AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot User Manual November 2015 202-11521-01 350 East Plumeria Drive San Jose, CA 95134 USA
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Support Thank you for purchasing this NETGEAR product. You can visit www.netgear.com/support to register your product, get help, access the latest downloads and user manuals, and join our community. We recommend that you use only official NETGEAR support resources. Conformity For the current EU Declaration of Conformity, visit http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/11621. Compliance For regulatory compliance information, visit http://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory.
Contents Chapter 1 Get Started Know Your Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Manage Your Device and Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Power Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Status LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Manage Hotspot Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change Network Names and Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change Hotspot Web Page Login Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Change Device Encryption Security Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . View Details About Your Mobile Hotspot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Chapter 5 Troubleshooting The WiFi network name does not appear in the list of networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 The No Signal icon displays on either the touch screen or the hotspot web page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Your device cannot access the hotspot web page when connected to a VPN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1. 1 Get Started This chapter provides an overview of AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot features, and instructions for how to set up your mobile hotspot and connect to the Internet. The chapter covers the following topics: • Know Your Device • Set Up and Connect to the Internet • Additional Information Note: Firmware updates with new features and bug fixes are available at downloadcenter.netgear.com.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Know Your Device Your mobile hotspot enables you to create a WiFi access point in any location with cellular network coverage. Use a WiFi access point to connect your laptop and other WiFi-capable devices to your service provider’s mobile broadband network and connect to the Internet. You can also use your mobile hotspot in tethered mode by connecting it to your laptop with the USB cable to access the Internet. For more information, see Tethered Mode on page 17.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Power Key Use the Power key to wake the hotspot and to power the device on and off. Table 1. Power key usage Desired Result Action Turn on the hotspot. Press and hold the Power key for three seconds. Turn off the hotspot. Press and hold the Power key for five seconds. Wake the WiFi signal and Press and quickly release the Power key. screen. Status LED The LED indicates the device’s connection status: Table 2.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Note: Your device might use a different web page address. To get the web page address for your device, tap Settings > More > Device Information > AC790 Manager or look at the label underneath the device battery.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Table 3. Touch screen icons (continued) Icon Indicates Network indicator. These icons show the type of cellular network: • 4G. An LTE network is available. • H+. DC-HSPA+, HSPA+, and dual-carrier networks are available. • H . An HSPA/HSDPA network is available. • 3G. A UMTS network is available. Traffic. Arrows show the cellular Internet traffic status: • Gray outline. The hotspot is connected. • Solid white outline. The hotspot is sending or receiving information. • None.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Accessories The following accessories are included with your hotspot: • Micro USB cable . Use this cable to recharge the battery or tether the mobile hotspot to your computer. For more information, see Tethered Mode on page 17. • Wall charger. Use a wall charger with the USB cable to recharge the battery or to power the mobile hotspot from a wall socket. For more information, see Recharge the Battery on page 56. • Jump boost cable.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Jump Boost Another Device You can give a boost to your smartphone if it is low or out of battery power by connecting it to the hotspot’s jump boost cable and starting boost from the touch screen or the hotspot web page. Figure 3. Jump boost cable Note: You cannot charge the hotspot while it is boosting another device. To start the jump boost of another device from the touch screen: 1. Plug the jump boost cable into your hotspot. 2.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Set Up and Connect to the Internet The battery and micro SIM card are preinstalled in your hotspot. If you need to reinstall these components, complete the steps in the sections listed in steps 1 and 2. To set up and connect to the Internet: 1. Install the Micro SIM card. For more information, see Install the Micro SIM Card on page 13. 2. Install the battery. For more information, see Install the Battery on page 14. 3. Connect to the Internet.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 4. Insert the battery as shown. Battery Gold contacts Ensure that the gold contacts on the battery line up with the gold contacts on the device. 5. Replace the hotspot cover. Install the Battery To install the battery: 1. Remove the hotspot back cover by lifting at the notch on either corner of the device. Make sure that the micro SIM card is already installed. For more information, see Install the Micro SIM Card on page 13.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 2. Insert the battery as shown. Battery Gold contacts Ensure that the gold contacts on the battery line up with the gold contacts on the device. 3. Replace the back cover. Note: The battery comes partially charged and ready to use. When the battery needs recharging, follow the instructions in Recharge the Battery on page 56. Connect to the Internet Your computer and other devices can connect to the hotspot wirelessly.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Note: If your hotspot cannot automatically detect a mobile broadband network, you might need to enter an access profile name (APN) profile. For information on entering a APN profile manually, see Configure APN Details on page 85. 2. Connect your computer or other device to your WiFi network: a. Make sure that WiFi is enabled on your device and search for available WiFi networks. b. Select the WiFi name displayed on the hotspot touch screen and connect to it. c.
