Huawei WS550 User manual

WS550 450Mbps Wireless Router
User Guide

Contents
1 Product Overview ......................................................... 1
Supported Features............................................................................... 1
Ports and Buttons ................................................................................. 2
Indicators ............................................................................................. 3
2 Hardware Installation ................................................... 4
Selecting an Installation Location ......................................................... 4
Connecting the WS550 on an Ethernet Broadband Network.......... 4
Connecting the WS550 on a DSL Broadband Network ................... 4
Installing the WS550 on a Cable Broadband Network .................... 5
Connecting a Computer or Other Devices ............................................ 5
Powering On......................................................................................... 6
3 Setting Network Parameters......................................... 7
Setting the Computer IP Address.......................................................... 7
Initial configuration .............................................................................. 8
Logging In to the Web Management Page ......................................... 11
Setting Network Access Parameters.................................................... 11
Setting Dial-Up Connection Parameters .............................................. 12
4 Wireless Connection Setup..........................................15
Setting Up a Wireless Connection Using the WPS Button ................... 15
Manually Setting Up a Wireless Connection ....................................... 15
5 Network Security........................................................ 17
Improving WLAN Security................................................................... 17
Changing Your WLAN Name and Password.................................. 17
Allowing Only Specified Computers to Access Your WLAN ........... 17
Controlling Computer Internet Access ................................................ 18
Filtering Out Inappropriate Websites .................................................. 19
Controlling Computer Bandwidth ....................................................... 20
Configure the Firewall to Prevent Attacks on the Internet .................. 21
The Description of Firewall Level................................................... 21
Configuring the Firewall ............................................................... 22
6 WLAN Configuration................................................... 23
Expanding WLAN Coverage................................................................ 23

Turning On Smart Coverage................................................................ 26
Enabling and Disabling the WLAN on the WS550............................... 27
7 Maintenance Guide..................................................... 28
Changing the IP Address Used to Log In to the Web Management Page
........................................................................................................... 28
Changing the Web Management Page Password ............................... 28
Configuration Backup ......................................................................... 29
Restoring Default Settings .................................................................. 30
Using the Configuration Tool ........................................................ 30
Using the Reset Button ................................................................. 31
Restoring Configuration by Importing Backup File ........................ 31
Upgrading Software ........................................................................... 32
Power Saving Settings ........................................................................ 33
8 Huawei HiLink ............................................................ 34
9 Reference Operations.................................................. 35
Enabling Wireless Configuration on Windows .................................... 35
Checking the Computer MAC Address................................................ 35
10 FAQs ......................................................................... 37
What Can I Do If I Cannot Open the Web Management Page? .......... 37
How Can I Restrict My Computer to Specified Websites? ................... 37
I Often Need to Restart the WS550 to Display Web Pages. What Can I
Do?..................................................................................................... 37
What Is the Difference Between Wireless MAC Address Filtering and
MAC Address Filtering?....................................................................... 37
Can I Change the WLAN Password? ................................................... 37
11 Appendix..................................................................38
Technical Specifications ...................................................................... 38
Default Settings .................................................................................. 38
12 For More Help........................................................... 39
13 Legal Notice.............................................................. 40

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1Product Overview
Supported Features
The WS550 450Mbps Wireless Router (WS550 for short) is a high-speed wireless router
designed for home and small office use. This chapter describes the features supported by the
WS550.
Ethernet provides rugged stability, and with the WPS button, zero configuration is required
for connections to multiple devices.
Network range allows any device in a home to be connected with a transmission rate of up to
450Mbps.
A powerful firewall is provided with a flexible network configuration and quality of service
(QoS) strategy, enabling different home devices to enjoy high-speed and high-quality
broadband services.
Smart Wi-Fi coverage
When the WS550 is connected to Huawei wireless routers and repeaters that support the smart
Wi-Fi coverage feature, wireless parameters of these devices are automatically synchronized,
which simplifies user configuration. What's more, smart Wi-Fi coverage helps wireless devices
automatically detect and connect to the wireless router or repeater with the best signal
reception.
Easy configuration and management
Access the web management page from your computer, smart phone, or tablet to easily
configure WS550. You can also install the Huawei HiLink app on your smart phone or tablet to
manage your router.
High-Speed Ethernet Connectivity
The WS550 provides WAN ports for Ethernet-enabled devices to access the Internet at high
speeds.
Routing
The WS550 supports routing. It can obtain an IP address through PPP dial-up or Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol (DHCP), which provides simultaneous access for multiple devices.
WLAN
The WS550 supports multiple WLAN protocols, including 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz). Adopting
802.11n multiple-input multiple-output antennas (MIMO) technology, the WS550 delivers a
wireless transmission rate of up to 450Mbps with its three antennas. In addition, the WS550
supports multiple wireless encryption modes to provide a secure, reliable, and high-speed WLAN.
Bandwidth Control
The WS550 supports bandwidth control and allocates bandwidth to different computers within
your home based on Internet access requirements. Your family can then access the Internet, play
online games, and watch videos without interfering with each other.
WDS Wireless Bridging
The wireless distribution system (WDS) function in wireless bridging mode enables you to set up
wireless connections between wireless routers to implement large-scale WLAN coverage.

