TCL LINKZONE MW42L User Manual

Read this first

• Before using this documentation and the device it supports, ensure you read and understand the "Important safety information" on page 15.
• Illustrations in this documentation might look different from your device.
• Instructions in this documentation may vary depending on your device model and software version.
• Some features are not available in all countries or regions. Feature availability is subject to change.
• Documentation content is subject to change without notice. Constant improvements are made to the documentation of your device, including this user manual.
• TCL Communication Ltd. does not assume any liability that may occur due to the use or application of the product described herein. Every effort has been made in the preparation of this documentation to ensure accuracy of the contents, but all statements, information and recommendations in this documentation do not constitute the warranty of any kind, express or implied.

Chapter 1. Meet your LinkZone

This TCL LinkZone is a 4G LTE mobile router, providing download speeds of up to 150 Mbps. Your LinkZone lets you create fast and secure Wi-Fi in any location with cellular network coverage.

1.1 System requirements

Your LinkZone supports up to 10 connected devices with a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network (802.11b/g/n). It also works with browsers such as Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, Opera, and Google Chrome.

1.2 Overview

The LinkZone device has the following components:

• 1. Signal LED:
  
  • Solid blue: the signal is strong.
  • Solid purple: the signal is good.
  • Solid red: the signal is weak.
  • OFF: the signal is not available, or the router is in power saving mode.
• 2. Wi-Fi LED:
  
  • Blinking blue: WPS connection is available.
  • Solid blue: Wi-Fi is enabled.
  • OFF: Wi-Fi is disabled, or the router is in power saving mode.
• 3. WPS button: Press for 3 seconds to enable the WPS function. The WPS function will be automatically disabled if a WPS connection is not established within 2 minutes.
• 4. Battery LED:
  
  • Solid blue: the battery level is sufficient.
  • Solid red: the battery level is low.
  • Blinking blue: the battery is charging. The LED flashes in solid blue when the battery is fully charged.
  • OFF: the router is in the power saving mode.
• 5. SMS LED:
  
  • Blinking blue: there is an unread message. NOTE: Log in to the web UI (see the IP address on the label inside the router), and locate the SMS tab to read the message.
  • OFF: there is no unread message, or the router is in the power saving mode.
• 6. Micro USB port: Used to connect to a power supply (5 V/1 A) through the provided USB cable.
• 7. Power button: Press for 3 seconds to power on or off your router. Press to recover from the power saving mode.
• 8. Reset button: Use a paperclip to press the button for 3 seconds to reset the router to default factory settings, including the Wi-Fi name and password.
• 9. Micro SIM card slot: Insert a micro SIM card in the slot.
• 10. Micro SD card slot: Insert a micro SD card in the slot. The router works with micro SD cards with a maximum capacity of 32 GB.

Power saving mode: If you do not use the router buttons for three minutes, all LEDs will automatically turn off.

Chapter 2. Get started

This chapter introduces the basic instructions on how to get your LinkZone up and running. The instructions may vary depending on your LinkZone model.

2.1 Inserting SIM card

PREREQUISITE: Select the right size of SIM card for your LinkZone.

Supported SIM card size: Micro-SIM (3FF).

1. Remove the back cover.
2. Install a SIM card. Heed the orientation of the SIM card. If the SIM card is inserted incorrectly, it may get jammed.
3. Install the battery.
4. Install the back cover.

NOTE: Before using your router, record the default Wi-Fi name, Wi-Fi password and web UI login information that are printed on the label inside your router.

2.2 Identify an ideal location

To make the most of your LinkZone, ensure the location meets the following criteria:

• Near a window
• A cool, dry and well-ventilated area away from objects such as walls and electrical appliances
• Near a power outlet
• On a sturdy and flat surface

2.3 Power on your LinkZone

Long press the power key for 3 seconds to power on your device.

2.3 Network connection

To establish a wireless network connection, search for the Wi-Fi name on your wireless devices, and enter the password.

2.4 How to connect in Wi-Fi mode

Step 1: Enabling Wi-Fi on your LINKZONE. When the Wi-Fi indicator is solid blue, Wi-Fi is enabled.

Step 2: Recording the SSID and Wi-Fi Key. The default SSID and Wi-Fi key are printed on the device label, situated on the inside of the device cover.

