ZTE MC801A Indoor 5G Hub User Guide

Objectives

This document provides the Care Team with an overview of the ZTE MC801A Indoor 5G Smart Hub Router, covering general setup and troubleshooting guidelines.

1. Overview

The ZTE MC801A Smart Hub is a 5G wireless router compatible with 5G, 4G, and WAN networks. It allows devices to connect via network cables or Wi-Fi for data services.

The following illustrates the device's appearance. Note that the actual device may differ.

1.1 Inserting the SIM

To access the internet via the cellular network, install a valid nano-SIM card first.

1. Turn the Smart Hub to access the base and open the slot cover.
2. Insert the nano-SIM card as shown in the illustration.

Illustration Description: A diagram showing the bottom of the ZTE MC801A hub with a SIM card being inserted into a slot labeled 'SIM'. An arrow indicates the direction of insertion.

1.2 Powering On/Off Your Device

Connect the AC adapter/power cable from the Smart Hub to a wall power outlet. The device will turn on automatically.

To power off without disconnecting the cable, press and hold the WPS button for 10 seconds. To power on again, press and hold the button for about 3 seconds.

Illustration Description: A diagram showing the rear of the ZTE MC801A hub with cables being connected to the power port and a LAN port. Another illustration shows the AC adapter plugged into a wall outlet.

1.3 Indicator Lights

When the Smart Hub is powered on, the following indicators may light up:

2. Connecting to the Smart Hub

You can connect your devices to the Smart Hub via Wi-Fi or a LAN cable. After connecting, test your connection by accessing the 5G CPE web page.

2.1 Connecting via Wi-Fi

1. Find the default Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password on the sticker at the base of the Smart Hub.
2. On your Wi-Fi-enabled devices, turn on Wi-Fi and view the list of available networks.
3. Select the SSID from the sticker, enter the password, and connect.

Illustration Description: A diagram showing the base of the ZTE MC801A hub with a sticker displaying "WLAN SSID 1", "WLAN SSID 2", and "Password". An arrow points to a smartphone screen showing Wi-Fi settings with a network name and password input field.

2.2 Connecting via a Network/LAN Cable

Connect one of the LAN ports on the Smart Hub to the LAN port on your computer, PC, laptop, or smart device using a LAN cable.

2.3 Accessing the 5G CPE Web Page

Visit the 5G CPE web page to configure Smart Hub settings, such as passwords and Wi-Fi SSID/Name.

1. View the sticker at the base of the Smart Hub for the default URL and password. (Default URL: http://192.168.0.1/index.html#login)
2. Launch an internet browser on a device connected to the Smart Hub, enter the URL in the address bar, and select 'Login' after entering the password.

Illustration Description: A screenshot of the ZTE login page for the 5G CPE web interface, showing fields for Username and Password, and a 'Login' button. Below the login form, copyright information is displayed.

2.4 Best Placement in the Home

For the best connection from the Smart Hub to the cellular network:

• Place the Smart Hub in a central location near a window with a power source. Avoid concrete walls and metal doors, as they can reduce cellular signals. Placement in basements is not recommended.
• Signal strength: Check the cellular signal strength indicators on the Smart Hub or log into the 5G CPE web page (http://192.168.0.1/index.html#login). If signal bars are low, try relocating the Smart Hub. The web page may also offer a "suggested position" option.

Illustration Description: A screenshot of the ZTE web interface showing sections for "Suggested Position", "Data Usage", "SMS", "Phonebook", "Parental Control", and "Advanced Settings". The "Suggested Position" section displays a diagram of a house with signal strength indicators and a "Detect Now" button. A "Detection Record" table lists previous detection results.

For the best Wi-Fi connection between the Smart Hub and client devices:

• Minimize interference by keeping items like cordless telephone base stations, microwaves, baby monitors, Bluetooth devices, and wireless speaker systems at least 2-3 meters away from the Smart Hub.
• Avoid congestion by not adding too many devices to the Wi-Fi network, which can reduce speed for all devices.
• Ensure a good Wi-Fi signal on your client's devices.

3. Troubleshooting Guide

3.1 Customer forgot the admin http://192.168.0.1/index.html#login page password

Resolution: Resetting the modem will revert it to factory settings. Any customized settings will need to be reconfigured.

1. Request the customer to locate the reset button/hole.
2. The reset hole is located on the bottom of the 5G Hub, under a protective panel/flap.
3. Press the reset button/hole using a SIM ejector tool for 3 seconds.
4. The indicator lights will turn off, and the device will restore to factory settings within a few minutes.
5. Users can then use the password printed on the bottom label of the device to log in.
6. It is recommended to change the admin password after logging in.

3.2 Change the WiFi SSID/Name

(e.g., customer wants to rename "Three_ZTE" to "MyHouse")

Resolution: Performing this action will disconnect all connected devices. Customers must manually reconnect to the new WiFi network.

1. Log in to the Admin web page and navigate to the WiFi Settings on the home page.
2. Click on 'WiFi Settings' and change the 'Network Name (SSID)'. Then click 'Apply'.

