AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot User Manual March 2015 201-11510-01 350 East Plumeria Drive San Jose, CA 95134 USA
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot Support Contact AT&T Customer Care at (800) 331-0500 for assistance. Compliance For regulatory compliance information, visit http://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory. See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply. Trademarks Trademarks © NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. Any non-NETGEAR trademarks are used for reference purposes only.
Contents Chapter 1 Get Started Get to Know Your Hotspot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Power the Hotspot On and Off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 LCD Screen Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Charge Your Hotspot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Set Up Your Hotspot .
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot Chapter 3 Advanced Settings Tethered Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Up and Restore Hotspot Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Manage Wi-Fi Network Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Enable SIM Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot How can I reset the hotspot? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Where can I find more information? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Chapter 5 Specifications Mechanical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Environmental Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1. 1 Get Started This chapter provides an overview of AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot features, and instructions for how to set up your hotspot and connect to the Internet.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot Get to Know Your Hotspot Your hotspot enables you to create a Wi-Fi access point in any location with cellular network coverage. Use a Wi-Fi access point to connect your laptop and other Wi-Fi-capable devices to your service provider’s mobile broadband network and connect to the Internet. LCD screen Power/navigation button External antenna port External antenna port Micro-USB charging port Figure 1.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot LCD Screen Elements You can use the LCD screen icons and other screen elements to view the hotspot’s status, configure Wi-Fi band settings, and view system alerts and carrier messages. Signal strength Network indicator Alert indicator Battery Number of connected devices Wi-Fi network name and password Number of unread messages Figure 2.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot Table 2. LCD screen elements Element Indicates 1 bar. The hotspot signal is weak. 5 bars . The hotspot signal is strong. 4G/LTE. The LTE network is available. 4G . The HSPA and HSPA+ networks are available. Note: The orange bars indicate network activity by radiating in and out when data is being received or transmitted. System alerts require attention. The battery is charging. 5 bars . The battery is fully charged. 1 bar. The battery charge is low. Blue. Wi-Fi is active.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot • • Make sure that you get a data-enabled SIM: • Some phone SIMs work, but not all. Best practice is to use a hotspot or tablet SIM. Phone SIMs and hotspot and tablet SIMs look the same but work differently on the network. • If you want to use 4G LTE data, make sure that the service provides 4G capability. Get the APN from the service provider: • The APN is often listed in the literature that came with the SIM.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot Install the Battery A rechargeable battery was included with your hotspot. To install the battery: 1. Remove the back cover by lifting at the notch on either corner of the hotspot. 2. Insert the battery as shown, ensuring that the gold contacts on the battery line up with the gold contacts on the hotspot. Gold contacts Battery 3. Replace the back cover. Note: The battery comes partially charged and ready to use.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot Connect to the Internet You can connect up to 10 wireless devices such as smart phones, laptops, and tablets to your mobile hotspot’s Wi-Fi network. To connect to the Internet: 1. Press and hold the Power button for two seconds. Once powered up, the mobile hotspot automatically searches for and connects to your network provider’s mobile broadband network. 2. Connect your computer or other device to your Wi-Fi network: a.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot NETGEAR AirCard App for Smartphones and Tablets Download and use the free NETGEAR AirCard app to view your connection and settings from your smartphone or tablet. Search the app store for NETGEAR AirCard. To manage all hotspot settings, visit the hotspot web page at http://attwifimanager or http://192.168.1.1. Accessories You hotspot ships with the following accessories: • Micro-USB cable . Use this cable to recharge the battery or tether the hotspot to your computer.
