Huawei E5788u-96a Gigabit LTE Mobile Hotspot Unboxing

Last weekend, we get the latest new Huawei New LTE Mobile Router - Huawei E5788u-96a Gigabit LTE hotspot(Huawei names it “Huawei Mobile WiFi 2 Prime”). After around two month waiting, the Huawei E5788u-96a is finally available on the market.

 

 

We get the Huawei E5788 in blue & black color(see below the images). The package box is in white, which shows the highlights & selling points of the Huawei E5788: LTE up to 1Gbps speed with 2.4inch touch screen. Unlike the competitor Nighthawk M1 from Netgear in squre shape, the Huawei E5788u-96a is in rectangle shape. And the screen is in left part on the front, where the Netgear Nighthawk M1 has round screen in the middle of the front.

 

 

The body of Huawei E5788 is made of plastic like the predecessor Huawei E5786 and E5787. The top side is the power button and the USB port is on the opposite side. Beside the USB 3.0 port, it’s the place for inserting the SIM card. Huawei E5788u-96a uses Micro SIM card. The slot is covered by a small cap. However, we didn’t find the connector for external antenna. Usually, the Huawei LTE mobile hotspots have the interface for external antennas, we don’t know why Huawei didn’t offer the external antenna connector. At the other side of the USB port, it’s a small hole for reset the router. The size of Huawei E5788 is not big, one hand operation is possible.

 

 

The battery of Huawei E5788u-96a is non-removable like the Huawei E5786, but the Huawei E5788 is very slimmer than E5786 and feels good. Press the power button, the screen would be bright and Huawei logo in red will appear, and few seconds, it showed “Welcome”. Then the screen shows some information. If you had already put a valid SIM card in, the Huawei E5788 would automatically detect the SIM card and setup the profile. In seconds, you can see the SIM card’s network provider’s name on the screen. And the signal strength, WiFi band, WiFi connected users, battery status are shown on the screen. The screen also indicates “Slide to unlock”. The touch screen is very similar to the Huawei E5787s-33a mobile hotspot, which also had a touch screen. On the screen, user can check the connection status, SMS, about the device. The most important is that users can do settings through the screen like operating a smarpthone.

 

 

In the setting menu, there are settings for Connected Users, Bluetooth, Profile Mangement, WiFi Extender, WPN, WiFi, Data usage, Data roaming, Network Settings, Pin Management, Password lock, Language, Remote Wake, Update and Restore Defaults. It includes almost all the settings for the Huawei E5788 mobile WiFi hotspot. Of course, user can also do the settings through the web interface 192.168.8.1 or download the Huawei Hilink APP from Google Play or Apple Store to setup the router.

 

 

With the Huawei E5788u-96a 4G hotspot, Huawei provides a USB cable and power adapter in EN standard, which may not be good for users who are located at American or Europe. The warranty card and user manual are also included in the package box.

 

 

We would take full test of this new LTE advanced Pro mobile hotspot E5788. So the potential user would see the performance of the Huawei E5788 and whether it’s better than other competitors.

 

 

 

Huawei E5787s-33a Box Opening and Simple Settings

As the successor to Huawei E5786 LTE hotspot, Huawei presented a new Huawei E5787 mobile hotspot. Perhaps following the steps of Netgear Aircard 810s, Huawei makes the new LTE gadgets more smart than ever. The most obvious feature different from Huawei E5786 is that the Huawei E5787s has a touch screen, where user can do simple setting for the wireless network.

 

 

We get the Huawei E5787 in black color and the model number is E5787s-33a. The body of the new pocket WiFi is made of plastic but hand feel is good. On the top side, it’s the power button and it’s cool. The front 2.4 inch color touch screen is really selling point. This feature can be found on other Huawei mobile WiFi hotspots. This should be Huawei’s first LTE hotspot with color touchscreen. At the other side, it’s the USB port for charging. And two connectors for external antenna are covered by a cap. At the edge side, there is a place for lifting rope.

 

 

The back cover of the Huawei E5787s-33a could be opened for inserting the SIM card and battery. The battery of Huawei E5787 could be removed for exchange. The SIM card slot has a slider, user need to move the slider to open the cover and put SIM card in. Beside the SIM card slot, there is a label showing some information about the device:

 

 

Huawei Mobile WiFi E5787

Model: E5787s-33a

IP: 192.168.8.1

User: admin

Password: admin

SSID: Huawei-C0DD

WiFi Key: 41018956

IMEI: 86951602116xxxx

S/N: QTFDU17726001968

 

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd

Made in China

 

 

Beside the label in the device body, there is a reset button in red color, which is to reset the Huawei E5787 to factory default if necessary. From the features and appearance, we can see the huawei E5787s-33a is very similar to Netgear Aircard 790s.

