Cricket Turbo Hotspot User Manual
AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
Support
On the web
•
Detailed support information including device specification and troubleshooting
care available at cricketwireless.com/support/devices.
On the phone
•
Call Customer Care at 1-855-246-2461 or dial 611 from your cell phone.
Accessories
For information about accessories, visit you local Cricket store or visit
cricketwireless.com/shop/accessories.
Trademarks
© 2019 Cricket Wireless LLC. All rights reserved. Cricket and the Cricket logo are
registered trademarks under license to Cricket Wireless LLC.
©NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR and the NETGEAR Logo are trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc.
Any non-NETGEAR trademarks are used for reference purposes only.
Compliance
For regulatory compliance information, visit http://www.netgear.com/about/regulatory.
See the regulatory compliance document before connecting the power supply.
2
Contents
Chapter 1 Get Started
Meet Your Mobile Hotspot..................................................................8
Control Your Device Using the Power Button..............................8
Sleep Mode.......................................................................................9
Status LED.........................................................................................9
Set Up Your Mobile Hotspot...............................................................9
Recharge the Battery..........................................................................11
Replace a SIM Card............................................................................11
Home Screen.......................................................................................13
Connect to the Internet......................................................................14
Security Credentials...........................................................................15
NETGEAR Mobile App for Smartphones and Tablets...................15
Connect to the Mobile Hotspot With Tethering.............................16
Customize the Mobile Hotspot Settings..........................................16
Chapter 2 Use Your Mobile Hotspot
View Messages From the Mobile Hotspot......................................19
View Messages From the Mobile Hotspot Web Page...................20
Delete a Message From the Mobile Hotspot..................................20
Delete a Message From the Mobile Hotspot Web Page...............21
View Alerts From the Mobile Hotspot..............................................21
Manage Your Broadband Network Connection.............................22
View Mobile Broadband Network Status From the Mobile Hotspot
Web Page........................................................................................22
Turn Domestic Data On and Off From the Mobile Hotspot Web
Page.................................................................................................23
Connect to Wi-Fi.................................................................................23
Connect Using the Wi-Fi Password.............................................23
Add a WPS-Enabled Wi-Fi Device From the Mobile Hotspot Web
Page.................................................................................................24
Manage Wi-Fi......................................................................................25
Turn On 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi From the Mobile Hotspot Web Page...26
Turn On 5 GHz Wi-Fi From the Mobile Hotspot Web Page.....26
Turn On Dual-Band Wi-Fi From the Mobile Hotspot Web
Page.................................................................................................27
Change Wi-Fi Settings From the Mobile Hotspot Web Page...28
3
AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
Turn Guest Wi-Fi On and Off From the Mobile Hotspot Web
Page.................................................................................................31
Manage Wi-Fi Security.......................................................................33
Change Wi-Fi Network Names and Passwords From the Mobile
Hotspot Web Page.........................................................................33
Change Wi-Fi Encryption Settings...............................................35
Chapter 3 Manage Security
Change the Mobile Hotspot Web Page Login Settings................38
Content Filter Levels..........................................................................39
Set Up Content Filtering...............................................................39
Block Access to Websites.............................................................41
Allow Access to Websites.............................................................41
View, Block, or Unblock Connected Devices..................................42
View Connected Devices From the Mobile Hotspot Web
Page.................................................................................................43
Block a Device From the Mobile Hotspot Web Page................44
Unblock a Device From the Mobile Hotspot Web Page...........44
View a List of Blocked Devices From the Mobile Hotspot Web
Page.................................................................................................45
Set Up an Internet Access Schedule................................................45
Activate SIM Security..........................................................................47
Enable Port Forwarding.....................................................................47
Enable Port Filtering...........................................................................48
Chapter 4 Maintain Your Mobile Hotspot
Extend Battery Life..............................................................................51
Adjust Wi-Fi Settings to Optimize Battery Life...........................51
Adjust Display Settings to Increase Battery Life.........................52
View Details About Your Mobile Hotspot........................................52
Back Up and Restore Mobile Hotspot Settings..............................54
Back Up Mobile Hotspot Settings Using the Web Page...........54
Restore Mobile Hotspot Settings Using the Web Page............55
Restore Mobile Hotspot Settings Using the LCD Display.........56
Configure Mobile Broadband...........................................................56
Enable IP Pass-Through Mode.....................................................56
Enable VPN Pass-Through............................................................57
Configure APN Details..................................................................58
Add an APN for Another Network...........................................58
Select an APN to Use................................................................59
Remove an APN Entry...............................................................60
Enable DMZ.........................................................................................61
Set LAN Options.................................................................................62
