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Where to start? Maintaining a good cellular connection

Once your AoFrio cellular device is installed and connected, it's designed to work automatically — but like any connected hardware in the field, periodic checks help keep it performing reliably. This article covers the key things to monitor, what "good" looks like, and when to take action.

What to expect from your cellular connection

AoFrio's cellular-connected devices are designed to enable reliable data transmission from coolers in the field. However, cellular connectivity is inherently subject to a range of environmental and infrastructure-related factors that can impact performance. These include the cooler's placement within a store (e.g. in basements, near thick walls, or metal shelving), the design and materials of the cooler itself, the positioning of the cellular device inside the unit, the availability and compatibility of local network carriers, and the overall health and coverage of the cellular network in that location. Talk to your AoFrio CS manager about factory builds and infield installation.

How cellular connectivity works for AoFrio devices with an eSIM such as Gateway and SCS 800

These devices operate across global 2G and 4G LTE frequency bands. The specific band used depends on factors such as geographic location, available cellular technology, local Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) carrier agreements, and network loading. For LTE-M connections, devices often prefer lower frequency bands (e.g. B12, B28, B13) because these bands provide better coverage and penetration through obstacles.

Data from connected IoT devices (e.g., SCS Controller, Monitor) is uploaded to the AoFrio Cloud via either Gateway using LTE Cat M1 with 2G fallback or LTE Cat 1 bis.

When these devices connect and what they upload

Gateway and SCS 800 upload operational data to the Cloud automatically. Under normal operation, this is at least once every 24 hours. If a high-priority alarm is generated, data is uploaded immediately. While upload duration varies for each situation, normal data transfers will take place within minutes of a connection being available.

Once connected, connected AoFrio devices initiate secure HTTPS communication with the AoFrio cloud. The device controls the timing of these check-ins.

Firmware updates default every 24 hours, activation and configuration checks default every 24 hours, and tracking updates/geolocation also default every 24 hours. Configuration changes are applied when the device performs its next scheduled check‑in.

Key things to check when servicing a cooler

  1. Check the SIM/eSIM is active - Activate the SIM before or after physical installation: this can be an eSIM or a physical SIM that has been provisioned for AoFrio backend access. Ensure the SIM/eSIM is provisioned on the correct MVNO/MNO profile (e.g., KORE) or local MNO SIMs.

  2. Verify the APN is configured correctly - The Access Point Name (APN) acts like a postal address for your asset routing data to AoFrio servers in the Cloud. If this is misconfigured, data will not reach the platform even when signal is present.

  3. Check signal strength at the device - Poor cellular signal can prevent data transmission and location updates. Where possible, place your AoFrio cellular device in a location where the signal strength at that location is strongest.

    • SCS 800: you can check this via the Cellular Status screen in Field app. Refer to the installation manual.

    • Gateway: you can check this via the Red LED light:

      • Slow short flash — Gateway is searching for a cellular network

      • Slow long flash — Gateway is connected to a cellular network, but is currently idle

      • Fast flash — Gateway is connected to a cellular network and is sending data

  4. Check device registration and database activation - Each device needs to be registered with AoFrio as part of setup and activated to the correct database. If not activated, then it's possible you won't be able to see the device in the Field app's list of available devices.

  5. Verify data is appearing in the platform - see verifying data flow from your assets to the cloud 

What to do if connectivity is poor or intermittent in the field

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for resolving poor cellular connectivity, it's worth considering the following options:

  • Repositioning: Where possible, place your AoFrio cellular device or cooler in a location where the signal strength at that location is strongest.

  • Signal boosters / alternative SIMs: There is no one-size-fits-all solution. If you would like to try using a signal booster — it really depends on your local carrier and deployment rules. Cellular repeaters and small cells may be deployed but this is under the control of the Mobile Network Operators (not AoFrio). Please speak to your AoFrio CS Manager for more detail.

  • Firmware updates: Ensure firmware is up to date, as releases can improve connectivity behaviour.