1. Introduction
The ZTE G5C is a high-performance 5th-generation 5G Indoor Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) designed to provide fast and reliable broadband connectivity for your home. Featuring a 7nm high-performance 5G platform, it supports both NSA (Non-Standalone) and SA (Standalone) dual-mode 5G networks, along with high-speed Wi-Fi 6 (AX1800) for seamless wireless access. This device also functions as a 4G and 3G modem, compatible with any operator globally.
Important Note: This device does not include an RJ11 telephone port or external antenna ports for 5G. For optimal performance, it is recommended for use in areas with strong 5G signal coverage.
2. Package Contents
Please check the box for the following items:
- ZTE G5C 5G Indoor CPE
- AC Adapter (12V/1.5A)
- Ethernet Cable
- Quick Start Guide
- User Manual (this document)
3. Product Overview
The ZTE G5C features a sleek, streamlined design with internal antennas for both cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity. It is equipped with essential ports and indicators for easy setup and monitoring.
Figure 3.1: ZTE G5C Front View with Key Features
3.1 Device Interfaces and Buttons
Figure 3.2: ZTE G5C Rear View with Ports and Buttons
- RJ45 Ports: Two Gigabit Ethernet (GE) ports for wired connections.
- USB Port: One USB port, primarily for debugging purposes.
- SIM Slot: Supports 4FF (Nano-SIM) and eSIM compatibility.
- Power Button: To turn the device on or off.
- Reset Button: To restore factory default settings (use a pin to press and hold).
- WPS Button: For quick and secure Wi-Fi Protected Setup.
3.2 LED Indicators
The device features several LED indicators to show its status:
- Power LED: White (indicates power status).
- WiFi LED: White (indicates Wi-Fi status).
- Network LED: White/Blue/Red (indicates network connectivity status).
- Signal Strength LED: White (indicates cellular signal strength).
- LAN LEDs: Located on the RJ45 ports (indicate LAN activity).
3.3 Display Screen
The ZTE G5C includes a 2.44-inch TFT screen with 128x128 resolution to display device information and status.
4. Setup Guide
Follow these steps to set up your ZTE G5C router:
- Insert SIM Card: Locate the SIM card slot. Carefully insert a 4FF (Nano-SIM) card into the slot until it clicks into place. Ensure the SIM card is correctly oriented.
- Connect Power: Connect the provided AC adapter to the router's power input port and then plug it into a power outlet. The Power LED should light up.
- Power On: Press the Power button to turn on the device. Wait for the router to boot up and the Network and WiFi LEDs to stabilize.
- Connect to Network:
- Wireless Connection: On your computer or mobile device, search for the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) broadcast by the ZTE G5C. The default SSID and password can usually be found on a label on the bottom or back of the device. Connect using the provided password.
- Wired Connection: Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to one of the RJ45 LAN ports on the router and the other end to your computer's Ethernet port.
- Access Web Interface: Open a web browser and enter the default IP address (e.g., 192.168.x.x) for the router. Log in using the default username and password (usually found on the device label or in the Quick Start Guide) to configure advanced settings.
5. Operating Modes
The ZTE G5C supports various operating modes to suit different network requirements:
- Automatically Mode: The device intelligently switches between wireless and wired connections as needed.
- Hybrid Mode: Utilizes both wireless and wired connections simultaneously for enhanced performance.
- Wireless Mode: Operates primarily as a wireless router, distributing Wi-Fi.
- Bridge Mode: Allows the device to act as a bridge, passing network traffic without performing routing functions.
- Cable Broadband Mode: Configured to work with a traditional cable broadband connection.
6. Network Features
6.1 IP Networking
- IPv4/IPv6 Dual Stack: Supports both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols (NDP IPv6).
- DHCP Server: Automatically assigns IP addresses to connected devices.
- Virtual Private Network (VPN): Supports VPN pass-through (L2TP/PPTP/IPSec), L2TP client, and PPTP client.
- NAT/NAPT: Network Address Translation for sharing a single public IP address.
- Sip ALG: Application Layer Gateway for SIP protocol.
- Multiple APNs: Support for various Access Point Names.
6.2 Firewall
The built-in firewall provides robust network security with features including:
- Port Forwarding
- Port Filtering
- Port Mapping
- Domain Filtering
- UPnP (Universal Plug and Play)
- DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)
- Remote Access/Ping Switch
- MAC Address Filtering
7. Wi-Fi Features
The ZTE G5C supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, offering enhanced speed and efficiency:
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax).
- MIMO: 2x2 MIMO for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.
- Speeds: 2.4GHz up to 575Mbps, 5GHz up to 1.2Gbps. Total theoretical speed up to 1.775Gbps (AX1800).
- Bandwidth: 2.4G: 20M/40M; 5G: 20M/40M/80M.
- Access Capacity: Supports up to 32 Wi-Fi users simultaneously.
- Modulation: Up to 1024 QAM.
- Features: Wi-Fi Switch, Bandsteering, Security modes (WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK, WPA2-PSK/WPA3-PSK, WPA2-PSK), Wi-Fi Broadcast, Auto channel selection, WPS, Guest SSID support, Wi-Fi Sleep Mode.
8. Special Features
The ZTE G5C includes several advanced functionalities:
- SMS: Send and receive SMS messages via the device interface.
- PIN/PUK Management: Tools for managing your SIM card's PIN and PUK codes.
- APN Management: Configure Access Point Names for cellular connectivity.
