AT&T Microcell User Manual

							AT&T MicroCell™
User Guide 
						

							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  9
Step 3: Activate your device online  9
Step 4: Wait while your device connects  10
Step 5: Confirm your success  10
Things to Know  11
TroubleshootingHelp with Activating your MicroCell 12
Help after Activating your MicroCell  15
Additional InformationUnderstanding the Lights on your 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
Table of Contents 
						

							5
AT&T MicroCell User Guide | Getting Started 
4
Getting to Know your Device Requirements
To use the AT&T MicroCell™, you will need:• 
Fixed broadband Internet service such as DSL, fi  ber, or cable. 
For best performance, download speeds of at least 1.5 Mbps 
and upload speeds of at least 256 Kbps are recommended. 
Not compatible with satellite and mobile broadband.
•  A dedicated Ethernet port available on your modem or router.• Computer with Internet access to activate your device.•  Device must be able to access a Global Positioning System 
(GPS) signal to verify the device location. Installation near a 
window is strongly recommended.
•  AT&T 3G, 4G, or 4G LTE wireless handset.
• Post paid wireless plan from AT&T
Package Contents• AT&T MicroCell™
•  Yellow Ethernet 
cable
•  AC power adapter
•  Quick Start 
•  User Guide
STATUS INDICATORSYour MicroCell uses indicator lights on the 
front of the device to show service status.DEVICE CONNECTIONSColor coded connection ports are located 
on the back of the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
I completed my MicroCell online 
activation 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 fi  rst fl  oor 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, 4G and 4G LTE 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 offi  ce. 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, 4G or 4G LTE wireless cell phone number to your approved 
user list, go to att.com/MicroCell  and 
manage your settings. 
IMPORTANT NOTE: When adding a wireless 
number to your approved user list, that 
handset will need to be restarted (turned 
off and back on again) when in range of your 
MicroCell.  This is a one-time occurrence and 
only needs to be done the fi  rst time you add 
the wireless number to your approved user 
list.
What type of Internet service does the 
MicroCell need?
The MicroCell uses high speed fi  xed 
broadband Internet service such as 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. Not compatible 
with satellite or mobile broadband. Contact 
your Internet Service Provider if your 
Internet service is slower than minimum 
requirements.
Etherne t
P
o werPower Ethernet GPS Network 
						

							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. 
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 for setup instructions 
and then update your account online 
 
with the new address by visiting   
att.com/MicroCell 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 www.att.com/mywireless.  Log 
in to your online wireless account, click 
the “I want to...” dropdown, hover the 
mouse over “Manage my plan & services”, 
and click “Add or change a service”.  
Scroll down and select “AT&T Unlimited 
MicroCell Calling.”
 
Is there a MicroCell Mobile App?
Yes, you can download the free MicroCell 
iPhone App at the Apple App Store.  The 
app allows you to activate and manage your 
MicroCell settings, including adding a new 
approved user, changing your location, and 
updating your email address. 
 
I have more questions.
For more information about your MicroCell, 
visit att.com/MicroCell.
Frequently Asked Questions (continued)Overview
This guide will take you step-by-step through configuration, 
activation, and confirmation. 
STEP 3
Activate your device online
STEP 5
Confirm your success
STEP 2
Power on your device
STEP 4
Wait while your device connects90MIN90MIN
STEP 1
Connect your device to the Internetwww
www
AT&T MicroCell User Guide | Getting Started   
						

							AT&T MicroCell User Guide | Getting Started 
89
If you completed online activation at the AT&T store, proceed to Step 4. 
Visit att.com/MicroCell-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 or AT&T Access ID, as well 
as your password.
•  If you haven’t set up an AT&T online wireless account, you’ll need to do so. 
E911 SERVICEYou were required to provide the address where the device will be located during the 
activation process. The location address you provided 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/MicroCell and manage your settings.
STEP 3
Activate your device online
www
STEP 1
Connect your device to the Internet
Connect the yellow Ethernet cable 
from the “Ethernet” port on your 
MicroCell to your modem or router.
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 fi  rst fl  oor 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).
STEP 2
Power on your device
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 fl  ash 
as a GPS signal is located and software is updated. 
						

