AT&T 3G Microcell User manual

							AT&T 3G MicroCell™
User Manual 
						

							Getting StartedRequirements 4
Getting To Know Your Device  4
Frequently Asked Questions  5
Overview 7
Step 1: Connect your device to the Internet  8
Step 2: Power on your device  10
Step 3: Activate your device online  10
Step 4: Wait while your device connects  10
Step 5: Confirm your success!  11
TroubleshootingHelp With Activating Your 3G MicroCell  12
Help After Activating Your 3G MicroCell  15
Alternate Connection  17
OtherDecoding The Lights On Your 3G MicroCell  18
Important Safety Instructions  20
Firewall Settings  23
Specifications 23
RF Exposure  24
FCC Compliance  24
Index 26
One-Year Limited Warranty  Back Cover
AT&T 3G MicroCell™
User Manual | Table of Contents 
						

							AT&T 3G MicroCell™ User Manual | Getting Started 
45
Getting To Know Your Device Requirements
To use the AT&T 3G MicroCell™, you need:  » High speed Internet service over U-verse®, DSL, or cable. For best 
performance, download speeds of at least 1.5 Mbps and upload 
speeds of at least 256 Kbps are recommended. There are no 
restrictions on broadband service providers. Satellite Internet 
service is not supported.
  » Modem or optional wireless router.
  » Computer with Internet access to activate your device.In the box  » AT&T 3G MicroCell™
  » Yellow Ethernet 
Cable
  » AC Power Adapter
  » Quick Start Guide
  » User Manual
STATUS INDICATORSYour MicroCell uses indicator lights on the 
front of the device to show service status.HARDWARE PORTSColor coded connection ports are located 
on the back of the device.
Computer
Ethernet
PowerPower
Ethernet
GPS
Computer
3G
Frequently Asked Questions
I activated my MicroCell at the 
AT&T store. Do I have to do it again?
No, you can skip Step 3 and proceed to 
Step 4 of the setup process.
What’s the best location for the 
MicroCell?
Your MicroCell works best within three 
feet of a window and not in a basement 
or closet. You will improve the chances of 
receiving a GPS signal when you install 
your MicroCell:
  » On first floor or above basement level.
  » Next to a window with a clear, 
unobstructed view of the sky.
  » At least one foot away from other 
wireless broadcasting devices.
  » When the weather is clear (no clouds 
or rain).
Will all cell phones work with my 
MicroCell?
All 3G cell phones that receive wireless 
service from AT&T will work with the 
MicroCell if they are added online to the 
MicroCell’s approved user list.
Do I need to change any settings on 
my AT&T cell phone to make it work 
with my MicroCell?
No, you don’t have to change anything on 
your phone. If your AT&T cell phone number 
is on your approved user list, it should work. 
What is an approved user list?
The approved user list contains the phone 
numbers of friends, family and associates 
that you allow to use your MicroCell while 
they are at your home or office. You can 
only add people to this list who have an 
AT&T wireless service plan. When they 
make phone calls, they will use their own 
minutes and service plan. To add an AT&T 
3G cell phone number to your approved 
user list, go to att.com/3GMicroCell and 
manage your settings.
What type of Internet service does the 
MicroCell need?
The MicroCell uses high speed 
Internet service over U-verse, DSL, or cable. 
For best performance, your service should 
have download speeds of at least 1.5 Mbps 
and upload speeds of at least 256 Kbps. 
You can use any high speed Internet service 
provider. Satellite Internet service is not 
supported. Contact your Internet Service 
Provider if your Internet service is slower 
than minimum requirements. 
						

							AT&T 3G MicroCell™ User Manual | Getting Started 
67 Why did my MicroCell lights go 
off during activation?
Your MicroCell automatically checks 
for software updates each time you 
turn it on. If necessary, the MicroCell 
downloads updated software and then 
restarts.  
Will my MicroCell slow down my 
network?
The MicroCell takes up very little of your 
bandwidth. Downloading music, videos, or 
other large files may impact the bandwidth 
available for your MicroCell and affect voice 
quality. 
How do I improve the voice quality?
   
