D-Link DWR-978 User manual

Version 1.00 | 10/06/2020
User Manual
DWR-978
5G AC2600 Wi-Fi Router

iD-Link DWR-978 User Manual
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Manual Revisions
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States or other countries. All other company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective companies.
Copyright © 2020 by D-Link Corporation.
All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior expressed written permission
from D-Link Corporation.
Revision Date Description
1.00 October 06, 2020 • Initial release
Preface

iiD-Link DWR-978 User Manual
Table of Contents
Product Overview.............................................................. 1
Package Contents......................................................................... 1
System Requirements................................................................. 1
Hardware Overview..................................................................... 2
Front View................................................................................ 2
Side View.................................................................................. 4
Installation ......................................................................... 5
Before You Begin........................................................................... 5
Wireless Installation Considerations...................................... 6
Conguration..................................................................... 7
Getting Started.............................................................................. 7
Settings ............................................................................................ 8
SMS Device.............................................................................. 8
SMS (U)SIM.............................................................................. 9
SMS Settings.........................................................................10
USSD........................................................................................11
Main Wi-Fi..............................................................................12
Guest Wi-Fi ............................................................................14
Network (LAN) .....................................................................15
Network (WAN) IPv4..........................................................17
Network (WAN) IPv6..........................................................19
Management................................................................................28
System Time..........................................................................28
Schedule ................................................................................29
System Log............................................................................30
System & Reboot.................................................................31
Administration.....................................................................32
Firmware Upgrade..............................................................33
Statistics .................................................................................34
Advanced Settings.....................................................................35
Firewall Settings..................................................................35
IPv4 Rules...............................................................................36
IPv6 Rules...............................................................................38
Port Forwarding ..................................................................40
Virtual Server........................................................................42
Website Filter........................................................................44
Static Routes IPv4 ...............................................................45
Static Routes IPv6 ...............................................................47
Dynamic DNS .......................................................................49
Connect a Wireless Client to your Router ......................51
WPS Button...................................................................................51
Windows® 10................................................................................52
Windows® 8...................................................................................54
WPA/WPA2 ............................................................................54
Windows® 7...................................................................................56
WPA/WPA2 ............................................................................56
WPS..........................................................................................59
Windows Vista®............................................................................63
WPA/WPA2 ............................................................................64
Windows® XP................................................................................66
WPA/WPA2 ............................................................................67
Troubleshooting ..............................................................69
Table of Contents

iiiD-Link DWR-978 User Manual
Table of Contents
Wireless Basics .................................................................73
What is Wireless?.........................................................................74
Tips...................................................................................................76
Wireless Modes............................................................................77
Networking Basics...........................................................78
Check your IP address...............................................................78
Statically Assign an IP address...............................................79
Wireless Security ............................................................80
What is WPA? ...................................................................80
Technical Specications ..................................................81
Regulatory Information ..................................................83

1D-Link DWR-978 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Product Overview
Package Contents
System Requirements
* Subject to services and service terms available from your carrier.
• Computer or mobile device with 802.11ac/n/g wireless adapter
• Internet Explorer® 9, Firefox® 12, Chrome™ 20, or Safari 5
• Mini SIM card
• Subscription with a mobile Internet Service Provider
5G AC2600 Wi-Fi RouteR
DWR-978
12 V 4 A PoWeR ADAPteR
etHeRNet CABLe
QuiCK iNStALL GuiDe AND WARRANtY DoCuMeNtS
SiM CARD ADAPteR

2D-Link DWR-978 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Hardware Overview
Front View
1 Signal Strength LED Indicates Wi-Fi signal strength with bars. More bars indicates a stronger signal.
2 Power LED Will be lit green if the device is powered on and working. Turns red if there is an error.
3WAN Will be lit if an Ethernet WAN connection is established, and will blink when data is being transferred.
4 Wi-Fi/WPS Will be lit if the wireless function is enabled, blinks when data is transferred or during WPS pairing.
5 Phone Will be lit if the phone function is enabled, blinks when data is transferred.
6 LAN Will be lit if an Ethernet LAN connection is established, and will blink when data is being transferred.
7 3G Will be lit if a 3G connection established.
8 4G/LTE+ Will be lit if a 4G/LTE+ connection is established.
9 5G Will be lit if a 5G connection is established.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

3D-Link DWR-978 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
1 Power Connector Connects to the included power adapter.
2 Power Button Turns the device on or o.
3 Ethernet LAN Ports For connection to a network-enabled desktop or notebook computer.
4Ethernet WAN Port For connection to a DSL/cable modem or router.
5 SIM card slot For mobile network connections.
6 WPS Button For WPS pairing with wireless devices.
1 2 345 6

4D-Link DWR-978 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
1 USB Port USB port 2.0 for media or external devices.
Side View
1

