Things to Keep in Mind Before Getting Started
Performance Expectations: By aligning the high-gain directional antenna with precision, the SOCA system helps maximize the router’s performance. However, overall speed and reliability will still depend on the strength and quality of the cellular signal available at your location.
Component Placement: When choosing a location for the SOCA rotator, controller, and router, take cable lengths into consideration. The bundle includes a 50 ft Power/Comm cable to connect the SOCA rotator to the controller, and about 40 ft of coax cable segments to connect the XPOL panel antenna to the controller. A 3 ft coax jumper cable connects the controller to the router. Be sure to select locations that allow cables to comfortably reach their connection points without strain.
Smart SOCA Requires an Internet Connection: The Smart SOCA needs an internet connection to communicate with Cellular Path’s servers, allowing it to transmit detailed RF data to the portal and receive remote alignment commands. This connection can be provided through a local WiFi, Max BR1 Mini 5G router’s WiFi, or the cellular network using a SIM card.
Step-by-Step Installation
Step 1: Set Up Peplink Max BR1 Mini 5G Router
1.1) Use a Philips screwdriver to remove the SIM card cover from the router. It supports Nano SIMs (4FF). Insert an active SIM into slot A. If using the dual-SIM functionality for extra redundancy, insert the second active SIM into slot B. Two eSIM profiles are available.
NOTE:
SIM cards for the router are not included in the bundle. They must be obtained from your desired cellular provider(s) with a data plan that meets your needs.
1.2) Connect two cellular antennas to cellular ports C and D. Connect the two WiFi antennas to the “WiFi” ports. The outdoor-mounted XPOL panel antenna will connect to cellular ports A and B later.
1.3) Place the router where you want it to live, keeping in mind the cable lengths from the SOCA rotator and outdoor antenna. Plug the power supply to the router and wall outlet.
1.4) Connect a computer to the router via Ethernet or WiFi to finalize initial setup. Open your web browser and enter 192.168.50.1 to access the admin portal. Log in using “admin” for both the username and password. Set a new admin portal password and follow the Setup Wizard to set up the BR1 Mini's main operational parameters.
Suggestion:
Record your router's 2.4 GHz SSID and password, as well as your router's admin and password details, as they will be needed later if connecting the SOCA to WiFi.
Step 2: Mount Smart SOCA Rotator
2.1) Keeping in mind that a 50 ft Power/Comm cable will need to be routed inside from the SOCA rotator to the controller, carefully choose the mounting location of the rotator. It can be mounted to a mounting pole or existing mast with a diameter of 1” to 2.25” to ensure a secure fit.
2.2) Use the v-bolt nuts to loosely attach the v-bolts with clamps to the rotator. Remove the clamps from the v-bolts if mounting to a pole with a diameter of 1.5” to 2.25”.
2.3) Slide the rotator down onto the mounting pole. It should sit one to two inches below the top of the mounting pole. Securely tighten the v-bolt nuts.
2.4) Attach the rotator pole by aligning the notch in the rotator pole with the tab on the rotator. Secure it with the rotator pole screws.
2.5) Connect the Power/Comm cable to the M12 connector located on the bottom of the rotator.
Step 3: Mount Yagi Antenna & Install Lightning Surge Protector
3.1) Secure the Yagi antenna to the rotator pole using the provided antenna mounting hardware.
3.2) The antenna has two ports. Connect the 6 ft coax cable to one port, then attach the lightning surge protector, followed by the 30 ft coax cable.
Note:
Don't forget to ground the lighting surge protector using a solid copper grounding wire (sold separately).
3.3) For 2x2 MIMO functionality, connect the 40 ft coax cable to the second antenna port.
Step 4: Route Cables Indoors
4.1) Affix the antenna’s coax cable to the rotator pole by placing the cable clip just above the rotator pole screws.
4.2) Zip tie the coax and Power/Comm cables to the mounting pole for clean cable management. Make sure to leave some coax cable slack (about 6”) below the clip to accommodate 360° antenna rotation.
4.3) Run cables inside toward the controller and router. This could be done through gooseneck pipes, attic vents, server risers, conduits, or drilling a new entry hole if needed.
Tip:
We recommend adding a drip loop before the cables enter your building and weatherproofing all outdoor connections.
Step 5: Set Up Smart SOCA Controller
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5.1) If you don’t have permission to connect the Smart SOCA to your WiFi network, an active SIM card is required. A Verizon SIM card with 1 year of service is included in the bundle. Remove the SIM card cover and insert the SIM with the chip facing down. Secure the cover back in place.