2. 2 Use Your Hotspot This chapter explains how to use your hotspot. The chapter covers the following topics: • Monitor Data Usage • Manage Wi-Fi • Set Mobile Broadband Autoconnect Options • View and Delete SMS Messages • View Alerts • Extend Battery Life • Establish Security • View Details About Your Hotspot • Update Your Hotspot Software and Firmware • What Alerts Mean • Security Credentials Note: To change settings, log in as an administrator.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot Monitor Data Usage You can monitor or configure your data usage using the hotspot web page. To configure your monthly data usage: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://attwifimanager or http://192.168.1.1. A login screen displays. 3. Enter the password in the Sign In field. The default password is attadmin. The password is case-sensitive.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot Enable Guest Wi-Fi You can enable guest Wi-Fi from the hotspot web page or set advanced Wi-Fi options on the Wi-Fi Options screen. Enable guest Wi-Fi on the hotspot web page: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://attwifimanager or http://192.168.1.1. A login screen displays. 3. Enter the password in the Sign In field. The default password is attadmin. The password is case-sensitive. 4.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot • WPA2 Personal AES. Strong security supported by newer Wi-Fi devices (default). • WPA/WPA2 Personal. Strong security supported by most Wi-Fi devices. Use WPA2 Personal AES whenever possible. 9. Select one of the radio buttons next to Broadcast Network Name: • Show displays the Wi-Fi network name and password on the LCD screen. • Hide does not display the Wi-Fi network name and password on the LCD screen. 10.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot Add a WPS-Enabled Device You can add a WPS-enabled Wi-Fi device to your Wi-Fi network without a Wi-Fi password, using the hotspot web page. To add a WPS-enabled Wi-Fi device from the hotspot web page: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://attwifimanager or http://192.168.1.1. A login screen displays. 3. Enter the password in the Sign In field. The default password is attadmin.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot 4. Select Wi-Fi > CONNECT. 5. Click the WPS button for either the main Wi-Fi or the guest Wi-Fi network (if available). 6. Choose the WPS method you want to use: • WPS button pairing. If the device you want to connect includes a WPS button, click the WPS button pairing button and, within two minutes (120 seconds), press the device’s WPS button. • Enter WPS PIN.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot 2. Enter http://attwifimanager or http://192.168.1.1. A login screen displays. 3. Enter the password in the Sign In field. The default password is attadmin. The password is case-sensitive. 4. Select Wi-Fi > OPTIONS. 5. From the Max Wi-Fi list, select the number of devices that are allowed to access your hotspot. 6. Click the < button or the > button to adjust the number of connections available on each of the Wi-Fi networks (main and guest).
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot To view connected devices: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://attwifimanager or http://192.168.1.1. A login screen displays. 3. Enter the password in the Sign In field. The default password is attadmin. The password is case-sensitive. A list of devices connected to the main Wi-Fi and guest Wi-Fi networks displays on the right side of the screen.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot 4. Select Wi-Fi > MAC FILTER. 5. From the MAC Filter Mode list, select Black list - Block all in list. The list of blocked devices displays. To unblock a device: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://attwifimanager or http://192.168.1.1. A login screen displays. 3. Enter the password in the Sign In field. The default password is attadmin. The password is case-sensitive. The Home screen displays.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot Set Mobile Broadband Autoconnect Options By default, the hotspot automatically connects to your service provider’s mobile broadband network. You can change this feature so that the hotspot automatically connects to another network when you are roaming or never autoconnects. To set autoconnect options: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://attwifimanager or http://192.168.1.1. A login screen displays. 3.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot 6. To select a mobile network other than your network service provider when roaming, click the Scan button and select the network from the list that displays. The Submit button displays after you change any of the displayed preferences. 7. Click the Submit button. Your selections are saved. View and Delete SMS Messages Your hotspot displays messages from your network service provider on both the LCD and the hotspot web page.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot 2. Enter http://attwifimanager or http://192.168.1.1. A login screen displays. 3. Enter the password in the Sign In field. The default password is attadmin. The password is case-sensitive. 4. Select Messaging. A list of messages displays, showing the first portion of the text. 5. Select the message. 6. Click the Delete button. The message is deleted. View Alerts Your hotspot displays alerts to advise you of hotspot status changes. A yellow triangle indicates system alerts.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot 3. Enter the password in the Sign In field. The default password is attadmin. The password is case-sensitive. Active alerts display at the top of the Dashboard. 