- Lock Frequency/Lock Cell: Advanced options for network optimization.
- TR069 with TR181 Data Model: For remote management and provisioning.
- Upgrade: Supports FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air) and TR069 for firmware updates.
- ZTE Smart Life APP: Companion mobile application for easy management.
- Language: English interface.
- Remote Access: Device supports FOTA/TR069/remote access even in bridge mode.
- Preferred Position: A feature to help users find the optimal placement for the router to maximize signal strength.
- NFC: Android phones can connect to the router's Wi-Fi by simply touching the device.
- Device Diagnosis: Provides a list of key device running statuses and suggests solutions for issues.
9. Technical Specifications
Detailed technical specifications for the ZTE G5C router are provided below:
Figure 9.1: ZTE G5C Feature Highlights
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | ZTE |
| Model | G5C |
| Origin | Mainland China |
| Dimensions | 172 x 110 x 62.5 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 378g |
| Max. Power Consumption | 14.4 W |
| Ingress Protection Rating | IP30 |
| Operating Temperature | -20 to 55°C |
| Storage Temperature | -40 to 70°C |
| Humidity | 5% to 95% |
| Certifications | CE, FCC, RoHS, WEEE, REACH, WiFi |
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 3GPP Release | Release 15 |
| 5G NR Modes | SA & NSA (5G NR + LTE EN-DC) |
| Supported Technologies | LTE FDD/TDD, UMTS |
| Modulation (Sub6G) | DL: 256QAM, UL: 256QAM |
| Modulation (LTE) | DL: 256QAM, UL: 64QAM |
| Sub6G Bandwidth | 40MHz, 60MHz, 80MHz, 100MHz, 50MHz, 90MHz |
| Network Slicing | Yes |
| Transmitter Power (Wireless) | 23dBm |
| 5G NR Bands | N1/3/7/8/20/28/38/40/41/77/78 |
| 4G LTE Bands | B1/3/7/8/20/28/38/40/41/42/43 |
| 3G Bands | B1/8 |
| 2G Bands | Not Supported |
| 4MIMO Support | Bands 1, 3, 7, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 77, 78 |
| 5G ENDC Speed (DL/UL) | 3.4 Gb/s / 230 Mb/s |
| 5G SA Speed (DL/UL) | 1.4 Gb/s / 160 Mb/s |
| LTE FDD Speed (DL/UL) | 2.0 Gb/s / 150 Mb/s (Cat 20/13) |
| LTE TDD Speed (DL/UL) | 1.46 Gb/s / 30 Mb/s (Cat 20/13) |
| WCDMA CS Speed (UL/DL) | 64 kbps / 64 kbps |
| WCDMA PS Speed (UL/DL) | 384 kbps / 384 kbps |
| HSDPA Speed | DL 14.4Mb/s (Cat 10), 21Mb/s (Cat 14), 42Mb/s (Cat 24) |
| HSUPA Speed | UL 5.76Mb/s (Cat 6) |
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | WiFi6, 802.11b/g/n/a/ac/ax |
| MIMO | 2x2 MIMO for both 2.4G & 5G |
| 2.4GHz Speed | 575Mbps |
| 5GHz Speed | 1.2Gbps |
| Total Wi-Fi Speed | Up to 1.775Gbps (AX1800) |
| 2.4G Bandwidth | 20M/40M |
| 5G Bandwidth | 20M/40M/80M |
| Max. Access Number | 32 devices |
| Modulation | Up to 1024 QAM |
| Antenna Type | Internal |
| Antenna Gain (700~960MHz) | 0.9~1.1dBi |
| Antenna Gain (1450~2700MHz) | 2~2.6dBi |
| Antenna Gain (3300~4200MHz) | 4dBi |
| Wi-Fi Gain (2.4GHz) | 2dBi |
| Wi-Fi Gain (5GHz) | 2.5dBi |
Figure 9.2: Comprehensive Technical Specifications
10. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your ZTE G5C router, try the following basic troubleshooting steps:
- No Power: Ensure the AC adapter is securely connected to both the router and a working power outlet. Check if the Power LED is lit.
- No Network Connectivity:
- Check if the SIM card is correctly inserted and activated with a data plan.
- Verify the Network LED status. If it's red, there might be a signal issue or no network detected.
- Try restarting the router by unplugging the power adapter, waiting 10 seconds, and plugging it back in.
- Ensure you are in an area with adequate 5G/4G signal coverage.
- No Wi-Fi Signal:
- Check if the Wi-Fi LED is lit.
- Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled in the router's web interface.
- Verify your device is within the Wi-Fi range.
- Slow Speeds:
- Check your cellular signal strength via the Signal Strength LED or web interface.
- Reduce the number of connected devices or bandwidth-intensive activities.
- Ensure the router is placed in an optimal location, away from obstructions and interference. Use the 'Preferred Position' feature if available.
- Cannot Access Web Interface:
- Ensure your device is connected to the router's network (wired or wireless).
- Verify you are entering the correct IP address and login credentials.
- Try clearing your browser's cache or using a different browser.
- Forgot Password: If you forget your router's login password or Wi-Fi password, you can perform a factory reset by pressing and holding the Reset button for several seconds until the LEDs flash. Note that this will erase all custom settings.
11. User Tips
No specific user tips were available from customer reviews or Q&A for this product at the time of manual creation.
12. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, please refer to the terms and conditions provided by your retailer or the official ZTE website. If you require technical assistance or have questions not covered in this manual, please contact the seller or ZTE customer support.
