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 well-constructed 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 which 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
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.
Rev 3 Sep.133
AirCard 781S Mobile Hotspot User Guide
PatentsThis product may contain technology developed by or for NETGEAR Inc. This product
TrademarksNETGEAR, 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).
Windows
Macintosh
U.S. and other countries.
QUALCOMM
license.
Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Information is subject to change without notice.
®
and Windows Vista® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
®
and Mac OS X® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the
®
is a registered trademark of QUALCOMM Incorporated. Used under
This chapter provides an overview of the AirCard 781S Mobile Hotspot
features, and instructions on how to set up your mobile hotspot and
connect to the Internet.
Know your device
Your mobile hotspot enables you to create a Wi-Fi network anywhere
there is cellular network coverage. You can use that Wi-Fi network to
connect your laptop and other Wi-Fi capable devices to your network
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.
Additional features include:
•Touchscreen LCD interface — Configure basic Wi-Fi and display
•Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) — A fast, easy way to connect WPS-
•Guest Wi-Fi — Create a second Wi-Fi network on the hotspot for
1
settings, view data usage details, view system and network provider
alerts and messages
enabled devices to your Wi-Fi network
guests to use
Rev 3 Sep.137
AirCard 781S Mobile Hotspot User Guide
Power button
Table 1-1: Power button usage
Desired resultAction
Turn mobile hotspot onPress and hold the power button for two seconds.
Turn mobile hotspot offPress and hold the power button for two seconds.
Wake up Wi-Fi signal and
device screen
Press and quickly release the power button.
LCD touchscreen
The mobile hotspot’s touchscreen LCD displays:
•Wi-Fi network name and password
•Network signal icons (See LCD screen elements on page 9 for details.)
To personalize the mobile hotspot and change basic settings, use the homescreen
Settings and Wi-Fi options.
For advanced settings, use a Wi-Fi enabled device to connect to the hotspot and then
visit the homepage at http://192.168.1.1.
8 2400359
Get Started
Signal strength
Network indicator
Battery
Wi-Fi network
name and
password
Data usage
Wi-Fi configuration
Configure settings
Charge another device’s battery
System alerts
Homescreen
Number of
connected
devices
LCD screen elements
Icons on the LCD screen’s top row indicate the status of the mobile hotspot, and several
screen elements can be tapped to configure Wi-Fi and device settings, view data usage
details, and view system alerts and carrier messages.
Figure 1-1: LCD homescreen
Table 1-2: LCD homescreen elements
ElementIndicates
Signal strength
The more bars the stronger the network provider’s signal.
No signal
The type of network available.*
4G LTE — LTE
4G — HSPA, HSPA+
Battery status
Indicates the charge status of the battery.
Green bar — 26–100%
Yellow bar — 11–25%
Red bar — <10%. Connect charger.
Battery charging
Rev 3 Sep.139
AirCard 781S Mobile Hotspot User Guide
Table 1-2: LCD homescreen elements (Continued)
ElementIndicates
Number of system alerts
Slide down to view the messages
Wi-Fi network
name and Wi-Fi
password
Mobile hotspot’s Wi-Fi network name and password. Used by Wi-Fi enabled
devices to connect to the mobile hotspot.
Data usage for current billing period or prepaid plan.
Tap the data bar to view detailed information.
Wi-Fi menu
Number indicates currently connected devices.
Tap to configure basic Wi-Fi settings, including Wi-Fi profiles.
PowerBoost
Tap to charge another device’s battery (using the PowerBoost cable).
Settings menu
Tap to configure basic device settings.
Status LED indicator
The LED indicates the device’s connection status:
•Slow blue blink — Data connection ready
•Double blue blink — Transferring data
•Slow amber blink — Sleeping
Accessories
•Micro USB cable — Used mainly for recharging the battery, although you can also
use it to tether the mobile hotspot to your computer
•Wall charger — Used with the USB cable to recharge the battery or to power the
mobile hotspot from a wall socket
Power sources
You can power your mobile hotspot from:
•Rechargable battery included with the mobile hotspot
•Wall socket using the wall charger and USB cable
•USB port on your computer
10 2400359
Get Started
Gold contacts
Battery
Set up and connect to the Internet
Install the battery
1. Insert the battery as shown in the illustration. Ensure that the gold contacts on the
battery are lined up with the gold contacts on the device.