4. Follow the instructions in each alert to address the conditions that caused it to display. Extend Battery Life By default, the hotspot is configured to optimize battery life.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot 4. Select Wi-Fi > OPTIONS. 5. Adjust any of these settings in the Wi-Fi Options section: • Wi-Fi Info on Home: • • - Show displays the Wi-Fi network name and password on the LCD screen. - Hide does not display the Wi-Fi network name and password on the LCD screen. Wi-Fi Range: - Standard (best battery life) range provides the narrowest coverage; however, battery life is longer. - Medium range provides moderate coverage and battery life.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot To adjust display settings to increase battery life: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://attwifimanager or http://192.168.1.1. A login screen displays. 3. Enter the password in the Sign In field. The default password is attadmin. The password is case-sensitive. 4. Select Settings > GENERAL > Device. 5. Adjust any of these settings in the Screen section: • Screen Brightness . Select Dim.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot Recharge the Battery The battery comes partially charged. You can recharge the battery from a wall socket or from the USB port on your computer. Recharging from a wall socket is faster than recharging from a USB port. To recharge the battery from a wall socket: 1. Attach one end of the micro-USB cable to the hotspot and attach the other end to the wall charger (included). 2. Plug the wall charger into a wall socket.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot Establish Security The main and guest Wi-Fi network names identify your Wi-Fi networks and are visible to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices. To change network names and passwords: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://attwifimanager or http://192.168.1.1. A login screen displays. 3. Enter the password in the Sign In field. The default password is attadmin. The password is case-sensitive. 4.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot 4. Select Settings > GENERAL > Device. 5. (Optional) In the AT&T Wi-Fi Manager field, change the host name used to access the hotspot web page. Enter a maximum of 31 characters. 6. (Optional) In the Admin login field, change the characters used to log in as an administrator. Best practice is to set a more secure password. Enter a maximum of 31 characters. The Submit button displays after you make a selection. 7. Click the Submit button. Your changes are saved.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot 3. Enter the password in the Sign In field. The default password is attadmin. The password is case-sensitive. 4. Select Wi-Fi > OPTIONS. 5. From the Encryption list, select a security option. Select from the following Wi-Fi encryption options: • WPA2 Personal AES. Strong security supported by newer Wi-Fi devices (default). • WPA/WPA2. Strong security supported by most Wi-Fi devices. Use WPA2 Personal AES whenever possible. • None.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot The Submit button displays after you make a selection. 6. Click the Submit button. Your changes are saved. 7. Reconnect your Wi-Fi devices, if necessary, using the new Wi-Fi credentials. See Connect to the Internet on page 12. View Details About Your Hotspot You can view details about your hotspot such as the model number, firmware version, and IMEI (International Mobile Station Equipment Identity) on both the LCD screen and the hotspot web page.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot 5. To save this information to a file, click the Save to File button. Follow the system prompt to open the file or specify where you’d like the file saved. Update Your Hotspot Software and Firmware The update server will push a notification to the hotspot when firmware updates are available. If an update becomes available, the hotspot displays an alert. You can also check for updates and update the software manually without receiving an alert.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot 4. Select Settings > GENERAL > Software and Reset. 5. If the Check for update button displays, click it to check if a new update is available. If an update is available, the Download Update Available screen displays. 6. Click the Start Download button. When the download completes, the Software Update Available screen displays. 7. Click the Start Update button. Your hotspot updates the software and reboots automatically to use the new software.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot SIM Locked To unlock the micro-SIM card: 1. Contact your network provider for the PIN to unlock the micro-SIM card. 2. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the network. 3. Enter http://attwifimanager or http://192.168.1.1. A login screen displays. 4. Enter the password in the Sign In field. The default password is attadmin. The password is case-sensitive. 5. Enter the micro-SIM PIN when prompted. 6. Click the Save button.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot Security Credentials Three passwords are associated with the hotspot: • Wi-Fi password . Use this password to connect your computer or other Wi-Fi device to your hotspot network. This character string is unique to your hotspot. It displays on the main hotspot LCD screen. If the screen is blank (a power-saving feature), press and quickly release the Power button. The default Wi-Fi password is printed on a label under the battery. • Guest Wi-Fi password.
