In this article, we review how to connect a ET85B ruggedized Windows tablet from Zebra Technologies to a Celona network (utilizing the CBRS spectrum for private LTE/5G connectivity) using either physical SIM or embedded SIM (eSIM).

Zebra ET85B device details

Activate a Celona physical SIM for the device

In the Celona Orchestrator web interface, go to the Devices page. Obtain and activate a physical SIM for your Zebra ET85B Tablet. To activate the SIM, click on the Activate link corresponding to the ICCID that is printed on the SIM card. The status should transition to Activated for the selected SIM.

Install the physical SIM into the device

Remove the back cover, battery, and unscrew the metal cover to insert the SIM into the laptop.

Activate a Celona eSIM for the device

In the Celona Orchestrator web interface, go to the Devices page. Make sure that you obtain eSIM capability for your account via our beta program. In the Devices page, activate an eSIM for your Zebra ET85B tablet. To activate the SIM, click on the Activate link corresponding to its ICCID. The status should transition to Activated for the SIM. Once the eSIM is activated, click on Download eSIM QR Codes located at the top of the page, select the designated eSIM, and download the QR code.

From the tablet, verify the device has network connectivity before beginning the eSIM provisioning process. Once confirmed, navigate to Network & Internet > Cellular > Manage eSIM profiles, and select Add a new profile. Then select Let me enter an activation code I have from my mobile operator and click Next.

Open the QR code that was downloaded from the Celona Orchestrator, and scan it with the tablet’s camera.

Download and install the eSIM profile when prompted. The new eSIM profile will now be listed as an available eSIM profile within the list.

Windows 10 Cellular Settings

In Windows 10, navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular > Advanced options.

Click on Add an APN, filling in only celonadns for the profile name and APN fields. Select Attach from the APN Type pulldown menu. Click Save to continue.

Verify link and connectivity

Click on the Windows 10 System Tray wireless network icon. Verify that Cellular connectivity is enabled and that the CELONA (LTE) network shows Connected. Toggle Airplane mode to re-establish connectivity if needed. Verify connectivity via ping or web browser.

To see Zebra ET85 in action on a Celona private cellular network, enabled with critical apps that you care the most about, feel free to request a custom demo here.