 

 

After plug in the SIM card and power on the Huawei E5787, we can see the Huawei E5787 would automatically detect the SIM card’s network provider and showed it on the screen. We didn’t do anything to setup and it would provide WiFi network. Simultaneously, the WLAN signal and connected WiFi users and battery status are also showed. The touch screen also indicates “Slide to open”, after slide, user can do some simple settings on the screen. If you want to do some advanced settings, you could log into the web interface 192.168.8.1 or user Huawei Hilink APP. You can scan the QR code on the package box to download the Huawei Hilink APP or download from Google Play or Apple Store.

 

 

In our test, the Huawei E5787 provided fast internet connection, but we didn’t reach the peak download speed of 300mbps. And the advanced settings are very practical. The battery capacity of 3000mAh can maintain more than one day full time use. And it has the function to charge other electronic devices. According to official sayings, up to 10 wireless users could connect with the Huawei E5787 for surfing. These technical features make it useful and we recommend it for those who usually need long time fast surfing and data plan.

 

 

 

Netgear MR1100 Nighthawk M1 Will be Available in Europe

The mobile LTE hotspot Netgear Nighthawk M1 will be available in Europe around a year after the official launch. According to information from the online magazine, the Netgear Nighthawk M1 with the model number MR1100 is expected to appear in March. So far, the router is available only for Telstra in Australia and AT&T in the US. With speeds of up to 1 Gbps over LTE Cat16, the Netgear Nighthawk M1 is one of the fastest mobile LTE routers available today.

 

 

For the first time, the Netgear Nighthawk M1 router was shown in February 2017 at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, ​​shortly after the device was available from Telstra in Australia. Regarding the market launch planned in Europe, it was not known. Currently, the Netgear flagship model the AirCard 810 hotspot with up to 600 MBit/s downlink is available in many European countries. At the CES electronics trade fair in Las Vegas, it’s said that the MR1100 Nighthawk M1 will be available in Germany in March 2018, and it’s probably without network operator branding and therefore without a SIM lock.

 

 

Although the mobile LTE hotspot is available in the market for more than one year, the equipment is still very competitive. Only the latest Huawei E5788 can come up with an equally fast LTE Cat16 modem (up to 1 GBit/s in the downlink). However, the Huawei device has significantly fewer interfaces than the Netgear router. The Netgear Nighthawk M1 features an RJ45 Ethernet LAN interface, a USB Type C port and a full-size USB port. The built-in Netgear battery provides 5040 mAh with a very large capacity and is about 24 hours of continuous operation. 

 

On the front there is a round touchscreen display for operation. The Wi-Fi wireless module in the Nighthawk M1 operates at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Which LTE frequency bands will support the MR1100 in Germany, is still unclear at the present time. We will update the information if we get more specs for the EU version Netgear Nighthawk M1.

 

 

Actually, if you don’t mind the Telstra logo, the Telstra version Netgear Nighthawk M1 could work well in almost all the European countries based on the support of the LTE frequency bands. However, user must make sure the Netgear Nighthawk M1 is SIM unlocked from Telstra. Here now, we www. 4gltemall.com could provide the unlocked Nighthawk Nighthawk M1 for global use. If you usually travel to overseas, Nighthawk M1 is really a great partner for wireless network.

 

 

 

ZTE MF28D 4G LTE Router Review and Settings

The ZTE MF28D is not a new LTE Router, it has been available for long time in the market. But some customers ask about the performance and settings for this router. Today, we will have a check about this router’s feature and settings.

 

 

The appearance of ZTE MF28D is not very special, just like other competitors of 4G LTE routers such as Huawei B593 and Huawei E5186. There are some indicators with ZTE logo on the front, they are the indicators for signal, WLAN network, data transmission, telephone one and two, WiFi status and power. After power on, the indicators would turn on accordingly.

 

 

On the back of the ZTE MF28D, we can see the label with WiFi SSID and WiFi Key. And there is also a label with the model number, IMEI number, S/N number, and it also indicates it’s Made in China from ZTE Corporation. The label is on upper side. Below the label, there are interfaces for two VoIP telephone, 4 LAN connections (one for LAN & WAN). There is power switch button to control the power of the router device. And the power plug hole is at the side of the power button. Two external antenna connectors are also at the side of the power plug. The connector type is SMA. And a small button to swich internal antenna and external antenna. If you need the external antenna for the ZTE MF28D LTE/UMTS router, you should select the connector type SMA-male. And we have the tested external 4G/LTE antenna for ZTE MF28D as below: http://www.4gltemall.com/4g-antenna-two-sma-connector.html

 

 

The SIM card slot is at the edge side of router. It uses standard SIM card. And the WPS button is on the top edge side. At the bottom side, there are the slots to let the router stand on the dock, which is with the router in white color. This is not like its competitor routers Huawei B315 and B310 LTE CPE, which could stand on the desk without the dock.   As a LTE category 3 router, ZTE MF28D could support peak download speed up to 100Mbps and upload speed to 50mbps. It could also support 3G UMTS and 2G GSM/EDGE network backward.