Step 3: Setting up a Wi-Fi connection

• Setting up a Wi-Fi connection manually:
  1. From your Wi-Fi enabled client, perform a scan for wireless networks.
  2. Connect to the network name that matches the SSID found on the device label.
  3. When prompted for a password, enter the Wi-Fi key found on the device label (this is case sensitive). Your client will notify you when it is connected.
• Setting up a Wi-Fi connection through WPS: Your client must support WPS. There are 3 ways to set up a WPS connection.
  • Option 1: WPS button
    1. Ensure that Wi-Fi is enabled on the client and enable WPS.
    2. Press and hold the WPS button for 3 seconds. The Wi-Fi LED will begin to flash blue.
    3. Your device should then automatically connect.
  • Option 2: PIN key
    1. Enable the WPS function on your smart device (only Android devices are supported) and note the PIN key.
    2. Open the WPS page on your Web User Interface (Navigate to Device Settings > Wi-Fi Settings > WPS Settings).
    3. Click PIN and enter the PIN key on the WEB User Interface.
    4. Click Apply. Your device should then connect automatically.
  • Option 3: PBC
    1. Open the WPS page on your Web User Interface (Go to Device Settings > Wi-Fi Settings > WPS Settings).
    2. Click on PBC.
    3. Click Apply. WPS is now enabled for 2 minutes.
    4. Enable WPS on your client and it should automatically connect.

Chapter 3. Access the web UI

This chapter introduces how to get access to the web UI of your LinkZone, and gives you a glimpse of the web UI.

3.1 Log in to the web UI

To log in to the web UI, follow these steps:

1. Open a web browser on the device connected to the LinkZone network.
2. Go to http://192.168.1.1, then follow the on-screen instructions to finish the login process. For the default login information, refer to the label inside your LinkZone.

3.2 Explore web UI features

The home page of the web UI is mainly comprised of the following tiles: Connection, Usage, SMS, Settings, and More. Click on each tile to display more information.

Commonly-used status icons are displayed in the web UI, which give you information about your LinkZone.

Chapter 4. Configure your LinkZone

In this chapter, we will show you how to get the most out of your LinkZone using the web UI. With the web UI, you can configure Wi-Fi settings, view connected devices, manage SMS settings, and more.

4.1 Home

On the home page, you can configure the basic information for your LinkZone, including Internet, Statistics, Advanced, DHCP, Home network and Wi-Fi settings.

• Internet: Allows you to view device information including IMEI, IMSI, LAN Domain, WAN IP address and WAN IPv6 address.
• Statistics: View current session and total traffic for the month. You can also reset the statistics. Note: These figures are only meant to be used as a guide.
• Advanced: Shows the firmware version and the signal quality data.
• DHCP: Allows you to view the IP address you have defined, which will be assigned to connected devices automatically.
• Home network: Shows how many devices are connected via Wi-Fi or cable.
• Wi-Fi: Displays Wi-Fi network information such as SSID, max access number, MAC address, and band.

4.2 Quick Settings

The wizard helps you set up basic parameters of gateway safety. Click Previous or Next to navigate, and click Apply to save settings. For advanced parameters, set them in another menu.

4.3 Devices Settings

Connected devices

Click Connected Devices to get more detailed information on the connected devices. In the details page, you can edit the names of connected devices and manage internet access for them.

Advanced Settings

Connection Settings

Network Selection: You can set the network mode to Automatic, 3G only, 4G only, or 4G/3G only. Make sure that you click Apply after making any changes.

APN

On this tab, you can set up a new APN profile, and edit or delete existing profiles.

• Add a new profile:
  1. Click Add New.
  2. Input the correct parameters (like profile name and APN) for your network operator.
  3. Click Apply.
• Edit a profile:
  1. Select the profile from the profile management list.
  2. Input the new parameters (like profile name and APN) for your network operator.
  3. Click Apply.
• Delete a profile:
  1. Select the profile from the profile management list.
  2. Click Delete.
  NOTE: The default profile cannot be deleted.
• Set as default:
  1. Select the profile from the profile management list.
  2. Click Set as default.

Data Management

In this feature, you can set your billing day, monthly data plan, time limit, etc. Click Save after making those changes.

Wi-Fi Settings

• Wi-Fi Switch: Select Enabled to enable Wi-Fi function, and Disabled to disable Wi-Fi function.
• SSID Settings: You can set three SSID presets (Main SSID, SSID1 and SSID2), click Apply after making any changes.
• Network Name (SSID): SSID is the name of the Wi-Fi network.
• SSID Broadcast: This function is enabled by default. When this function is disabled, other users cannot detect the SSID or the Wi-Fi name. They need to manually enter SSID to connect to your LinkZone network.
• Security Mode: The available security modes include OPEN, WPA2-PSK(AES) and WPA/WPA2-PSK(TKIP/AES).
• Pass Phrase: Set a password for your Wi-Fi network. Check the Wi-Fi password by ticking Display Password.
• Max Station Number: You can decide how many client devices can connect to your LinkZone network at a time.

WPS Settings

WPS is a wireless network security standard that tries to make connections between your LinkZone and wireless devices faster and easier. If your wireless device is WPS-supported, you can access the LinkZone Wi-Fi network through a WPS connection.

• WPS Switch: Select Enabled to enable WPS function, and Disabled to disable WPS function.
• Add new device: There are two ways to add a new device, you can choose PIN or PBC. Details see '2.3 Access LinkZone network' on page 4.
• MAC Filter: You can specify which device can or cannot access the internet.

