Over-The-Air-Activation (Otaa) - Honeywell CNI2 Operating And Installation Manual

can be very high. There are also variations in the way "minutes" are measured. For example, a
call lasting 1 minute 10 seconds may be considered to be a 2-minute call by some providers. It
might be possible to purchase less expensive packages that have additional "weekend" or
"evening" minutes, and then schedule the CNI2 to call in at those times. Some plans may offer
st
the 1 minute free. This might be advantageous for short calls.
Another consideration when ordering service is the location of the CNI2 with respect to the
service provider's network. It is best to describe where the units will be located and where they
will be calling, otherwise you could be charged "roaming" or long-distance fees. Some providers
offer free long distance or no roaming charges as part of their basic plans.
The final consideration is the direction of the calls. If the CNI2 is to originate calls, then the
service must support "mobile-originate" service. If the unit is to receive calls, then "mobile-
terminate" service is required.
The service provider may need the following information:

Type of cellular service desired, which is circuit-switched data (CSD).

The device type, which must be specified as the "CNI2 / CDMA24".

Data rate. This rate must match the speed of central computer's modem.

Mobile-originate and/or mobile-terminate service.

Number of minutes per month.

Location of the CNI2and the location of central computer (to determine if "roaming" or
long distance charges apply).

The service provider will need to know the "MEID" number printed on the radio. This is
printed on a label on the radio.

Over-the-Air-Activation (OTAA)

Unlike GSM, CDMA technology does not support the use of a SIM memory card (Subscriber
Identity Module) to hold and transport account information. Therefore the account information
must be downloaded into the cellular radio's own memory. For some carriers this is
accomplished by dialing a special phone number to request "over-the-air-activation" (OTAA).
The activation phone number is specific to the service provider and must be programmed into
the CNI2.
The OTAA process does two things. After the first successful OTAA call a new phone number
is programmed into the phone. This is the number that can be used to page the unit via a
phone or data call, or via an SMS message. It also starts the account billing process. Second,
a "preferred roaming list" (PRL) is downloaded into the phone. This instructs the radio which
service provider(s) to search for and connect to.
Over-the-air activation is attempted whenever the unit is reset. Another call will be attempted if
the first one fails. After two unsuccessful attempts the CNI2 will go into an idle mode and will
attempt another OTAA call every hour until one is successful. Until then the unit will not be able
to call in to the data collection system.
After the first successful call an OTAA call is then performed every 7 days. The reason for this
is that cellular service providers often make arrangements with other providers to carry calls in
areas where their own equipment and towers do not exist. These agreements allow the call to
CNI2 Operating and Installation Guide
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