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How to install the AT&T modem and the 4G LTE accelerated 6310 modem in a rack
Short answer: remove the old equipment, mount the AT&T modem and the 4G LTE accelerated 6310 modem in the rack with a bracket, connect the cables following the diagram, install the antennas, then test each connection on port one with a laptop and a speed test. In the video I do this install at a Trexel store; together the devices give the business its main internet connection plus a cellular backup in case the line goes down.
What this install is for
The AT&T modem is the main internet connection and the accelerated 6310 is the 4G LTE backup if the line goes down. Mounting both cleanly in the rack keeps the closet organized and makes them easy to service later. This was a conversion from scratch: the 6310 replaces the old cellular unit, and the old equipment comes out.
Before you start: tools and notes
- A bracket to hold the equipment in the rack, and screws (reuse the existing ones or get self-tapping screws).
- Something to cut cable ties, and a drill to install the bracket.
- For the phone adapter (AudioCodes), take note of the MAC address and the label with the store number and phone number; after the install you call from that phone to make sure everything is working.
- Take a picture of the original setup before you unplug anything, so verification is easier.
Step 1: Unplug and remove the old equipment
Do not just pull the power plug: push the small locking tab to release it. For Ethernet cables, push the little locking mechanism too. To remove the old Cradlepoint, push it a little to the side and lift it out of its cradle. The old power over Ethernet (PoE) injector is no longer needed, so it can come out as well, and its cables on top can connect directly to the AT&T modem.
Step 2: Mount the new equipment
Install the bracket so it holds the equipment, and mount the 6310 just under it, pushing things a little out so everything fits. Use the power brick connected directly to main power. You can leave the battery as a backup, but if a unit is only on battery it will stop working after a few hours. Another tip: if the internet is down and something loses power, a workaround until you fix it is to plug it straight into the battery backup or an outlet; if it works then, you know where the problem is.
Step 3: Connect the cables following the diagram
There is a diagram that shows how to connect everything. Use port one on the side of the 6310, and the port for the phone line (112 in the video). Removing the cover panel lets you pull down all the cables and reach everything, so you can take out the cables you no longer use. Then plug the remaining ones back the way they were, including the alarm line, and check them.
Step 4: Antennas, cleanup and speed test
Install the magnetic antennas, run the cables down and connect them. If the cellular signal is poor, you may need an outside Wilson antenna (I have a video about that), connected to the main antenna port on the left. Add clamps so cables are held in place and no weight hangs on the connectors. To finish, connect a laptop to port one of each device and run the speed test at Fusion Connect (search for "Fusion Connect speed test" on Google); record latency, jitter, upload and download for the work order. Finally, confirm the phone line works.
Frequently asked questions
What does the 4G LTE accelerated 6310 do?
It gives the business a cellular backup internet connection in case the main AT&T line goes down.
How do I unplug the power and Ethernet cables safely?
Push the small locking tab on the plug or connector first; do not just pull them out.
How do I test the connection after the install?
Connect a laptop to port one of each device, run the Fusion Connect speed test and record latency, jitter, upload and download for the work order.
What if the cellular signal is weak?
Install an outside antenna, such as a Wilson antenna, and connect it to the main antenna port.