AT&T MicroCell Fixed Problem

Like many iPhone users, I have a MicroCell unit in my home. It worked fine for several months. A few days ago it lost its connection. The only thing I can think of that changed was my introducing a new Airport Express into my network. I have a simple home network consisting of a cable modem, Airport Extreme router, and Macs. The MicroCell was hard wired to the router. When I added the Express, I changed the network password and encryption level. But nothing in the MicroCell manual even talks about that. It's supposed to be plug and play.

I followed all the published procedures for rebooting and troubleshooting the MicroCell. Nothing worked. I called AT&T. The best they could come up with was to tell me to put my MicroCell "closer to a window." They claimed that it couldn't get a GPS fix and would need up to 24 hours near a window to reset. I told them that it had been working fine in its present position for months. They didn't care. So finally, I resorted to my own common sense and experience dealing with devices. I proceeded on the assumption that changing the password or encryption somehow interrupted the pairing of the MicroCell and the router.

Using a paperclip, I held in the totally undocumented and unmentioned "reset" button on the back of the MicroCell for 10 seconds. Then I unplugged it. I went to the AT&T website for Activation, and deactivated my MicroCell. Finally, I went through the documented procedure for activating a new MicroCell. 30 minutes later, I had a fully up and running MicroCell with no problems. And, it's in the same place on the bookshelf it used to be. It didn't need to be any closer to a window.

I hope this helps someone with similar problems.