 

 

The use of ZTE MF28D is very simple. Usually, the MF28D router would automatically detect the SIM card and connect to the wireless network from the SIM’s provider. If it can’t connect automatically, user just needs to setup a new APN for the network provider and then set it as default. User can also manually search the networks and select the preferred network for connection. And the ZTE MF28D can let user to select the operation mode in “Bridge”, “Cable Broadband” and “Wireless Broadband”.  

 

 

ZTE MF28D also support advanced settings such as APN settings, WiFi settings, Firewall Settings, VoIP and SMS. In most times, the advanced settings are only for few users. Most users just need do the simple settings for the APN and then get connected and surfing.

 

 

ZTE MF28D may not be the best router now, but it’s in budget price and with very practical function, the MF28D LTE Router is good to use at home or office. Here now, there are many new LTE routers available with support of LTE advanced networks such as Huawei B618 and B715 LTE CPE, if you are looking for high-level LTE router, you may try the latest ones.

How to set up and use Huawei E5786 and Huawei E5785

Huawei E5786 and E5785 are two popular LTE mobile routers. Many people may have them for wireless internet access. If you don’t know how to use the two mobile hotspots, below the setup guide may help you.

 

 

Simple steps to get online

1. Open the backcover and insert the SIM card:

2. Turn on the router and insert into the charger

3. Connect a computer to the wireless network

Windows:

• Left-click the wireless network icon down at the time and date
• Locate the network that matches the network name on the bottom of the lid and press "connect"
• Enter the network password that appears on the bottom of the lid, press "connect"

Mac:

• Touch Airport, the wireless network icon
• Touch the network that matches the network name on the bottom of the lid.
• Enter the network password that appears on the bottom of the lid, press "connect"

4. Open a browser and follow the wizard

Enter a URL, such as www.4gltemall.com . You will find the PIN in the letter that came with your SIM card. If you cannot find the PIN, you need the PUK code to create a new PIN.

5. You are now connected to the Internet!

   

Questions and answers

How do I access the router menu?   The router has its own menu, where you can change the wireless network name and network key. Here's how to access the Huawei E5786 and

 

Huawei E5785 router menu: Open a new browser, such as Internet Explorer, on a computer that is connected to the router. Type 192.168.1.1 in the address bar, press Enter. The username is admin and the password is the network key you have received (PWD / WIFI KEY) Note: If you have changed the password yourself, enter this.   How do i know that 4G+ is available? The router will display a "+" character behind 4G if you are in an area with 4G + coverage and user data.  

 

How do I lock the network on 4G, 3G or 2G?  

 

If you want to have stable network, you can lock the network on either 4G, 3G or 2G. Here's how to do it: Open a new browser, such as Internet Explorer, on a computer that is connected to the router. Type 192.168.1.1 in the address bar, press Enter. The username is admin and the password is the network key you have received (PWD / WIFI KEY) Select Settings, then Network Choose Auto, LTE Only, 3G Only or 2G Only from the drop-down menu under Select Network. Press Use .    

 

How do I restore factory settings?  

If you experience trouble connecting to the Internet, it may help to reset your router. Note, the name of the network ( SSID ) and the network key ( PWD / WIFI KEY ) can be found inside the router's cover.

To reset the router manually:

- Open the router cover.

- Push a binder / needle into the reset hole and hold for 10 seconds.

- The router turns on and off and you can reconnect to the wireless network.

Note that after you reset your router, your network name and network password will be reset.  

 

To restore factory settings via the menu:

- Open a new browser, such as Internet Explorer, on a computer connected to the router. Type 192.168.1.1 in the address bar, press Enter .

- The username is admin and the password is the network key you have received (PWD / WIFI KEY) - Click Settings

- Select System Security then Factory Settings.

- Press Restore

- Press Restore again to confirm.

- The router automatically reconnects and you can reconnect. Note that after you reset the router, your network name and network password will be reset. If you have changed the login password of the router, this will also be reset.

 

How do I change the wireless channel?  

 

If you have weak signal strength or trouble finding the wireless network, it may help to change the wireless channel. To change the wireless channel, enter the router menu. The computer must be connected wirelessly to the router to access the menu.

