Connectivity and cellular coverage
How OcuTrap stays connected over 4G LTE cellular, what to expect from coverage, and how the trap keeps working when signal is weak.
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OcuTrap connects to the OcuTrap app over 4G LTE cellular, the same kind of network your phone uses. There is no Wi-Fi and nothing to set up. Power the trap on, and it connects automatically.
How OcuTrap Connects
- Cellular only. OcuTrap uses multi-network 4G LTE across the United States and Canada. It does not use Wi-Fi, and no local network setup is required.
- Data included. The cellular data your trap uses is included in your OcuTrap subscription. There's no separate data plan or SIM card to buy. See Your OcuTrap subscription.
- Automatic. On power-up, the trap finds a network and comes online on its own.
- No hotspot or router needed. You don't need any other equipment in the field.
The trap is not tied to a single carrier. It reaches multiple nationwide 4G LTE networks and picks whichever one has the best usable signal at your site, switching automatically if that network fails. If a trap sits in marginal coverage, work through Improving a weak cellular signal.
What Affects Coverage
Like any cellular device, OcuTrap needs a usable signal where it's deployed.
- Available in the US and Canada. OcuTrap's cellular service covers the United States and Canada. The trap is not supported in other countries.
- Place it where there's signal. Areas with strong cellular signal give you the most reliable connection and the best battery life. A weak signal makes the trap work harder to stay connected and drains the battery faster.
- Obstacles matter. Dense buildings, deep valleys, and very remote backcountry may have little or no coverage.
- GPS is separate. Location uses a built-in GPS module; a clear view of the sky helps. Firmware v1073+ with the updated app supports Disabled / 3 / 6 / 12 / 24 hours, default 6 hours. Older firmware uses 8 hours when enabled. See GPS.
For battery and signal tips on where to place a trap, see Optimal Trap Placement in Tips and tricks.
Staying Armed When Signal Is Weak
OcuTrap is built to keep working through brief connectivity gaps:
- An armed trap keeps monitoring for captures even while disconnected. With the optional Arm When Offline beta setting on (Armed Sleep Offline mode), it turns its connection off on purpose and checks in with the cloud about every 20 minutes.
- If a capture happens while offline, the trap reports it at its next check-in. You won't lose the event.
- See Power modes for how the trap balances connectivity and battery.
When a trap is in Hibernation (very low battery, a long power-button press, or Sleep in the app), it cannot send or receive anything. See Power modes.
Checking Your Trap's Connection
- The app shows each trap's status and how long ago it last checked in.
- If a trap won't come online, work through Trap offline or won't connect.
Connectivity and Reporting
- Regular Updates: The trap pings several times an hour to report its status and confirm network connection.
- Disconnection Alert: Users are alerted if the trap loses network connectivity for over an hour.
See also
- Technical specifications: cellular, GPS, and sensor details.
- Power modes: how the trap conserves battery and stays armed offline.
- GPS: location tracking and map view.
- Trap offline or won't connect: troubleshooting connection issues.