INITIAL CONNECTIVITY SETUP
Begin by positioning your Baicells Nova430H outdoor cell indoors near a window and close to your network equipment. This initial step ensures everything is functioning correctly before permanently installing the cell outdoors. Ensure your FreedomFi or FreedomFi-compatible gateway (such as the Bobcat Bobber 500) is already set up by following its specific setup instructions.
STEP 1 – Connect POE+ Injector
First, plug the POE+ Injector into a power source or UPS. Avoid using extension cords if possible.
STEP 2 – Connect Ethernet cable to POE+ Injector
Link the ethernet cable to the LAN port on your POE+ Injector.
STEP 3 – Connect the Ethernet cable to the Gateway
Attach the ethernet cable’s other end to the eNB1 port on your FreedomFi Gateway. This gateway can support up to two additional CBRS cells via eNB2 and eNB3 ports.
Step 4 – Outdoor Connection
Use an outdoor-grade ethernet cable connected to the “POE” port on the injector. This cable should reach your cell’s final outdoor location.
Step 5 – Attaching to Outdoor Cell
Unseal the cell’s waterproof compartment by unscrewing 3 screws.
Connect the other end of the outdoor rated ethernet cable to the Outdoor small cell.
Temporarily position the cell with a clear sky view for GPS locking, necessary for dashboard access. It will be relocated outdoors permanently later.
Step 6 – Connectivity Check
Access the cell dashboard via http://freedomfi-gateway.local to confirm successful connection. The Spectrum Status will show “trying” and On Air will be off until the cell’s registration is approved.
Outdoor Cell Installation & Registration
Selecting a Location Choose a strategic location for your outdoor cell to maximize data capture. Avoid obstructions for better CBRS signal coverage. Ideal placement is as high as possible, like on a roof or near a building’s roofline, to enhance coverage.
Mounting Your Cell Options vary based on your building type:
- Flat Roof: Use a non-penetrating mount.
- Angled Roof: Secure a J-Bar to the fascia.
Requirements: The outdoor small cell will require installation CPI approval before it can go on air and allow users to connect. The CPI process requires the following:
- Installation parameters must be shared with FreedomFi to get CPI approval
- Height with 2 to 4 photos to document accuracy
- Azimuth angle with 1 photo to document accuracy
- Elevation angle with 1 photo to document accuracy
NOTE: How to get and submit this information along with sample photos will be covered in the small cell registration section below.
Small Cell Registration
To enable the outdoor small cell, you’ll need to complete the CPI flow and get approval. The process starts with registering the small cell location.
To register the outdoor small cell, you’ll need the following information along with photos to prove it.
- Height
- Azimuth Angle
- Elevation Angle
- Street Address of installation
Step 7 – Determining Installation Height For this step, you’ll need to accurately document and submit the height at which the cell is installed, including a photograph as proof. To ascertain the height, you might consider the following methods:
- Consult with a contractor or the property’s building manager to learn the roof’s height.
- Utilize Google Earth Pro to estimate the building’s height.
- Directly measure from your roof’s top down to the base using a measuring tape. Capture and submit a photograph that clearly displays the cell equipment and the ground below as evidence of the installation height.
Take a photo that shows the radio and the ground. Sample Verification photo:
Step 8 – Documenting the Azimuth Angle
The term “Azimuth Angle” refers to the compass bearing where the antenna’s centerline is oriented. For this step, please make use of the NOAA Mobile Magnetic Declination calculator available online for precise measurements.
- Visit the NOAA site and access the NOAA Mobile Magnetic Declination Calculator to begin.
- It’s crucial to enable your device’s location services for NOAA to provide an accurate declination calculation.
- Select the “Compass” feature located at the bottom left of the page.
- Ensure your smartphone is positioned atop the small cell aligning its top edge (the side you typically listen from during a call) in the antenna’s direction.
- Capture and submit a photo showing the compass reading.
Note: Only the NOAA Mobile Magnetic Declination calculator is approved for azimuth calculations. Any submissions made with alternate apps or with NOAA’s location services turned off will not be accepted.
A demonstration photo may display an azimuth reading of 109 degrees.
STEP 9 – Measuring the Antenna Tilt
Determining the tilt of your antenna, known as the elevation angle, involves assessing whether it’s angled upwards or downwards. For an accurate and uniform approach, it’s recommended to use the Bubble Level application, available for both iOS and Android.
- Download and open the Bubble Level application on your smartphone. (IOS or Android)
- Position your phone flat atop the small cell antenna. Note that all approved outdoor cell models feature a level top surface designed perpendicular to the antenna’s face, suitable for supporting a smartphone.
- Snap a photo showcasing the tilt measurement as indicated by the app.
For example, a photo might illustrate a 3-degree downward tilt as measured by the Bubble Level app.
Please make sure your smartphone is correctly positioned on the antenna’s flat top, as depicted in the example photo, and use the suggested application. Failure to follow these guidelines could lead to your CPI application being declined.
STEP 10– Register small cell
With the necessary details and photographs of your small cell ready, proceed to submit them for CPI certification. Begin by navigating to the Helium Dashboard and access your small cell dashboard.
- Select the small cell Dashboard. If operating multiple small cells, verify the serial number to ensure you’re registering the correct device.
- Locate and click on “Register small cell” found at the dashboard’s lower left.
- Use the provided guide to accurately complete the registration form and upload your photographs.
- Finalize your submission by clicking ‘Submit.’
- Await email confirmation regarding your submission’s status, typically received within three days.
STEP 11 –Verify small cell is Online
After receiving confirmation of CPI approval, your small cell is set to function. Verify its active status by visiting the small cell Dashboard. Ensure the registration is marked as approved and all status indicators are green.
STEP 12 –Connect a mobile device to the Radio
FreedomFi SIM cards can be used to connect to and use your mobile devices with your network. The FreedomFi SIM card setup guide and verified device list is here.