Illustration Description: A screenshot of the ZTE Admin UI showing the network status. A section labeled "WiFi Settings" is visible, with an input field for "Network Name (SSID)" pre-filled with "MyHouse". Options for "Broadcast SSID", "Security Mode", and "Password" are also shown.

3.3 The customer forgot the WiFi Password/Key

Resolution: Performing this action will disconnect all connected devices. Customers must manually reconnect to the new WiFi network using a new password.

1. Log in to the Admin web page and navigate to the WiFi Settings on the home page.
2. Click on 'WiFi Settings' and change the 'Password'. Then click 'Apply'.

Illustration Description: A screenshot of the ZTE Admin UI showing the network status. A section labeled "WiFi Settings" is visible, with an input field for "Password" showing asterisks. Options for "Network Name (SSID)", "Broadcast SSID", and "Security Mode" are also shown.

The new WiFi password can now be used to connect to the WiFi network.

3.4 Parental Control: How to restrict a child from connecting to the network

(e.g., to stop them from connecting to the internet at night)

Resolution:

1. Log in to the admin UI.
2. Locate the 'Parental Control Settings' on the Home page. ?‍?‍?‍? [Parental Control] icon is available.
3. Open the 'Parental Control Setting'.
4. Click on the 'Add' ➕ [Add] button to add a relevant device for further configuration.
5. The customer will notice the device is added under 'Kids Devices' for further configuration.
6. Click on 'Manage' ? [Manage] and then 'Add New' ➕ [Add New] button on the 'Restricted Access Time Settings' page.
7. Select the days of the week and enter the restricted access time details, then save.
8. Add as many new time details as needed for a single device.
9. Click on 'Remove' ➖ [Remove] to remove a specific time window on the 'Restricted Access Time' page.
10. Click on 'Remove' ➖ [Remove] to remove the device on the 'Parental Control' page.

Illustration Description: A series of screenshots from the ZTE Admin UI showing the Parental Control section. This includes adding devices, setting up restricted access times with specific days and time ranges (e.g., 00:00-06:00 on Mon-Fri), and options to 'Add New', 'Edit', 'Remove', 'Save', and 'Discard'.

3.5 Provisioning or Setting up a Static IP

Note: Static IP addresses are only available for customers on specific business broadband plans.

By default, the modem dynamically assigns a local IP address to connected devices. A static IP address may be needed for devices requiring reliable access from other systems, such as printers or data servers.

Steps:

1. Login to the Admin Web Page: http://192.168.0.1/index.html#login
2. Select 'Settings'.
3. Select 'APN'.
4. Click on 'Manual' ⚙️ [Manual] → 'Add New' ➕ [Add New]. Set the following parameters:
   • PDP Type: IPv4v6
   • Profile Name: Static IP
   • APN: open.internet.public.static
   Select 'Apply'.

Steps for Business Users with Private Static IP assigned:

1. Log in to the Admin Web Page: http://192.168.0.1/index.html#home
2. Locate the 5G Toggle button under 'My router'.
3. Switch off the toggle and select the 'Change' ? [Change] button (top left) to 'Cable Broadband Mode'. Wait for the device to restart.
4. Select 'Settings' → 'Static IP' from the drop-down list.
5. Enter the Static IP details and click 'Apply'.

Illustration Description: Series of screenshots showing the ZTE Admin UI. This includes navigating to APN settings, configuring manual APN settings with fields for PDP Type, Profile Name, APN, Authentication, User Name, and Password. Another sequence shows switching the mode from Wireless Broadband to Cable Broadband and then configuring Static IP settings with fields for IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, Primary DNS Server, and Secondary DNS Server.

3.6 Update Firmware

Updating the firmware will not change any customized settings.

Steps:

1. Log in to the Admin Web Page: http://192.168.0.1/index.html#home
2. Locate 'Advanced Settings' ? [Advanced Settings] → 'Update' ? [Update] → 'Check' ? [Check].
3. If the device prompts 'New Firmware available', select 'Apply'.
4. The device will download, install the latest firmware, and restart.

Illustration Description: A screenshot of the ZTE Admin UI showing the 'Advanced Settings' menu with tabs for 'Night Mode', 'Router', 'Firewall', 'Update', and 'Others'. The 'Update' tab is active, displaying 'Check New Version' with the last update date, 'Auto Check Settings' options, and a 'Check' button.

3.7 Diagnosis (Check if the device is working as expected)

Steps:

1. Log in to the Admin Webpage: http://192.168.0.1/index.html#home
2. Locate 'Advanced Settings' ? [Advanced Settings] → 'Others' ? [Others] → 'Diagnosis' ? [Diagnosis].
3. Click on the 'Diagnosis' button.
4. Confirm that green ticks ✔️ appear against each item, indicating normal status.

