1. Introduction
The ZTE G5C is a 5th-generation 5G Indoor Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) designed to provide high-speed internet connectivity. This device functions as both a 5G modem and a WiFi 6 AX1800 wireless router, supporting both NSA (Non-Standalone) and SA (Standalone) dual-mode 5G networks. It is compatible with global mainstream frequency bands for 5G, 4G, and 3G networks, offering fast speeds and wide coverage.
Key features include a 7nm high-performance 5G platform, high-speed Wi-Fi 6 with a peak rate of 1800Mbps, and two Gigabit Ethernet ports for fast wired connections. The device supports up to 32 Wi-Fi users simultaneously and incorporates high-gain internal antennas for stronger signal and wider coverage. It also features an exquisite industrial design for efficient cooling.
Important Note: This device does not have an RJ11 telephone port or external antenna ports. For optimal performance, it is recommended for use in city areas with strong 5G signal where external antennas are not required.
2. Package Contents
Please check the package for the following items:
- ZTE G5C 5G Indoor FWA CPE Router
- AC Adapter (12V/1.5A)
- Ethernet cable
- Quick Start Guide
- User Manual (this document)
3. Product Overview
3.1 Physical Appearance
3.2 LED Indicators
- Power: White (Indicates power status)
- WiFi: White (Indicates WiFi activity)
- Network: White/Blue/Red (Indicates network connection status and signal quality)
- Signal Strength: White (Indicates cellular signal strength)
- LAN: RJ45 port's LED (Indicates Ethernet port activity)
3.3 Interfaces and Buttons
- RJ45: 2xGE (Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connections)
- RJ11: No
- USB: 1 (For debug purposes)
- SIM slot: 4FF & eSIM Compatibility (For inserting a Nano-SIM card)
- Power button: To turn the device on/off
- Reset button: To restore factory settings (use a pin to press and hold)
- WPS button: For easy WiFi connection setup
4. Setup
4.1 SIM Card Installation
- Ensure the device is powered off.
- Locate the SIM card slot on the device.
- Insert a 4FF (Nano-SIM) card into the slot with the gold contacts facing down and the notched corner aligned correctly.
- Gently push the SIM card until it clicks into place.
4.2 Power Connection
- Connect the provided AC adapter to the power input port on the device.
- Plug the AC adapter into a standard electrical outlet.
- Press the Power button to turn on the device. The Power LED should illuminate.
4.3 Initial Network Connection
Once powered on, the device will automatically attempt to connect to the 5G/4G network. The Network LED will indicate the connection status (White/Blue for good connection, Red for issues). You can connect to the internet via:
- Wi-Fi: Search for the default Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password printed on a label on the device. Connect your wireless devices using these credentials.
- Wired Connection: Connect an Ethernet cable from one of the RJ45 ports on the ZTE G5C to your computer or another network device.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Device Modes
The ZTE G5C supports several operating modes:
- Automatically mode: The device intelligently switches between wireless (5G/4G) and wired (Ethernet WAN) connections based on availability and performance.
- Hybrid mode: Utilizes both wireless and wired connections simultaneously for enhanced stability and speed.
- Wireless mode: Primarily uses the 5G/4G cellular network for internet access.
- Bridge mode: Allows the device to act as a bridge, passing network traffic directly to another router or device.
- Cable Broadband Mode: Uses a wired broadband connection as the primary internet source.
5.2 Wi-Fi Features
- Wi-Fi Switch: Enable or disable Wi-Fi functionality.
- Bandsteering: Automatically directs devices to the optimal Wi-Fi band (2.4GHz or 5GHz).
- Security modes: Supports WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK, WPA2-PSK/WPA3-PSK, WPA2-PSK for secure wireless connections.
- Wi-Fi Broadcast: Enable or disable the broadcasting of your Wi-Fi network name (SSID).
- Auto channel selection: Automatically selects the best Wi-Fi channel for optimal performance.
- WPS: Wi-Fi Protected Setup for quick and easy connection of WPS-compatible devices.
- Guest SSID support: Create a separate Wi-Fi network for guests, isolating them from your main network.
- Wi-Fi Sleep Mode: Configure Wi-Fi to enter a low-power state during inactive periods.
5.3 Network Slicing
The device supports network slicing, allowing for the creation of virtual network slices tailored to specific application requirements, ensuring optimized performance for different services.