Note: Your mobile hotspot
does not need to be
connected to the computer
with the USB cable to
connect to the Internet. The
USB cable is used mainly for
recharging the battery. (You
can also connect to the
Internet with the mobile
hotspot tethered to the
laptop with the USB cable.)
2. Replace the back cover.
Note: The battery comes partially-charged and ready to go. When the battery needs recharging,
follow the instructions in Recharge the battery on page 16.
Connect to the Internet
To connect to the Internet:
1. Turn on the mobile hotspot.
Press and hold the power button for a few seconds. Once powered up, the mobile
hotspot automatically searches for and connects to your network provider’s mobile
broadband network.
2. Connect your computer or other device to your Wi-Fi network.
a.On your computer, view the list of available Wi-Fi networks.
b.Select the Wi-Fi network name displayed on the mobile hotspot LCD screen,
and connect to it.
c.When prompted, enter your Wi-Fi network password, as it appears on the
mobile hotspot LCD screen.
3. Launch your browser to surf the Internet.
Note: To personalize the mobile hotspot and change basic settings, use the LCD homescreen
Settings and Wi-Fi options. For advanced settings, use a Wi-Fi enabled device to connect to the
hotspot and then use a browser to display the homepage (http://192.168.1.1). Log in as Admin-
istrator to make changes.
Rev 3 Sep.1311
AirCard 781S Mobile Hotspot User Guide
Note: The LCD screen may go into sleep mode to save power. To wake up the LCD screen, press
and quickly release the power button, then tap the Unlock icon.
Device configuration
Your mobile hotspot comes configured, perfectly secure and ready to use, but if you
want to change the security settings, the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and other
settings, go to your mobile hotspot’s homepage.
Note: Some basic Wi-Fi and device settings can be changed using the touchscreen LCD’s Wi-Fi
and Settings menus.
The homepage URL is shown on the LCD (Settings > About) and in the Quick Start
Guide that came with your mobile hotspot.
You must be logged in as Administrator to change settings and view detailed
information.
Security credentials
Three passwords are associated with the mobile hotspot:
•Wi-Fi password — Used to connect your computer or other Wi-Fi device to your
mobile hotspot network. This character string is unique to your device. It is
displayed on the main mobile hotspot LCD screen. If the screen is blank (a powersaving feature), press and quickly release the power button to view the information
on the screen. The default Wi-Fi Password is also printed on a label under the
battery.
•Admin Login — Used to log into the homepage as Administrator. You must be
logged in as Administrator to use certain features and to make changes to your
mobile hotspot settings. The default Admin Login is printed on a label under the
battery. The Admin Login can be 5–31 characters.
•Guest Wi-Fi Password — When enabled, guests can use this password to access the
Guest Wi-Fi network.
You can change these passwords on the homepage, http://192.168.1.1.
12 2400359
2: Use Your Mobile Hotspot
This chapter provides information on how to use your mobile hotspot.
Note: To change settings you need to be logged in as Administrator. See Set up
and connect to the Internet on page 11.
Add a wireless device to your Wi-Fi
network
You can connect up to fifteen wireless devices such as smart phones,
laptops, tablets, digital cameras, printers, gaming consoles, and digital
picture frames to your mobile hotspot network.
You can add a wireless device to your Wi-Fi network manually, or if the
device you are adding is Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) enabled, you can
use the WPS method to connect the device without using the Wi-Fi
password.
Add a device manually
1. On the wireless device you want to add to your network, 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.
3. When prompted, enter the Wi-Fi password for your mobile hotspot
network. The Wi-Fi password is displayed on the mobile hotspot LCD
screen. (If the screen has turned off to save power, press and quickly
release the power button to wake up the screen.)
2
Add a WPS-enabled device
You can add a WPS-enabled Wi-Fi device to your Wi-Fi network without a
Wi-Fi password, using the homepage or the mobile hotspot LCD screen.
On the LCD touchscreen:
1. On the home screen, tap Wi-Fi > WPS.
2. Tap Pair with Main Wi-Fi or Pair with Guest Wi-Fi.
3. Within two minutes (120 seconds), press the WPS button on the
wireless device you want to connect.