AirCard 790 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 WiFi. Note: The first time that you use your hotspot in tethered mode, drivers are loaded on your computer to support the hotspot. To install drivers on computers 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.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot USB tethering should be on by default. If USB tethering is not on, slide the OFF button to the ON position. 5. Tap the Install Win XP drivers button. This button is located at the bottom of the USB Tethering screen. 6. Connect the hotspot to your computer using the USB cable. The hotspot installs the necessary driver. After the driver is installed, you can visit the hotspot web page at http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1 to customize your hotspot’s advanced settings.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Hotspot Web Pages Your hotspot comes configured and ready to use. Use hotspot web pages to manage advanced settings. Log in as an administrator to change settings and view detailed information. (The default administrator login password is password.) To log in as an administrator: 1. From a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot You can change these passwords on the hotspot web page (http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1). Note: Your device might use a different web page address. To get the web page address for your device, tap Settings > More > Device Information > AC790 Manager or look at the label underneath the device battery. For more information, see Manage Hotspot Security on page 61 and Change Hotspot Web Page Login Settings on page 65.
2. Use Your Mobile Hotspot 2 This chapter explains how to use your hotspot. The chapter covers the following topics: • View Data Usage • Manage WiFiYour settings are saved.Your settings are saved. • Set Mobile Broadband Options • View Alerts • Extend Battery Life • Manage Hotspot Security • View Details About Your Mobile Hotspot • Update Mobile Hotspot Software and Firmware Note: To change settings, log in as an administrator. See Hotspot Web Pages on page 19.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot View Data Usage You can view an estimate of your data usage on the hotspot web page and on the hotspot touch screen. The plan data counter resets automatically when the next billing cycle starts, and the session data counter resets automatically for each session. To view estimated data usage on the hotspot touch screen: 1. To wake the device, press the Power key. 2. Tap the Home ( ) button. The touch screen shows the estimated data usage for the current billing cycle.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot The hotspot web page displays the data usage for the current billing cycle and for the current broadband session. Manage WiFi Advanced users can set up the WiFi radio of the hotspot to meet their WiFi needs by customizing settings on the hotspot web page. On the hotspot web page, the following WiFi profiles are available: • 2.4 GHz WiFi (default). A 2.4 GHz WiFi network (no secondary network) that is compatible with most devices. • 5 GHz WiFi.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Specify the WiFi Settings From the touch screen, you can specify a number of WiFi settings. For more detailed profile selections, visit the hotspot web page (http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1). Note: Your device might use a different web page address. To get the web page address for your device, tap Settings > More > Device Information > AC790 Manager or look at the label underneath the device battery.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 3. Tap the WiFi button. 4. Tap the Options button. 5. To disable the WiFi signal in a restricted area, tap the > button next to WiFi Signal. 6. Slide the ON button to the OFF position. Your settings are saved. 7. To set the WiFi range, tap the > button next to WiFi Range. 8. Tap the radio button for the selection that you want. Your settings are saved.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 9. To power down the WiFi radio after a set period of inactivity, tap the > button next to WiFi Standby. 10. Tap the radio button for the selection that you want. Your settings are saved. Use the hotspot web page to set up a profile that is more detailed than the basic profiles offered on the touch screen screen. To select a WiFi profile or create a custom profile on the hotspot web page: 1.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 4. Select WiFi > Options. 5. In the WiFi Profiles menu, select a predefined profile or select Custom Setup to choose your own options.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot The Options page that displays depends on the WiFi profile that is selected. 6. To modify the displayed profile (even if you selected a predefined profile), use the following options: • Secondary WiFi. Select the Enable secondary WiFi network check box to use a secondary WiFi network. • Frequency. Select the WiFi frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) to use on the main, secondary, or both WiFi networks. • Guest mode.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Connect to WiFi From a WiFi device You can connect up to 15 WiFi devices (such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, digital cameras, printers, gaming consoles, and digital picture frames) to your hotspot network. For information about setting connections for main WiFi and guest WiFi networks, see Set the Maximum Number of Connected Devices on page 35. You can add a WiFi device to your WiFi network manually.