ZTE MC801A 5G CPE Router User Manual

1. Introduction

The ZTE MC801A is a high-performance 5G CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) router designed to provide fast and reliable internet connectivity for home and office environments. Featuring Qualcomm 5G SDX55 chipset, Wi-Fi 6 technology, and support for both NSA and SA 5G networks, it delivers exceptional speed and capacity. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your MC801A router.

Figure 1: ZTE MC801A 5G CPE Router (Front and Rear View)

2. Package Contents

Please check the package contents carefully. If any item is missing or damaged, contact your vendor.

• 1 x ZTE MC801A 5G CPE Router
• 1 x Power Adapter
• 1 x LAN Cable

Figure 2: ZTE MC801A Package Contents

3. Product Overview

3.1. Device Layout

Figure 3: ZTE MC801A Device Layout

• WPS Button: For quick Wi-Fi Protected Setup.
• External Antenna Interface: Ports for connecting external 5G/4G antennas (if desired).
• Phone (RJ11) Port: For connecting a landline phone for VoLTE/VoIP services.
• Ethernet Ports: Two RJ45 ports for wired connections (can function as LAN or WAN).
• Power Connector: For connecting the power adapter.
• nano-SIM Slot: For inserting your 5G/4G nano-SIM card.
• Reset Button: To restore factory default settings (requires a pin).

3.2. Indicator Lights

Figure 4: ZTE MC801A Front Panel Indicators

• Power: Indicates the power status of the device.
• WiFi: Indicates the status of the Wi-Fi network.
• Network: Indicates the status of the 5G/4G mobile network connection.
• Signal: Displays the strength of the 5G/4G signal (typically multiple LEDs for signal strength).

3.3. Device Information Label

The bottom of the device contains important information for initial setup and management.

Figure 5: ZTE MC801A Bottom Label

• IMEI: International Mobile Equipment Identity.
• S/N: Serial Number.
• WLAN SSID 1 & 2: Default Wi-Fi network names (2.4GHz and 5GHz).
• KEY: Default Wi-Fi password.
• Device Manager Website: Default IP address for accessing the web management interface (e.g., http://192.168.0.1).
• Password: Default password for the web management interface.
• INPUT: Power input specifications (e.g., 12.0V === 1.5A).

4. Setup Instructions

1. Insert SIM Card: Locate the nano-SIM card slot (usually at the bottom or rear). Carefully insert your activated nano-SIM card into the slot until it clicks into place. Ensure the SIM card is correctly oriented.
2. Connect Power: Connect the provided power adapter to the router's power connector and then plug it into a power outlet. The Power indicator light should turn on.
3. Power On: The router should automatically power on. Wait for the Power, Network, and Signal indicator lights to stabilize. The Network light should indicate a successful connection to the 5G/4G network (e.g., solid blue or green).
4. (Optional) Wired Connection: If you prefer a wired connection, connect one end of the provided LAN cable to an Ethernet port on the router and the other end to your computer or other network device.
5. (Optional) Phone Connection: If using VoLTE/VoIP services, connect a standard landline phone to the RJ11 Phone port.
6. Connect to Wi-Fi:
   • On your computer or mobile device, search for available Wi-Fi networks.
   • Select one of the default SSIDs (WLAN SSID 1 or WLAN SSID 2) found on the device's bottom label.
   • Enter the default Wi-Fi KEY (password) provided on the label.
7. Access Web Management Interface:
   • Open a web browser on a device connected to the router (via Wi-Fi or LAN).
   • Enter the Device Manager Website IP address (e.g., http://192.168.0.1) into the address bar and press Enter.
   • Log in using the default username (usually 'admin') and the password found on the device's bottom label.
   • It is highly recommended to change the default login password for security reasons.

5. Operating Instructions

• Wi-Fi Connectivity: Once connected, your devices can access the internet via the router's Wi-Fi network. You can manage Wi-Fi settings (SSID, password, security type) through the web management interface.
• WPS Function: Press the WPS button on the router and then activate WPS on your client device (e.g., Wi-Fi adapter, printer) within two minutes to establish a secure Wi-Fi connection without entering a password.
• RJ11 Phone Port: The RJ11 port supports VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoIP (Voice over IP) services, allowing you to make and receive calls using a connected landline phone, provided your SIM card and network operator support these features.
• Indicator Lights: Monitor the indicator lights for quick status checks:
  • Power: Solid indicates power on.
  • WiFi: Solid indicates Wi-Fi is active. Blinking indicates data transmission.
  • Network: Solid color (e.g., blue for 5G, green for 4G) indicates a successful network connection. Different colors or blinking may indicate network status or issues.
  • Signal: More lights illuminated indicate stronger signal strength.

6. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the router. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
• Ventilation: Ensure the router is placed in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating. Do not block ventilation openings.
• Temperature: Operate the device within the specified operating temperature range (-20 to 55 °C).
• Firmware Updates: Regularly check the web management interface for available firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and security.
• Placement: Place the router in a central location, away from obstructions and sources of interference (e.g., microwaves, cordless phones) for best Wi-Fi coverage and signal reception.

7. Troubleshooting

8. Specifications

Figure 6: ZTE MC801A Basic Specifications

9. User Tips

• Unlocked Device: The ZTE MC801A Global Version is designed to be unlocked, meaning it should work with any compatible mobile network operator worldwide. If you experience network issues, ensure your SIM card is active and supports the router's frequency bands.
• Wireless Device: This is a wireless device, so optimal placement is crucial for signal reception and Wi-Fi coverage. Experiment with different locations in your home or office to find the best spot.
• Operator Logos: Be aware that due to different operators worldwide, the router may come with various operator logos on the device itself. This does not affect its global version functionality or frequency band support.

Figure 7: ZTE MC801A with Operator Logo

10. Warranty and Support

The ZTE MC801A 5G CPE Router comes with a standard manufacturer's warranty. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or contact the seller directly.

For technical support, troubleshooting assistance beyond this manual, or warranty claims, please contact your point of purchase or the official ZTE support channels available in your region.