Illustration Description: A screenshot of the ZTE Admin UI showing the 'Advanced Settings' menu with various options like 'PIN Management', 'SNTP', 'Network Information', 'Diagnosis', etc. The 'Diagnosis' section is displayed, listing checks for Network (SIM Card Status, Network Register, Networking Failure, DHCP Server, DNS from WAN) and Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi Switch, 2.4 GHz Main Wi-Fi, 5 GHz Main Wi-Fi, UPNP). Each item is followed by a green tick ✔️.

4. Troubleshooting – Additional Queries

4.1 Mobile and Desktop view of the dashboard?

There are two different views:

• The default view on a mobile handset is the 'Mobile View'.
• The default view on a PC/Laptop is the 'PC View'.

Illustration Description: Two screenshots of the ZTE Admin UI dashboard. One shows the 'Mobile View' with a simplified interface and icons for Connection Settings, Statistics, Wi-Fi Settings, SMS, and Other Settings. The other shows the 'PC View' with a more detailed graphical representation of the network, including 'Access device', 'My router' (with 5G status), and 'Net surfing' status.

4.2 Can these hubs receive SMS and if so where do customers access these?

Customers can access SMS (send/receive) via the ZTE Admin UI.

Illustration Description: A screenshot of the ZTE Admin UI showing the SMS section. It displays a list of received SMS messages with sender information and timestamps. Options to create a 'New' message, 'Delete', 'Refresh', and access 'Settings' are available.

4.3 What steps does a customer take if they have a “red light” – not registered on the Network.

Steps:

1. Follow sections 1 and 2 of this guide.
2. Check if the SIM card was inserted properly.
3. Verify that the Device Status information is visible on the ZTE User/Admin Dashboard.

Illustration Description: A screenshot of the ZTE Admin UI showing 'Status Information' which includes SIM Card Number, IMEI, IMSI, Wi-Fi Coverage, Signal Strength, and Detail Information. A QR code is also present. The main dashboard icons for 'Suggested Position', 'Data Usage', 'SMS', 'Phonebook', 'Parental Control', and 'Advanced Settings' are visible.

4.4 Does this hub pick up 3G signal? If so, how to toggle between 5G/4G/3G – useful when there is a 5G outage.

Steps:

The device primarily works on 5G and 4G.

1. Log in to the Admin UI.
2. Switch off the network toggle switch.
3. Click on 'Settings' ⚙️ [Settings].
4. Select 'Network Selection'.
5. Choose the desired option (e.g., 5G NSA, 5G SA, 4G Only) and click 'Apply'.
6. Switch on the Network Toggle on the Admin home screen.

Illustration Description: A screenshot of the ZTE Admin UI showing the 'Network Selection' page. It presents options for 'Automatic' and 'Manual' network selection. Under 'Manual', a dropdown list shows choices like 'Auto', '5G NSA', '5G SA', and '4G Only'.

4.5 While we refer customers to My3 to check data usage, however, with FUP cap lifted, My3 isn't ideal for checking how much data is being used. So where is data usage found on the user dashboard?

Steps:

1. Log in to the Admin UI.
2. Select 'Data Usage' ? [Data Usage].
3. Enable the feature, enter Data Plan details (e.g., 100 or 750 GB), and click 'Apply'.

Illustration Description: A screenshot of the ZTE Admin UI showing the 'Data Management' section. It displays current data usage (e.g., 11.3GB / 100GB) and remaining data. Options for 'Data Usage Settings' include enabling/disabling data management, clearing data, setting data type (Data/Time), entering 'Data Used', and defining 'Data Plan' limits with reminder thresholds.

4.6 For adding the kids device, it shows Mac address, straight away as a customer, I'd think Mac book, so how does a customer identify device names to be added?

The Admin UI will display the correct device name. The device name is taken from the 'About Phone/PC' details of the device.

4.7 Set separate WiFi Network names (SSID) – 2.4GHz and 5GHz

Steps:

1. Log in to the UI: http://192.168.0.1/index.html#login
2. Select 'Settings' ⚙️ [Settings] (Wi-Fi).
3. Navigate to 'Single SSID' ? [Single SSID] → 'Disable' ⏹️ [Disable] → 'Apply' ✅ [Apply].

Users will then see two separate SSIDs or Network names.

Illustration Description: A screenshot of the ZTE Admin UI showing the 'Wi-Fi Settings' page. The 'Single SSID' option is set to 'Disable', indicating that separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz SSIDs will be available. The '2.4GHz Basic Settings' section shows an input for 'Network Name (SSID)'.

4.8 Disable Wi-Fi 6 mode

Steps:

1. Log in to the UI.
2. Navigate: 'Wi-Fi Settings' ? [Wi-Fi Settings] → 'Advanced Settings' ? [Advanced Settings] → '2.4GHz Advanced Settings' → 'Network Mode'.
3. Select '802.11 b/g/n' from the dropdown menu.
4. Click 'Apply' ✅ [Apply].

Illustration Description: A screenshot of the ZTE Admin UI showing the 'Advanced Settings' for 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. The 'Network Mode' dropdown is visible, with '802.11 b/g/n' selected, effectively disabling Wi-Fi 6.