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 4. Tap the WPS button. 5. Tap the Pair with Main WiFi or Pair with Secondary WiFi button. 6. Within two minutes, press the WPS key on the WiFi device that you want to connect. Your mobile hotspot and the WiFi device communicate and establish the connection. To add a WPS-enabled WiFi device from the hotspot web page: 1. From a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 4. Select WiFi > Connect. 5. Click the WPS button for either the main WiFi or secondary WiFi 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 key, click the WPS button pairing button and, within two minutes (120 seconds), press the device’s WPS key. • Enter WPS PIN. If a WPS PIN is associated with the device you want to connect, click the Enter WPS PIN button and enter the device’s WPS PIN.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 2. Tap the Home ( ) button. 3. Tap the WiFi button. 4. Tap the Guest WiFi button. 5. Slide the OFF button to the ON position. To enable guest WiFi from the hotspot web page: 1. From a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Your device might use a different web page address. To get the web page address for your device, tap Settings > More > Device Information > AC790 Manager or look at the label underneath the device battery. A login window opens. 3. Enter the administrator login password. The default password is password. The password is case-sensitive. The home page displays. 4. Select WiFi > Options. The WiFi Options page displays. 5. In the WiFi Profiles menu, select Guest WiFi.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Enable 5 GHz WiFi When all of your devices support 5 GHz WiFi, select 5 GHz WiFi for faster downloads. 5 GHz WiFi uses more power. To enable 5 GHz WiFi from the touch screen: 1. To wake the device, press the Power key. 2. Tap the Home ( ) button. 3. Tap the WiFi button. 4. Tap the 5 GHz WiFi button. The 5 GHz WiFi screen displays. 5. Slide the OFF button to the ON position. 5 GHz WiFi is enabled. To enable 5 GHz WiFi from the hotspot web page: 1.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot The home page displays. 4. Select WiFi > Options. The Options page displays. 5. In the WiFi Profiles menu, select Dual-Band WiFi. After you make a selection, the Submit button displays near the bottom of the page. Note: The default values are appropriate for dual-band WiFi. 6. Click the Submit button. Dual-Band WiFi is enabled. Set the Maximum Number of Connected Devices You can connect up to 15 WiFi devices to the hotspot.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 2. Tap the Home ( ) button. 3. Tap the WiFi button. 4. Tap the Devices button. 5. Tap the Max WiFi Devices button. 6. Slide the button to specify how you want the WiFi devices to be shared between each WiFi network. 7. Tap the Submit button. Your settings are saved.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot To set the number of devices that can connect to each WiFi network from the hotspot web page: 1. From a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1. Your device might use a different web page address. To get the web page address for your device, tap Settings > More > Device Information > AC790 Manager or look at the label underneath the device battery. A login window opens. 3.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot The Submit button displays after you make a selection. 8. Click the Submit button. Your settings are saved. View or Block Connected Users You can view a list of devices that are connected to your hotspot and block undesired users. Note: When you block or unblock users, the hotspot resets to activate the new settings. Any devices connected to the hotspot are disconnected when the hotspot resets. To view the connected devices from the touch screen: 1.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot To view the connected devices from the hotspot web page: 1. From a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1. Your device might use a different web page address. To get the web page address for your device, tap Settings > More > Device Information > AC790 Manager or look at the label underneath the device battery. A login window opens. 3. Enter the administrator login password.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 2. Tap the Home ( ) button. 3. Tap the WiFi button. 4. Tap the Devices button. 5. Tap the device that you want to block. 6. Tap the Block Device button.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 7. Tap the Continue Block button. The device is blocked from your network. To block a device from the hotspot web page: 1. From a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1. Your device might use a different web page address. To get the web page address for your device, tap Settings > More > Device Information > AC790 Manager or look at the label underneath the device battery.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 3. Tap the WiFi button. 4. Tap the Devices button. 5. Tap the Blocked List button. Note: Devices display when Blocked List feature is set to ON. To view a list of blocked devices from the hotspot web page: 1. From a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1. Your device might use a different web page address.