u-blox LENA-R8 series: APN and network setup with an IoT SIM

Updated 27 October 2026

The u-blox LENA-R8 series is a cellular module for LTE Cat-1 bis with 2G fallback. With an IoT SIM, you set the APN with AT+CFGDFTPDN=1,0,"<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 1bis multi-mode module
Radio technologies	LTE Cat-1 bis, 2G
2G fallback	yes
GNSS	not stated
Form factor	LGA, 100 pins, 30.0 × 27.0 × 2.7 mm
Variants and regions	Global; LTE FDD bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 66; LTE TDD 38, 40, 41; GSM/GPRS 850, 900, 1800, 1900; 3GPP Release 13.

Only the LENA-R8001M10 has GNSS. PSM and eDRX apply from the "01C" versions.

Source: Trasna, LENA-R8 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+CFGDFTPDN=1,0,"<apn>"

On the LENA-R8 the default bearer is context 0 and only AT+CFGDFTPDN configures it (1 = IP, 0 = no authentication); AT+CGDCONT handles contexts 1 to 7.

Source: u-blox (Trasna) LENA-R8 AT commands manual, pages 146 and 151.

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

Choose the radio technology

AT+URAT=5,3

5 = GSM and LTE (factory value), with 3 = LTE preferred. AT+URAT=3 keeps LTE only, AT+URAT=0 GSM only.

Source: u-blox (Trasna) LENA-R8 AT commands manual, pages 65 and 66.

Open the data connection

AT+CGACT=1,1

For contexts 1 to 7 defined with AT+CGDCONT.

Source: u-blox (Trasna) LENA-R8 AT commands manual, page 156.

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) LENA-R8 AT commands manual, page 58.

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 LENA-R8 series?

Send AT+CFGDFTPDN=1,0,"<apn>", with the APN of your SIM in place of <apn>. Source: u-blox (Trasna) LENA-R8 AT commands manual.

Does the u-blox LENA-R8 series fall back to 2G?

Yes, u-blox lists 2G (GSM/GPRS/EGPRS) fallback for the LENA-R8 series. It only helps where operators still run 2G.

Why does my LENA-R8 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.