Understanding LTE Signal Quality - Technical Notification 94: VISTA Communicator Signal Strength
Resideo has issued Technical Notification #94 regarding signal strength for VISTA Series Control Panels, dated September 7, 2023. They recommend maintaining a minimum of 2 signal quality bars (LTE Sig Qual.) to prevent communication or reconnection failures. Signal quality can be monitored on AlarmNet 360 (AN360). If the signal quality is inadequate, Resideo suggests several solutions:
Relocation: Try moving the device within the premises to find a better signal location. Use battery power for testing and avoid using a cell phone to gauge signal strength.
External Antenna: Consider installing an external antenna. Several antenna types are listed, each with specific usage descriptions. Some may require separate adapter orders.
CAT-M Communicator: Replacing with a CAT-M communicator may improve the connection, as it operates on a dedicated LTE network for IoT devices.
Carrier Switch: Attempt using a different carrier (e.g., AT&T instead of Verizon) if one fails. Confirm LTE cell coverage for the selected carrier.
Dual Path Communicator: Install a dual path communicator that connects to both IP and Cellular for a more robust communication solution.
If signal quality remains good but communication issues persist, check for localized femtocells, which can interfere with the device's connection to the cell tower. Relocating the device away from the femtocell or using an outdoor-mounted antenna may help resolve the problem.