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot A list of devices connected to the main WiFi and guest WiFi networks displays in the right column of the page. 4. Select WiFi > Mac Filter. 5. From the MAC Filter Mode menu, select Black list - Block all in list. The list of blocked devices displays. To unblock a device from the touch screen: 1. To wake the device, press the Power key. 2. Tap the Home ( ) button. 3. Tap the WiFi button.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 4. Tap the Devices button. 5. Tap the Blocked List button. Note: Devices display when Blocked List feature is set to ON. 6. Tap the device that you want to unblock. 7. Tap the Unblock button. The device can access your network. To unblock a device from the hotspot web page: 1. From a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot A list of devices connected to the main WiFi and guest WiFi networks displays in the right column of the page. 4. Select WiFi > Mac Filter. 5. From the MAC Filter Mode list, select Black list - Block all in list. The list of blocked devices displays. 6. Click the x button next to a device. The device can access your network. Set Mobile Broadband Options By default, the mobile hotspot automatically connects to your service provider’s mobile broadband network.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 3. Tap the Settings button. 4. Tap the Network button. 5. To set the network mode, tap the Network Mode > button. 6. Tap the radio button for the selection that you want. Your settings are saved. 7. Tap x to close the confirmation message window. 8. To set the auto connection method, tap the Auto Connect > button. The Auto Connect screen displays. 9. Tap the radio button for the selection that you want. Your settings are saved.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 10. Tap x to close the confirmation message window. 11. Tap the Home ( ) button. The home page displays. To set auto connect options from the hotspot web page: 1. From a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1. Your device might use a different web page address.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Note: If SIM PIN security is enabled, you must enter the SIM PIN before the hotspot can establish a connection. See Enable SIM Security on page 80. The Submit button displays after you change any of the displayed preferences. 6. Click the Submit button. Your mobile broadband options are saved. View Alerts Your mobile hotspot displays alerts to advise you of device status changes. An Alert bar displays across the top of the screen.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot A login window opens. 3. Enter the administrator login password. The default password is password. The password is case-sensitive. Active alerts display at the top of the home page. 4. Follow the instructions in each alert to address the conditions that caused it to display. Extend Battery Life The following factors affect battery life: • Standby time. • Data throughput. • Mobile broadband signal strength (the better the signal, the longer the battery life). • WiFi range.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 2. Tap the Home ( ) button. 3. Tap the WiFi button. 4. Tap the Options button. 5. To disable the WiFi signal when you are on a USB tether, tap the WiFi Signal > button. 6. Slide the ON button to the OFF position. Your settings are saved. 7. Tap the x button. The WiFi Options screen displays.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 8. To set the WiFi range, tap the WiFi Range > button. 9. Tap the radio button for the selection that you want. Your settings are saved. 10. Tap the x button. The WiFi Options screen displays. 11. To power down the WiFi radio after a set period of inactivity, tap the WiFi Standby > button. 12. Tap the radio button for the selection that you want. Your settings are saved.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 5. Scroll to the bottom of the screen. 6. Adjust any of these settings in the WiFi Options supported section: - WiFi Range: • - Short range provides the smallest coverage. However, battery life is longer. - Medium range provides moderate coverage and battery life. - Long range enables you to connect WiFi devices farther from your mobile hotspot and still connect to your WiFi network, but battery life is shorter. USB Tethering.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 8. Select Settings > General > Device. 9. From the WiFi Standby menu, select a shorter time period. The shorter the time, the longer the battery life. The Submit button displays after you make a selection. 10. Click the Submit button. Your settings are saved. Adjust Display Settings to Increase Battery Life Dim the screen to reduce the touch screen’s brightness level.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 2. Tap the Home ( ) button. 3. Tap the Settings button. 4. Tap the Display button. 5. Tap the Display Brightness > button. 6. Slide the button to select the display brightness that you want. Your settings are saved.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 7. Tap the Back ( ) button. 8. Tap the Display Timeout > button. 9. Tap the radio button for the selection that you want. Your settings are saved. To adjust display settings to increase battery life from the hotspot web page: 1. From a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1. Your device might use a different web page address.