Advanced Settings

4.4 SMS

In this section, click Device to check the messages saved in the device, and click SIM to check the messages saved in the SIM card. Refer to the following table for commonly used operations of SMS messages.

4.5 Phonebook

Click List to view all contacts which include those in the device and SIM card. The maximum number is 600. You can add new or delete contacts here.

• Add a contact:
  1. Click New.
  2. Input the contact information (Save location, the name, the mobile/home/office number, email address of the contact and choose the group). The Name and Mobile number are mandatory information; they have a red star remark on the upper right.
  3. Click Apply.
• Delete a contact:
  1. Click List.
  2. Tick the box in the far left column for the contact(s) that you wish to delete.
  3. Click Delete.
  Note: Search for the contact you want to delete in the search box.
• Delete all the contacts of a group:
  1. Click List.
  2. Choose the group you want to delete from the list.
  3. Tick the box at the top left.
  4. Click Delete.

4.5 Firewall

Port filtering

This function is Disabled by default. Any device connected to your LinkZone is allowed to access the internet. You can use the Port filter to block specific devices from accessing the internet.

• Disable: All connected devices can access the internet.
• Enabled: Devices with a MAC/IP/Port address added to this list cannot access the internet.

Port mapping

Port mapping is to map a host's internal network (LAN) IP address to a public network (WAN) IP address. Port mapping can also be used to map multiple ports of an external network IP address machine to different ports on different machines in the internal network. This function is Disabled by default.

Port forwarding

This function enables external users to access FTP and other services within the LAN. This function is Disabled by default.

URL filtering

In this feature, you can set internet access schedules for the devices on the LinkZone network and define which websites the devices can and cannot visit.

UPnP

Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is a set of networking protocols that allows connected devices to discover each other and establish functional network services for data sharing, communications, and entertainment. This function is Disabled by default.

DMZ

If external users cannot access certain network services within the LAN, you can enable the DMZ function and set a new host IP address. This function is Disabled by default.

4.6 System settings

System settings

Time setting

Modify password

Enter the current password, set the new username and password, and click Apply.

Restore factory setting

If you can't access the internet for unknown reasons, or forget the login password, you can restore the LinkZone to factory settings.

Network tools

• Ping: ping (Packet Internet Groper) is an Internet packet explorer, a program used to test the amount of network connections. Ping is mainly to send ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) Echo request messages to a specific destination host to test whether the destination station is reachable and understand its related status.
  • Count: The number of attempts to connect.
  • URL or IP: The web address you want to connect.
• Trace:
  • URL or IP: The web address you want to debug.
• System upgrade: Click Browse to choose the file package for upgrading the system you have downloaded, click Upload to update the LinkZone software.
• FOTA upgrade: Click Check; your Cat4 Router will check if an update is available. If one is found, you can click Download. Once the file has been downloaded successfully, you can click Update. Note: Do not power off your router during the update process as this may damage the device.
• Reboot: Click Reboot to reboot the device.

Important safety information

Read all the safety information before using your product. Failure to follow these safety instructions could result in injury, or damage to your product or other property.

Important safety instructions

• Do not use the device in areas where wireless devices are prohibited.
• Do not let children use the device and its accessories without supervision.
• Always handle your device with care, and keep it in a clean and dust-free place.
• Do not attempt to repair the device yourself.
• Do not drop, throw, or bend your device.
• Do not dispose of the device and its accessories in a fire.

Medical device interference

Your router contains components which may interfere with medical devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, or other medical devices. Maintain a safe distance of separation between your medical device and your router. Consult your physician and medical device manufacturer for information specific to your medical device.

Power adapter

Charge your device with the supplied USB cable. Only charge with an adapter that is compliant with the applicable international and regional safety standards. The adapter shall be CE-approved. Using other adapters could cause damage to the device or pose a risk of injury or death. Keep the adapter in a well-ventilated area when it is plugged into an electrical outlet. Don't use damaged power adapters.

Battery

CAUTION: Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect type. Dispose of used batteries according to the instructions.

In accordance with air regulations, the battery of your product is not fully charged. Please charge it first.

• Do not attempt to open the battery (due to the risk of toxic fumes and burns).
• Do not puncture, disassemble, or short circuit the battery.
• The battery must be recycled or disposed of separately from household waste. Dispose of batteries according to your local environmental laws and guidelines.
• Replace the battery only with another qualified battery. Use of an unqualified battery may present a risk of fire, explosion, leakage, or other hazard.
• Do not use damaged battery.

Operating temperature

Your device is designed to work best in ambient temperatures between 0 °C and 40 °C (32 °F and 104 °F), and should be stored in ambient temperatures between -20 °C and 70 °C (-4 °F and 158 °F). Your device may malfunction if operated or stored outside of these temperature ranges. Avoid exposing the device to dramatic changes in temperature or humidity.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter problems while using the product, use the troubleshooting information to help determine the problem and find possible solutions.

General problems

Web UI problems

Connection problems