Slow or Unstable Connection on Cellular Flexy
This article describes how to view a Flexy’s exact cell reception as well as some strategies for improving that reception if it’s inadequate.
Issue/Question/Symptom:
Poor cell reception can cause connection instability, slow file transfers, or an outright inability to connect. Ewons measure their cell signal from 0 to 31, with a minimum value of 18 being recommended for a stable connection.
This guide assumes the Flexy is equipped with the right modem for the desired network, a valid and active SIM card, and the correct information to connect to that network.
To view the signal directly:
- Navigate to Setup → System → Communication → Networking → Internet Connection → Modem → Interface
- The value will be in parentheses next to the signal bars near the top
Or alternatively:
- Navigate to Diagnostic → Files Transfer → estat.htm
- Check the value GsmSignal
To load the signal into a tag:
- Create a new tag, named whatever you’d like
- Set the Server Name to EWON and the Topic Name to SYS
- Use GSM_LEV as the address
Affected Devices/Environments:
- Flexy series with cellular extension card
Possible Causes:
- The Ewon’s positioning
- If the Ewon is in the middle of a large room, it may have trouble receiving cell signals from outside
- Being located on the ground floor of a larger building or in the basement of any building can also impact reception
- Metallic materials nearby
- A cellular Ewon should not be mounted inside a metal equipment cabinet unless it’s using a cabled antenna that runs outside the cabinet
- Interference from electrical equipment like:
- High frequency drives
- Transformers
- The cellular network’s performance in the area
- A rate limited IoT plan
Troubleshooting Steps:
- Verify the hardware being used
- Is the modem appropriate for your network?
- Is the SIM card active and inserted correctly?
- Verify the information used to connect
- The error eppp-PPP negociation failed. (user/password/pap-chap?) indicates an issue with the APN, username, or password
- Your carrier should tell you what APN to use
- In most cases, username and password aren’t needed
- If possible, place the Flexy near a window
- Use HMS’s cabled antenna for 4G (part number FAC90901_0100)
- Be mindful of third party options, which may have issues due to different supported frequencies, excessive length, or too many joints degrading the signal
- Check for nearby EMI emitters like high frequency drives
- If you have access to another device using the same cell network, look at its reception at your site
- Ensure both the Flexy and its modem are on the latest firmware
- Update your Flexy’s firmware using eBuddy
- Modem firmware: Ewon Technical Support - Modem Firmware - Version & Update
Keywords:
Slow connection; Unstable connection; Bad reception; Cell signal; Flexy cellular; FLB 3203; FLB 3204; FLB 3205; FLB 3209; APN; error eppp-PPP negociation failed;