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 4. Select Settings > General > Device. 5. Adjust any of these settings: • Display Brightness . Select the Dim radio button. • Timeout on AC, Timeout on USB . From the menus, select shorter time periods. The Submit button displays after you make a selection. 6. Click the Submit button. Your settings are saved. 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.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot To recharge the battery from a wall socket: 1. Attach one end of the micro USB cable to the connector on the right on the mobile hotspot and attach the other end to the wall charger (included). 2. Plug the wall charger into a wall socket. A lightning bolt appears on the Battery icon when the battery is charging ( ). The Battery icon on the touch screen indicates when the battery is fully charged ( and a notification displays.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Note: The touch screen goes into sleep mode after a set time to extend battery life. To wake the touch screen, press and quickly release the Power key. USB Tethering Use USB tethering to connect to the Internet from supported computers with a USB cable and charge the hotspot battery at the same time. Turn off USB tethering if you only want to charge your hotspot with your computer.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 3. Tap the Settings button. 4. Tap the USB Tethering button. 5. Slide the OFF button to the ON position. USB tethering is enabled. Enable Airplane Mode Turn on airplane mode if you want to use jump boost while on an airplane or in areas where WiFi is restricted. To enable airplane mode from the touch screen: 1. To wake the device, press the Power key. 2. Tap the Home ( ) button.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 3. Tap the Settings button. 4. Tap the Airplane Mode button. 5. Slide the OFF button to the ON position. Airplane mode is enabled. To enable airplane mode from the hotspot web page: 1. From a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1. Your device might use a different web page address.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 4. Click the Jump Boost button. 5. Click the Enable Airplane Mode button. Airplane mode is enabled.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot You can also block undesired hotspot users. For more information, see View or Block Connected Users on page 38. Note: When you change the WiFi settings, the hotspot resets. Any devices connected to the hotspot are disconnected when the hotspot resets. Change Network Names and Passwords The main and guest WiFi network names identify your WiFi networks and are visible to other WiFi-enabled devices.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 4. To change the network name and password of the main WiFi, tap the Main Wi-Fi button. 5. To change the network name and password of the guest WiFi, tap the Guest Wi-Fi button. 6. To change the WiFi name, tap the Edit button that is next to Wi-Fi name. A warning message displays. 7. Tap the Continue button. The WiFi name displays. 8. Enter the new WiFi name. 9. Tap the Done button. Your settings are saved. The Main Wi-Fi screen displays. 10.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 15. For guest WiFi, to change the password each time you enable guest WiFi, select the New password each session check box. When this option is selected, the password entered in Step 12 remains only for the current session. Your settings are saved. To change network names and passwords from the hotspot web page: 1. From a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot The Options page that displays depends on the WiFi profile that is selected. 6. In the Main WiFi and Secondary WiFi sections, change the WiFi Name and WiFi Password fields as desired. 7. To create a new guest password each time you power on the hotspot, select the Generate a new password each time I turn on the Guest WiFi check box. 8. Click the Submit button. 9. When prompted, click the Submit button again.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1. Your device might use a different web page address. To get the web page address for your device, tap Settings > More > Device Information > AC790 Manager or look at the label underneath the device battery. A login window opens. 3. Enter the administrator login password. The default password is password. The password is case-sensitive. The home page displays. 4. Select Settings > General > Device. 5.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Change Device Encryption Security Settings To change the type of security used for main and secondary or guest WiFi: 1. From a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1. Your device might use a different web page address. To get the web page address for your device, tap Settings > More > Device Information > AC790 Manager or look at the label underneath the device battery.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 5. In the Encryption menu for main WiFi or guest WiFi, select a security option: • WPA2 Personal AES. Strong security supported by newer WiFi devices, the default. • WPA/WPA2. Strong security supported by most WiFi devices. Use WPA2 Personal AES whenever possible. • None. Anyone can access your WiFi network without a password and you are responsible for charges incurred. NETGEAR recommends not selecting this option. The Submit button displays after you make a selection. 