 
 
Use the Alternate Connection on page 
17 to ensure that you’re getting the best 
possible voice quality for phone calls made 
using the 3G MicroCell signal. 
Should I use my MicroCell for data 
instead of Wi-Fi?
The MicroCell supports data usage.  
However, it is not intended to be a 
replacement for your wireless network 
(Wi-Fi). Data over Wi-Fi doesn’t affect 
your wireless plan and provides best 
performance for Wi-Fi capable cell phones 
and other devices. The MicroCell is a 
great supplement for data on cell phones 
that aren’t Wi-Fi capable.How do I move my MicroCell to a new 
location?
Use the Quick Start Guide for setup 
instructions and then update your account 
online with the new address by visiting 
att.com/3GMicroCell and manage your 
settings.
NOTE: The new location must be in an area 
where AT&T is licensed to provide service.
How do I purchase the Unlimited 
MicroCell Calling feature?
   
 
 
Go to wireless.att.com.  Log in to your 
online wireless account and click “Manage 
Features” and select “AT&T Unlimited 
MicroCell Calling.”
 
I have more questions.
For more information about your MicroCell, 
visit att.com/3GMicroCell.
Frequently Asked Questions (cont.) Overview
This guide will take you step-by-step through 
configuration, activation, and confirmation. 
STEP 2
Power on your device.
STEP 3
Activate your device online.
STEP 5
Confirm your success!
STEP 1
Connect your device to the Internet.
STEP 4
Wait while your device connects.
www
90MIN 
						

							AT&T 3G MicroCell™ User Manual | Getting Started 
89
STEP 1
Connect your device to the Internet.
Select the configuration option that’s right for you to connect your device. 
PLACEMENT TIPSYour MicroCell works best within three feet of a window and not in 
a basement or closet.
You will improve the chances of receiving a GPS signal when you install your MicroCell:
  » On first floor or above basement level.
  » Next to a window with a clear, unobstructed view of the sky.
  » At least one foot away from other wireless broadcasting devices. 
  » When the weather is clear (no clouds or rain).
1. Disconnect the existing Ethernet 
cable from your modem and connect 
it to the “Computer” port on your 
MicroCell. 
I do not have 
a network. I have a network.
2. Connect the yellow Ethernet cable 
to the “Ethernet” port on your 
MicroCell and the Ethernet port on 
your modem.
E911 SERVICEThe location address you provide during online activation is sent to local emergency 
responders and must be kept up to date if you move your device. To update your 
location address information, visit att.com/3GMicroCell and manage your settings.1. Connect the yellow Ethernet cable 
from the “Ethernet” port on your 
MicroCell to your router. 
						