5D-Link DWR-978 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Before You Begin
Installation
This section will guide you through the installation process. Placement of the router is very important. Do not place the router in an enclosed area
such as a closet, cabinet, or in an attic or garage.
Ensure that your DWR-978 5G AC2600 Wi-Fi Router is disconnected and powered o before performing the steps below..
1. Verify that your SIM/UICC card is installed and has been activated by your carrier.
Caution: Always unplug/power down the router before installing or removing the SIM/UICC card. Never insert or remove the SIM/UICC card while
the router is in use.
2. Attach the included antennas to the back of the router, screwing them in clockwise. Arrange them so that they point upward.
3. Connect the power adapter to the socket on the back panel of your DWR-978. Plug the other end of the power adapter into a wall outlet or
power strip. Make sure the power button is in the “On” position.
a. The Power LED will light up to indicate that power is being supplied to the router and the router is turned on.
b. The LEDs on the front panel will ash on and o as the DWR-978 Mobile Router performs initialization and Internet connection processes.
c. After a few moments, if a connection has been established, the following LEDs will turn solid green: Power, Network, WiFi (if enabled), LAN
(if connected), WAN (if connected), and Signal Strength.
Note: By default, the DWR-978 uses the mobile network as the sole Internet connection. If you wish to use your mobile connection as a backup to
a wired connection, or you wish to use a wired connection exclusively, you must use the Optional Advanced Setup procedure.
4. Connect via Wi-Fi using the SSID and password printed on the bottom of the router, or through Ethernet via one of the LAN ports on the back
of your DWR-978.

6D-Link DWR-978 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Wireless Installation Considerations
The DWR-978 can be accessed using a wireless connection from anywhere within the operating range of your wireless network. Keep in mind that
the quantity, thickness, and location of walls, ceilings, or other objects that the wireless signals must pass through may limit the range of the wireless
signal. Ranges vary depending on the types of materials and background RF (radio frequency) noise in your home or oce. The key to maximizing
the wireless range is to follow these basic guidelines:
1. Minimize the number of walls and ceilings between the D-Link router and other network devices. Each wall or ceiling can reduce your adapter’s
range from 3 to 90 feet (1 to 30 meters).
2. Be aware of the direct line between network devices. A wall that is 1.5 feet thick (0.5 meters), at a 45-degree angle appears to be almost 3 feet
(1 meter) thick. At a 2-degree angle it looks over 42 feet (14 meters) thick. Position devices so that the signal will travel straight through a wall
or ceiling (instead of at an angle) for better reception.
3. Try to position access points, wireless routers, and computers so that the signal passes through open doorways and drywall. Materials such as
glass, metal, brick, insulation, concrete, and water can aect wireless performance. Large objects such as sh tanks, mirrors, le cabinets, metal
doors, and aluminum studs may also have a negative eect on range.
4. If you are using 2.4 GHz cordless phones, make sure that the 2.4 GHz phone base is as far away from your wireless device as possible. The base
transmits a signal even if the phone is not in use. In some cases, cordless phones, X-10 wireless devices, and electronic equipment such as ceiling
fans, uorescent lights, and home security systems may dramatically degrade wireless connectivity.

7D-Link DWR-978 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
Conguration
To access the conguration utility, open a web browser such as Internet Explorer and
enter the address of the router (192.168.0.1 by default).
To log in to the conguration utility, the default password is left blank.
Note: If you get a Page Cannot be Displayed error, please refer to the Troubleshooting
section for assistance.
Once you have successfully logged in, you will see the Home page. On this page
you can view information about your Internet connection, the wireless/LAN status,
and system information.
At the top of the page is a menu. Clicking on one of these icons will take you to the
appropriate conguration section.
Getting Started

8D-Link DWR-978 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
Settings
SMS Device
On the Short Messages Settings page you can organize, send and receive Short Message Service (SMS) messages by selecting between a Setup,
Inbox and Drafts tab. These messages can either be saved to the router’s internal memory or on the SIM/UICC card itself.
Send Message
Mobile: Enter the mobile number to send the message to.
Content: Enter the content you wish to send.
Click Send to send your message.
Inbox
Mobile: (Optional) Specify a password.
Content: (Optional) Should you have specied a password above, verify your
password one more time.
Time: Specify number to dial.
Click Submit to save your settings, or Cancel to revert to your previous settings.

9D-Link DWR-978 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
SMS (U)SIM
Send Message
Mobile: Enter the mobile number to send the message to.
Content: Enter the content you wish to send.
Click Send to send your message.
Inbox
Mobile: (Optional) Specify a password.
Content: (Optional) Should you have specied a password above, verify your
password one more time.
Time: Specify number to dial.
Click Submit to save your settings, or Cancel to revert to your previous settings.

