User Guide Wireless Home Internet
Welcome to NetComm Thank you for purchasing the NetComm Wireless Home Internet device (Model: IFWA-40).
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Contents Getting Started............................................................................................................ 1 In The Box................................................................................................................. 1 Getting To Know Your Device.................................................................................... 2 How It Works............................................................................................................. 4 Installation.
Checking Your Voice And Data Usage...................................................................... 21 Helpful Tips.............................................................................................................. 23 Home Answering Machines................................................................................. 23 Adjusting Volume................................................................................................. 23 Powering On/Off......................................
Device Configuration.................................................................................................. 38 Navigating The User Interface................................................................................... 38 Help......................................................................................................................... 39 Status.......................................................................................................................
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Getting started In the box The package contains the following items: Wireless Home Internet Device Backup Battery Phone Cable (Optional) Power Cord Ethernet Cable (Optional) Also included: Let’s get started AT&T Wireless Internet Quick Start User Guide 1
Getting to know your device Power Signal Strength Voicemail Network Status Indicator Wi-Fi Battery Level Information (See Wireless Home Internet Manager on page 14) Ethernet On/Off Antenna Port Antenna Port (Optional) (Optional) Telephone Ports 2 Power Input
LED indicator lights The table below describes possible states for each of the indicator lights.
Indicator Name Network Status Indicator Signal Strength Status Meaning Off No SIM Red blinking SIM error Red solid No service Blue solid 3G/HSPA+ service Green solid LTE service Green solid or OFF More bars indicates higher signal strength How it works The Wireless Home Internet device uses your Cellular Network Provider to provide phone service to your cordless or corded home phone(s) and Internet access to your computer and Wi-Fi enabled devices.
Installation Before you begin The Wireless Home Internet device works exclusively with your Cellular Network Provider and DOES NOT use your home phone wall jacks. Your device should be located: • Where you have a strong signal from a cell tower, typically near a window or outer wall. Signal strength may vary in different parts of your home. • Near an electrical wall outlet. • In the general area where you’ll be using your home phone, computer, or Wi-Fi enabled devices.
Step 1: Setting up the Wireless Home Internet device A Install the SIM card 1. Open the battery compartment by pushing the tab in and then lifting up the cover. Ports 2. Lift the SIM card holder up. 3. Slide the SIM card into its holder. 4. Push the SIM card holder flat with the bottom of the battery compartment. NOTE: 6 • If you receive your IFWA from your Cellular Network Provider it may already have the SIM card pre-installed.
Step 1: Setting up the Wireless Home Internet device (continued) B Install the backup battery Battery 1. Insert the backup battery. 2. Replace the cover. NOTES: • The backup battery is intended for backup purposes only and can take up to four (4) hours to fully charge.
Step 1: Setting up the Wireless Home Internet device (continued) C Turn On Your Device 1. Plug the power cord in to an electrical wall outlet. 2. Connect the other end of the power cord to the Power Input port on the back of your Wireless Home Internet device. 3. Press the On/Off button so that it is depressed. The Power light turns solid green. D Check the Wireless Signal Wait a few seconds for the Signal Strength light to turn on, while your device connects to the cellular network.
Step 2: Connecting your phone A Unplug your phone from the wall jack The Wireless Home Internet device is not used with your home phone wall jack. NOTE: If you have a cordless phone, keep it plugged into a power outlet. B Connect your phone to the device Plug your phone into the “Phone” port on the Wireless Home Internet device using your existing phone cable or the included phone cable. NOTE: Do not plug the Wireless Home Internet device or your phones into your wall jacks.
Step 2: Connecting your phone (continued) C Place a test call Place a test call from your connected home phone. Make sure to dial the 10-digit phone number, including area code. For best results, place the cordless phone base at least twelve (12) inches from the Wireless Home Internet device. Important Phone Tips • Voicemail is included with your service. Dial 1 to set up and access your voicemail. • If you choose to use an answering machine instead, set it to fewer than four (4) rings.
Step 3: Connecting To The Internet (Requires purchase of a Wireless Internet Data plan) A Select Your Internet Connection To Connect via Wi-Fi: 1. Open the Wi-Fi network manager on your computer or Wi-Fi enabled device. 2. Find and select the Wireless Home Internet Wi-Fi network name (SSID) (e.g., XXX-XXXXXX). To Connect via Ethernet: Use an Ethernet cable to connect your computer or other device to the Ethernet port on the back of your Wireless Home Internet device.