							AT&T 3G MicroCell™ User Manual | Getting Started 
1011
Visit att.com/3GMicroCell-Activate and follow 
the instructions on the screen.
You’ll need the following
  » Serial Number (S/N)–it’s on the bottom of the device or the 
box label.
  » Your AT&T wireless phone number/user name and password. 
If you haven’t set up an AT&T online wireless account, you’ll 
need to do so.
Proceed to Step 4 if you completed online activation at the 
AT&T store.
Take a break!You will receive a text message and email once activation 
is complete.
Visit att.com/3GMicroCell to learn more on how to get 
the most out of your MicroCell.  
STEP 2
Power on your device.
STEP 3
Activate your device online.
STEP 4
Wait while your device connects.
Connect your MicroCell to a power outlet with 
the AC Power Adapter.
The Power light on the front of the device will come on 
immediately.  Within a few minutes, other lights will flash 
as a GPS signal is located and software is updated.
NOTE:Hold on to this 
manual; you’ll come 
back to it after you 
activate your device.
NOTE:It can take up to 90 
minutes to complete 
activation. Your 
device may update 
and restart during 
this time.
www
90MIN
STEP 5
Confirm your success!
Your device is configured and working 
properly when:
  » You receive a text message and an email confirmation.
  » The 3G light on your MicroCell is solid and green.
  » Your cell phone shows “AT&T MicroCell” or “AT&T M-Cell” 
instead of “AT&T” as the network provider (as shown below).
Cell phones may take some time to 
switch to the MicroCell.
Your cell phone may not immediately 
switch to your MicroCell when you enter 
its coverage area. Depending on the signal 
strength of the AT&T cell tower, the time for 
your cell phone to switch to the MicroCell 
can vary. It may take seconds or up to five 
minutes. 
Connecting to the MicroCell doesn’t 
always mean unlimited calling.
You can purchase AT&T Unlimited 
MicroCell Calling for an individual phone 
number, your whole account or use your 
existing wireless plan minutes. Other 
3G cell phone owners on your approved 
user list also use their existing wireless 
plan minutes unless they purchase the 
Unlimited MicroCell Calling feature. Calls transfer out, but don’t transfer in.
Calls seamlessly transfer from the 
MicroCell to the strongest available AT&T 
cell tower signal. However, calls initiated 
on the cell tower do not transfer to the 
MicroCell.
NOTE: With the optional Unlimited 
MicroCell Calling feature, calls that 
originate on the MicroCell and transfer to 
a nearby AT&T cell tower continue on as 
unlimited.
Restarting fixes most problems. 
Like many electronic devices, the 
MicroCell and your 3G cell phone may 
occasionally need to be rebooted (turned 
off and back on again) to reestablish their 
connection to each other. 
Things To Know
NOTE:You may need to 
restart your cell 
phone for “AT&T 
MicroCell” or “AT&T 
M-Cell” to appear. 
AT&TAT&T MicroCellAT&T M-Cellor
NOTE: Some mobile devices will display items differently. 
						

							AT&T 3G MicroCell™ User Manual | Troubleshooting
1213
Troubleshooting
If your issue cannot be resolved via the troubleshooting steps provided in this section, 
please visit att.com/3GMicroCell-Help or call AT&T Support at 1-800-331-0500.
Help With Activating Your 3G MicroCell
STEP 1: Have you completed online activation?
NO:  Go to 
att.com/3GMicroCell-Activate. 
YES:  Go to STEP #2.
STEP 2: Is your power light flashing red?
NO: Go to STEP #3. 
YES:  
 
Return your MicroCell to the place of purchase for 
replacement.
STEP 3: Have you waited a full 90 minutes after completing 
online activation and connecting your MicroCell to your 
broadband connection?
NO: 
 
Please wait the full 90 minutes. Do not restart your MicroCell prior to 90 minutes as this will delay your activation time.
YES:  Go to STEP #4.
STEP 4: Is your GPS light solid green?
NO:  
Refer to page 5 “What’s the best location for the 
MicroCell” for placement tips. Once you have moved the 
device, wait 60 minutes for your GPS light to turn solid green.  
In rare instances it may take up to 24 hours.
  If you need to relocate your MicroCell beyond the reach of 
your Ethernet cable, refer to page 14 “My Internet equipment 
isn’t near a window and I am unable to get a GPS lock” under 
the second bullet.
YES:  Go to STEP #5.
90MIN
WWW
STEP 5: Is your 3G light solid green?
NO:  
Follow the steps below in order, until the 3G light is solid green:
 •  Make sure the address you used during online activation 
matches the location of your MicroCell. 
 •  Restart your MicroCell. Unplug the power adapter from the 
wall outlet, wait 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait 30 minutes 
for the 3G light to turn solid green. In rare instances it may take 
up to 24 hours.
 •  
Change to Alternate Connection on page 17, if you previously 
used the “I have a network” connection on page 9.
 •  You may need to change your modem or router settings.  
See the required firewall settings on page 23 or go to 
att.com/3GMicroCell-Help. 
YES:  Go to STEP #6.
STEP 6: Does your 3G cell phone display “AT&T MicroCell” or 
“AT&T M-Cell” on the idle screen (as shown below)?
NO:  Follow the steps below in order, until “AT&T MicroCell” or 
“AT&T M-Cell” appears:
  •  
Make sure your cell phone is 3G capable and 3G service is 
enabled in your device settings. The MicroCell only works with 
AT&T 3G enabled cell phones.
 •  
Restart your 3G cell phone. Turn your cell phone off and 
then turn it back on.  Or, in your cell phone settings, access 
“Airplane Mode” and turn it on then off, or “Mobile Network 
Connection” and turn it off then on.
 •  
Make sure your 3G cell phone is on the approved user list 
for your MicroCell. Go to att.com/3GMicroCell and manage 
your settings.
YES:    Your MicroCell is active and your device is connected successfully.
AT&TAT&T MicroCellAT&T M-Cellor
NOTE: Some mobile devices will display items differently. 
						

