested on and designed for use with the following Skywire modems:

Supported Device

Firmware Version Tested

Carrier

NL-SW-LTE-TSVG

17.01.571

Verizon

NL-SW-LTE-TSVG-B

17.01.573

Verizon

NL-SW-LTE-TNAG-B

17.01.502

AT&T and T-Mobile

2. Skywire Configuration Procedure

2.1 Introduction

Section 2 describes the part of the setup procedure that is common for each of the different cellular carriers. This includes the installing of Windows drivers, enabling of MBIM mode, and the verification of cellular signal strength and cellular functionality.

2.2 Install Drivers

First, install the most recent Windows 8/10 drivers for the Skywire. These drivers are located at the link below:

https://nimbelink.com/Documentation/Skywire/Telit_USB_Driver_Win_Desktop.zip

Inside of the zip file is a guide for the driver installation process, as well as the drivers themselves. Follow the instructions in the guide to ensure that the drivers are installed correctly. Once the drivers have been installed, proceed to Section 2.3.

2.3 Preliminary Skywire Setup

Ensure that the target Skywire has a functioning SIM card inserted, and that the Skywire is properly installed into a Skywire development kit or a similar development interface. Additionally, ensure that the modem’s firmware is up to date, and that the correct carrier-specific firmware is installed on the modem.

Also, it is important to note that the modem must be connected via UART for Section

2.4 and Section 2.5. After that point, the modem must be connected via USB in order to

establish an internet connection using MBIM protocol.

2.4 Enable MBIM Mode

First, establish a serial connection to the target modem using a preferred terminal emulator. Verify that the modem is responsive by issuing:

AT

The modem will respond with:

OK

After the modem is responsive, issue the following command to switch the modem into MBIM mode:

AT#USBCFG=3

The modem will reboot. Once it is back up and running, the terminal should respond with:

OK

Once the modem has rebooted, verify that the correct setting has been applied. Issue this command:

AT#USBCFG?

The modem will respond with:

#USBCFG: 3

If the modem returns the proper response, proceed to Section 2.5. Otherwise, attempt

Section 2.4 again.

2.5 Enable Cellular Functionality

Next, ensure that cellular functionality is enabled by issuing the following command:

AT+CFUN?

If cellular functionality is indeed enabled, the modem will respond with:

+CFUN: 1,0

If the modem does not respond with the above text, issue the following command:

AT+CFUN=1,1

The ‘1,1’ argument tells the modem to restart and boot up with cellular functionality enabled. After the modem reboots, check for functionality by issuing the first command listed in this section.

Once cellular function has been enabled, it is important to verify the that the primary antenna is receiving an adequate signal. To check signal strength, issue the following command:

AT+CSQ

The modem should respond with:

+CSQ: <rssi>,<sq>

Where each item in "< >" is replaced with an integer value. See the bullet points below for an explanation of the two parameters:

● 'rssi' indicates the received signal strength. ○ The returned value should be between 0 and 31. ○ A value of 99 indicates that the the signal strength is not detectable or is

unknown. This is usually indicative of an improperly connected antenna.

● 'sq' indicates the reference signal received quality (RSRQ). ○ The returned value should be between 0 and 7. ○ A value of 99 indicates that the received signal quality is not detectable or

is unknown. This is usually indicative of an improperly connected antenna.

For further information regarding the 'AT+CSQ' command, consult the AT command manual. The AT command manual is located on the CAT 3 product page.

Once cellular functionality and signal strength have been verified, proceed to Section 3.

3. Configure Windows Cellular Settings

3.1 Connect the Skywire to USB

Now, disconnect the modem from the UART port, and plug the USB cable into the USB port. After a short moment, the modem will pop up in the "Wireless Internet Settings" menu in the Windows toolbar. It should look something like the image below where 'Verizon Wireless (LTE)' is replaced by the carrier that corresponds to the SIM card:

Now, open up the "Cellular" settings menu by typing “change cellular settings” into the search bar. The menu should look like this:

If an option for a cellular connection appears in this menu, proceed to the next section. Otherwise, make sure that the latest drivers are installed for the modem, and retry the connection.

3.2 Configure the Connection Settings

Section 3.2 contains instructions for configuring the connection settings for each carrier. Click on a link below or navigate to the section that contains the proper instructions for the relevant carrier:

● Verizon: Section 3.2.1

● AT&T: Section 3.2.2

● T-Mobile: Section 3.2.3

3.2.1 Verizon Connection Settings

Within the "Cellular" settings menu, click on the link that says "Advanced options." A new page will open with information about the modem. It should look similar to the image below:

Select “Add an APN”. In the new window, enter the following information:

Note: The value of the APN field may vary. Please make sure that the APN entered into the Windows settings is the correct APN associated with the data plan being used.

After filling out the info in the image above, press "Save" and proceed to Section 3.3.

3.2.2 AT&T Connection Settings

Within the Windows Cellular Settings menu, click on the link that says "Advanced options." A new page will open with information about the modem. It should look similar to the image below:

Select “Add an APN”. In the new window, enter the following information:

Note: The value of the APN field may vary. Please make sure that the APN entered into

the Windows settings is the correct APN associated with the data plan being used.

After filling out the info in the image above, press "Save" and proceed to Section 3.3.

3.2.3 T-Mobile Connection Settings

Within the Windows Cellular Settings menu, click on the link that says "Advanced options." A new page will open with information about the modem. It should look similar to the image below:

Select “Add an APN”. In the new window, enter the following information:

Note: The value of the APN field may vary. Please make sure that the APN entered into

the Windows settings is the correct APN associated with the data plan being used.

After filling out the info in the image above, press "Save" and proceed to Section 3.3.

3.3 Verify Cellular Connectivity

In the "Cellular" menu, hit the ‘Connect’ button, and the modem should establish a cellular connection. If connected, the window should look something like this:

If the cellular connection has been established, then the internet connection is ready to use. The connection will function just like any other ethernet or WiFi connection.

NimbeLink Skywire, Skywire NL-SW-LTE-TSVG, Skywire NL-SW-LTE-TSVG-B, Skywire NL-SW-LTE-TNAG-B Series Manual

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