Troubleshooting cellular connectivity for IoT devices

Issue

Possible solution

Device isn’t connecting even though my phone has good coverage

Phones may attach on 4G/5G consumer profiles and different bands, while AoFrio devices prioritize LTE‑M/Cat 1 bis and specific bands for IoT.

Site conditions, band availability, and network loading can differ, so phone coverage doesn’t guarantee IoT connectivity.

Consider using devices with Cat 1 bis in locations with weak LTE‑M but strong 4G.

Talk to your AoFrio representative about availability.

Location isn’t updating

AoFrio devices use Google Geolocation via nearby Wi‑Fi SSIDs and signal strengths.

Location may fail if there are fewer than two Wi‑Fi networks, if some networks use MAC types that Google doesn’t consider, or in sparsely populated areas with limited crowd‑sourced data.

The time to verify your asset location may take a longer time than you expect. Our experience is that can take anything from a few seconds to 15min for a Gateway to connect to a cellular network depending on many external factors.

You can check the connection status during this time with Field app. Talk to your AoFrio representative if this issue doesn't resolve.

See also:

• Why is my cooler not updating location data even though it’s transmitting other metrics?

Installation location impacting signal quality

Antenna detuning can occur if metal bodies, wiring looms, or compressors are too close.

Follow keep‑out areas described in the installation manual and mount devices so signal can exit the cooler body towards an open space.

Weak cellular signal in remote area

Some customers with assets operating in remote or mountainous locations report difficulty getting a good cellular signal for their cellular-connected devices.

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for this issue. Some areas might have poor or no cellular coverage. AoFrio’s communications service doesn't include boosting cellular signal strength or adding external antennas to improve cellular connectivity in areas with poor cellular coverage.

If you would like to try using a signal booster to improve the cellular signal strength, it really depends on your local MVNO carrier and their deployment rules.