Update Mobile Hotspot Software and Firmware............................63
4
AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
Update in Response to an Alert...................................................64
Update Software From the Mobile Hotspot Web Page............64
Chapter 5 Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Connecting and Disconnecting Devices and
Accessing the Internet.......................................................................67
What do I do if I can’t connect a device to the mobile
hotspot?..........................................................................................67
What do I do if I can’t access the Internet?.................................67
How do I disconnect from the mobile broadband network?....68
Why doesn’t the Connect or Disconnect button appear on the
mobile hotspot web page?...........................................................68
How do I find out how many devices are connected to my mobile
hotspot’s Wi-Fi networks?.............................................................68
What do I do if the No Signal icon displays?..............................68
Why can’t my device access the mobile hotspot web page when
connected to a VPN?.....................................................................69
Why can’t my mobile hotspot connect to a computer running
Windows Vista?..............................................................................69
What do I do if my mobile hotspot doesn’t connect to my service
provider’s network?.......................................................................69
Questions About the Mobile Hotspot Web Page..........................70
How do I go back to the mobile hotspot web page?................70
What do I do if I forget my admin login password?..................70
General Questions..............................................................................71
Why isn’t my battery charging?....................................................71
Why is the Signal Strength indicator always low?......................71
Why is the download or upload speed slow?............................71
The LCD screen is not lit. How do I know if the mobile hotspot is
still powered on?............................................................................72
How do I find my computer’s IP address?..................................72
Find the IP address on a Windows 7 , Windows Vista , or
Windows XP device...................................................................72
Find the IP address on a Windows 8 device..........................72
Find the IP address on a Mac OS X device............................72
Find the IP address on devices running other operating
systems.......................................................................................72
How do I find a device’s MAC address?......................................73
Find the MAC address on a Windows 7, Vista , or XP
device..........................................................................................73
Find the MAC address on a Windows 8 device or newer....73
Find the MAC address on a Mac OS X device.......................74
What do I do if the Wi-Fi network name doesn’t appear in the list
of networks?....................................................................................74
5
AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting
View Alerts...........................................................................................76
SIM Not Installed............................................................................76
SIM Error — Check SIM...................................................................76
SIM Locked.....................................................................................76
Temperature-Related Alerts.........................................................77
Connection Alerts..........................................................................77
Reset the Mobile Hotspot..................................................................79
Reset the Mobile Hotspot From the Mobile Hotspot................79
Reset the Mobile Hotspot From the Mobile Hotspot Web
Page.................................................................................................79
Appendix A Specifications
Battery Specifications.........................................................................82
Display Specifications........................................................................83
Environmental Specifications............................................................84
Mechanical Specifications.................................................................84
Mobile Band Specifications...............................................................84
Package Contents...............................................................................85
Port Specifications..............................................................................85
Security Specifications.......................................................................85
WiFi Specifications.............................................................................86
6
1
Get Started
This product regularly checks for new firmware and downloads any appropriate, or you
can check for and download new firmware manually. If the features or behavior of your
product does not match what is described in this manual, you might need to update
your firmware.
This chapter provides an overview of mobile hotspot features, and instructions for how
to set up your mobile hotspot and connect to the Internet. The chapter covers the
following topics:
• Meet Your Mobile Hotspot
• Set Up Your Mobile Hotspot
• Recharge the Battery
• Replace a SIM Card
• Home Screen
• Connect to the Internet
• Security Credentials
• NETGEAR Mobile App for Smartphones and Tablets
• Connect to the Mobile Hotspot With Tethering
• Customize the Mobile Hotspot Settings
7
Power/Wake button
Status LED
LCD screen
Micro USB charging port
AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
Meet Your Mobile Hotspot
Before you connect your mobile hotspot, familiarize yourself with its LCD screen, icons,
buttons, and connectors.
Figure 1. Mobile hotspot buttons and connectors
The mobile hotspot comes with a micro USB charging cable.
Figure 2. Mobile Hotspot Charging Cable
Control Your Device Using the Power Button
The Power button is used to turn the NETGEAR Mobile Hotspot on or off and to choose
which information screen to display on the LCD.
User Manual8Get Started
AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
Turn mobile hotspot on. Press and hold Power button for 3-4 seconds
Turn mobile hotspot off. Press and hold the Power button for 3-4 seconds
Wake up WiFi signal and device screen. Press and release the Power button.
Cycle through screens. Press and release the Power button.
Sleep Mode
If there have been no transmissions or operation of your device, or if the battery has
not been charged, your device automatically enters sleep mode to save power.
In sleep mode, WLAN is disabled.
Press the Power button to turn the display on and exit sleep mode.
