Cradlepoint E102 Soho Branch Router User Guide (+ PDF)

E102 Router Quick Start Guide

Contents hide

1 Introduction

2 Before You Begin

3 Location Considerations

9 Documents / Resources

10 Related Posts

Introduction

This document provides a brief overview of the E102 SOHO Branch Router, discusses what’s inside the box, and provides basic setup and installation instructions.

E102 Router Models

This document applies to the following E102 models:
CRADLEPOINT E102-C7C MODEL: S5A135A
CRADLEPOINT E102-C7D MODEL: S5A136A

Before You Begin

Read the following before setting up the Cradlepoint E102 router.

Location Considerations

To ensure the E102 operates efficiently, the following is recommended:

Ensure the device is positioned to receive optimal Avoid positioning near concrete walls, metal or reflective surfaces, or any other objects that may interfere with RF reception.
Ensure plenty of Avoid installing the device in enclosed spaces.
Do not install the device in direct exposure to the extreme heat or cold can and will impact the router’s performance.

Refer to the E102 Safety, Regulatory, and Warranty Guide (included with your hardware) for more information about location considerations.

SIM Card for Wireless Connectivity
A wireless broadband data plan must be added to your Cradlepoint E102 series branch router for wireless broadband connectivity. Wireless broadband data plans are available from network operators. The SIM card must be activated and provisioned by the network operator. Contact your network operator for details about selecting a data plan and about the process for provisioning your SIM

Required Tools for Setup

#0 Philips-head screwdriver (for SIM door cover)
Recommended for optional wall mounting (hardware not included):
- #2 Philips-head screwdriver
- A drill with 5 mm (or equivalent) drill bit and wall anchors (depending on mount location)
- Recommended minimum wall mount screw size: M3/#6

Setup

The following instructions walk through the basic setup of the Cradlepoint E102 router. For more advanced setups, contact a professional installer.

STEP 1: Check box contents
Refer to the following to ensure you received all items included with the E102 hardware.

[1] Cradlepoint E102
[1] Power supply with interchangeable plugs
[2] LTE antennas
[1] Ethernet cable
[1] SIM door screws
[4] Rubber desk mount feet
[1] Getting Started reference sheet
[1] Safety, Regulatory, and Warranty guide

Parts of the E102

STEP 2: Remove the SIM door
Unclip and remove the SIM door.

STEP 3: Insert an activated 2FF-sized SIM
Insert an activated 2FF-sized SIM card into the SIM1 slot (contacts down, a notch in). The SIM card will click into place. Optionally, you can insert a second 2FF-sized SIM card into the SIM2 slot in the same manner.

STEP 4: Reinstall the SIM door
Replace the SIM door and use the door screw to secure it.

STEP 5: Attach the LTE cellular antennas
Install the 2 paddle antennas on the antenna ports marked with and

STEP 6: Mount the router
The E102 router may be mounted in a number of ways, including placed on a desk, affixed to a wall, or mounted on the ceiling. Refer to the following for best practices:

DESKTOP

Install the rubber feet (included) on the bottom of the router
Place the router on a flat surface away from objects that cause RF interference, including concrete, reflective and metal surface, microwaves, and so on.

WALL & CEILING

Mark the desired mounting location on the ceiling or wall using a pen or marker.
Ensure the mounting location is away from objects that cause RF interference, including concrete, reflective and metal surface, microwaves, and so on.
Pre-drill holes for mounting screws (not included).
Use wall anchors (not included) to ensure the endpoint is securely mounted.

STEP 7: Connect the Ethernet cable
Connect the Ethernet cable to the port marked WAN on the back of the E102. Connect the other end to your cable modem.
STEP 8: Power up the router

Connect the power supply to the router and then plug the other end into an electrical outlet.
Switch the device to the ON position (0 = Off, – = On).
Verify that the Power LED lights up.
Allow 1 minute for the router to run through its bootup sequence.

Refer to the Understanding LEDs section of this guide for information about LED indicator status.
Step 9: Activate the router in NetCloud Manager
Activating your Cradlepoint router requires logging into your NetCloud Manager account. Refer to Getting Started with NetCloud Manager for more information.

Understanding LEDs

The E102 router uses LED lights on the front panel to communicate various status conditions. Use the table below to verify the status of your router after the 1-minute bootup cycle.

	BEHAVIOR
	POWER: Detects that the unit has power.
		No Light = Not receiving power. Check the power switch and the power source connection.
		Solid White = Powered on
	NCM STATE: Detects whether the device is able to connect to NCM.
		No Light = Unable to connect to NCM
		Solid White = Connected to NCM
	EMBEDDED MODEM STATE: Indicates connection status for the embedded (internal) modem.
		Solid Green = Modem has established an active connection
		Flashing Green = Modem is connecting
		Solid Yellow = Data connection error
		Flashing Yellow = Modem is in the process of resetting
		Solid Red = Carrier reject
		Flashing Red = No SIM or SIM Door Open
	CELLULAR HEALTH: Indicates the health of the primary cellular modem’s signal.
		No Light = No cellular connection

		Solid Green = Cellular health is excellent/good
		Solid Yellow = Cellular health is fair
		Solid Red = Cellular health is poor

Troubleshooting

If the device takes longer than 5 minutes to connect to the Internet, log into the local UI of the device to make configuration changes or to start the troubleshooting process. You must be physically co-located with the device in order to do this. Refer to No Internet or Connection Issues for additional help.
Resources