Note:
The included 1GB Verizon SIM card is optional. You’re free to use an active SIM card from your cellular provider of choice. Regardless of which carrier’s SIM is in use, the Smart SOCA will still scan all available cellular networks, provide detailed RF data, and align the antenna with your selected carrier's best available cell tower.
5.2) Connect the Power/Comm cable to the “ROTATOR” port and the coax cable to the “ANTENNA IN” port.
5.3) Connect the Power/Comm cable to the “ROTATOR” port and the coax cable with the lightning surge protector to the “ANTENNA IN” port.
5.4) Use the 3 ft cable to connect the controller to the router. Attach one end to the controller’s “CABLE OUT” port, and the other to the router’s “Cellular A” port. Connect the 40 ft cable to the “Cellular B” port on the router. Ensure all cables are securely connected before proceeding.
Step 6: Finalize SOCA System Setup Through App
6.1) Download the free Cellular Path app, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
6.2) Open the app and create an account. Allow Cellular Path to find Bluetooth devices if permission pops up.
6.3) Assign a location to the system. This is especially useful for integrators, managed service providers, and multi-property owners managing multiple SOCA deployments. Once filled in, tap “Create Location”.
6.4) Use the drop-down menu to select “Smart SOCA” in the “Choose Your Product” field. Once selected, the cellular router fields will disappear as those only apply to the No-Modem SOCA system. Tap “Continue”.
6.5) In the next two screens, confirm that the external hardware and internal hardware have been installed and continue. Don’t worry about downloading the install guides, as all external and internet hardware setup instructions have been covered in the previous steps.
6.6) For the initial setup, your device needs to connect to the controller via Bluetooth. Ensure the Bluetooth setting on your phone is toggled on and tap “Search for SOCA”. Select the detected device. The app will generate a Bluetooth pin. Copy it, tap “Connect Now”, and paste it in the next screen when prompted. Select “Pair Now” and wait a few seconds while your device pairs with the controller. Once connected successfully, tap “Continue”.
6.7) Add your WiFi or SIM card details to connect the Smart SOCA to the internet.If using WiFi, select your 2.4 GHz WiFi network and enter your WiFi password, then click “Continue”. The SOCA can be connected to a local WiFi or the Peplink BR1 Mini 5G Router’s WiFi.If unable to use a WiFi network, a SIM card is required to use the cellular network. Make sure the SIM card is inserted correctly in the Smart SOCA controller, and tap “Use SIM Card”. Some SIM cards may require entering an APN (Access Point Name). If prompted and the APN is unknown, contact your cellular provider.
6.8) Verify the SOCA’s location by granting location access. This allows Cellular Path to provide accurate data for your SOCA device(s) within the portal. This is extremely helpful when managing multiple SOCA devices in one account.
6.9) Select your country and cellular provider for signal optimization. After the Smart SOCA completes a scan, it will provide detailed RF signal data for all available providers and optimize antenna alignment for your selected carrier.
6.10) Name your SOCA system and tap “Save & Finish”. Allow Cellular Path to find devices on local networks when permission pops up.
If connecting the Smart SOCA to WiFi, the next pop-up will prompt you to confirm that you are on your local WiFi network. Enter your WiFi password and tap “Connect to WiFi.” This pop-up will not appear if a SIM card is being used. When provisioning is complete, you're ready to run a scan.
6.11) By default, the SOCA is programmed to perform a 12-point, 360° scan. If using a wide-beam directional antenna, you can adjust the number of scan positions before starting by tapping the gear icon. When ready, tap “Start Scan”.During the scan, the antenna will rotate and measure signal strength and quality at each position. This process can take up to 4 minutes.
When complete, the SOCA will place the antenna in the best position identified, and the app will provide detailed RF metrics for every position. You can tap the dropdown arrow on each position and view RSRP, RSRQ, RSSI, and SINR readings at the band level for all available providers.If desired, you can change the antenna position by taping “Move Here”. The SOCA rotator will automatically reposition the antenna.Once alignment is complete, your router will receive the best possible cell signal available for optimal performance.
Note:
For remote recalibration, scans can be initiated directly from the app or through the web portal. Simply select your system location and start a new scan. The SOCA controller must have a reliable internet connection via cellular or WiFi for remote recalibration to function properly.