WLAN function is enabled and WiFi devices can reconnect to the hotspot.
The time required to recover the network connection varies by environment, settings,
etc.
Status LED
The status LED indicates data connection status:
Blue, slow blink. The mobile hotspot is ready.
•
Blue, double-blink. The mobile hotspot is transferring data.
•
Amber, slow blink. The mobile hotspot is not connected to the network or is in
•
standby mode.
Set Up Your Mobile Hotspot
The mobile hotspot comes with a SIM card in the box.
User Manual9Get Started
AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
To set up your mobile hotspot:
1. Insert the SIM card.
2. Insert the battery.
3. Install the back cover.
4. Firmly close the back cover.
User Manual10Get Started
AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
5. Press the Power button to power on the mobile hotspot.
Recharge the Battery
Your battery comes partially charged.
To recharge your battery:
1. Connect the micro USB charging cable to your mobile hotspot.
2.
Connect the other end of the cable to the USB port on your computer or to the USB
charger.
Replace a SIM Card
To replace a SIM card:
1.
Remove the back cover by lifting the corners.
2. Remove the battery.
3. Slide out the SIM card.
User Manual11Get Started
AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
4. Insert the replacement SIM card.
5. Insert the battery.
6. Install the back cover.
User Manual12Get Started
Signal strength
Network indicator
Battery
WiFi details
Connected devices
Unviewed messages
AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
Home Screen
You can use the home screen icons to view the mobile hotspot’s status, view Wi-Fi
settings, view device information, and view system alerts.
Figure 3. LCD screen display
Table 1. Icons
DescriptionIcons
This indicates the strength of the mobile broadband network signal.
This indicates your LTE wireless device is connected to one of the following networks:
The 4G LTE network.
•
The HSPA+ network.
•
This indicates the battery is charging.
This indicates the battery is fully charged.
User Manual13Get Started
AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
Table 1. Icons (Continued)
This indicates the mobile router is plugged in to an external power supply and is operating
without a battery.
This indicates there are unread alerts.
Connect to the Internet
When you turn on your mobile hotspot, it automatically connects to the network in your
area. Connect your device to the mobile hotspot Wi-Fi network to access the Internet.
To connect to the Internet:
1. Press and release the Power button to turn on the mobile hotspot.
2. On your laptop or Wi-Fi device, open your Wi-Fi network connection manager.
3. Connect your device to the hotspot with the Wi-Fi name and password.
Note: Your WiFi network name is different from this example.
If guest Wi-Fi is enabled, press the power button again to reveal the guest credentials.
User Manual14Get Started
AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
Security Credentials
Three passwords are associated with the mobile hotspot:
Wi-Fi password. Use this to connect your computer or Wi-Fi device to your mobile
•
hotspot network. This character string is unique to your device. It displays on the
main mobile hotspot touch screen. If the screen is blank (a power-saving feature),
press and quickly release the Power button. The default Wi-Fi password is also
printed on a label under the battery.
For information about changing Wi-Fi passwords, see Change Wi-Fi Encryption
Settings on page 35.
Guest Wi-Fi password. When the guest Wi-Fi network is enabled, guests can use
•
this password to access the network.
Admin login password. Use this to log in to the mobile hotspot web page as an
•
administrator. You must log in as an administrator to use certain features and to
make changes to your mobile hotspot settings. The default admin login password,
admin, is printed on a label under the battery. The admin login password can be
5–31 characters.
NETGEAR Mobile App for Smartphones and Tablets
Download and use the complimentary NETGEAR Mobile app to view your connection,
settings, and data usage from your smartphone or tablet. Search the app store for
NETGEAR Mobile.
To manage all mobile hotspot settings, visit the mobile hotspot web page at
http://cricketwifi/ .
User Manual15Get Started
AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
Connect to the Mobile Hotspot With Tethering
You can connect a computer to the mobile hotspot using the micro USB cable instead
of connecting with Wi-Fi. This kind of cable connection is called tethering.
Note: The tethering feature is not available on the model AC797ABS-1A1NAS, but you
can use your computer to access the mobile hotspot web page.
Note: The first time you use the micro USB cable to connect to the mobile hotspot your
computer’s operating system detects the new device.
To install drivers on computers running Windows:
1.
Ensure that the mobile hotspot is powered off.
2. Connect the mobile hotspot to your computer using the USB cable.
The mobile hotspot automatically powers on.
Note: Make sure that your computer has access to Internet when you first use the
tethering feature because your computer might need to access the Internet in order
to download the required software driver.
After the driver is installed, you can visit the mobile hotspot web page to customize
your mobile hotspot’s advanced settings. This is an optional step.
