NETGEAR AirCard USB Modem User Manual

NETGEAR AirCard USB Modem

User Guide

4114245

Rev. 1

Preface

Important
Notice

Safety and
Hazards

Due to the nature of wireless communications, transmission and reception of data
can never be guaranteed. Data may be delayed, corrupted (i.e., have errors) or be
totally lost. Although significant delays or losses of data are rare when wireless
devices such as the NETGEAR modem are used in a normal manner with a well­constructed network, the NETGEAR modem should not be used in situations
where failure to transmit or receive data could result in damage of any kind to the
user or any other party, including but not limited to personal injury, death, or loss
of property. NETGEAR accepts no responsibility for damages of any kind
resulting from delays or errors in data transmitted or received using the
NETGEAR modem, or for failure of the NETGEAR modem to transmit or receive
such data.

Do not operate the NETGEAR modem in areas where blasting is in progress,
where explosive atmospheres may be present, near medical equipment, near life
support equipment, or any equipment that may be susceptible to any form of radio
interference. In such areas, the NETGEAR modem MUST BE POWERED OFF.
The NETGEAR modem can transmit signals that could interfere with this
equipment.

Do not operate the NETGEAR modem in any aircraft, whether the aircraft is on
the ground or in flight. In aircraft, the NETGEAR modem MUST BE POWERED
OFF. When operating, the NETGEAR modem can transmit signals that could
interfere with various onboard systems.

The driver or operator of any vehicle should not operate the NETGEAR modem
while in control of a vehicle. Doing so will detract from the driver or operator's
control and operation of that vehicle. In some states and provinces, operating
such communications devices while in control of a vehicle is an offence.

Limitation of
Liability

Rev 1 Apr.13 1

The information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of NETGEAR. NETGEAR AND ITS
AFFILIATES SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL DIRECT,
INDIRECT, SPECIAL, GENERAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE
OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF
PROFITS OR REVENUE OR ANTICIPATED PROFITS OR REVENUE ARISING
OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE ANY NETGEAR PRODUCT, EVEN IF
NETGEAR AND/OR ITS AFFILIATES HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES OR THEY ARE FORESEEABLE OR FOR
CLAIMS BY ANY THIRD PARTY.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall NETGEAR and/or its affiliates
aggregate liability arising under or in connection with the NETGEAR product,
regardless of the number of events, occurrences, or claims giving rise to liability,
be in excess of the price paid by the purchaser for the NETGEAR product.

AirCard USB Modem User Guide

Patents This product contains technology developed by or for NETGEAR, Inc.

This product includes technology licensed from QUALCOMM

®

.

Copyright © 2013 NETGEAR. All rights reserved.

Trademarks NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo, AirCard and Watcher are trademarks of

NETGEAR, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand names
mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of
their respective holder(s). Information is subject to change without notice. © 2013
NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved.

QUALCOMM
under license.

®

is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Used

Contact
Information

Sales Desk: Phone: [phone]

Hours: 8:00
E-mail: [e-mail]

Post: NETGEAR, Inc.

350 E Plumeria Dr.
San Jose, CA 95134

Web: www.netgear.com

AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time

Consult our web site for up-to-date product descriptions, documentation,
application notes, firmware upgrades, troubleshooting tips, and press releases:

www.netgear.com

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Contents

NETGEAR AirCard USB Modem User Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

About the AirCard USB Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Your account and coverage area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

AirCard USB Modem features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

LCD operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Web User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Connection management software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Launching Watcher (Windows) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Launching Watcher (Mac) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Reinstalling the software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Connecting to the network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Mac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Using the microSD card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Removing the SIM card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Using AirCard USB Modem accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Using the extension cable and clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Care and maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Software installation does not start automatically (Windows) or you do not

see the installer package (Mac) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Modem is not detected after AirCard Watcher installation completes (Win-

dows) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Windows installer fails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Technical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Radio frequency and electrical specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Environmental specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Regulatory and safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Safety and hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Regulatory information for North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Rev 1 Apr.13 3

AirCard USB Modem User Guide

Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

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NETGEAR AirCard USB Modem User Guide

About the AirCard USB Modem

The NETGEAR® AirCard® USB Modem enables you to connect to
the Internet, send and receive email, connect to a corporate network
or virtual private network (VPN), or view streaming video without the
need for a network cable.

The AirCard USB Modem connects to a Type A USB port on your
computer.

If the AirCard USB Modem is TRU-Install enabled, all the required
software is available on the modem. When you set up your AirCard
USB Modem, the software is installed on your computer. You do not
need an installation CD. (Depending on your service provider, your
modem may include an installation CD.)

Note: If you purchased the
modem from a service
provider, you may already
have an account and a
SIM card. Otherwise, your
retailer should be able to
give you the names of
companies that provide
these items.

The AirCard USB Modem has a built-in antenna and may have a slot
that accommodates a microSD
on your service provider, a microSD card may be included in your
package, or you may need to purchase it separately.

Depending on the model and your service provider, your modem may
support GPS.



external memory card. Depending

Your account and coverage area

You must have an account with a service provider to use the AirCard
USB Modem. To use the AirCard USB Modem’s 3G or LTE capability,
your account must be with a service provider that offers 3G or LTE
service. (The AirCard USB Modem may be backwards compatible
with 2G service— support is SKU-dependent.)

When you obtain your account, you are given a Subscriber Identity
Module (SIM) card containing account information. You must insert
the SIM card into the AirCard USB Modem before you use it.
(Depending on your service provider, the SIM card may already be
inserted.)

When establishing a connection, your AirCard USB Modem uses the
fastest available service. Your ability to obtain service depends on
these factors:

Note: The fee for service
is usually higher when you
are roaming (connected to
a network other than the
one belonging to your
service provider).

Rev 1 Apr.13 5

• Network coverage—You must be within the network coverage
area.

• Service provider—If you are within the coverage area of a
network that is not operated by your own service provider, you
can obtain service only if there is a roaming agreement between
your service provider and the network operator.

AirCard USB Modem User Guide

LCD display

microSD card and SIM card slots are under the
back cover. See page 11 and page 12 for details.

• Account provisions—Your account may restrict your usage to certain
networks or limit the amount of time you can use the network.

• Frequency band— You cannot connect to networks operating in bands not
supported by your modem, regardless of roaming agreements or account
provisions.

Most service providers have coverage maps on their web sites.

AirCard USB Modem features

The AirCard USB Modem has the following features:

• USB connector

• SIM card slot

• On some models, a microSD external storage card

• Status information— Status information is shown using an LCD on the front of

the modem.

The placement of card slots, connectors, and LCDs varies depending on your
modem model.

LCD operation

AirCard USB Modems have an LCD that shows the current status of the modem.

The LCD may display (depending on service provider and model):

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• Messages while connecting to a network (“Searching for network...”,
“Connected to operator”, etc.)

• Operational status icons/ text—See Ta b l e 1 on page 7.

• Alerts (“No SIM installed”, “Data roaming is disabled”, “Data Limit Alert”,

connection error messages, etc.)