u-blox LARA-R6 series: APN and network setup with an IoT SIM

Updated 27 October 2026

The u-blox LARA-R6 series is a cellular module for LTE Cat-1 with 3G and 2G fallback. With an IoT SIM, you set the APN with AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","<apn>", choose the radio technology, then check that the module is registered, at home or in roaming. Vendor commands come from u-blox's manuals, standard ones from 3GPP TS 27.007; each cites its document.

Key facts

u-blox describes it as	LTE Cat 1 multi-mode module
Radio technologies	LTE Cat-1, 3G, 2G
2G fallback	yes
3G fallback	yes
GNSS	no
Form factor	LGA, 100 pins, 26.0 × 24.0 × 2.6 mm
Variants and regions	LARA-R6001: Global (LTE FDD 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28; TDD 38, 39, 40, 41; 3G 1, 2, 5, 8; GSM quad). LARA-R6401: North America (LTE 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 66, 71). LARA-R6801: EMEA, APAC, Japan, Latin America. "D" suffix = data-only; others data and voice (VoLTE / CSFB).

The LARA-R6401 variants (North America) are LTE only, without 2G or 3G fallback; PSM through AT+CPSMS applies to the "01B" versions.

Source: Trasna, LARA-R6 series product page. Checked 27 October 2026. u-blox sold its cellular modules to Trasna in March 2025: current data sheets and AT manuals are Trasna-branded. We cite them by title and page.

Set the APN

AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","<apn>"

Source: u-blox (Trasna) LARA-L6 / LARA-R6 series AT commands manual R14, pages 253 and 256.

Replace <apn> with the APN shown in your M2M.global account: the internet APN, or your private APN.

Choose the radio technology

AT+URAT=3,2,0

3 = LTE, 2 = UMTS (3G), 0 = GSM, in order of preference; the LARA-R6401 accepts 3 only.

Source: u-blox (Trasna) LARA-L6 / LARA-R6 series AT commands manual R14, pages 73 and 74.

Check the operator profile

AT+UMNOPROF?

Reads the network operator profile; set it with AT+UMNOPROF=<MNO>, using a value from the manual's list. A profile that does not match the network can prevent registration.

Source: u-blox (Trasna) LARA-L6 / LARA-R6 series AT commands manual R14, page 112.

Open the data connection

AT+CGACT=1,1

Source: u-blox (Trasna) LARA-L6 / LARA-R6 series AT commands manual R14, page 264.

Check that it works

AT+CPIN?        SIM ready? expect +CPIN: READY
AT+CEREG?       LTE registration: stat 1 = home network, 5 = roaming
AT+COPS?        network the module is using
AT+CGDCONT?     APN actually configured
AT+CESQ

An IoT SIM that works in many countries is often registered in roaming: +CEREG: 0,5 is a valid, working registration. Firmware that waits only for status 1 (home network) never goes online on such a SIM. Status values come from 3GPP TS 27.007; the signal command from u-blox (Trasna) LARA-L6 / LARA-R6 series AT commands manual R14, page 65.

Networks and shutdowns

2G fallback helps only where 2G still runs. Many operators have switched it off: see the 2G and 3G shutdown dates.
Private delivery works with any module: the privacy is in the network path, not in the device. See private delivery.

The SIM: IoT SIM cards and IoT eSIM. All commands explained: AT commands.

Frequently asked questions

How do I set the APN on the u-blox LARA-R6 series?

Send AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","<apn>", with the APN of your SIM in place of <apn>. Source: u-blox (Trasna) LARA-L6 / LARA-R6 series AT commands manual R14.

Does the u-blox LARA-R6 series fall back to 2G?

Yes, u-blox lists 2G (GSM/GPRS/EGPRS) fallback for the LARA-R6 series. It only helps where operators still run 2G.

Why does my LARA-R6 series show +CEREG: 0,5?

Status 5 means registered in roaming, a normal working state for an IoT SIM that uses partner networks. Treat it like status 1 (home network) in your firmware.