3. 3 Advanced Settings This chapter provides information about how to configure various aspects of the hotspot such as Wi-Fi settings, WAN settings, router settings.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot Tethered Mode You can use your hotspot in tethered mode (connected to a computer using the USB cable) instead of connecting to it using Wi-Fi. By default, a host driver is installed the first time you connect your mobile hotspot to the computer via the USB cable. This driver enables the mobile hotspot to connect to the Internet when it is tethered to a USB port on the computer via the USB cable instead of using the Wi-Fi network.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot To install drivers on devices running operating systems other than Windows XP: 1. Ensure that the hotspot is powered off. 2. Connect the hotspot to your computer using the USB cable. The hotspot automatically powers on and installs the necessary driver. You can visit the hotspot web page at http://attwifimanager or http://192.168.1.1 to customize your hotspot’s advanced settings. To install drivers on a computer running Windows XP: 1.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot 4. Select Settings > GENERAL > Software and Reset. 5. In the Download / Backup Settings section, click the Save button. By default, the file (export.cfg) is saved to your Downloads folder. To restore hotspot settings: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://attwifimanager or http://192.168.1.1. A login screen displays. 3. Enter the password in the Sign In field. The default password is attadmin.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot 4. Select Settings > GENERAL > Software and Reset. 5. In the Restore Settings section, click the Browse button. 6. Navigate to the location where the export.cfg file is stored. By default, hotspot setting files are saved to your Downloads folder. 7. Click the Open button. 8. Click the Submit button. Your hotspot is restored with the imported file settings.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot 4. Select Wi-Fi > OPTIONS. 5. Adjust any of these settings in the Wi-Fi Options or Connection section: • Wi-Fi Info on Home: • - Show displays the Wi-Fi network name and password on the LCD screen. - Hide does not display the Wi-Fi network name and password on the LCD screen. Wi-Fi Range: - Standard (best battery life) range provides the narrowest coverage; however, battery life is longer. - Medium range provides moderate coverage and battery life.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot Enable SIM Security Create another level of security by establishing a PIN that you must enter before you can manage the WAN connection or view SMS messages. For the default SIM PIN, contact your network provider. To enable SIM security: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://attwifimanager or http://192.168.1.1. A login screen displays. 3. Enter the password in the Sign In field.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot View WAN Information To view network information: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or wireless device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://attwifimanager or http://192.168.1.1. A login screen displays. 3. Enter the password in the Sign In field. The default password is attadmin. The password is case-sensitive. 4. Click the About link near the upper right corner of the screen.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot 5. Select the Enable radio button. Incoming traffic is forwarded to specific ports and devices on your network using their local IP addresses. Note: Port forwarding creates a security risk. When not required, disable port forwarding. 6. Enter the following port forwarding information: • Label. A descriptive name. • IP. The IP address. • Port. The port number that the application uses. • Protocol. If you are unsure, select TCP/IP.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot 3. Enter the password in the Sign In field. The default password is attadmin. The password is case-sensitive. 4. Select Settings > ROUTER > Port Filtering. 5. From the Port Filtering list, select one of the following: • Black List. Specific applications are not allowed to access the Internet (block list). • White List. Specific applications are allowed to access the Internet (allow list). Only one list at a time can be active, either a black list or a white list. 6.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot 4. Select Settings > ROUTER > Basic. 5. In the LAN section, select the VPN Passthrough On radio button. The Submit button displays after you make a selection. 6. Click the Submit button. Your changes are saved. Enable DMZ In a demilitarized zone (DMZ) network configuration, a computer runs outside the firewall in the DMZ.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot 4. Select Settings > ROUTER > Basic. 5. In the DMZ section, select the DMZ Enabled On radio button. 6. In the DMZ Address field, enter the IP address of the computer to which you want all data sent. If the hotspot is tethered using a USB cable, this address is 192.168.1.4. If the hotspot is connected using Wi-Fi, the first Wi-Fi client’s IP address is usually 192.168.1.74. The Submit button displays after you make a selection. 7. Click the Submit button. Your changes are saved.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot 3. Enter the password in the Sign In field. The default password is attadmin. The password is case-sensitive. 4. Select Settings > ROUTER > Basic. 5. Specify your hotspot’s LAN settings. If the DHCP server is enabled, it automatically assigns an IP address to each device on the network and manages its configuration information. The DNS mode setting specifies how the DNS servers are obtained.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot • If you’re unable to connect and you receive an error message (for example 619 or 628), you must change your APN. For more information, see Add a New APN on page 51. You might also need to change your APN if you recently made any of these changes: • Changed your rate plan; your APN must match your plan. • Changed the micro-SIM card in your device. • Began using a different or new device. • Changed from a prepaid to a post-paid mobile broadband offer (or vice versa).