Step 3: Connecting to the Internet (continued) C Confirm Internet Connection Go to your Cellular Network Provider’s website (or your favorite website) to confirm your Internet connection. When your device is transmitting to and from the Internet, the Wi-Fi light will flicker green. Important Internet tips • To check your data usage or manage your account, go to the Wireless Home Internet Manager.
Voicemail Your Wireless Home Internet device comes with standard wireless voicemail. Follow the steps below to set up and use your voicemail. Setup Dial 1 on any home phone connected to the Wireless Home Internet device and wait four (4) seconds to be connected to your your Cellular Network Provider’s wireless voicemail. Simply follow the voice prompts to complete setup. To enable remote voicemail retrieval and for added security, be sure to create a password during setup.
Transferring a phone number Transferring a landline phone number to your Wireless Home Internet device can take about four (4) days. Outgoing calls can be made immediately using your Wireless Home Internet device; however, incoming calls (including 911) will continue through your old service until the transfer is complete. Keep a phone connected to your wall jack or prior service to continue to receive incoming calls until the transfer is complete.
The Wireless Home Internet Manager includes a navigation panel on the left side of the screen, which contains the following sections: • Status – Displays general device information and help (see Status on page 39). • Connected devices – View devices currently connected to your Wireless Home Internet device and block/unblock Wi-Fi devices from connecting (see Connected Devices on page 40). • Wi-Fi – Customize your device’s Wi-Fi and security settings (see Wi-Fi Settings on page 41).
Status Indicators In addition to the indicators on the device itself (see LED Indicator Lights on page 3), you can find information about your device’s current status at the top of the Wireless Home Internet Manager page.
Using your device Calling Making calls Using a phone connected to your Wireless Home Internet device, place and receive calls as you normally would. The Wireless Home Internet device supports dialing with either a cordless or corded phone. NOTE: Make sure to dial the 10-digit phone number, including area code. Placing a call on hold While on a call, you can press the Flash (or Phone/Talk) key to put the other party on hold. Three-way calling Initiate a three-way call 1.
Call waiting You will hear two tones if someone calls while you are already on a call. When this happens, you have several options: • To hang up on the first call and connect the incoming call, press the 1 key and then the Flash (or Phone/Talk) key. • To continue the first call and reject the incoming call, press the 0 key and then the Flash (or Phone/Talk) key. • To place the first call on hold and connect the incoming call, press the 2 key and then the Flash (or Phone/Talk) key.
Call forwarding To forward all calls, dial: • *21* • The 10-digit number to which you wish to forward your calls • # (For example: dialing “*21*1234567890#” would forward your calls to the phone number 123-456-7890.) Please wait at least three (3) seconds to hear a confirmation tone before hanging up. To stop forwarding calls, dial #21#, and wait at least three (3) seconds to hear a confirmation tone before hanging up. NOTE: Applicable wireless minute plan rates apply to forwarded calls.
Internet access Connect other devices You can simultaneously connect up to twenty (20) devices per Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), forty (40) total, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, to your Wireless Home Internet device. 1. Open the Wi-Fi network manager on your Wi-Fi enabled device. 2. Find and select the Wi-Fi network name (SSID): XXX-XXXXXX or XXX-XXXXXXGUEST (guest network disabled by default). NOTE: The Wireless Home Internet device supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks.
Important messages Your Wireless Home Internet device is able to receive important messages from your Cellular Network Provider regarding new software updates and your service plan. You cannot respond to these messages. To view your messages, use any device that is connected to the Wireless Home Internet device and ente rthe URL printed on the product label directly into your browser address field. Log in using login details printed on the product label (or your customized login) and go to Messages.
Checking your voice and data usage You can view your voice and data usage once you have logged in to your account. You may need to select the tab for your wireless plan and See all usage to see the usage details for your Wireless Home Internet device’s phone number. You can also use the Wireless Home Internet Manager to check data usage details by device. On any device that is connected to your Wireless Home Internet device, enterthe URL printed on the product label directly into your browser address field.
Helpful tips Home answering machines If you choose to use your home answering machine instead of the voicemail provided by your Wireless Home Internet device, you will need to set your answering machine to pick up calls before four (4) rings, so that it picks up before the network voicemail service. If you have a standalone answering machine, you can connect it to the second “Phone” port on the back of your Wireless Home Internet device.
Powering On/Off The On/Off button is used to turn your Wireless Home Internet device on or off. When powered off, the Wireless Home Internet device will no longer send or receive calls, but it will continue to charge the backup battery if still connected to the wall outlet. To turn on your Wireless Home Internet device, press the On/Off button so that it is depressed. The Power light will turn solid green if connected to a power supply; it will blink green if on backup battery power.