							1011
Take a break!
You will receive a text message and email once activation 
is complete.
Visit att.com/MicroCell to learn more on how to get the 
most out of your MicroCell.  
STEP 4
Wait while your device connects
NOTE:It can take up to 90 
minutes from step 1 to 
complete activation. 
Your device may update 
and restart during this 
time.
STEP 5
Confirm your success
Your device is configured and working  
properly when:
• 
You receive a text message and an email confirmation.
•  The Network 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, 4G or 4G LTE 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 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, 4G or 4G LTE 
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. 
90MI
N
NOTE: Some mobile devices may display network provider information differently.
AT&TAT&T MicroCellAT&T M-Cellor
AT&T MicroCell User Guide | Getting Started   
						

							1213
Help with activating your MicroCell
STEP 1:
 Have you completed online activation?
NO:   Go  to 
att.com/MicroCell-Activate  and follow the instructions on the screen.
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 Network light solid green?
NO:    Follow the steps below in order, until the Network 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 Network light to turn solid green. In rare instances it may 
take up to 24 hours.
  •  You may need to change your modem or router settings.    
See the required firewall settings on page 23 or go to   
att.com/MicroCell-Help. 
YES:   Go to STEP #6.
STEP 6 :
 Does your 3G, 4G or 4G LTE 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, 4G or 4G LTE capable and 3G 
service is enabled in your device settings. The MicroCell only   
works with AT&T 3G, 4G or 4G LTE enabled cell phones.
 •   
Restart your 3G, 4G or 4G LTE cell phone. Turn your cell phone   
off and then turn it back on. 
 •   
Make sure your 3G, 4G or 4G LTE cell phone is on the approved 
user list for your MicroCell. Go to  att.com/MicroCell and  
manage your settings.
YES:      Your MicroCell is active and your device is connected successfully.
Troubleshooting
If your issue cannot be resolved via the troubleshooting steps provided in this section, 
please visit att.com/MicroCell-Help or call AT&T Support at 1-800-331-0500.
NOTE: Some mobile devices may display network provider information differently.
AT&TAT&T MicroCellAT&T M-Cellor
AT&T MicroCell User Guide | Troubleshooting  
						

							AT&T MicroCell User Guide | Troubleshooting
1415
Help with activating your MicroCell (continued) 
Help after activating your MicroCell
My Internet equipment isn’t near a window and I am unable to get 
a GPS lock
My 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 using 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. 
  For example, if your router is located on a different fl  oor or  part of the house where you want to place your MicroCell, 
powerline Ethernet adapters can be used to connect the MicroCell to the router through your electrical outlets. 
Connect the router to one adapter plugged into an 
electrical outlet. Then connect the MicroCell to an  adapter plugged into an electrical outlet in another part 
of your house so that the two can communicate via the 
electrical wiring.
  A minimum of two powerline Ethernet adapters are  required —one for the router and one for the MicroCell. 
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. 
  NOTE: Continue to keep your MicroCell and router 
plugged into an electrical outlet using the power cord 
provided with each device. •  
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 fl  oor, then move it off the fl  oor 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, fl  at 
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.  
I experience dropped calls on the MicroCell
My range of coverage on the MicroCell is limited
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 fi  rst fl  oor 
or above. If necessary, use a longer Ethernet cable 
or a Powerline Ethernet adapter (as described in the  previous solution).
UPLOAD
DOWNLOADTHROUGHPUT6MB
4MB 8MB
2MB 1\fMB
My range of coverage on the MicroCell is limited or
I experience dropped calls on the MicroCell 
						

							AT&T MicroCell User Guide | Troubleshooting
1617
•  
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). 
•    It is possible as you move around your home that your 
MicroCell is handing over your call to an AT&T cell tower, 
especially as you move further from the MicroCell.  To  reduce the potential dropped calls stemming from this, a new feature is now available to give you greater 
control over your MicroCell experience.  Please go  to  www.att.com/MicroCell and select the “Manage 
Settings” tab. Log into the MicroCell web portal with 
your Personal or Business account username and  password. On the “Manage your MicroCell settings 
page”, select “disable” automatic hand-out.  If you 
choose to disable automatic hand-out, this will apply to  all numbers on the approved user list. 
NOTE:  When automatic hand-out is disabled, MicroCell 
calls will drop when the handset is out of MicroCell range.   
As such, if you begin a call on your MicroCell, you will need  to stay within range of the MicroCell in order to avoid a 
dropped call.
Help after activating your MicroCell (continued) 
My range of coverage on the MicroCell is limited or
I experience dropped calls on the MicroCellI am not satisfi  ed with the voice quality on my MicroCell
My MicroCell was active, but now the Network light is fl  ashing 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.
•    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  Network light to turn solid green; OR
•   If your GPS light is also fl  ashing 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, 4G or 4G LTE cell phone. Turn your cell phone off and then turn 
it back on.    
•   If restarting your 3G, 4G or 4G LTE 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 Network  light to turn solid green.    
						

							1918
Status IndicatorLight 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
Ethernet
GPS
Status Indicator Light isThen...
Flashing Green 
Flashing Red 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. 
Network
Understanding the Lights on your MicroCell
AT&T MicroCell User Guide | Additional Information