- Open a new browser, such as Internet Explorer, on a computer connected to the router. Type 192.168.1.1 in the address bar, press Enter.

- The username is admin and the password is the network key you have received ( PWD / WIFI KEY ) - Select Settings

- Click Wi-Fi, then Advanced

- Select a channel from the drop-down menu under Frequency (Channel). -

It is recommended to choose 1, 6 or 11. Channel 11 may work better than Channel 1 at your home, so try it out. Avoid channels 12 or 13 as some network cards cannot connect to these.

- Press Use. The settings are now saved. - If you still experience the same problem, repeat from Step 4 and try another channel that may work better on your computer. - If you can not find your wireless network, restart your PC and your router.    

 

Software update

 

The router software is automatically updated. You will be notified on the router's screen when new software is available. If you are having trouble accessing the web, we recommend that you restore the factory settings.  

 

How do I change Access Point Name (APN)?

1. Open a web browser, such as Internet Explorer, on a computer that is connected to the router
2. Type 192.168.1.1 in the address bar, press Enter
3. Select Settings
4. Type "admin" in the username field. The password is the same as the network key or a custom password that was selected during the initial setup of the router. The network key (WIFI KEY) can be found on a sticker on the back of the modem
5. Select Profile Manager
6. Touch New profile and enter the desired profile name. (this is just a description of the new profile)
7. Enter the desired APN in the APN (access point name) field
8. Press Save
9. Restart your router.

 

Difference between Huawei E5788 and Netgear Nighthawk M1

Till the November 2017, Netgear Nighthawk M1 was always the fastest 4G LTE Pocket WiFi in market. With the support of download speed of 1Gigabit per second and 150Mbps for upload, Netgear Nighthawk M1 is very popular in the users who are looking for high speed terminals to work with LTE advanced Pro networks. With the release of a new 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Huawei E5788, Netgear Nighthawk M1 has a challenging competitor.

 

Huawei E5 mobile hotspots are always the most popular wireless routers all over the world. Now the most advanced Huawei E5788 comes with Huawei advanced LTE technology. Today we will have a look at what the new LTE hotspot bring to us and what’s the difference between the two Gigabit LTE mobile routers.  

 

Appearance

 

If you already known the Netgear Nighthawk M1, you may know the Netgear Nighthawk M1 is in square shape with LAN port. The Huawei E5788 doesn’t have the LAN port, it seems to be upgraded from the Huawei E5786 LTE cat6 mobile hotspot. Huawei E5788 has a 2.4 inch colorful touch screen to show the information about connection in square shape while Netgear Nighthawk M1 has also same size screen but in round shape. The power button of Netgear Nighthawk M1 is to switch the menu.

 

 

The SIM card slot of Huawei E5788 is at the side of the device while the Nighthawk M1 design the SIM card slot in the inner part under the battery, which is similar to the predecessor Netgear Aircard 810s. They both have two TS-9 connectors for external 4G LTE antenna in case of use in weak signal areas.   Battery The Huawei E5788 has built-in battery of 3000mAh while the Netgear Nighthawk M1 has removable battery of 5040mAh. What’s more, the Nighthawk M1 can charge other electric devices on the large battery. Whether the Huawei E5788 has same function is not mentioned by the official sayings.  

 

Technical Specifications

 

We summarize the main technical features of the two high-level LTE mobile routers as below:

Model	Huawei E5788u-96a	Netgear Nighthawk M1
Category	LTE Cat.16	LTE Cat.16
Chipset	Qualcomm MDM9250	Qualcomm MDM9x50
Supported 4G LTE frequency bands	Band 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/19/20/28/38/40/41/42	-- Telstra Version: Band 1/3/7/8/28 -- AT&T Version:  Band 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/29/30/66
WiFi	802.11a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band 2.4GHz & 5GHz	802.11a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band 2.4GHz & 5GHz
Max support users	32 users	20 users
MIMO	4 X 4 MIMO	4 X 4 MIMO
Connector for external antenna	Two, TS-9 jacks	Two, TS-9 jacks
App management	Huawei Hilink APP	Netgear Aircard APP
Dimensions	129 x 65 x 13.5mm	105.5  x 105.5  x 20.35 mm

 

 

From the technical specifications, we can see the two Gigabit LTE routers have very similar functions. The supported LTE frequency bands are different for various LTE networks in different areas. Here now, the Netgear Nighthawk M1 is available in the market and has gained very good reputation. The Huawei E5788u-96a(first released model) is not yet available. But we suppose it would be available son around the beginning of 2018. And who will be the winner, the market will tell.