10D-Link DWR-978 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
SMS Settings
SMS Settings
SMS center: Enter the name of the SMS center.
New SMS
Storage:
Select the new SMS storage.
Click Submit to save your settings, or Cancel to revert to your previous settings.

11D-Link DWR-978 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
USSD
USSD Settings
Code: Enter USSD code.
Click Submit to save your settings, or Cancel to revert to your previous settings.

12D-Link DWR-978 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
Main Wi-Fi
Primary 2.4G Advanced Setting
Status: Indicates whether the connection is Enabled or Disabled.
Wi-Fi Name
(SSID):
Indicates the name of the connection.
Password: Indicates the password of the connection.
Security
Mode:
Indicates the Security Mode of the connection. By default WPA/
WPA2-Personal is selected, you may also select None.
802.11 Mode: Indicates the wireless mode of the connection. By default Mixed
802.11b/g/n is selected, you may also select Mixed 802.11g/n or
802.11n only.
Wi-Fi
Channel:
Select the Wi-Fi channel. By default Auto is selected, you can choose
manually between channel 1-13.
Transmission
Power:
Indicates the Transmission Power of the connection. By default
High is selected, you may also select Medium or Low.
Channel
Width:
Indicates the Channel Width of the connection. By default Auto
20/40 MHz is selected, you may also select 20 MHz.
Coexistence: Indicates whether Coexistence is Enabled or Disabled.
Visibility
Status:
Indicates whether the Wi-Fi network is Visible or Invisible.
Schedule: Indicates whether the Wi-Fi network is part of a schedule. Click on
Schedule to access the schedule menu “Schedule”on page 29.
Click Submit to save your settings, or Cancel to revert to your previous settings.

13D-Link DWR-978 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
Primary 5G Advanced Setting
Status: Indicates whether the connection is Enabled or Disabled.
Wi-Fi Name
(SSID):
Indicates the name of the connection.
Password: Indicates the password of the connection.
Security
Mode:
Indicates the Security Mode of the connection. By default WPA/
WPA2-Personal is selected, you may also select None.
Wi-Fi
Channel:
Select the Wi-Fi channel. By default Auto is selected, you can choose
manually between channel 1-13.
Transmission
Power:
Indicates the Transmission Power of the connection. By default
High is selected, you may also select Medium or Low.
Channel
Width:
Indicates the Channel Width of the connection. By default Auto
20/40 MHz is selected, you may also select 20 MHz.
Visibility
Status:
Indicates whether the Wi-Fi network is Visible or Invisible.
Schedule: Indicates whether the Wi-Fi network is part of a schedule. Click
on Schedule to access the schedule menu “Schedule”on page
29.
Click Submit to save your settings, or Cancel to revert to your previous settings.

14D-Link DWR-978 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
Guest Wi-Fi
Guest 2.4G/5G Advanced Setting
Status: Indicates whether the connection is Enabled or Disabled.
Wi-Fi Name
(SSID):
Indicates the name of the connection.
Password: Indicates the password of the connection.
Security
Mode:
Indicates the Security Mode of the connection. By default WPA/
WPA2-Personal is selected, you may also select None.
Visibility
Status:
Indicates whether the Wi-Fi network is Visible or Invisible.
Schedule: Indicates whether the Wi-Fi network is part of a schedule. Click on
Schedule to access the schedule menu “Schedule”on page 29.
Click Submit to save your settings, or Cancel to revert to your previous settings.

15D-Link DWR-978 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
Network (LAN)
Network Settings
LAN IP
Address:
Enter the IP address you want to use for the router. The default
IP address is 192.168.0.1. If you change the IP address, you will
need to enter the new IP address in your browser to get into the
conguration utility.
Subnet Mask: Enter the subnet mask of the router. The default subnet mask is
255.255.255.0
Local Domain
Name:
Enter the local domain name for your network. (Optional)
Enable DNS
Relay:
Disable to transfer the DNS server information from your ISP to
your computers. If enabled, your computers will use the router
for a DNS server.
Click Submit to save your settings, or Cancel to revert to your previous settings.

16D-Link DWR-978 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
DHCP Server
Status: Indicates whether DHCP server is Enabled or Disabled.
DHCP IP
Address
Range:
Enter the DHCP IP Address Range of the router. The default is
192.168.0.50 - 192.168.0.199.
DHCP Lease
Time:
The lease time determines the period that the host retains the
assigned IP addresses before the IP addresses change.
Always
Broadcast:
Indicates whether Always Broadcast is Enabled or Disabled.
Advanced Settings
UPnP: Indicates whether UPnP is Enabled or Disabled.
IPv4 Multicast
Streams:
Indicates whether IPv4 Multicast Streams is Enabled or
Disabled.
IPv6 Multicast
Streams:
Indicates whether DHCP server is Enabled or Disabled.