6.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 4. Tap the More button. 5. Tap the Device Information > button. To view details about your device from the hotspot web page: 1. From a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1. Your device might use a different web page address.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 4. Click the About link. Update Mobile Hotspot Software and Firmware The hotspot checks automatically for new software or firmware updates once a week. If an update becomes available, the hotspot displays an alert. Open the alert and click the Download button. When the download completes, the hotspot displays an alert with an Install now button. Click the Install now button to install the update. Your device reboots automatically to use the new software.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Update Software from the Touch Screen To update software from the touch screen: 1. To wake the device, press the Power key. 2. Tap the Home ( ) button. 3. Tap the Settings button. 4. Tap the More button. 5. Tap the Software Updates > button. 6. Tap the Check for updates now button. 7. If an update is available, tap the Start Download button. The update downloads. 8. Tap the Update now button to install the update.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Update Software from the Hotspot Web Page To update software from the hotspot web page: Note: To avoid using your data plan, you can download a file from the Internet and use that file to update the hotspot software. See Update Software Using a File from the Internet on page 73. 1. From a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 6. If an update is available, click the Start Download button. The update downloads. 7. Click the Update now button to install the update. Update Software Using a File from the Internet To update software using a file you downloaded from the Internet: 1. From a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://support.netgear.com. 3. Select Downloads and enter AC790 for the model number. 4.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 7. Select Settings > General > Software and Reset. 8. In the Software Update section, click the Browse button. 9. Navigate to the location where the your update file is stored and select it. By default, update files are saved to your Downloads folder. 10. Click the Upload button to update the software.
3. 3 Advanced Settings This chapter provides information about how to configure various aspects of the hotspot such as WiFi settings, WAN settings, router settings.
AirCard 790S Mobile Hotspot Back Up and Restore Hotspot Settings You can back up and restore hotspot settings. Backing up and restoring is useful if you use more than one device and you want the same settings on all of your devices. You can also save your settings before resetting to factory defaults or changing the settings. To back up hotspot settings: 1. From a computer or wireless device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.
AirCard 790S Mobile Hotspot To restore hotspot settings: 1. From a computer or wireless device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1. Your device might have a different web page address. To get the web page address for your device, tap Settings > More > Device Information > AC790 Manager or look at the label underneath the device battery. A login screen displays. 3. Enter the administrator login password.
AirCard 790S Mobile Hotspot Manage WiFi Network Options You can set WiFi network options such as the RTS threshold and the fragmentation packet size on the hotspot web page. You can also control which WiFi devices can access your network by adjusting MAC filtering parameters. To set the WiFi network options: 1. From a computer or wireless device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1.
AirCard 790S Mobile Hotspot NETGEAR recommends setting the channel to Auto. The hotspot chooses the channel that provides the least interference. • RTS Threshold. The smallest packet size (in bytes) used by the Request to Send/Clear to Send handshaking protocol. NETGEAR recommends using a value of 2347. If you are experiencing inconsistent data flow, you can make minor changes to this value to try to alleviate the problem. • Fragmentation Threshold. The largest allowable size (in bytes) for a packet.
AirCard 790S Mobile Hotspot Enable SIM Security Create another level of security by establishing a PIN that you must enter before you can manage the WWAN connection. To enable SIM security: 1. From a computer or wireless device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1. Your device might have a different web page address.
AirCard 790S Mobile Hotspot View WAN Information To view network information: 1. From a computer or wireless device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1. Your device might have a different web page address. To get the web page address for your device, tap Settings > More > Device Information > AC790 Manager or look at the label underneath the device battery. A login screen displays. 3. Enter the administrator login password.
AirCard 790S Mobile Hotspot Enable Port Forwarding If your computer is hosting a server, you can enable port forwarding so that other users can access the server. To enable port forwarding: 1. From a computer or wireless device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1. Your device might have a different web page address.