6. Specifications
6.1 Cellular Network
- 3GPP Release: 15
- 5G NR: SA&NSA (Support: 5G NR + LTE EN-DC)
- LTE: FDD/TDD (Category 20 DL, Category 13 UL)
- UMTS: Supported
- 2G: Not supported
Supported Bands:
- 5G: N1/3/7/8/20/28/38/40/41/77/78
- 4G: B1/3/7/8/20/28/38/40/41/42/43
- 3G: B1/8
Modulation:
- Sub6G: DL: 256QAM, UL: 256QAM
- LTE: DL: 256QAM, UL: 64QAM
Bandwidth of Sub6G:
40MHz, 60MHz, 80MHz, 100MHz, 50MHz, 90MHz
Speed (Theoretical Peak):
- 5G ENDC (LTE FDD + Sub6G): DL 3.4 Gb/s, UL 230 Mb/s
- 5G SA (5G Sub6G - TDD): DL 1.4 Gb/s, UL 160 Mb/s
- LTE FDD: DL 2.0 Gb/s, UL 150 Mb/s
- LTE TDD: DL 1.46 Gb/s, UL 30 Mb/s
- WCDMA CS: UL 64kbps / DL 64kbps
- WCDMA PS: UL 384kbps / DL 384kbps
- HSDPA: DL 14.4Mb/s (Cat 10), DL 21Mb/s (Cat 14), DL 42Mb/s (Cat 24)
- HSUPA: UL 5.76Mb/s (Cat 6)
6.2 Wi-Fi Network
- Standard: WiFi6, 802.11b/g/n/a/ac/ax
- MIMO: 2x2 MIMO for both 2.4G & 5G
- Speed:
- 2.4GHz: 2MIMO 575Mbps
- 5GHz: 2MIMO 1.2Gbps
- Total speed: Up to 1.775Gbps
- Bandwidth:
- 2.4G: 20M/40M
- 5G: 20M/40M/80M
- Access Number: Up to 32 devices
- Modulation: Up to 1024 QAM
6.3 Antenna
Internal antennas for all bands and Wi-Fi.
- 700~960MHz: 0.9~1.1dBi
- 1450~2700MHz: 2~2.6dBi
- 3300~4200MHz: 4dBi
- WiFi Gain: 2.4GHz 2dBi; 5GHz: 2.5dBi
6.4 Physical and Environmental
- Dimensions: 172 x 110 x 62.5 mm
- Weight: Approximately 378g
- Maximum 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%
6.5 Certifications
CE, WEEE, ROHS, REACH, WiFi
7. IP Networking
- IPv4/IPv6 dual stack (NDP IPv6)
- DHCP server
- Virtual Private Network (VPN) pass-through (L2TP/PPTP/IPSec)
- L2TP client
- PPTP client
- NAT/NAPT
- Sip ALG
- Multiple APNs
8. Firewall
- Port Forwarding
- Port Filtering
- Port Mapping
- Domain Filtering
- UPnP (Universal Plug and Play)
- DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)
- Remote Access/Ping switch
- MAC address filtering
9. Special Features
- SMS: Send and receive SMS messages via the device interface.
- PIN/PUK management: Manage 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: Remote management capabilities.
- Upgrade: Supports FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air) and TR069 for firmware updates.
- ZTE Smart Life APP: Companion mobile application for device management.
- Language: English interface.
- Preferred Position: Helps users find the optimal placement for the device to maximize signal strength.
- NFC: Android phones can touch the device to quickly access its Wi-Fi network.
- Device Diagnosis: Provides a list of device running key statuses and suggests solutions for issues.
10. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your ZTE G5C, consider the following:
- No Power: Ensure the AC adapter is securely connected to both the device and a working power outlet. Check the Power LED.
- No Network Connection:
- Verify that the SIM card is correctly inserted and activated with a data plan.
- Check the Network LED for status. If red, there might be a signal issue or network problem.
- Relocate the device to an area with better cellular signal. Remember, this device relies on strong indoor 5G/4G signal as it lacks external antenna ports.
- Restart the device.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues:
- Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled (check the Wi-Fi LED).
- Verify you are using the correct SSID and password.
- Try connecting via WPS button.
- Restart the device and your connecting client device.
- Slow Speeds:
- Check the signal strength indicator. Weak signal will result in lower speeds.
- Ensure no other devices are heavily utilizing bandwidth.
- Consider using a wired Ethernet connection for critical devices.
- Accessing Router Settings: If you cannot access the router's web interface, ensure your device is connected to the router (via Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and you are using the correct IP address (usually 192.168.x.x) and login credentials.
11. User Tips
- Optimal Placement: Use the 'Preferred Position' feature (if available in the device's web interface or app) to find the best location for your router to achieve maximum signal strength and coverage. This is crucial given the internal antennas.
- NFC Quick Connect: For Android phone users, leverage the NFC feature for quick and hassle-free connection to the router's Wi-Fi network by simply tapping your phone to the device.
- Regular Diagnostics: Utilize the 'Device Diagnosis' function to monitor the router's operational status and receive suggested solutions for any detected issues, helping maintain stable performance.
- Firmware Updates: Regularly check for and install firmware updates (FOTA/TR069) to ensure your device has the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements.
12. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Keep the device clean and free from dust. Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners.
- Ventilation: Ensure the device is placed in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating. Do not block the ventilation slots.
- Firmware Updates: Periodically check for and install firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and security. This can usually be done through the device's web interface or the ZTE Smart Life APP.
- Environmental Conditions: Operate the device within the specified temperature and humidity ranges to ensure longevity.
13. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or contact your retailer. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
