In the name of the presented model there is a designation 4G iii. 4G is used to refer to the fourth generation cellular standard. For the most part - this is the marketing move of the manufacturer. The transition from the third generation 3G to the fourth 4G is just beginning. And iii is used to indicate that the manufacturer is constantly making improvements to the hardware component of its products and their software. You can call it the new (third) version of Zyxel routers. The model supports connection with the provider via Ethernet cable line, 3G third-generation mobile network, fourth-generation network using the high-speed LTE standard - 4G / LTE. Keenetic 4G iii customization can be done by the user independently.
The appearance of the router
The new model is distinguished from its predecessors by the presence of two Wi-Fi antennas, which increases the coverage area of the wireless network. Their gain is increased from 2 dB to 5 dB. They can easily be oriented in different planes for optimal reception.
Package Included:
- AC adapter, which is a small-sized rectifier device;
- USB extension cable with suction cup for possible placement of a mobile modem on the glass of a window looking towards the tower of the mobile provider;
- small length of patch cord, with which you can configure Zyxel Kenetic 4G iii when connected to a desktop computer or laptop.
The front panel of the product is occupied by indicators in the form of illuminated icons. They provide the user with information about the status of individual functional nodes, communication lines with the provider, power on and the correct operation of the wireless module.
On the rear panel there are network connectors for the RJ-45 configuration. One of them, with the designation "Internet" (WAN), connects the provider's Ethernet cable. The four remaining are used for communication with local network subscribers who do not have Wi-Fi signal reception / transmission devices. There is also a plug socket for the mains adapter and a button for turning it on.
The button to reset the router to factory settings RESET is located on the side panel. Next to it is a USB 2.0 connector for connecting a mobile modem.
Preparatory work
The work performed before configuring the Keenetic 4G iii router consists in connecting it to the power supply network, connecting one of the LAN ports with a patch cord to the connector of the network card of a computer or laptop, and connecting the provider's Ethernet cable to the Internet port. If using a USB modem, the provider cable does not need to be connected.
Configuring the network card parameters consists in setting the TCP / IPv4 protocol in the "Properties" mode to automatically obtain the IP address and DNS server address. This is done in the network connections section of the Network and Sharing Center. You can get into it from the general PC control panel after selecting the appropriate section.
Connection and setup algorithm
A step-by-step algorithm will help the user to independently connect and configure the Zyxel Keenetic 4G iii router.
- Begin by checking the scope of delivery in accordance with the attached instructions after unpacking the product.
- Determine the optimal location of the router in the room, taking into account the proximity of outlets, the length of the connecting cables and the possibility of placing the adapter on the window glass.
- Connect the router through the adapter to the AC mains.
- Connect the provider cable and patch cord to the Internet (WAN) and LAN connectors using the computer’s network card connector.
- Next, proceed to pre-configure the settings of the PC network card.
- Then you need to log in to the Keenetic 4G iii settings web interface iii.
- Now you need to configure the connection with the selected Internet provider via cable or modem.
- The final step is to configure the WI-FI network, taking into account the protection of its security.
Setting up an Internet connection
It is recommended that before starting the Keenetic 4G iii setup, perform a hardware reset with the RESET button on the side of the router. In this case, a transition to the factory values of the parameters occurs. Using a thin rod, it is pressed and held for a time (10-15) seconds. located in the recess button. After the flashing mode of the front panel indicators ceases, work can begin.
Keenetic 4G iii is configured in its web interface. To enter it, the IP address of the router in the local network is registered in the address bar of the browser open on the PC. For Zyxel Keenetic, this is a combination of 192.168.1.1. In the authorization pop-up window, the admin values are entered in the login and password fields and press "Enter". On the main page, the system immediately prompts you to change the factory password. We must agree with this and fill in the field of its new value with confirmation. The router interface is now available after entering the updated password.
The interface page offers two configuration options: quick and using the web configurator. To select a mode, press the corresponding button.
Quick Setup uses the built-in NetFriend program to connect to the Internet of the selected regional provider. At a certain step, the user only has to enter data from the contract concluded with him. There may be a proposal to update the firmware to the latest version of the software developer. It is recommended to agree with this.
At the last step of quick setup, an interface page opens with connection parameters, at the bottom of which there are two tabs: to access the Internet and go to the web configurator. The last option involves configuring additional functions of the router. The choice is up to the user.
Wi-Fi network setup
At factory settings, Keenetic 4G iii wireless network is already operational. Information for connecting to it is indicated on the label on the bottom of the product. Here are present: network name and its password. This information becomes available to anyone who sees it. If this does not suit the user, then he can manually change this data. To do this, in the web interface, click on the symbol of the wireless network, on its page use the tab "2.4 GHz access point". Here you only need to change the "Network Name" and "Network Key", leaving the factory settings unchanged.
The password must contain a set of numbers and Latin letters and have a length of at least 8 characters. This will protect the wireless network from unauthorized access. After the "Apply" command is completed, the setting can be considered complete.
Conclusion
Using the recommendations in this article, you can configure the Zyxel Keenetic 4G iii yourself. Using the device is advisable in those places where a cable connection to the Internet provider is not available. For stable operation of the local network, it is necessary to provide for the use of modems with the ability to connect external antennas to them.