DockaFi Documentation

Setup & Installation Guide

Everything you need to mount, power, connect, and manage your DockaFi 4G LTE dock Wi-Fi system.

01

Before You Start

DockaFi arrives at your door ready to go. The SIM card is already installed and activated. There is nothing to configure before you mount it. All you need to do is find the right spot on your dock, secure the device, plug it in, and connect.

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Coverage check: DockaFi runs on the T-Mobile 4G LTE network. The easiest way to confirm coverage at your dock is to make a phone call from that location. If your call connects clearly, DockaFi will work. Email support@dockafi.com with your address if you want us to confirm, or check the T-Mobile coverage map directly.
A note on speed: DockaFi uses 4G LTE, which delivers real-world download speeds of 10 to 30 Mbps under typical conditions, and up to 30 to 50 Mbps with a strong signal. That is plenty for streaming music, watching video, browsing, and keeping multiple devices connected at the dock. 4G LTE has a significant advantage over 5G in outdoor environments — its signal travels farther and reaches more locations, including docks and waterfront areas that 5G networks often do not cover.
02

What Is In the Box

03

Mounting Your DockaFi

Mount DockaFi anywhere on your dock that is near a power source. The higher up you can position it, the better your local WiFi coverage will be. DockaFi is fully weatherproof and can stay mounted outdoors year-round.

Metal Ring Clasp

Use the included metal ring clasp to attach DockaFi to a post or rail on your dock. This is the most secure option for permanent installations.

Zip Ties

Thread the two included plastic zip ties through the slot on the side of the device and secure it to a post, railing, or any suitable structure.

Screws

The back of the device has two keyhole slots for direct wall or surface mounting. Drive your screws into the surface first, then hang the device by sliding the keyholes over the screw heads.

Velcro

Heavy-duty Velcro strips work well on flat surfaces. Make sure the Velcro strip fits within the slot on the back of the device for a secure hold.

04

Powering Your DockaFi

DC Power Supply

For most installations, use the included DC power supply. The cable is 40 inches long, so mount DockaFi within reach of a power outlet. Plug the DC connector into the port on the device, then plug the adapter into your power source.

PoE Injector

If you want to mount DockaFi farther from your power source than the DC cable allows, use the included PoE (Power over Ethernet) injector. This lets you run a standard ethernet cable from your power source to the device, which can span much longer distances.

Boat Use

A cigarette lighter power adapter is available separately for use while on your boat. Visit dockafi.com to order one.

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Weather note: DockaFi itself is fully weatherproof and can stay mounted on your dock permanently. However, the DC power supply and PoE injector are not weatherproof. When you are not using DockaFi, unplug the power supply and store it in a dry location. You can leave the device mounted.
05

Indicator Lights

Once powered on, DockaFi will display five indicator lights on the front of the device. When everything is working normally, you will see three green lights:

Power
Green confirms the device is receiving power.
WiFi
Green confirms your WiFi network is broadcasting.
2G / 4G
Green confirms a live connection to the T-Mobile network.
LAN
Off unless you have a wired device connected to the LAN port.
Power, WiFi, and 2G/4G lights all glowing green means DockaFi is connected and ready to use.
06

Connecting to DockaFi

DockaFi ships fully configured. Once it is mounted and powered on, simply open your WiFi settings on any phone, tablet, or computer and connect.

Default WiFi Credentials

Network name DockaFi
Password 9876543210
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If your phone asks whether to switch to a better network because DockaFi cannot reach the internet yet, tap Disallow. This can happen during initial setup and you need to stay on the DockaFi network to complete configuration.
07

Your Data Plan

Every DockaFi ships with a 50 GB plan. You get full download speeds until you reach 50 GB of data used in that billing month. After that, speeds will be reduced automatically and will reset at the end of your monthly billing cycle.

If your speeds slow down, you can purchase additional data at any time by visiting dockafi.com or emailing support@dockafi.com.

Activity What 50 GB Gets You
HD movie streaming (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)About 16 full-length movies
Standard definition video streamingAbout 50 hours of content
Music streaming (Spotify, Apple Music)About 25,000 songs
Video calls (Zoom, FaceTime)About 60 hours of calls
Web browsing and social mediaAbout 500 hours
Combination of all of the abovePlenty for a full month at the dock
08

WiFi Range & Speed

The closer you are to your DockaFi, the faster your connection. Distance is the single biggest factor affecting your WiFi speed at the dock. The illustration below shows typical download speeds at three distance points under ideal conditions.

Signal & Speed Reference
Speed by Distance from DockaFi
Measured under clear line-of-sight conditions
DockaFi WiFi range and speed — line of sight illustration Dock post with DockaFi unit showing 25 Mbps at device, 8 Mbps at 130 feet, and 3 Mbps at 220 feet under clear line-of-sight conditions. DockaFi 25 Mbps at device 8 Mbps at 130 ft 3 Mbps at 220 ft clear line of sight 130 ft 90 ft more ← 220 ft total → ! These speeds reflect clear line of sight. Trees, walls, or fences between you and DockaFi will reduce these speeds.
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Pro tip: Mount DockaFi as high as possible on your dock post and position it with a clear view toward the areas where you spend the most time. Even a few extra feet of elevation can meaningfully extend your usable range.
09

Changing Your WiFi Name & Password

You can change your network name and password at any time through the DockaFi portal. You do not need to do this for DockaFi to work, but many customers prefer to personalize their network.

  1. Connect to the DockaFi WiFi network
  2. Open a web browser and go to 172.16.0.1
  3. Enter admin for both the username and password
  4. Scroll to the bottom of the Status page and tap Setup Wizard
  5. Tap Next twice to reach the WiFi settings screen
  6. Enter your preferred WiFi name and password
  7. Tap Finish — the device will restart and broadcast your new network name
10

Troubleshooting

Power light is not on
  • Check that the power adapter is fully plugged in at both ends
  • Use only the power supply included with your DockaFi
  • If using the USB-C port, use a 5V 3A charger or higher
4G indicator light is red
This means the device is not connecting to the T-Mobile network. Confirm you have T-Mobile coverage at your dock by making a phone call from that location. If coverage looks fine, email support@dockafi.com for assistance.
Speeds seem slow
You may have reached your 50 GB monthly limit. Speeds are reduced automatically after 50 GB but will reset at the end of your billing month. You can purchase additional data at any time at dockafi.com.
WiFi light is off
Log in to 172.16.0.1 and confirm WiFi is enabled in your settings. If the problem persists, restart the device by unplugging and replugging the power supply.
11

Need Help?

Our team is happy to help with coverage questions, setup issues, or anything else about your DockaFi.