Customize the Mobile Hotspot Settings
You can personalize the mobile hotspot and change its settings on the web page.
User Manual16Get Started
AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
To log in to your mobile hotspot web page:
1. From a computer or Wi-Fi device that is connected to the mobile hotspot, launch a
web browser.
2.
Enter http://192.168.1.1 or http://cricketwifi/ .
The mobile hotspot web page displays.
3. Enter the administrator login password.
The default password is cktadmin. The password is case-sensitive.
User Manual17Get Started
2
Use Your Mobile Hotspot
This chapter explains how to use your mobile hotspot. The chapter covers the following
topics:
• View Messages From the Mobile Hotspot
• View Messages From the Mobile Hotspot Web Page
• Delete a Message From the Mobile Hotspot
• Delete a Message From the Mobile Hotspot Web Page
• View Alerts From the Mobile Hotspot
• Manage Your Broadband Network Connection
• Connect to Wi-Fi
• Manage Wi-Fi
• Manage Wi-Fi Security
18
AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
View Messages From the Mobile Hotspot
You can tell from your mobile hotspot display if you have unviewed messages, and you
can view them directly from there.
This hotspot display indicates you have an unread message.
Note: Although you can view messages directly on the mobile hotspot, use the mobile
hotspot's web page to delete them.
To view messages from the mobile hotspot display:
1. Press the Power button to wake the mobile hotspot.
2. Tap the Messages icon.
The Messages screen displays.
3.
Tap the message to read the full text.
Note: If you are logged in as an administrator, the Messages option on the side
menu indicates unread network messages. You can view SMS messages from your
network service provider on the mobile hotspot web page.
User Manual19Use Your Mobile Hotspot
AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
View Messages From the Mobile Hotspot Web Page
To view messages from the mobile hotspot web page:
1. From a computer or Wi-Fi device that is connected to the mobile hotspot, launch a
web browser.
2.
Enter http://192.168.1.1 or http://cricketwifi/ .
The mobile hotspot web page displays.
3. Enter the administrator login password.
The default password is cktadmin. The password is case-sensitive.
The home page displays.
4. Select Messages.
A list of messages displays, showing the first portion of the text.
5.
Click a message to read the full text.
Delete a Message From the Mobile Hotspot
You can delete messages from your mobile hotspot display.
To delete messages from the mobile hotspot display:
1. Tap Power to wake the mobile hotspot.
2. Tap the Messages icon.
The Messages screen displays.
User Manual20Use Your Mobile Hotspot
AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
3. Tap the message to select it.
4. Tap the Delete button.
The message is deleted.
Delete a Message From the Mobile Hotspot Web Page
To delete a message from the mobile hotspot web page:
1. From a computer or Wi-Fi device that is connected to the mobile hotspot, launch a
web browser.
2.
Enter http://192.168.1.1 or http://cricketwifi/.
The mobile hotspot web page displays.
3. Enter the administrator login password.
The default password is cktadmin. The password is case-sensitive.
The home page displays.
4. Select Messages.
A list of messages displays, showing the first portion of the text.
5. Select the message and click the Delete button.
The message is deleted.
View Alerts From the Mobile Hotspot
Your mobile hotspot displays alerts to advise you of device status changes. When there
are outstanding alerts, the alerts displays on the screen. Alerts remain as long as the
issues that cause them are active. When the issues are resolved, the alerts are removed
automatically.
To view alerts from the mobile hotspot web page:
1. From a computer or Wi-Fi device that is connected to the mobile hotspot, launch a
web browser.
2.
Enter http://192.168.1.1 or http://cricketwifi/.
The mobile hotspot web page displays.
3. Enter the administrator login password.
User Manual21Use Your Mobile Hotspot
AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
The default password is cktadmin. The password is case-sensitive.
Follow the instructions in each alert to address the conditions that caused it to display.
Manage Your Broadband Network Connection
You can view the mobile broadband network status and turn domestic data on and off.
View Mobile Broadband Network Status From the Mobile Hotspot Web Page
To view network status from the mobile hotspot web page:
1. From a computer or Wi-Fi device that is connected to the mobile hotspot, launch a
web browser.
2.
Enter http://192.168.1.1 or http://cricketwifi/ .
The mobile hotspot web page displays.
3. Enter the administrator login password.
The default password is cktadmin. The password is case-sensitive.
The home page displays.
4. Select Settings > About.
The About page displays.
5. View the Network Status section.
User Manual22Use Your Mobile Hotspot
AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
Turn Domestic Data On and Off From the Mobile Hotspot Web Page
To turn domestic data on and off from the mobile hotspot:
1. From a computer or Wi-Fi device that is connected to the mobile hotspot, launch a
web browser.