							AT&T 3G MicroCell™ User Manual | Troubleshooting
1415
Help With Activating Your 3G MicroCell (cont.)  Help After Activating Your 3G MicroCell
My Internet equipment isn’t near a window and I am unable to 
get a GPS lockMy range of coverage on the MicroCell is limited
or
I experience dropped calls on the MicroCell
I can’t get my MicroCell to activate in my basement
•  Use a longer Ethernet cable to move your MicroCell closer  
to a window with a clear, unobstructed view of the sky.
•  If a longer Ethernet cable will not resolve the issue, then 
Powerline Ethernet adapters are available which use your 
electrical outlets to provide Internet connections to areas 
away from existing Internet equipment. 
  A minimum of two HomePlug AV or equivalent devices are 
required. AT&T offers a HomePlug AV starter kit online at 
att.com/equipment/accessories/network-equipment.jsp. 
Similar devices are also available at local electronic stores. •  If your MicroCell is located next to or in close proximity 
to another wireless broadcasting device, move the 
MicroCell at least one foot away from that device.
•  If your MicroCell is located:
 >  On the floor, then move it off the floor and onto a desk 
or table;
 >  In a cabinet or closet, then move it out of the cabinet 
or closet;
 >  Behind or next to any furniture or other insulated or 
radiating devices (such as a couch, microwave, flat 
panel TV, etc.) that may interfere with the MicroCell’s 
broadcasting signal, then move it to a new location 
where there is nothing blocking the MicroCell.
•  If re-locating your MicroCell does not resolve the issue or 
does not apply to you, then run a speed test at 
att.com/speedtest to ensure your broadband 
connection meets minimum requirements of 1.5 Mbps 
download and 256 Kbps upload speeds. If necessary, 
upgrade to a higher broadband speed.
•  If your broadband meets minimum requirements, then 
place your MicroCell in a central location of your 
residence or in a location where your MicroCell is used 
most frequently.  If necessary, use a longer Ethernet 
cable or a Powerline Ethernet adapter (as described on 
page 14 “My Internet equipment isn’t near a window and 
I am unable to get a GPS lock” in the second bullet). 
1 foot
• Move your MicroCell to within 3 feet of a window with a 
clear, unobstructed view of the sky.  
•  If your basement does not have windows, then it may 
be necessary to re-locate the MicroCell to the first floor 
or above. If necessary, use a longer Ethernet cable or a 
Powerline Ethernet adapter (as described in the above 
solution).
UPLOAD DOWNLOADTHROUGHPUT6MB
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							AT&T 3G MicroCell™ User Manual | Troubleshooting
1617
Help After Activating Your 3G MicroCell (cont.)
Alternate Connection
STEP 1.  Disconnect the existing Ethernet cable between your modem and 
router from your modem.
STEP 2.  Connect the existing Ethernet cable to the “Computer” port on your 
MicroCell (the other end should still be connected to your router). 
STEP 3.  Connect the yellow Ethernet cable to the “Ethernet” port on your 
MicroCell and the Ethernet port on your modem.
STEP 4.  Wait up to 90 minutes for your 3G light to turn solid green.
Alternate Connection(MicroCell is placed between your Router and Modem)
I am not satisfied with the voice quality on my MicroCell
My MicroCell was active, but now the 3G light is flashing green
My cell phone does not display “AT&T MicroCell” or “AT&T M-Cell”
•  Run a speed test at att.com/speedtest to ensure your broadband connection 
meets minimum requirements of 1.5 Mbps download and 256 Kbps upload 
speeds. If necessary, upgrade to a higher broadband speed.
•  If your broadband meets minimum requirements and if you previously used 
the “I have a network” connection on page 9, then change to the Alternate 
Connection on page 17. 
•   
Restart your MicroCell. Unplug the power adapter from the wall outlet, wait 10 
seconds, then plug it back in. It may take an additional 30 minutes for the 3G light 
to turn solid green; OR
•  If your GPS light is also flashing and you’ve moved your MicroCell from its original 
position where it obtained a solid GPS light, then move it back to the original 
position.   
•  Restart your 3G cell phone. Turn your cell phone off and then turn it back on.  
Or in your cell phone settings, access “Airplane Mode” and turn it on then off, or 
“Mobile Network Connection” and turn it off then on.  
•  If restarting your 3G cell phone does not resolve the issue, then restart your MicroCell. 
Unplug the power adapter from the wall outlet, wait 10 seconds, then plug it back in. 
It may take an additional 30 minutes for the 3G light to turn solid green.  
This Alternate Connection should be used if:
  » You are unable to activate your MicroCell using the “I have a network” connection 
on page 9.
  » You are experiencing voice quality issues and are a heavy Internet bandwidth user.
 NOTE: This connection can only be used if you have both a modem and router.
STEP 1 STEP 2
STEP 3Modem Router 
						

