Enabling/Disabling Logging of Connect/Disconnects58
Exporting the Connection History58
Clearing the Log (Connection History)58
Setting the Method Used for Time Acquisition58
Resources (FAQs, Tips, and More)62
Online Help62
Some Other Ways to View Help Information62
Frequently Asked Questions and Tips62
How Can I Tell I'm Connected to 3G/4G?62
What Do I Do if I Forgot the Administrator Password?62
Questions about My Account62
If the Connection is “Always On,” am I Always Being Billed?62
Questions about GPS and Location Services63
What is LBS?63
What is GPS?63
How do I Use the Enhanced Local Search Feature?63
Where Can I Use GPS?63
How do I Enable/disable GPS?63
Location-Based Services Limitations63
Other Questions63
Are Terminal Sessions Supported?63
Improving Signal Strength63
Tips on Extending Battery Life64
Troubleshooting Tips64
Messages Displayed on the Device LCD64
3G Activation Failed64
Connection Error65
Searching for Network65
- vi -
Contents
Update Failed65
LCD Is Dark65
Insufficient Signal Strength66
Location Services Aren’t Working or Don’t Seem to Be Available66
GPS Fix Not Available66
WiFi66
Cannot Check for Updates66
Contacting Customer Service66
Technical Specifications and Regulatory Information68
Technical Specifications68
LED Operation68
Radio Frequency and Electrical Specifications68
Software Specifications69
Environmental Specifications69
Mechanical Specifications69
Regulatory Information70
Regulatory Notices70
Patents70
Trademarks71
Copyright71
Limitation of Liability71
Additional Information and Updates72
Safety Information74
Safety and Notices74
Important Notice74
Safety and Hazards74
Proper Battery Use and Disposal74
Index77
- vii -
Contents
- viii -
CHAPTER 1 Welcome to Your Device
Welcome to Your Device
Your AirCard W801 device allows you to easily connect to the Internet and to share your 3G/4G connection with others.
This user guide describes how to set up your device and use the Web application to:
l View the status of your device.
l View and change the settings of your device and the Web application.
It also describes your device (its various connectors and buttons).
Introducing the Device
The AirCard W801 device is a mobile hotspot that provides a simple way to use your 3G/4G connection (to the Internet) with any Wi-Fi-enabled device, and to share your Internet connection with
friends and family.
Components of your device
Your device is capable, intelligent, and complex. It has to be, because it combines several components to do its work, so that you can do yours.
But don't worry—in most cases, you won't need to understand technical details or change any
advanced settings. (Although that option is always there for you).
What main components does the device have? Your device includes the following:
l Wi-Fi access point
The Wi-Fi access point connects your computers and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices to your
Introducing the Device - 9 -
CHAPTER 1 Welcome to Your Device
AirCard W801 device.
l 3G modem
The 3G modem connects your AirCard W801 device to the Internet via the 3G network.
l 4G modem
The 4G modem connects your AirCard W801 device to the Internet via the 4G network.
l Router
The router handles traffic between the 3G/4G modems, your AirCard W801 device, and the WiFi network.
3Gand 4GNetworks
These wireless networks connect you to the Internet.
Depending on your coverage area, you may have
l Both 3Gand 4Gcoverage
l Only 3Gcoverage
l Only 4Gcoverage.
Your device automatically connects to the fastest network that is available to you. If you have both 3G
and 4G coverage, and your connection happens to get disrupted, your device can automatically switch
to the other network. For more information, see "Configuring the 3G/4G Connection Preferences" on
page 34.
Upload and download speeds
Actual speeds depend on several factors, including network conditions.
l AirCard W801 device by Sierra Wireless (AirCard W801)
l Back cover of the device
l Battery
l USBcharger
l USB cable
l Getting Started guide
Care and Maintenance
As with any electronic device, you should handle this device with care to ensure reliable operation. Follow these guidelines in using and storing the device:
- 10 - Introducing the Device
CHAPTER 1 Welcome to Your Device
l Protect the device from liquids, dust, and excessive heat.
l Do not handle or operate the device while driving or operating a vehicle. Doing so may distract
you from properly operating the vehicle. In some jurisdictions, operating communication
devices while in control of a vehicle is a criminal offense.
l Do not apply adhesive labels to the device. They may cause the device to overheat and may
alter the antenna's performance.
About This Guide
This user guide is designed to provide you with all the information you need to install and use your AirCard W801 device by Sierra Wireless (AirCard W801).
