Lowest power way to identify LTE-M network availability

[crasspm]

Hello,

I'm wondering if there's a very low power way to detect a mobile network to connect to?  Something similar to a carrier detect.  Right now, my solution wakes up and tries to connect via LTE Link Controller lte_lc_connect function.  My product operates in rural areas where network coverage is sparse.

Thank you!

[Didrik Rokhaug]

Hi,

We do have commands for searching for networks:

AT+COPS=?

AT%COPS=?

However, I doubt they are more power efficient than just trying to connect normally. The modem's search behaviour has been optimised to reduce power consumption.

One thing that will help though is to restrict the bands the modem is searching. If you know what bands your supported operators are using, you can restirct the nRF9160 to only use those bands, thus avoiding searching other bands.

Best regards,

Didrik

[crasspm]

Awesome than you Didrik, I'll play with these options and observe current profiles to see what might be the best option.