AirCard 790S Mobile Hotspot The Submit button displays after you make a selection. 7. Click the Submit button. Your settings are saved. Enable Port Filtering You can select which applications (for example, HTTP, FTP, email servers) can access the Internet. Used with other security measures such as a firewall, port filtering can enhance network security. To enable port filtering: 1. From a computer or wireless device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.
AirCard 790S Mobile Hotspot The Submit button displays after you make a selection. 9. Click the Submit button. Your settings are saved. Enable IP Pass-Through Mode To turn off the hotspot router functionality and assign the network IP address directly to the attached device, enable IP pass-through. If you make this change, the attached device restarts using a different driver configuration. WARNING: If you enable this feature, WiFi is disabled and you must use a USB cable to tether the device.
AirCard 790S Mobile Hotspot Enable VPN Pass-Through To connect to a corporate network using VPN, you must first enable VPN connections (pass-through). To enable VPN pass-through: 1. From a computer or wireless device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1. Your device might have a different web page address.
AirCard 790S Mobile Hotspot 3. Enter the administrator login password. The default password is admin. The password is case-sensitive. The Home screen displays. 4. Select Settings > Network > APN. 5. Click the Add button. 6. Enter the name of the network service provider and the APN that you obtained from it. 7. Enter the user name and password, if they are required for the wireless network. 8. Select the network authentication mode: • None. The service provider does not require authentication.
AirCard 790S Mobile Hotspot Note: PDP roaming protocol is the IP protocol used while you are roaming (for example when you are traveling and the roaming network does not support IPv6). 11. Click the + symbol next to the new APN entry. The entry is added to the table. To select the APN to use: 1. From a computer or wireless device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1. Your device might have a different web page address.
AirCard 790S Mobile Hotspot A login screen displays. 3. Enter the administrator login password. The default password is admin. The password is case-sensitive. The Home screen displays. 4. Select Settings > Network > APN. 5. Click the Details button beside the APN entry. 6. Click the Delete button. The APN is removed. Enable DMZ In a demilitarized zone (DMZ) network configuration, a computer runs outside the firewall in the DMZ.
AirCard 790S Mobile Hotspot 4. Select Settings > Router > Basic. 5. In the DMZ section, select the On radio button next to DMZ Enabled. 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 WiFi, the first WiFi client’s IP address is usually 192.168.1.74. The Submit button displays after you make a selection. 7. Click the Submit button.
AirCard 790S Mobile Hotspot 3. Enter the administrator login password. The default password is admin. The password is case-sensitive. The Home screen displays. 4. Select Settings > Router > Basic. The Basic page displays. 5. In the LAN section, enter the appropriate details. 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.
4. Frequently Asked Questions 4 This chapter provides answers for difficulties you might experience with your hotspot. (Also see Chapter 5, Troubleshooting.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot What can 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. • Turn off or temporarily disable any security programs or firewalls. • If possible, try using another computer or WiFi device to connect to your hotspot.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Why is the download or upload speed slow? Data transfer speed depends on signal strength and interfering radio sources like electrical generators or other hotspot WiFi devices. Review the following possibilities: • Check your signal strength and network type (for example, LTE 4G is generally faster than 3G). • Check WiFi interference by powering the hotspot off and on to find a better WiFi channel. • Switch the WiFi channel from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 2. Tap the Home ( ) button. 3. Tap the Settings button. 4. Tap the More button. 5. Tap Factory Reset > button.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 6. Tap the Yes button. 7. Tap the Begin Reset button. A factory reset takes about one minute. 8. After the device resets, reconnect WiFi devices. How do I disconnect from the mobile broadband network? To disconnect from the network from the hotspot web page: 1. From a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1. Your device might use a different web page address.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 5. Tap the > next to Status Disconnect. Your hotspot is disconnected from the network. Why doesn’t the Connect / Disconnect button appear on the hotspot web page? You can use the Connect / Disconnect button only when you are logged in as an administrator. To log in as an administrator: 1. From a computer or WiFi device that is connected to your network, launch an Internet browser. 2. Enter http://netgear.aircard or http://192.168.1.1.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot The touch screen is not lit. How do I know if the hotspot is still powered on? The touch screen dims to save energy. The LED continues to flash slowly to indicate that the mobile hotspot is still powered on. To wake the touch screen, press and quickly release the Power key. How do I find my computer’s IP address? The steps for finding your computer’s IP address depend on the operating system.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot How do I find a device’s MAC address? You must know the MAC address for a device when you are doing the following: • Assigning an IP address based on a MAC address (when using DHCP) • Allowing or denying devices access to your WiFi network (MAC filtering) Tip: To display a list of connected devices, including the MAC address of each device, visit the hotspot web page and log in as an administrator. The connected devices list appears on the left side of the Home page.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Where can I find more information? Review the following: • The Quick Start Guide that came with your mobile hotspot. • Visit support.netgear.com, click the Support for Home Products link, search for your network service provider, and select your hotspot from the list of products to do the following: • - Update the firmware on your device (if an update is available) - View a tutorial Learn tips and tricks at netgear.