Note: The printed Getting Started guide that comes with the AirCard W801 device should be sufficient for most installations.
l Chapter 1 (which you are reading) gives you an overview of the device.
l Chapter 2 provides step-by-step instructions for setting up the device. (See "Installing and Set-
ting up the Device" on page 14).
l Chapter 3 describes the items on the home page of the Web application. (See "Home Page -
the Information Center for Your Device and Internet Connection" on page 30).
l Chapter 4 describes items on the device. (See "The Hardware" on page 21).
l Chapter 5 describes more-common tasks when using your device. (See "Basic Tasks" on page
1).
l Chapter 6 describes how to use a microSDcard with your device. (See "microSD Card Slot" on
page 27).
l Chapter 7 describes how to configure and use Location Services. (See "Location Services" on
page 49).
l Chapter 8 describes various alerts and how to deal with them. (See "Alerts" on page 54).
l Chapter 9 describes advanced configuration of the device and the Web application. (See
"Advanced Settings" on page 40).
l Chapter 10 describes each of the setup pages and Advanced Settings windows. (See "User
Interface Elements - How to Use Each One" on page 1).
l Chapter 11 contains frequently asked questions, troubleshooting tips, and resources for getting
help. (See "Resources (FAQs, Tips, and More)" on page 62).
l Chapter 12 lists the electrical, radio frequency, and other parameters of the device for those
who require technical information, as well as regulatory information. (See "Technical Specifications and Regulatory Information" on page 68).
l Chapter 13 provides important safety information. (See "Safety Information" on page 74).
Getting Started With Your Device
System Requirements
l One or more computing devices that support Wi-Fi (802.11b/g)
l Web browser (required if you'll be using the Web application to view status and to configure set-
tings). The following browsers are supported:
n Internet Explorer (version 6.0 or higher)
n Mozilla Firefox (version 2.0 or higher)
n Google Chrome (version 2.0.172.28 or higher)
Getting Started With Your Device - 11 -
CHAPTER 1 Welcome to Your Device
n Apple Safari (version 2.0 or higher)
n Opera version 9.64
l If you'll be connecting the AirCard W801 device through USB:
n Computing device running Windows Vista, Windows XP, or Mac
n USB2.0 slot
- 12 - Getting Started With Your Device
- 13 -
CHAPTER 2 Installing and Setting up the Device
Installing and Setting up the Device
Setting Up the Device
To set up your device:
1. Ensure you are in the CarrierName 3G or 4G coverage area (not roaming).
2. If you have a LAN connection, disconnect it.
3. Ensure your computer's Wi-Fi is turned on.
4. Insert the battery into the AirCard W801 device (Sierra Wireless logo facing up).
a. Insert the battery into the AirCard W801 device (Sierra Wireless logo facing up).
b. Put the back cover onto the device.
5. Connect the smaller end of the supplied USB cable into the device, and connect the other end
of the cable to the supplied charger.
- 14 - Setting Up the Device
CHAPTER 2 Installing and Setting up the Device
6. Insert the charger into a power outlet.
7.
Important: Charge the device until the battery icon is full ().
8. If the device LCD displays "Charging", "Charged", or "Powered off", press and hold, for two sec-
onds, the power button.
9. Wait until the device LCD displays "Connect your computer to Wi-Fi network," followedby the
network name (SSID) and password. This may take several seconds.
10. On your computer, connect to the Wi-Fi network listed on the device LCD. If you don't know how
to do this, see "Connecting to Wi-Fi" on page 42.
After you’ve connected to the Wi-Fi network, the device LCD displays "Open any web page to
continue setup."
11. Open your Web browser. The "Welcome to your AirCard W801" window is displayed.
Note: This window displays the administrator password and the address of the device
home page.
Please remember this information or write it down in a safe place.
This window provides several options.
l To keep the default settings of the device, select one of the following:
n The Internet (to start surfing)
n My AirCard W801's home page (to view the device status, customize settings).
Proceed to "Basics of Your Device" on page 20.
l To change security settings, select Set up my AirCard W801.
Change Password/Settings
If, during the device setup, you select Set up my AirCard W801, you can change the settings for:
l Administrator password
Your administrator password must be 1–20 characters long.
This password is used to log in to the home page, where you can view and customize your
device settings.
Choose something easy-to-remember (yet not easily guessed by others); if you forget this password, you’ll need to reset the device to its default settings and go through the device setup (as
described in "Setting Up the Device" on page 14).
l Wi-Fi network (SSID)
This name is visible to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, and is used to identify your Wi-Fi network.
The length of the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and the characters that are allowed depend on
other settings of the Web application. (See the Help bubble that's displayed when you move
the cursor to the SSIDinput field.)