Your mobile hotspot and the wireless device will communicate and
establish the connection.
On the homepage:
1. On the homepage, log in as Administrator.
Rev 3 Sep.1313
AirCard 781S Mobile Hotspot User Guide
2. Click Wi-Fi.
3. Click WPS for either the Main Wi-Fi or Guest Wi-Fi.
4. Choose the WPS method you want to use:
· If the device you want to connect has a WPS button:
Click WPS button pairing, and then within two minutes (120 seconds) press the
device’s WPS button, or
· If the device you want to connect has a WPS PIN associated with it:
Click Enter WPS PIN, and then enter the device’s WPS PIN.
Your mobile hotspot and the wireless device will communicate and establish the
connection.
Messages and Alerts
View SMS messages
You can view SMS messages from AT&T on the LCD touchscreen or the homepage.
On the LCD touchscreen:
On the home screen, the Messages icon indicates if you have unread network
messages.
To view messages:
1. On the home screen, tap Messages. A list of messages appears, previewing the
first portion of the text.
2. For any message in the list, tap the message to read the full text.
To delete a message:
1. Tap the desired message.
2. Tap Delete.
On the homepage:
If you have logged in as Administrator, the Messages icon on the side menu indicates if
you have unread network messages.
To view messages:
1. Log in as Administrator.
2. Click Messaging. A list of messages appears, showing the first portion of the text.
3. For any message in the list, click the message to read the full text.
To delete a message:
1. Click the desired message.
2. Click Delete.
14 2400359
Use Your Mobile Hotspot
View alerts
Your mobile hotspot displays alerts to advise you of the device status.
On the LCD touchscreen:
On the home screen, the Alerts bar indicates that you have system alerts.
To view alerts:
1. On the home screen, tap the Alerts bar.
2. Read each alert that appears and follow any displayed instructions. Tap the ‘>’
button to show the next alert.
Note: Alerts remain as long as the issues that cause them are active. When the issues are dealt
with, the alerts are removed automatically.
On the homepage:
If you have logged in as Administrator, any active alerts will appear on the homepage.
To view alerts:
1. Log in as Administrator. Active alerts will appear at the top of the homepage.
2. Follow the instructions in each alert to address the conditions that caused them to
appear.
Note: Alerts remain as long as the issues that cause them are active. When the issues are dealt
with, the alerts are removed automatically.
Battery
Battery life
The mobile hotspot, by default, is configured to optimize battery life. Battery life is
affected by:
•Standby time
•Data throughput
•Mobile Broadband signal strength (the better the signal, the longer the battery life)
•Wi-Fi range:
· Standard — Longest battery life
· Boost — Enables you to have connected Wi-Fi devices further from your mobile
hotspot and still connect to your Wi-Fi network, but battery life is shorter
Rev 3 Sep.1315
AirCard 781S Mobile Hotspot User Guide
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.
To recharge the battery from a wall socket (Fastest option):
1. Attach one end of the micro USB cable to the mobile hotspot and attach the other
end to the wall charger (included).
2. Plug the wall charger into a wall socket. The battery icon includes a lightning bolt to
indicate that the battery is charging. ()
The battery icon on the LCD screen indicates when the battery is fully charged
() and an alert is displayed.
Note: The LCD goes into sleep mode after a set time to extend battery life. To wake up the LCD
screen, press and quickly release the power button.
To recharge the battery from the USB port on your computer:
1. Attach one end of the micro USB cable to the mobile hotspot and plug the other
end into the USB port on your computer. The battery icon includes a lightning bolt
to indicate that the battery is charging. ().
16 2400359
Use Your Mobile Hotspot
The battery icon on the LCD screen indicates when the battery is fully charged
() and an alert is displayed.
Rev 3 Sep.1317
AirCard 781S Mobile Hotspot User Guide
18 2400359
3: Frequently Asked Questions
This chapter provides answers to questions you may have about your
mobile hotspot. (Also see Troubleshooting on page 21.)
How do I turn the mobile hotspot
off?
Press and hold the power button for a few seconds.
How do I find out how many users are
connected to my mobile hotspot
network?