Important information E911 service For emergency calls, you may have to provide your location address to the 911 operator. Power outages The Wireless Home Internet device has a backup battery, for use in the event of a power outage, with talk time of approximately 180 minutes and standby time of approximately 29 hours (depending on environmental factors).
Backup battery A new backup battery should last for approximately five (5) years, but the life of any backup battery can be adversely affected by environmental conditions like moisture and heat. To get the longest service from your backup battery, do not place the Wireless Home Internet device in direct sunlight or in wet or extremely cold environments. To test the condition of your backup battery, make sure the Wireless Home Internet device is powered on.
In-home wiring Interconnecting with home telephone wiring is not necessary but is possible; however, it is not recommended unless you possess sufficient knowledge of electrical systems. Use with home wiring requires the physical disconnection from other services, including the landline coming into your home. Use of a qualified licensed electrician is highly recommended. Improper installation may result in phone equipment damage or even a fire.
Frequently Asked Questions What kind of phone do I need to work with the Wireless Home Internet device? Most standard touch-tone phones may be used. Rotary phones are not supported. Cordless phone systems provide the most flexibility and allow you to easily place additional handsets throughout your home. Cordless phone systems still need to be plugged in to a power outlet. A standard corded phone can be used if you need only one phone in your home.
Why don’t I see the name of the caller when Caller ID is displayed? The Wireless Home Internet device, similar to other wireless devices, supports calling number identification. However, contact names stored on your cordless home phone display for incoming calls. Can I move my Wireless Home Internet device and use it in another location? Yes, you can use your device anywhere in the U.S. where your Cellular Network Provider is authorized to provide wireless services.
How many devices can I connect to my Wireless Home Internet device? There are two (2) phone ports to connect your phone or answering machine. For data, you can simultaneously connect up to twenty (20) devices per Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), forty (40) total, and one (1) via Ethernet. How can I check my data speed? You can check your data speed by visiting the Wireless Home Internet Manager.
Troubleshooting General Problem Possible Solution None of the LED • lights on the face of the device are illuminated • Make sure there is AC power to the Wireless Home Internet device. Do not connect to an AC outlet controlled by a wall switch. Press the On/Off button (on the back of the device) so that it is in the ON position (depressed). The Power light should turn solid green.
Phone Problem Possible Solution No dial tone • Make sure there is AC power to the Wireless Home Internet device. Do not connect to an AC outlet controlled by a wall switch. • Make sure your Wireless Home Internet device is powered on. Push the On/Off button so that it is in the ON position (depressed). The Power light should turn solid green. • Make sure your cordless phone has power and is connected properly to the Wireless Home Internet device.
Phone Problem Possible Solution Poor voice quality • Use the phone cable included with the Wireless Home Internet device. • Make sure all connections are firmly in place. • Move your device to another area with sufficient network signal (three [3] to four [4] bars). • Increase the distance between the Wireless Home Internet device and other electronic devices (including cordless base stations, Wi-Fi routers, and cell phones).
Phone Problem Possible Solution I hear an Intermittent dial tone • You will hear an intermittent dial tone when you have a new voicemail message waiting. • Dial 1 from your home phone that is connected to the Wireless Home Internet device to listen to your voicemail messages. My phone doesn’t • ring when a call comes in If you recently transferred your landline phone number, you will continue to receive incoming calls on your previous service until the transfer is complete.
Internet Problem Possible Solution Can’t access the Internet • Make sure your Wireless Home Internet device is powered on. Push the On/Off button so that it is in the ON position (depressed). The Power light should turn solid green. • For Wi-Fi: Make sure your Wireless Home Internet device is located in the general area of your Wi-Fi enabled device(s). Check that your device is connected to the Wireless Home Internet device’s Wi-Fi network (e.g.
Internet Problem Possible Solution Download or upload speeds are slow • Check your speed using the Wireless Home Internet Manager. • Check your Signal Strength lights. If it shows less than three (3) green bars, choose an alternative location. • Other connected devices may be transferring a large amount of data. To view and block other connected devices, go to the Wireless Home Internet Manager via the URL printed on the product label and select Connected devices.
Internet Problem Possible Solution Can’t connect to my Wireless Home Internet device • Check that you are connecting to your Wireless Home Internet Wi-Fi network name (SSID) (e.g., XXX-XXXXXX). If connected via Ethernet, make sure the Ethernet cable is firmly attached. • Make sure you entered the correct Wi-Fi password, either the one found on the bottom of your device or your customized password, if you changed it.