Setting Up the Device - 15 -
CHAPTER 2 Installing and Setting up the Device
l Wi-Fi security
The default setting is WPA. To select another option, click the More options button. See "Wi-Fi
Security Options (Popup Window)" on page 16.
l Wi-Fi password
The input rules for this field (for example, its length) are determined by the Wi-Fi security option
(the previous item). (See the Help bubble that's displayed when you move the cursor to the WiFi password field.)
If you'll be sharing your Internet connection with others, you'll have to give the Wi-Fi password
to others; don't use your banking or other important passwords. Also, don't use a password
that's easily guessed by others.
From this window you can also enable the Password Reminder feature. See "Wi-Fi Password
Reminder" on page 43.
Tip: Help information on each field is displayed (in a bubble) when you move the cursor into the
field.
You can display this window any time, by clicking the Admin Setup button in the Web application.
After you change the settings and click Submit, the device restarts and displays updated information
on its LCD. Follow the instructions on the LCD, and proceed to "Your Device is Now Restarting" on
page 17.
Wi-Fi Security Options (Popup Window)
If you select More options (after having selected Set up my AirCard W801, during the device setup), a
window with four Wi-Fi security options is displayed.
Note: All the devices that are or will be connected to the AirCard W801 device must support the
selected security type.
Going from no security to stronger security, the options are:
l None
No security (no password is required to access the Wi-Fi network); not recommended. Anyone
may access your device and use your Internet connection (you are responsible for payment for
data usage).
l WEP-64 bit
Lower security. Works with older and newer Wi-Fi devices. Recommended only if any of your
devices don't support WPAor WPA2.
l WPA-personal
A strong security standard, supported by most Wi-Fi devices.
l WPA2-Personal
A stronger, newer security standard. Limited to newer Wi-Fi devices.
If the above options don't meet your requirements, click Idon't see what Iwant.... A new window is dis-
played, with additional Wi-Fi security options.
Wi-Fi Security Options, Expanded (Popup Window)
If you display the Security section of the Wi-Fi tab of the Advanced Settings window or if you select I
don't see what Iwant... (from the Wi-Fi Security Options window during the device setup), a window
with an expanded list of Wi-Fi security options is displayed.
- 16 - Setting Up the Device
CHAPTER 2 Installing and Setting up the Device
Note: All the devices that are or will be connected to the AirCard W801 device must support the
selected security type.
The options are:
l None
No security (no password is required to access the Wi-Fi network); not recommended. Anyone
may access your device and use your Internet connection (you are responsible for payment for
data usage).
l WEP-64 bit - Shared
Lower security. Works with older and newer Wi-Fi devices. Recommended only if any of your
devices don't support WPAor WPA2.
Shared WEP uses the same key for encryption and authentication; some consider shared WEP
to be less secure than open WEP.
l WEP-128 bit - Shared
Lower security. Works with older and newer Wi-Fi devices. Recommended only if any of your
devices don't support WPAor WPA2.
Shared WEP uses the same key for encryption and authentication; some consider shared WEP
to be less secure than open WEP.
l WEP-64 bit - Open
Lower security. Works with older and newer Wi-Fi devices. Recommended only if any of your
devices don't support WPAor WPA2.
Open WEP uses the key for encryption, but not for authentication.
l WEP-128 bit - Open
Lower security. Works with older and newer Wi-Fi devices. Recommended only if any of your
devices don't support WPAor WPA2.
Open WEP uses the key for encryption, but not for authentication.
l WPA-personal - TKIP
A strong security standard, supported by most Wi-Fi devices.
l WPA-personal - TKIP/AES
A strong security standard, supported by most Wi-Fi devices.
l WPA2-Personal - AES
A stronger, newer security standard. Limited to newer Wi-Fi devices.
l WPA2-Personal - TKIP/AES
A stronger, newer security standard. Limited to newer Wi-Fi devices.
l WPA/WPA2 Personal (recommended setting)
Wi-Fi devices that use either WPA or WPA2 can connect to the AirCard W801 device. Supported by most Wi-Fi devices.
Your Device is Now Restarting
The "Your device is now restarting" window is displayed if you've selected the Set up my AirCard
W801option and then clicked Submit.
For the changes to take effect, the device must restart; this happens automatically.
It's recommended you write down the following information that's displayed in the window:
l Wi-Fi network name
l Wi-Fi password
As described in the window,
Setting Up the Device - 17 -
CHAPTER 2 Installing and Setting up the Device
1. Wait until the device LCD displays "Connect your computer to Wi-Fi Network".
2. Connect your computer to the Wi-Fi network, using the information you've written down. If you
don't know how to do this, see "Connecting to Wi-Fi" on page 42.
