1. Introduction
The Alcatel LinkHub 3 D412C57 is a high-performance 4G LTE CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) home router designed to provide fast and reliable wireless internet access. Powered by a Qualcomm Cortex-A7 chipset, it supports LTE CAT7 for impressive download and upload speeds, dual-band Wi-Fi, and connectivity for up to 64 devices. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your router.
2. Product Overview
Familiarize yourself with the key components and ports of your Alcatel LinkHub 3 router.
Figure 2.1: Front view of the Alcatel LinkHub 3 router, showing the power button and status indicators.
2.1 Rear and Bottom Views
Figure 2.2: Labeled diagram of the router's rear and bottom panels.
- Rear Panel:
- External LTE antenna connector (for optional external antennas)
- Power socket (for connecting the power adapter)
- Ethernet (WAN/LAN) ports (for wired network connections)
- Nano SIM slot (for inserting your 4G SIM card)
- Bottom Panel:
- Device information label (contains model, serial number, IMEI, default Wi-Fi details)
- Reset button (for factory reset)
Figure 2.3: Close-up of the router's rear panel, showing external SMA antenna ports.
3. Setup Instructions
Follow these steps to set up your Alcatel LinkHub 3 router.
3.1 Inserting the SIM Card
- Ensure the router is powered off.
- Locate the Nano SIM slot on the rear panel (refer to Figure 2.2).
- Carefully insert your Nano SIM card into the slot until it clicks into place. Ensure the correct orientation.
Figure 3.1: Inserting the Nano SIM card.
3.2 Connecting Power
- Connect the provided power adapter to the power socket on the router's rear panel.
- Plug the other end of the power adapter into a suitable electrical outlet.
- The router will automatically power on. Wait for the status indicators to stabilize.
Figure 3.2: Power adapter specifications. Input: AC 100-240V, Output: DC 12.0V.
3.3 Connecting to the Network
You can connect devices to the router via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable.
3.3.1 Wi-Fi Connection
- On your device (smartphone, laptop, etc.), search for available Wi-Fi networks.
- Select the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) found on the device information label on the bottom of your router (refer to Figure 2.2).
- Enter the Wi-Fi password (also found on the device information label).
3.3.2 Ethernet Connection
- Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to an Ethernet (WAN/LAN) port on the router's rear panel.
- Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on your computer or other network device.
Figure 3.3: Connecting an Ethernet cable.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Power On/Off
The router powers on automatically when connected to power. To power off, disconnect the power adapter. There is a power button on the front for standby mode or a soft reboot, if available (functionality may vary).
4.2 Status Indicators (LEDs)
The front panel of the router features LED indicators that provide information about its operational status. While specific LED behaviors are not detailed in this manual, generally:
- Power LED: Indicates if the device is powered on.
- 4G/LTE LED: Indicates 4G network connectivity and signal strength.
- Wi-Fi LED: Indicates Wi-Fi functionality is active.
- LAN/WAN LEDs: Indicate activity on the Ethernet ports.
Refer to the device information label or the manufacturer's website for detailed LED status explanations.
5. Specifications
Below are the technical specifications for the Alcatel LinkHub 3 D412C57 router:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Cortex-A7 @ 716.8 MHz |
| 4G LTE Category | CAT7 |
| 4G Download Speed | Up to 300Mbps |
| 4G Upload Speed | Up to 100Mbps |
| Supported 4G Bands | Band 1 (2100Mhz), 3 (1800Mhz), 7 (2600Mhz), 20 (800Mhz), 38 (2600Mhz) |
| Wi-Fi Standard | 802.11ac |
| Wi-Fi Frequency | 2.4Ghz & 5Ghz (Dual-Band) |
| Max Wi-Fi Speed | 1167Mbps (combined) |
| Wi-Fi Security | WPA3-PSK |
| Connected Devices | Up to 64 simultaneous devices |
| Wi-Fi Coverage | Up to 20 meters (without obstructions) |
| Antenna Type | Internal 4G reception antenna, 2 SMA external antenna ports |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 x 1000Mbps (1 LAN, 1 WAN/LAN - LAN default) |
| SIM Card Type | Nano SIM |
| Power Input | AC 100-240V |
| Power Output | DC 12.0V |
5.1 Regulatory Conformance - Frequency and Max Power
Figure 5.1: Frequency range and maximum power output for various bands.
| Frequency Range (MHz) | Max Power in the Range (dBm) |
|---|---|
| B1 (1920 - 1980) | 25 |
| B3 (1710 - 1785) | 25 |
| B7 (2500 - 2570) | 25 |
| B20 (832 - 862) | 25 |
| B38 (2570 - 2620) | 25 |
| WIFI 2.4G (2400 - 2483.5) | 20 |
| WIFI 5G (5150 - 5350) | 23 |
| WIFI 5G (5470 - 5725) | 30 |
6. Maintenance
To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your router:
- Keep the device in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Ensure proper ventilation; do not block the ventilation holes on the bottom of the router.
- Clean the device regularly with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners.
- Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the router.
- Periodically check for firmware updates from the manufacturer's official support channels to enhance security and performance.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your router, try the following troubleshooting steps:
7.1 No Internet Connection
- Check SIM Card: Ensure the Nano SIM card is correctly inserted and activated with a data plan.
- Check Signal: Verify the 4G/LTE signal strength indicated by the LEDs. If the signal is weak, try repositioning the router or consider using external LTE antennas (if available for your model).
- Check Cables: Ensure all Ethernet cables are securely connected.
- Reboot Router: Disconnect the power adapter, wait 10 seconds, then reconnect it.
7.2 Slow Wi-Fi Speed
- Router Placement: Place the router in a central location, away from obstructions and interference sources (e.g., microwaves, cordless phones).
- Device Load: Too many devices connected simultaneously can reduce speed. The router supports up to 64 devices, but performance may vary with heavy usage.
- Wi-Fi Interference: Try changing the Wi-Fi channel in the router's settings to avoid interference from neighboring networks.
- Dual-Band Usage: Connect 5GHz-compatible devices to the 5GHz band for faster speeds, leaving the 2.4GHz band for older devices or those further away.
7.3 Cannot Access Router Settings
- IP Address: Ensure your device is connected to the router's network and you are using the correct default gateway IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) in your web browser.
- Default Credentials: Use the default username and password printed on the device information label.
7.4 Factory Reset
If other troubleshooting steps fail, you can perform a factory reset. This will erase all custom settings and restore the router to its default configuration.
- With the router powered on, locate the Reset button on the bottom panel (refer to Figure 2.2).
- Use a paperclip or a thin object to press and hold the Reset button for approximately 10 seconds.
- Release the button when the router's LEDs indicate a reboot.
8. User Tips
- Power Supply Compatibility: The router's power adapter supports an AC input range of 100-240V, making it compatible with most international electrical standards, including EU standards. Ensure you use the correct plug adapter for your region if necessary.
- Optimal Signal: For the best 4G LTE signal, place the router near a window or in an elevated position, away from large metal objects or thick walls.
- External Antennas: If you experience consistently weak 4G signal, consider purchasing and connecting compatible external SMA LTE antennas to the designated ports for improved reception.
9. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official Alcatel support website. Keep your proof of purchase and the device's serial number (found on the bottom label) handy when contacting support.
