Overview

TopView provides support for network cellular modems/devices for SMS.

Connecting to a cellular network requires a plan with a cellular carrier that supports the chosen cellular modem (GSM/CDMA/HSPA). This plan will give you a SIM card to insert into the cellular modem, giving the device a cellular phone number. If the cellular plan includes SMS/text messaging (required), TopView can then use this cellular device to send/receive SMS text messages to/from cellular phones.

You must select a cellular modem/device that supports the frequency band(s) of your country and carrier.

A network cellular modem/device is connected to the same network as TopView. The cellular device has an IP address on the network and TopView communicates to the cellular device over the network. There are no drivers required on the TopView machine.

Device comparison

Yeastar TG200 Series VOIP GSM Gateway

TopView v6.37 and later supports the Yeastar TG series for outgoing and incoming SMS. This is a GSM device that also allows users to make VOIP phone calls over cellular.

Note: Verizon SIMs are not supported with this device.

Warning: be sure to purchase the correct model (must support LTE).

Please read our Yeastar TG200L configuration document for additional information on models and configuration details (SMS and VOIP/SIP).

Sierra Wireless (Semtech)

TopView v7.6 and later support the Sierra Wireless LX40 and RV55 for outgoing and incoming SMS. The LX40 and RV55 support most carriers around the world.

The Sierra Wireless modems have a web-based configuration utility. Please follow our Sierra Wireless Configuration document to assist with the modem configuration steps.

Where to buy Sierra Wireless devices.

MultiTech rCell 100/300 cellular modem

Using a MultiTech network cellular modem in TopView requires a MultiTech device that supports their REST API used by TopView.
Note: the rCell 100 has reached end-of-life. The replacement is the rCell 300.

We recommend the MultiConnect rCell 300 series modems. They work with most carriers around the world. In addition these modems support the MultiTech REST API used by TopView.  Please contact MultiTech sales if you have any questions about the correct rCell modem for your country and carrier.

rCell 300 model

Current model: MTR3-L4G2D-AC00QA (North America and international)
Also supported is the MTR3-L4G2D-AC00PA which is the same device with WIFI

The rCell 300 modem has only been tested with, and is only supported with, TopView v7.6 and later

Note: the rCell 300 modem can be purchased with and without “accessories”. The accessories include antennas and a power supply. Most TopView customers will want to purchase the model with accessories (-EWM).

• MTR3-L4G2D-AC00QA-11M: without accessories
• MTR3-L4G2D-AC00QA-EWM: with accessories

The MultiTech rCell modems have a web-based configuration utility. Please follow our MultiTech rCell Configuration document to assist with the modem configuration steps.

Where to buy the rCell 300
rCell 100 model (end-of-life)
Recommended replacement is the rCell 300

In the United States we are using

• MTR-LNA7-B07 and MTR-LNA7-B07-US LTE (GSM and Verizon):
  • GSM: supported in TopView 6.33 and later
  • Verizon:
    • Outgoing SMS: supported in TopView 6.33
    • Incoming SMS (alarm acknowledge):
      Not supported with firmware 5.1.x
      Supported with firmware 5.2.1 and TopView 6.34

The MultiTech rCell modems have a web-based configuration utility. Please follow our MultiTech rCell Configuration document to assist with the modem configuration steps.

Where to buy the MTR-LNA7-B07

Previous rCell 100 models

• MTR-LAT1-B07-US GSM (AT&T, T-Mobile, and compatible)
• MTR-LVW2-B07-US CDMA (Verizon). See note below regarding SIM cards for this model

SIM cards for Verizon (older MultiTech rCell 100 devices)

With older modem firmware (before 5.2.1), TopView only supports incoming SMS messages if the SIM supports SMS storage. Most SIM cards from Verizon do not allow the modem to store SMS messages on the SIM.

See our KB article for guidance with Verizon SIM cards on older models and firmwares.

Therefore we recommend users install firmware 5.2.1 or later (rCell 100).

Firmware 5.2.1 was released in May, 2020. This firmware allows incoming SMS messages for Verizon SIMS regardless of their ability to store messages on the SIM.

Firmware 5.1.x and earlier: see our KB article for guidance.

Please contact Exele Support with any questions about SIM cards.

TopView network cellular modem feature details

• Support for LTE, HSPA, and others
• Virtual machine friendly
• No modem drivers to install on the TopView computer
• A single network cellular modem/device can be used by multiple TopView Engines for both outgoing SMS notification, incoming acknowledge, and incoming information request.
• For MultiTech cellular modems, the network communication between TopView and the cellular modem is via HTTP or HTTPS so you can have a secure HTTPS communication channel if desired. HTTPS will require that you install a certificate on the TopView machine. HTTPS configuration details are located in our configuration document referenced above.

Note: Major carriers in the US are migrating from CDMA and GSM to LTE

Wireless carriers are deprecating 2G and 3G and will be moving to LTE. Both Verizon and AT&T (previously GSM) will move to LTE. This will happen over a long period of time, culminating in 2022.

More resources:

• 2G and 3G Cellular Networks are Migrating to LTE and Retiring Older Technology
• CDMA vs GSM vs LTE: The Differences & What You Need to Know

USB/Serial cellular modem (GSM)

USB/Serial modems withTopView are no longer supported. Existing devices may work, use these at your own risk.

We recommend implementing a networked cellular modem instead of a USB/Serial cellular modem.

A USB/serial modem connects to the TopView computer through a USB or serial port.

There are many USB/serial GSM cellular modems on the market and most will work with TopView. For operation with TopView the modem should be ETSI 07.05 compliant and support sending and receiving of SMS in PDU mode

We suggest using MultiTech MultiConnect® Cell 100 Series cellular modems for SMS notification in TopView. The available models support the bands available in most countries. In our office (United States), we use the following USB GSM modem with TopView:

• MTC-H5-B03-KIT (3G Cellular Modem)
  This is a 3G modem with USB power/connection to the TopView computer. Recommended for United States customers.
  More information…

TopView USB/Serial cellular modem feature details

• Support for GSM only
• Not virtual machine friendly
• Modem drivers must be installed on the TopView computer
• A single cellular modem can be used by multiple TopView Engines for outgoing SMS notifcation (with proper retry configuration) but cannot be used for incoming acknowledge of multiple TopView Engines.
• Incoming messages to request current information (“SMS information request”) is supported for a single TopView Engine.

Installation: Download and install the latest drivers from MultiTech, then plug the USB modem into the computer.

Where to buy: MultiTech: www.multitech.com and distributors ( www.cdw.com and others)