The number on the Wi-Fi icon on the mobile hotspot LCD shows the
number of users (or devices) connected to your Wi-Fi network, and a list
of connected devices is shown in the homepage’s Devices Connected
section. For more details about the devices or users connected to your
network, tap Wi-Fi > Devices.
3
The LCD screen is not lit. How do I
know if the mobile hotspot is still
powered on?
The LCD screen dims to save energy. The LED continues to flash slowly to
indicate that the mobile hotspot is still powered on. To wake up the LCD,
press and quickly release the power button.
Where can I find more information?
•Refer to the Quick Start that came with your mobile hotspot.
Rev 3 Sep.1319
AirCard 781S Mobile Hotspot User Guide
20 2400359
4: Troubleshooting
This chapter provides suggestions for troubleshooting problems that may
arise when using your mobile hotspot.
Reset the mobile hotspot
You can reset the mobile hotspot to the factory setting on the device or
on the homepage. (This is useful if you have lost your Admin Login for the
homepage.)
Note: If you reset the modem, all of your customizations will be lost. If you want to
keep them, save them before doing the reset, then restore them afterward. See
Download (backup) and restore settings on page 44 for details.
Note: When you reset the hotspot, any currently connected devices will lose
access and will have to be reconnected after the hotspot restarts.
On the LCD touchscreen:
1. On the home screen, tap Settings > Factory Reset.
2. Tap Yes.
3. Tap Begin Reset.
4. After the device has reset, click Restart.
5. Reconnect your Wi-Fi devices.
On the homepage:
1. On the home page, click Settings > General > Software and Reset.
2. Click Reset.
3. Click Begin Reset.
4. After the device has reset, reconnect Wi-Fi devices.
4
Alerts
Temperature-related alerts
The mobile hotspot is designed to work over a wide temperature range.
(See Environmental specifications on page 23 for details.) The mobile
hotspot will shut down automatically if it goes out of the supported
temperature range.
Move the device to an area where the temperature is more suitable and, if
the mobile hotspot is too warm, make sure the area is well-ventilated and
air can circulate around the device.
Rev 3 Sep.1321
AirCard 781S Mobile Hotspot User Guide
Note: The battery may not recharge if the mobile hotspot is outside the operating temperature
range.
22 2400359
5: Specifications
Mechanical specifications
Table 5-1: Mechanical specifications
Weight165g (5.82 oz.)
Length112 mm (4.41 in.)
Width68 mm (2.68 in.)
Thickness19 mm (0.75 in.) [excluding feet]
Environmental specifications
Table 5-2: Environmental specifications
Operating temperature0° C to 35° C
5
(32° F to 95° F)
Storage temperature-10° C to +60° C, 96 hours
(14° F to 140° F)
Supported RF bands
Table 5-3: Supported RF bands
TechnologyBands
LTEBand 2 (1900 MHz)
HSPA+Band 2 (1900 MHz)
Band 4 (AWS) (1700 / 2100 MHz)
Band 5 (850 MHz)
Band 17 (700 MHz)
Band 5 (850 MHz)
Rev 3 Sep.1323
AirCard 781S Mobile Hotspot User Guide
LTE Release 10 feature support
NETGEAR has confirmed with the FCC regarding the following LTE Release 10 feature
support:
1. The AC781S supports LTE 3GPP Release 10, but only supports the Carrier Aggregation feature of Release 10. Furthermore, only downlink Carrier Aggregation is
supported. There is no support for Carrier Aggregation in the uplink.
2. The AC781S does not support any other Release 10 LTE features.
3. The output power in LTE mode for the AC781S does not change (stays within
±0.2 dB) with or without downlink Carrier Aggregation applied.
4. The AC781S supports the following bands and bandwidths for downlink (only)
Carrier Aggregation:
Primary Cell BandPrimary Cell
Bandwidth
B25 MHzB175 MHz
B25 MHzB1710 MHz
B210 MHzB175 MHz
B210 MHzB1710 MHz
B45 MHzB175 MHz
B45 MHzB1710 MHz
B410 MHzB175 MHz
B410 MHzB1710 MHz
Secondary Cell
Band
Secondary Cell
Bandwidth
24 2400359
6: Regulatory and Safety Information
Notice
Because of the nature of wireless communications, transmission and
reception of data can never be guaranteed. Data may be delayed,
corrupted (that is, have errors), or be totally lost. Although significant
delays or losses of data are rare when wireless devices such as the
AirCard 781S Mobile Hotspot are used in a normal manner with a wellconstructed network, the AirCard 781S Mobile Hotspot 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 and its
affiliates accept no responsibility for damages of any kind resulting from
delays or errors in data transmitted or received using the AirCard 781S
Mobile Hotspot, or for failure of the AirCard 781S Mobile Hotspot to
transmit or receive such data.
