LTE Network Extender and CAP Machine

[skagmire]

I have a LTE Network Extender because my home is in a complete deadzone. I am also a CPAP user and my CPAP is able to communicate over cellphone networks to transmit data to my doctor directly. It is not able to connect to the Network Extender but I know that it can connect to the normal Verizon Network if it is moved somewhere that has network coverage.

I have the IMEI for the CPAP device, is there a way to whitelist or something so it is able to connect to my LTE Network Extender?

[jav6]

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@skagmire wrote:

I have a LTE Network Extender because my home is in a complete deadzone. I am also a CPAP user and my CPAP is able to communicate over cellphone networks to transmit data to my doctor directly. It is not able to connect to the Network Extender but I know that it can connect to the normal Verizon Network if it is moved somewhere that has network coverage.

I have the IMEI for the CPAP device, is there a way to whitelist or something so it is able to connect to my LTE Network Extender?

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Did it ever work where your CPAP device was able to connect or is this a new install of the extender?  Is your extender in OPEN, CLOSED or HYBRID access mode? Does your CPAP device have a cellular number associated with it?  Does your CPAP device configuration have a setting for 'Advanced Calling' which is required for phones to connect to the extender?  Maybe a Verizon  @vzw_customer_support  agent can research this issue to confirm whether a CPAP device is compatible with the LTE Network Extender?

[skagmire]

The extender is currently set to Hybrid (and stuck on that due to a known bug).

The CPAP machine has never been able to connect to it and it has very limited settings available; Basically enough to see the IMEI and that's about it. I know it has one of those prepaid mutli service radios in it, like a spypoint trail cam has, that can connect to multiple providers but isn't considered a first class device and gets deprioritized on the network. It also doesn't get provided a phone number.

I mainly put this post out there to see if anyone else has had any luck getting a device like this able to connect or to try and get @vzw_customer_support to help out. I've tried calling in for tech support but I always get routed to somewhere not helpful because this isn't an issue with one of my phones.

[SynthpopAddict]

Can your CPAP connect to WiFi to send the information, or is there a way to connect it to a wired internet connection via an ethernet cable?  From what you're describing, it sounds like the Verizon network extender isn't compatible with the CPAP.  I'd check with your CPAP's manufacturer on alternate ways to connect to the internet, if your cellular service isn't adequate for it to connect directly to the cellular network.

[skagmire]

No, it is only able to connect via cellular services. I wish WiFi was an option.

[jav6]

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@skagmire wrote:

No, it is only able to connect via cellular services. I wish WiFi was an option.

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I suspect connecting to the LTE Network Extender requires the device to have a cellular number associated with it in order to be routed/billed properly by the network.  Still waiting for a response from @vzw_customer_support .

The User Manual refers to 'connected devices' as mobile phones, tablets or other 4G LTE devices.

[Fdbk]

My CPAP device is embedded with LTE Cat-M1 & Bluetooth and connects to the extender's Band 13 (700MHz) without any issues. In addition, I'm able to utilize the manufacture's app to sync the data using Bluetooth to transmit over my phone's cellular or Wi-Fi signal. I would recommend trying the following:

1. Have support remove the extender off the account and reactivate it. The extender then should receive a call from the HeMS to reset and a configuration change to Open access mode.

2. Check that the Transmit Power range is set to 100% in the extender's local admin GUI .

3. Check what the extender band is on with your smartphone connected to it. This step varies by iOS and Android with a service code or app. On iOS dial *3001#12345#* to access the FTM Dashboard. If is not on Band 13, have support file a NRB ticket for their network team to change the band to 13. Once the ticket has been worked, it will send down the configuration change and reboot the extender.

[jav6]

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@Fdbk wrote:

My CPAP device is embedded with LTE Cat-M1 & Bluetooth and connects to the extender's Band 13 (700MHz) without any issues. In addition, I'm able to utilize the manufacture's app to sync the data using Bluetooth to transmit over my phone's cellular or Wi-Fi signal. 

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Thanks, @Fdbk for sharing your experience. It appears the CPAP device connects via Bluetooth to your phone/app and the phone is connected to the wireless network via the LTE Network Extender. Or  are you saying your CPAP device shows as a connected device on your Extender's admin status page? Hopefully, your steps for solving the problem will help.

[Fdbk]

@jav6 my CPAP connects to the extender using its own internal cellular modem. It will only show as a connected device in the extender's admin page if it's actively transmitting data over the network at that time of checking. Regardless, the CPAP device still remains connected to the extender. Within the settings, I'm able to see the cellular info such as provider, technology type, the signal dbm value and IMEI. As to the app, in the event the CPAP losses cellular connection, it allows me to connect to it using its Bluetooth connection and manage it/sync from my phone.