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot 5. Click the Add button. 6. Enter a name for the APN. 7. Enter the APN. If you do not know the APN, contact your service provider. 8. Select a network authentication mode: • None (default) • PAP • CHAP • PAP or CHAP 9. Enter a user name and password if the wireless network requires these fields. 10. Click the Save button. The new APN is added. Select Which APN to Use To select which APN to use: 1.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot 5. Select the Active radio button next to the APN entry to be used. The APN is selected. Remove an APN To remove an APN: 1. Launch a web browser from a computer or Wi-Fi device that is connected to the network. 2. Enter http://attwifimanager or http://192.168.1.1. A login screen displays. 3. Enter the password in the Sign In field. The default password is attadmin. The password is case-sensitive. 4. Select Settings > MOBILE BROADBAND > APN. The APN screen displays. 5.
4. Frequently Asked Questions 4 This chapter provides answers to possible questions about your hotspot.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot Questions About Connecting and Disconnecting Devices and Accessing the Internet Review these questions for information about connecting and disconnecting devices and accessing the Internet. What do I do if I can’t connect a device to the hotspot? If you are experiencing problems connecting to the hotspot, try the following suggestions: • Turn off your device and take the battery out, wait 10 seconds, put the battery back in, and turn your device on. • Restart your computer.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot Why does the No Signal icon display? If the No Signal icon ( ) displays on either the LCD or the hotspot web page, make sure that you are in your network provider’s coverage area. Why can’t my device access the hotspot web page when connected to a VPN? If you are using your hotspot while connected to a VPN, you might not be able to access the hotspot web page using http://attwifimanager. To directly access the hotspot web page hosted on the device, enter the address http://192.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot 3. Enter the hotspot password. The default password is attadmin. The password is case-sensitive. 4. Select Settings > MOBILE BROADBAND > APN. The APN screen displays. 5. Review ISP settings. Questions About the Hotspot Battery Review these questions for information about your hotspot battery.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot What do I do if I forget my admin login password? The default admin login password is attadmin, and the hotspot web page URL is http://attwifimanager or http://192.168.1.1. If you changed the admin login password and can’t remember the password that you created, you must set the hotspot back to factory defaults. To reset the hotspot: 1. Press the Power button for fifteen seconds. A factory reset takes about one minute. After the device resets, reconnect Wi-Fi devices.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot How do I find my computer’s IP address? The steps for finding your computer’s IP address depend on the operating system. If your device runs an operating system not listed here, see the appropriate operating system documentation. To find the IP address on a Windows 7 , Windows Vista , or Windows XP device: 1. Open the command prompt window: a. Select Start > Run. b. Enter cmd or command and click the OK button. 2. At the command prompt, enter ipconfig and press the Enter key.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot The steps for finding a device’s MAC address depend on the operating system. If your device runs an operating system not listed here, see the appropriate operating system documentation. To find the MAC address on a Windows 7, Vista , or XP device: 1. Open the command prompt window. a. Select Start > Run. b. Enter cmd or command and click the OK button. 2. At the command prompt, enter ipconfig /all and press the Enter key. 3.
AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot • If the hotspot is tethered to your computer, make sure that Wi-Fi is set to stay on when the hotspot is tethered. See How can I reset the hotspot? on page 61. How can I reset the hotspot? You can reset the hotspot to the factory settings. This is useful if you forgot your admin login password for the hotspot web page. If you reset the hotspot, all of your customizations are lost.
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AirCard 779S Mobile Hotspot Mechanical Specifications Table 3. Physical dimensions Parameter Dimension Weight 127 g (4.5 oz) Length 109.9 mm (4.33 in.) Width 68.9 mm (2.7 in.) Thickness 14.6 mm (0.57 in.) Environmental Specifications Table 4. Recommended operating and storage temperatures Environment Temperature Operating temperature 0°C to 35°C (32 F to 95°F) Storage temperature –10°C to 60°C (14°F to 140°F) Supported RF Bands Table 5.