5. 5 Troubleshooting This chapter provides suggestions for troubleshooting problems that might arise when you are using your mobile hotspot.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot The WiFi network name does not appear in the list of networks If you do not see the hotspot’s WiFi networks from your WiFi-enabled device, try these suggestions: • Refresh the list of networks. • If the touch screen is dark, the WiFi radio might be asleep. Press the Power key to wake the hotspot. • If the hotspot is tethered to your computer, make sure that WiFi is set to stay on when the hotspot is tethered. See Reset the hotspot on page 103.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot The hotspot does not connect to your service provider’s network If your hotspot does not connect to your service provider’s mobile broadband network, try the following suggestions: • Make sure that your micro SIM account is active. To check micro SIM status and activate the account, visit your Internet service provider website. • If you use a pay-as-you-go micro SIM card, make sure that the account balance is positive.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Reset the hotspot You can reset the hotspot to the factory settings. This is useful if you forgot your login password for the hotspot web page. If you reset the hotspot, all of your customizations are lost. If you want to keep them, save them before doing the reset and restore them afterward. See Back Up and Restore Hotspot Settings on page 76. Note: When you reset the hotspot, any currently connected devices lose access and must be reconnected after the hotspot restarts.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot 4. Tap the More button. 5. Tap Factory Reset > button. 6. Tap the Yes button. 7. Tap the Begin Reset button. A factory reset takes about one minute. 8. After the device resets, reconnect WiFi devices. View Alerts Your mobile hotspot displays alerts to advise you of device status changes. SIM Not Installed Ensure that the micro SIM card is installed correctly. See Install the Micro SIM Card on page 13.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot SIM Error — Check SIM Ensure that your network service provider’s micro SIM card is inserted in the hotspot. If a problem still exists, contact customer service. The micro SIM card might be damaged and need replacing. SIM Locked To unlock the micro SIM card from the hotspot web page: 1. Contact your Internet service provider customer service for the PIN to unlock the micro SIM card. 2.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Connection Alerts Some connection alerts include instructions for resolving them. For other connection alerts, including those in the following table, contact customer service for assistance. Table 4.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Table 4.
A.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Mechanical Specifications Table 5. Physical dimensions Parameter Dimension Weight 136 g (4.5 oz) Length 110 mm (4.33 in.) Width 68 mm (2.7 in.) Thickness 15 mm (.57 in.) Environmental Specifications Table 6. 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 7.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Specifications 110
B.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot Battery Tips • Charge batteries in a room-temperature environment, which is generally between 68° F and 79° F (20° C and 26° C). Charging may be temporarily disabled if the battery temperature exceeds 113° F (60° C). • If a battery exhibits significantly shorter runtime or discharge capacity compared to new, it may have reached the end of its reasonable lifetime; consider replacing it.
AirCard 790 Mobile Hotspot • Do not disassemble or modify batteries. Do not use a battery for anything other than its intended purpose. Appropriate Batteries and Chargers • Use only approved batteries in the device. Only purchase products and accessories recommended by NETGEAR or your carrier. Use of unapproved batteries, products, or accessories will void your warranty. • Do not use incompatible batteries and chargers.