2.
Enter http://cricketwifi/ .
The mobile hotspot web page displays.
3. Enter the administrator login password.
The default password is admin. The password is case-sensitive.
The home page displays.
4.
Select Settings > Mobile Broadband > Preferences.
The preferences page displays.
5. Click the Domestic Data button.
The Save and Cancel buttons display at the bottom of the page.
6. Click the Save button.
Your settings are saved.
Connect to Wi-Fi
You can connect up to 15 Wi-Fi devices (such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, digital
cameras, printers, gaming consoles, and digital picture frames) to your mobile hotspot
network. For information about setting connections for main Wi-Fi and guest Wi-Fi
networks, see View Mobile Broadband Network Status From the Mobile Hotspot on
page ?.
You can add a Wi-Fi device to your Wi-Fi network manually. If the device that you are
adding is WPS enabled, you can use the WPS method to connect the device without
using the Wi-Fi password.
Connect Using the Wi-Fi Password
To connect using the Wi-Fi password:
1.
On the Wi-Fi device, view the list of available Wi-Fi networks.
2. Connect to the network that corresponds to your mobile hotspot network as displayed
on the LCD screen.
User Manual23Use Your Mobile Hotspot
AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
3.
When prompted, enter the Wi-Fi password for your mobile hotspot network.
The Wi-Fi password displays on the mobile hotspot LCD screen. If the screen is
turned off, press and quickly release the Power button to wake the mobile hotspot.
Add a WPS-Enabled Wi-Fi Device From the Mobile Hotspot Web Page
You can add a WPS-enabled Wi-Fi device to your Wi-Fi network without a Wi-Fi password,
using the mobile hotspot or the mobile hotspot web page. Note that this feature is not
available on the AC797ABS-1A1NAS model mobile hotspot.
To add a WPS-enabled Wi-Fi device from the mobile hotspot web page:
1. From a computer or Wi-Fi device that is connected to the mobile hotspot, launch a
web browser.
2.
Enter http://192.168.1.1 or http://cricketwifi/.
The mobile hotspot web page displays.
3. Enter the administrator login password.
The default password is cktadmin. The password is case-sensitive.
The home page displays.
4. Select Wi-Fi > Connect.
User Manual24Use Your Mobile Hotspot
AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
5.
Click the WPS button for either the main Wi-Fi or guest Wi-Fi network (if available).
6.
Click the button for the WPS method that you want to use:
WPS button pairing. If the device that 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 that you want to
•
connect, click the Enter WPS PIN button and enter the device’s WPS PIN.
Your mobile hotspot and the Wi-Fi device communicate and establish the connection.
Manage Wi-Fi
Advanced users can set up the Wi-Fi radio of the mobile hotspot to meet their Wi-Fi
needs by customizing settings on the mobile hotspot web page.
On the mobile hotspot web page, the following Wi-Fi profiles are available:
Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). Connect 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz devices to
•
transfer data at higher throughputs.
2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Use only the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band.
•
5 GHz Wi-Fi. Use only the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band.
•
Turn off Wi-Fi. Turn off the Wi-Fi signal from the mobile router. With this setting,
•
you can only connect to the mobile router with a tethered USB connection.
By default, Wi-Fi is enabled and guest Wi-Fi are disabled. If your place of business does
not allow Wi-Fi or for any other reason you want to disable Wi-Fi and use the mobile
hotspot only in tethered mode, the mobile hotspot gives you that option.
Note: Whenever you change Wi-Fi settings, any devices connected to the mobile
hotspot are disconnected and might need to be reconnected.
User Manual25Use Your Mobile Hotspot
AirCard 797 Mobile Hotspot
Turn On 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi From the Mobile Hotspot Web Page
To turn on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi from the mobile hotspot web page:
1. From a computer or Wi-Fi device that is connected to the mobile hotspot, launch a
web browser.
2.
Enter http://192.168.1.1 or http://cricketwifi/ .
The mobile hotspot web page displays.
3. Enter the administrator login password.
The default password is cktadmin. The password is case-sensitive.
The home page displays.
4. Select Wi-Fi > Options.
5. Select 2.4 GHz Only.
The Save and Cancel buttons display at the bottom of the page.
6. Click the Save button.
A message displays telling you that to save this change, your device must restart
Wi-Fi connections.
7. Click the Save button.
Your settings are saved.
Turn On 5 GHz Wi-Fi From the Mobile Hotspot Web Page
When all of your devices support 5 GHz Wi-Fi, use 5 GHz Wi-Fi for faster downloads.
User Manual26Use Your Mobile Hotspot
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