Device configuration You can manage your Wireless Home Internet device settings using the Wireless Home Internet Manager. To access this page, first connect to your Wireless Home Internet device and enter the URL printed on the product label directly into your browser address field. Log in using the details printed on the product label (or your customized login). Navigating the user interface The Wireless Home Internet user interface presents a navigation menu down the left side of the screen.
Help Click the Help button located on any page to expand a window containing information on the setting displayed on that page. The Networking and System sections have additional pages with a sub-menu displayed horizontally at the top of the screen, for example: Status The Status page displays an overview of the device’s status such as whether there are new voicemails, Wi-Fi radio status, battery level, firmware version, network connection status, network type and signal strength.
Connected devices The Connected devices page displays a list of both Wi-Fi and Ethernet devices that are currently connected to your Wireless Home Internet. This can be used to monitor who has access to your network and block (or unblock) devices as required.
Wi-Fi Settings You can manage your Wireless Home Internet device’s Wi-Fi Settings by selecting the Wi-Fi menu from the left side of the screen. This displays a summary of the current configuration of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi settings.
To make changes to the configuration, click the EDIT button of the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz settings.
Radio configuration Operating frequency: • Mode: Indicates which mode is active for connecting via Wi-Fi. The default is Automatic and allows the device to accept connections from devices supporting 802.11b/g/n (on 2.4 GHz) and 802.11a/n/ac (on 5 GHz). • Channel: Indicates the wireless channel that the radio is operating on. In most situations, leaving this as Automatic will work best, but you can manually override the channel selection using this option.
Messages The Messages page is used to access text messages on your Wireless Home Internet device. This may include messages from your Cellular Network Provider about your service plan. Up to 100 messages can be displayed. When there are more than 100 messages, older messages will be automatically deleted to make room for the new messages. To manually delete messages, select the checkbox(s) on the left side of the display for the messages you wish to delete, then click the DELETE button.
Networking LAN settings These settings affect the Local Area Network connection.
LAN settings (continued) • Ethernet Port: Use this setting to enable or disable the Ethernet port on the back of the device. • IPv4 Address: This is the IPv4 address of the Wireless Home Internet device. By default, this is set to 192.168.1.1. • IPv4 Netmask: The IPv4 Netmask of the Wireless Home Internet device. By default, this is set to 255.255.255.0 • DHCP Server: Enables or disables the DHCP server on the device.
DMZ The DMZ or “Demilitarized Zone” opens up all ports to a specific local host. This means the specified host will not be protected by the built-in firewall and therefore this feature should be used with care. Under normal operation, this feature should remain disabled.
Port Forwarding Port forwarding allows remote computers on the Internet to connect to a specific computer or service within the private LAN. It operates based on rules specifying a protocol, the external ports, the internal IP address and internal ports. You can create a new rule by entering the required details and then pressing the ADD button.
MAC/IP/Port Filtering This feature can be used to allow or block certain users and/or ports from accessing the Internet. It operates based on rules specifying the direction of packets, the source MAC and IP, the destination IP, protocol, source ports, destination ports and an action to perform on the packets that match the rule. The Global parameter setting gives you quick access to turn the filtering on or off for all rules.
VPN Passthrough This feature allows VPN client software on connected devices to connect through this device to remote VPN servers. You can specify the VPNs allowed by protocol. Under normal operation, these should be left as Enabled. Security Level This feature protects the internal network according to the preconfigured security policy. There are low, medium and high levels which may be set, or you can select Customised Security to set your own options.
UPnP Universal Plug and Play allows clients on the local network to automatically configure the router to allow certain traffic to pass through the Wireless Home Internet device.
Active UPnP Redirects Displays the active UPnP redirects on the Wireless Home Internet device. UPnP Settings • Start UPnP and NAT-PMP service: Starts or kills the UPnP and NAT-PMP service to allow UPnP and NAT-PMP functionality. • Enable UPnP functionality: Enables or disables the UPnP functionality on the Wireless Home Internet. This service allows local client software to automatically configure the device for traffic to pass through.
Data Usage The Data Usage page shows the approximate Internet data usage of each client. • Detailed data usage: Turns on the detailed logging of data per client. When this setting is enabled, the speed of your Wireless Home Internet service may be affected. The default setting is disabled. • Auto reset usage: When selected, the statistics presented under Data usage details is reset automatically on a specified day of the month.
