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 and controller, 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 outdoor-mounted 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 WiFi or the cellular network using a SIM card.
Step-by-Step Installation
Step 1: Prepare Your Router
1.1) Ensure your cellular router is powered on, configured, and has an active SIM card or eSIM.
1.2) If integrating this bundle with a new router, follow the router manufacturer' s setup instructions to complete the initial configuration and establish a working internet connection before proceeding.
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.
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 Outside Antenna & Install Lightning Surge Protector
3.1) Secure the Yagi or XPOL panel antenna to the rotator pole using the provided antenna mounting hardware.
3.2 ) Connect the coax cables based on the antenna included in your kit:
- If using the Yagi antenna: Connect one end of the 6 ft coax cable to the antenna' s pigtail. Attach the lightning surge protector to the other end of the 6 ft cable, then connect the 30 ft coax cable to the surge protector.
- If using the XPOL panel antenna: This antenna has two ports for 2x2 MIMO operation. On one port, connect the 6 ft coax cable, then attach the lightning surge protector, followed by the 30 ft coax cable. Connect the 40 ft coax cable to the second antenna port.
Note:
Don't forget to ground the lighting surge protector using a solid copper grounding wire (sold separately).
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 on the controller.
5.4) Connect the coax cables based on the antenna used:
- If using the Yagi antenna: Connect the coax cable to the controller' s “ANTENNA IN” port. Then connect one end of the 3 ft jumper cable to the controller's “CABLE OUT” port and the other end to one of your router' s cellular antenna ports.
- If using the XPOL panel antennas: Connect the coax cable to the controller' s “ANTENNA IN” port. Then connect one end of the 3 ft jumper cable to the controller's “CABLE OUT” port and the other end to one of your router' s cellular antenna ports. Connect the 40 ft coax cable to another cellular antenna port on your router.
If your router came with cellular whip antennas, and your router came with cellular whip antennas, you can connect them to the remaining ports.
5.5) Connect the power adapter to the “12V DC IN” port and plug it into a wall outlet. When the controller powers on, LED 1 will briefly flash yellow while performing a system check.
Once LED 1 is solid yellow, proceed to the Cellular Path app to finalize SOCA setup and aim the antenna.
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 broadband WiFi network or your cellular 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.
