Helium - Outdoor Small Cell Install Guide - Part 1
This installation guide is specific for setting up the MosoLabs Outdoor Small Cell for the Helium network.
Installation Steps
Step 1 – Preparation
Step 2 – Initial Connectivity Setup
Step 3 – Verify Connectivity Status
Step 4 – Outdoor Small Cell Installation
Step 5 – Small Cell Registration
STEP 1 - Preparation
Before you install your small cell, it is recommended that you unbox your small cell and become familiar with the kit contents. Your MosoLabs outdoor HGO small cell kit contains the items listed below.
This guide assumes that your FreedomFi gateway or Bobcat Bobber 500 is already set up and is running and the gateway software is updated to 1.12.2 or later.
IMPORTANT: Before you install your MosoLabs small cell, you will need to setup your gateway. The instructions for this can be found here:
FreedomFi Gateway: https://freedomfi.com/freedomfi-gateway-setup-guide/
Bobcat Bobber 500: Bobber 500 – Bobcat Knowledge Center (zendesk.com)
Make sure to complete setup your Gateway before installing your small cell.
MosoLabs' Outdoor Small Cell requires the gateway to be running firmware version 1.12.2 or later. If your FreedomFi Gateway is on an older firmware version, it update within 2 hours if onboarded to Helium and online. You can check the firmware version on the FreedomFi Gateway Dashboard: http://freedomfi-gateway.local or the Bobcat Bobber 500: bobber-gateway.local
If it is failing to get the update after this time period, there is likely an internet connection issue. Please reach out to us at support@mosolabs.com and put in a FreedomFi support ticket here: FreedomFi Customer Support Portal
Outdoor Small Cell Kit Contents
Before you install your small cell, it is recommended
that you unbox your small cell and become familiar with the kit contents. Your MosoLabs indoor small cell kit contains the items listed below.
Additional Required NOT INCLUDED Items
Here is a helpful explanation of different ethernet
categories: https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/different-types-of-ethernet-cables-explained/
Step 2 - Initial Connectivity Setup
To start, we will be placing the Outdoor small cell inside near a window and next to your network gear to confirm a set of preliminary checks. This validates that things are working before the outdoor small cell is deployed to its permanent location where it may be difficult to access.
STEP 2.1 - Connect POE+ Injector
Connect the included POE+ Injector to a wall socket or a UPS. The POE+ injector should be installed indoors as it is not weatherproof. Extension cords (especially daisy-chained) are not recommended.
STEP 2.2 - Connect Ethernet cable to POE+ Injector
Connect the Ethernet cable to the port labeled LAN on the POE+ injector.
STEP 2.3 - Connect the Ethernet cable to the Gateway
Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the port labeled eNB1 the FreedomFi Gateway
STEP 2.4 - Connect POE+ Ethernet Cable to the POE+ Injector
Connect an outdoor-rated Ethernet cable to the port labeled “POE” on the POE+ injector. The length of this cable should be long enough to reach the permanent location where you want to deploy the small cell. This will be the only cable that you need to route outside.
NOTE: Ethernet cables must be 330ft/100m or less in total length.
Here is an example: Outdoor Rated Cable
STEP 2.5 - Connect POE+ Ethernet cable to the Outdoor Small Cell
Assemble the weather seal around the end of your Ethernet cable.
Connect the other end of the outdoor rated Ethernet cable to the Outdoor small cell POE+ labeled port.
Note: The rubber seal splits so it can be attached around the cable easily
Connect the other end of the outdoor rated Ethernet cable to the Outdoor small cell POE+ labeled port (the top Ethernet port with a weatherproof dust cap).
For now, don't worry about the location of the outdoor small cell. We will be moving the outdoor small cell to a permanent location at a later point, but it is best to connect the cables while inside to make sure things are working.
STEP 3 - Verify Connectivity Status
Visit the small cell dashboard using: http://freedomfi-gateway.local for the FreedomFi Gateway or bobber-gateway.local Bobcat Bobber 500 from a computer or phone connected to the same network as the gateway (WiFi or Ethernet connection is fine).
Select “Radio Dashboard” to see the status of your connected small cell. If all goes well, you should see the following in the dashboard: Spectrum Access will be “TRYING” and On Air will be “OFF” until the small cell registration is submitted and approved.
If you do not see the Radio Dashboard, then double check the connections you made in the prior steps above and verify your cables are all firmly connected and devices powered on.
On To Part 2!
Once you see the Radio Dashboard similar to the image shown, then you are ready to proceed to the actual outdoor installation/mounting and registration in the next steps.