Call Log/Blocking This feature displays a log of the last 100 calls to and from the Wireless Home Internet device as well as allowing you to block up to 30 phone numbers. You can block numbers from the call log by selecting the call in the Call log and then clicking the BLOCK NUMBER button. Alternatively, you can manually enter a number to block under ‘Add number’. When adding a number manually, it’s a good idea to add a description for the number so that it is easily identifiable in the Call block list.
Parental Control The Parental Control page is used to keep a list of rules to control access to specific websites. Rules can be applied to specific devices on your local area network and at specific times. To create a rule: 1. Click the ADD button. 2. In the Rule name field, enter a name for this rule so that it is easily identifiable to you. 3. Using the Device name drop-down list, select the local device on your network to create a rule for.
Parental Control (continued) 4. To allow this device Internet access, check the Allow Internet checkbox. To deny Internet access to this device, click the checkbox so that it is not checked. 5. Click the EDIT button. 6. In the Blocked websites field, enter the domain name of the site you want to block. Use the icon to add another blocked website. Repeat this step for as many websites as you want to block. 7.
System Date & Time The Date & Time page lets you set the time, time zone and the Network Time Protocol (NTP) server to use for synchronization. The time on your Wireless Home Internet device is important for accurate logging of calls, messages, data usage statistics and parental control. Use the Timezone drop-down list to select the time zone that the device is located in. Under Time synchronization, select the Time set mode.
To synchronize the time on the Wireless Home Internet device with a time server, enter the domain name of the time server in the NTP server candidates fields. The Wireless Home Internet device will attempt to synchronize with the first server in the list. If synchronization fails, it will attempt synchronization with the next in the list until it is successful.
Configuration This page is used to backup and restore the configuration of your Wireless Home Internet device or reset it to the factory default settings. Take care with using this feature as all settings and messages stored on the device will be lost when the device is factory reset. Reboot This page is used to perform a soft reboot of the Wireless Home Internet device. The device will restart and all previous settings and messages will be retained.
Power Saving mode Select from three Power saving modes to manage the maximum time of functioning telephone services when the Wireless Home Internet device is operating on the backup battery. The default setting is the Balanced (Temporary connectivity) mode set for a time out period of five minutes or once the battery reaches 50% charge. You can manually set the timeout period for 1-90 minutes. The Maximum Saving (No connectivity) mode disables Wi-Fi and Ethernet while operating on battery power.
Safety Information • Some electronic devices may be susceptible to electromagnetic interference. Locate the router away from TV set, radio and other electronic equipment to avoid electromagnetic interference. • The router may interfere with medical devices like hearing aids and pacemakers. Consult a physician or the manufacturer of the medical device before using the router. • Please keep yourself at least eight (8) inches away from the router.
FCC regulations Federal Communications Commission Notice (United States): Before a wireless device model is available for sale to the public, it must be tested and certified to the FCC that it does not exceed the limit established by the government-adopted requirement for safe exposure. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
RF Exposure Information Your device contains a transmitter and a receiver. When it is on, it receives and transmits RF energy. When you communicate with your device, the system handling your connection controls the power level at which your device transmits. • This device meets the government’s requirements for exposure to radio waves.
CTIA • Do not disassemble or open, crush, bend or deform, puncture or shred the battery. • Do not modify or remanufacture, attempt to insert foreign objects into the battery, immerse or expose to water or other liquids, expose to fire, explosion or other hazard. • Only use the battery for the system for which it is specified. • Only use the battery with a charging system that has been qualified with the system per CTIA Certification Requirements for Battery System Compliance to IEEE 1725.
Warranty The Wireless Home Internet device comes with a limited warranty that the enclosed subscriber unit and its enclosed accessories will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period that expires one (1) year from the date of sale of the Product to you, provided that you are the original end-user purchaser of the Product and provided that your purchase was made from a supplier authorized by the Seller.
LIMITED WARRANTY TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AGAINST NETCOMM WIRELESS AND NETCOMM WIRLELESS’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE LIABILITY IN RESPECT OF DEFECTS IN PRODUCT. HOWEVER, THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL NOT EXCLUDE NOR LIMIT ANY OF YOUR LEGAL (STATUTORY) RIGHTS UNDER THE APPLICABLE NATIONAL LAWS.
Warranty Programs You may have other warranty programs with your purchase, such as warranty exchange. If so, please refer to equipment package or the original point of sale. The Wireless Home Internet device is a mobile device. It may be used in the U.S. with home phone equipment, computers, and other Wi-Fi compatible devices. For emergency calls, you may have to provide your location address to the 911 operator. The Wireless Home Internet device has a backup battery in the event of a power outage.