Safety and Hazards
The mobile hotspot MUST BE POWERED OFF in all areas that may be
susceptible to radio interference, in particular:
•Prohibited areas
Obey all signs and notices and follow all rules and regulations. Power
off the mobile hotspot when instructed to do so or when you suspect
that it may cause interference or danger.
•In areas where blasting is in progress
•Where explosive atmospheres may be present
Areas with a potentially explosive atmosphere are not always clearly
marked. Such areas include gas stations, fuel depots, chemical transfer
or storage facilities, areas where blasting is in progress, areas where
the air contains chemicals or particles such as grain, dust, or metal
powders, and any other area where you would normally be advised to
turn off your cellular phone or vehicle engine.
•Near medical or life-support equipment
Medical equipment may be susceptible to any form of radio interference. In such areas the mobile hotspot can transmit signals that could
interfere with this equipment.
•On board aircraft
In addition to Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) requirements, many
airline regulations state that you must suspend wireless operations
before boarding an aircraft. The mobile hotspot is capable of transmitting signals that could interfere with various onboard systems and
controls.
6
Rev 3 Sep.1325
AirCard 781S Mobile Hotspot User Guide
Failure to observe this instruction may lead to suspension or denial of cellular telephone services to the offender, legal action, or both.
Some airlines may permit the use of cellular phones while the aircraft is on the
ground and the door is open. The mobile hotspot may be used normally at this time.
•While operating a vehicle
The driver or operator of any vehicle should not use a wireless data device while in
control of a vehicle. Doing so detracts from the driver or operator's ability to control and operate the vehicle. In some countries, using such communications devices
while in control of a vehicle is an offence.
Caution: Unauthorized modifications or changes not expressly approved by NETGEAR, Inc. could
void compliance with regulatory rules, and thereby your authority to use this device.
Proper Battery Use and Disposal
Note: Improper battery use may result in a fire, explosion, or other hazard.
To ensure safe and responsible battery use:
•Do not open, disassemble, puncture, crush, bend, or shred.
•Do not expose to water or other liquids, fire, explosion, or other hazards.
•Use the battery only in the mobile hotspot.
•If using with a charger, use only the charger supplied with the mobile hotspot.
•Do not short circuit the battery.
•When replacing a battery, use the same model of battery that was supplied with
the mobile hotspot.
•Follow local regulations when disposing of a used battery.
•Avoid dropping the mobile hotspot or the battery. If dropped and you suspect
damage, take it to a service center for inspection.
Regulatory Information for North America
FCC ID: PY3AC781S
SAR information: 1.275 W/kg @ 1 g (body)
Caution: The AirCard 781S Mobile Hotspot was tested for typical body-worn operations. A
minimum separation distance must be maintained between the user's body and the Hotspot: 1 cm
to comply with the RF exposure requirements in the U.S. for FCC exposure requirements.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
26 2400359
Regulatory and Safety Information
Where appropriate, the use of the equipment is subject to the following conditions:
Note: (EMI) – United States FCC Information – This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in an appropriate installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communication. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. Changes or
modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user's authority to operate the equipment.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
If you have purchased this product under a United States Government contract, it shall
be subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of Defense Federal
Acquisitions Regulations (DFARs) Section 252.227-7013 for Department of Defense
contracts, and as set forth in Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FARs) Section 52.22719 for civilian agency contracts or any successor regulations. If further government
regulations apply, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with such regulations.
Wi-Fi Channel Information
The AC781S does not support the following channels:
•2.4 GHz — Channels 12, 13, and 14 are not supported.
•5 GHz — Channels 46 and 48 are not supported.
Note: Wi-Fi channels 36 through 44 (5180–5220 MHz) are for indoor use only.