3. After the Wi-Fi connection was successfully established, click the Click heretext in the window.
Activating and Using Your Network Service
Note:If you're able to connect to 3G, you are already set up to use CarrierName service on the
3G network; no further action is needed. Proceed to "Basics of Your Device" on page 20.
Before using your device, you must have a CarrierName wireless network account set up. The process
of setting up an account is called activation. When the device starts up, it will detect whether the
device has been configured with an account (“preactivated”). If it has not, the activation process starts
automatically.
In most cases, the activation process will be seamless, not requiring any action from your part; in some
cases, you won't even see any activation-related messages displayed on the device LCD.
Initiating Activation of Your Device for 3G
In rare cases, the device LCD and the home page may indicate that activation is required:
l The LCD displays "3GActivation failed".
l The home page displays the alert "3GActivation Required".
Note: You will still be able to connect to the Internet, when you have 4Gcoverage.
To activate your device for 3G:
1. Log in to the home page. See "Logging In" on page 31.
2. Display the "3GActivation Required" alert. See "Alert Information" on page 34.
3. In the alert, click Activate now.
If the activation fails, contact CarrierName. See "Contacting Customer Service" on page 66.
- 18 - Setting Up the Device
- 19 -
CHAPTER 3 Basics of Your Device
Basics of Your Device
Your AirCard W801 device connects to the Internet through 3G/4G.
You can connect several computing devices to your AirCard W801 device—either all through Wi-Fi, or
one through USB and the rest through Wi-Fi. The connected devices share your connection to the Internet.
To view the status of the AirCard W801 device and your connection, view the icons and text on any of
the following:
l Device LCD
l Home page. See "Home Page - the Information Center for Your Device and Internet Con-
nection" on page 30.
l Mini Window. See "Mini Window" on page 41.
LCD
If the LCDis not lit, see "Powering the Device On" on page 22.
Interpreting the LCD
The LCD shows icons and text that reflect the status of the device and your connection.
ASignal strength
B3G/4G status
CRoaming indicator
DAlerts
EGPS
FNumber of Wi-Fi users
GBattery status
Device name.
H
Message area.
Amount of data transferred; connection duration.
I
Message area.
- 20 - LCD
CHAPTER 3 Basics of Your Device
Tip:Most of the icons and messages that are shown on the LCD are also shown on the:
• Virtual Device. See "Virtual Device" on page 41.
• Mini Window. See "Mini Window" on page 41.
See also "Messages Displayed on the Device LCD" on page 64.
The Hardware
Power Button (on Device)
Note:The power buttonof the device also acts as an LED/status indicator, and may or may
not be lit; this indicates the power state of the device. For more information, see "Using the
Power Button to Determine the Device State" on page 22.
The following table describes the result of pressing the power buttonon the device, depending on
the device state and settings.
If you do this to
the power button
:
Quick press
Quick double-press
The result is:
If the device is on:
l If the device is in standby (low power) mode, the device exits standby
mode and becomes fully powered.
l If the LCD is enabled but dormant
l
If the LCDdisplays a message (such as "Pressto ..."), the corresponding action is confirmed or acknowledged.
l If the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password were displayed on the
LCD, they are no longer displayed.
If the device is on:
l If the LCD is on but dormant, the LCD becomes lit.
l The Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password are briefly displayed on
the device LCD; if the Wi-Fi Password Reminderis not enabled, the
password is shown as ****. See "Wi-Fi Password Reminder" on page 43.
1
, the LCD becomes lit.
1
The LCD turns dark, after a configurable time of inactivity.
The Hardware - 21 -
CHAPTER 3 Basics of Your Device
If you do this to
the power button
The result is:
:
Press and hold for
two seconds
The device turns on (if it was off) or off (if it was on).
Using the Power Button to Determine the Device State
The power buttonof the device also acts as an LED/status indicator, and may or may not be lit; this
indicates the power state of the device, as shown in the following table.
Power buttonDescriptionYour action
a. The device is powered
a. To power on the device, press and hold the
power buttonfor two seconds.
b. Enable the LED. See Enabling/disabling
the LED.
No action required.
To exit standby mode, do one of the following:
l Connect the AirCard W801 device to a
charger or computer, through the USB
cable.
l
Press the power button.
Not lit
Lit, flashing
(approximately
every 4 seconds)
Lit, flashing
(approximately
every 10 seconds)
off, and may or may not
be charging.
b. The device is powered
on, but the LED is disabled.
