Introduction

If you intend to integrate with MachineMetrics by connecting your machines through a cellular network, please review this article in detail before attempting your integration. If you plan to integrate your machines using a cradle point or via a wired or wireless network, please review the articles available for those specific network options instead. You can find all of our available network articles here.

This article provides detailed instructions for a successful connection to MachineMetrics through a cellular network, including an overview of the required hardware, as well as the necessary prep work for your network and machines.

Topics covered in this article

• Cellular Viability
• Preparing Your Machines
• MachineMetrics Edge Hardware
• MachineMetrics Edge Software
• Cellular USB Modem

Cellular Viability

For a successful cellular connection, the cellular USB modems provided by MachineMetrics will need to connect to an existing AT&T signal. You will need a cellular signal strength greater than 90 dBm available at each machine you intend to connect. If you aren't sure about your current cellular signal, please reference our knowledge base on how to test the strength of your cellular signal. 

If you have no cellular signal available near your machines, then a cellular connection is not an option. If you do have a cellular signal, but it is below the required 90 dBm specification, you can purchase a signal booster/repeater, and place it within 100ft of the machines you wish to integrate and retest the signal strength.

Preparing Your Machines

Someone within your organization familiar with your cellular signal should make sure you have a strong AT&T signal near each machine you plant to integrate. Cellular connected machines are completely separated from your network through a secure M2M network on MachineMetrics' custom API. Billing for this service is monthly at approximately $15 per month, per machine.

If your machine does not have an available throughput or sealed passthrough leading to and from the electrical cabinet, you will need to drill a 3/4 inch hole in order to accommodate the MachineMetrics Cellular USB modem. The cellular modem will be mounted to the outside of your machine and connected to a MachineMetrics Cellular-enabled Edge Device via a USB extension cable.

Note: If you will need access to your machine's control on your internal network, you will want to consider the wired integration option instead.

MachineMetrics Edge Hardware

Upon finalizing your contract with MachineMetrics, you should have been shipped a Cellular-enabled Edge Device for each machine you intend to connect. Please ensure you have the proper number of Edge Devices to complete your integration. If you appear to be missing any Edge Devices, please notify your customer success manager.