							AT&T 3G MicroCell™ User Manual | Other
1819
Status Indicator
Light isThen...
Your MicroCell may need replacement. 
Return it to the place of purchase.
A cable may be disconnected. Make sure that all 
cables are firmly attached. 
It is normal for this light to flash for up to 
3 minutes. If flashing continues for more than 
3 minutes, make sure your MicroCell is connected 
correctly and that all cables are firmly attached. 
Then, restart all devices. 
The MicroCell is not receiving a GPS signal. 
This is normal when connecting your MicroCell for 
the first time.  
If the light is off after a successful activation, 
restart the MicroCell and wait until it acquires a 
new GPS signal. You may need to wait up to 
60 minutes to get a new signal. 
If the light remains off after 60 minutes, contact 
AT&T Support at 1-800-331-0500 for assistance.
If the light is still flashing 60 minutes after 
connecting your MicroCell for the first time, your 
MicroCell cannot receive a GPS signal. Refer to 
Step 4 on page 12.  Red
Off
Flashing
Off
Flashing Green
Power
EthernetComputer
GPS
Status Indicator Light is Then...
Off
Flashing Green
Flashing Green 
Flashing RedThis is normal if you used the “I have a network” 
connection on page 9.  
If your MicroCell is connected using the “I do not 
have a network” connection on page 9 or the 
Alternate Connection on page 17, check that
all cables are firmly connected.
 
A flashing green light is normal if your MicroCell 
is connected using the “I do not have a 
network” connection on page 9 or the Alternate 
Connection on page 17. Your computer is 
transferring data. 
The MicroCell may be activating or downloading 
new software. 
During the activation process, it can take up 
to 90 minutes for your MicroCell to complete 
activation. 
If the light is still flashing after 90 minutes, refer 
to Step 5 on page 13. 
There may be a problem with your device. 
Contact AT&T Support at 1-800-331-0500 
for assistance. 
3G
Decoding The Lights On Your 3G MicroCell