The device is powered on, and
the LED is enabled.
The device is in standby (low
power) mode.
The following are off:LCD,WiFi radio, 3G/4G radios.
For more information, see
"Standby (Low Power) Mode"
on page 45.
Powering the Device Off
You can power the device off from the:
l Home page
1. Ensure you're logged in to the home page.
2. Click the Power Off button (below the Virtual Device).
l Mini Window
1. Ensure you're logged in to the home page.
2. Click the Power Off button.
l Device
1.
Press and hold (for 2 seconds) the power buttonon the device.
Note: You can power the device on only from the device itself.
Powering the Device On
To power the device on:
1. Ensure that at least one of the following is true:
- 22 - The Hardware
CHAPTER 3 Basics of Your Device
l The device has a charged battery inserted.
l The device is connected to a charger or a computer (through the supplied USB cable), as
shown in the following picture.
2.
If the device LCD is not lit, press and hold, for two seconds, the power buttonon the device.
Mute Switch
The mute switch is located on the side of the device:
Tip:You can also disable sounds through the home page. See "Sounds Information and Settings" on page 38.
USB Connector
The USBconnector is located on the same side of the device as the microSD slot.
The connector can be used to:
The Hardware - 23 -
CHAPTER 3 Basics of Your Device
l Connect a charger. See "Using the USB Charger" on page 24.
l Connect the device to a computer (useful, for example, if the computer does not have Wi-Fi).
See "Connecting Through USB Cable" on page 25.
Charging the Device
The AirCard W801 device has a battery, which you must periodically charge. You can continue using
your device while it is charging.
To charge the battery, you have two options, as shown in the drawing that follows—you can connect
the device to a:
l Charger (faster way to charge). See "Using the USB Charger" on page 24.
l Computer (slower way to charge). See "Charging Through a Computer" on page 25.
Using the USB Charger
To charge the device through the charger:
1. Insert the narrow end of the USB cable into the USBconnector on the side of the device.
2. Insert the other end of the USB cable into the supplied charger.
3. Insert the charger into a power outlet.
When charging, the LCDshowsand, if the device is off, displays a message "Charging... xx%
complete".
- 24 - The Hardware
When the device is charged, the LCDshows:
CHAPTER 3 Basics of Your Device
l
l
(if the device is on)
and the message "Fully charged" (if the device is off).
Charging Through a Computer
Note:Charging through a computer usually takes longer than charging through a USB charger.
To charge the device through a computer:
1. Ensure the computer is turned on.
2. Insert the wider end of the USB cable into the computer.
3. Insert the other end of the USB cable into the USBconnector on the side of the device.
When charging, the LCDshows the animated icon.
When the device is charged, the LCDshows.
Connecting Through USB Cable
Use the supplied USBcable to connect the device to your computer in any of these cases:
l You want to charge the device, but you don't want to use the supplied charger, or the charger is
not available.
l Your computer does not have Wi-Fi.
l You want to be the only one using the device, and want a quick way to disable other people
from accessing it. (See "Disabling Wi-Fi When Connected Through USB" on page 26.)
The Hardware - 25 -
CHAPTER 3 Basics of Your Device
TRU-Install
TRU-Install™ is a Sierra Wireless feature that installs the necessary drivers the first time you connect
the AirCard W801 device to your computer through the USBcable. An installation CD is not required.
By default, TRU-Install is enabled.
To change the setting:
1. Ensure you're logged in to the home page.
2. Click Advanced settings > Device >Basic.
3. Select a value for TRU-Install.
Requirements - USB Tethered Mode
Your device supports a direct connection, through USB cable, to a Windows or Mac computer.
Connecting the Device to Your Computer Through the USB Cable
To connect the device to your computer through the USB cable:
1. Insert the wider end of the USB cable into your computer.
2. Insert the other end of the USB cable into the USBconnector on the side of the device.
Note:The first time you connect the device to your computer, you must go through the device
driver installation process, which starts automatically. No installation CDis required—the AirCard W801 device supports the Sierra Wireless TRU-Install feature.
Disabling Wi-Fi When Connected Through USB
You can optionally turn off the AirCard W801 device's Wi-Fi when connected via USBcable. In this
case:
l Only the computer that is connected to the device through the USBcable can use the device's
connection to the Internet.
l You can prolong the battery life of the device.
l The battery charges faster.
To enable this feature:
1. Ensure you're logged in to the home page.
2. Do one of the following:
- 26 - The Hardware
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