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Firewall
The powerful built-in firewall effectively protects against viruses and malicious attacks.
ARP Attack Protection
You can b undle an IP address and MAC address bi-directionally, which effectively protects your
LAN from Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) attacks.
Parental Controls
Parents can control their children's computer usage by placing time limits on usage duration or
forbidding access to certain websites.
Energy-saving
Automatic switch to energy-saving state when no service is detected, Wi-Fi function enabled
and disabled as scheduled.
Ports and Buttons
No. Item Description
1 LAN1～LAN4 Connects to Ethernet devices, such as computers, set-top boxes
(STBs), and switches.
2 WAN Connects to an Ethernet device that provides Internet access,
such as a modem or switch.
3 WPS/Reset WPS button: Press the WPS button to start Wi-Fi protected
setup (WPS) negotiation while the WS550 is powered on.
Reset button: Press Reset button (more than 6 seconds) to
restore to its default settings while the WS550 is powered
on.
A reset will result in all custom data and settings being lost. Use
with caution.
4 On/Off Powers the WS550 on or off.
5 Power Connects to a power adapter.

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Indicators
Indicator Status Description
Power Steady on The WS550 is powered on.
off The WS550 is powered off.
Internet Steady on The WS550 WAN port is connected to the
Internet.
Off The WS550 WAN port is not connected to
any device.
WLAN Steady on The WS550 has WLAN enabled.
The WS550 has WLAN enabled by default, so
the WLAN LED is steady on while the WS550
is powered on.
off WLAN is disabled.
WPS Steady on The WS550 is connected to a wireless client,
such as a computer with a wireless network
adapter, over the WLAN using the Wi-Fi
Protected Setup (WPS) function.
Blinking The WS550 is attempting to connect to a
wireless client over the WLAN using the WPS
function.
Off WPS is disabled.
LAN Steady on A LAN port is connected to a computer or
other Ethernet device through a network
cable.
off No LAN port is connected to a computer or
other Ethernet device.

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2Hardware Installation
Selecting an Installation Location
Place the WS550 on a well-ventilated even surface without exposure to direct sunlight. For the
best possible performance, take note of the following:
Make sure there are no obstacles, such as concrete or wooden walls, between the computer
and WS550.
Ensure that the computer and WS550 are far from electric appliances that generate strong
magnetic or electric fields, such as microwave ovens.
Connecting the WS550 on an Ethernet Broadband Network
If you have subscribed to the Ethernet Broadband, you can connect the WS550 to an Ethernet
port, so that multiple computers could access the Internet.
Connecting the WS550 on a DSL Broadband Network
If you have subscribed to digital subscriber line (DSL) broadband, you can connect the WS550 to
a telephone port for Internet access, so that multiple computers could access the Internet.

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Installing the WS550 on a Cable Broadband Network
If you have subscribed to the cable broadband network, you can connect the WS550 to an
Ethernet port of a Cable Modem, so that multiple computers could access the Internet.
Connecting a Computer or Other Devices
When the WS550 had been accessed to the network normal, you can add the Laptop computer,
desktop computer, set-top box, pad, smart phone and other devices to the network.

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Powering On
To power on the WS550, press its On/Off button.
After the WS550 is powered on, the WS550 indicator turns on. The following table lists how the
indicators behave when the WS550 is operating correctly. If the indicators do not behave as
expected, ensure that everything is plugged in correctly.
Indicator Expected State
Power Steady on
Internet Steady on
WLAN Steady on
WPS Steady off
LAN Steady on (A LAN port is connected to a computer or other
Ethernet device through a network cable.)

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3Setting Network Parameters
Setting the Computer IP Address
Before logging in to the WS550 web management page, set the IP address of the computer that
will be used for the login.
On Windows 7
1. Click in the lower right corner of your desktop. Choose Open Network and Sharing
Center.
2. Choose Change adapter settings. Right-click Local Area Connection and choose
Properties.
3. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).

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4. Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address
automatically. Click OK.
Initial configuration
When using the WS550 for the first time, configure it as follows:
1. Open a browser on the computer, enter 192.168.3.1 in the address box, and press Enter.
2. Click Let's Start.
Before configuring the WS550 ensure that the computer used for the configuration is
connected to it and has been configured to automatically obtain an IP address or assigned with
a static IP address.

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3. The WS550 automatically checks your Internet connection method (dial-up connection for
example). Follow the onscreen instructions to set the Internet access parameters, and click
Next.
4. Click Next to configure the WS550's Wi-Fi network.

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5. Enter the information required under Name and Password for the Wi-Fi network, and click
Finish.
–If Also used for web login is selected, the Wi-Fi password can be used to log in to the
web configuration page.
–If Also used for web login is not selected, besides Name and Password, Login
password must also be set to log in to the web configuration page.

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Logging In to the Web Management Page
The WS550 provides an intuitive web management page where you can view or set the WS550
parameters.
1. Open a browser. In the address box, enter 192.168.3.1. Press Enter.
2. Enter the login password. Click Log in.
Setting Network Access Parameters
If this is your first time logging in to the WS550's web management page, you can quickly set its
network connection parameters. If you need to configure the WS550 after that, use the
configuration wizard on the web management page.
1. Log in to the web management page.
2. Choose Home > Start Wizard. Select your Internet connection mode.
Refer to the following table to configure the network connection.
Before you log in to the WS550 web management page, ensure that the computer used for the
login is connected t
o the WS550 and has been configured to automatically obtain an IP address
or assigned with a static IP address.

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Scenario Connection Type
When you are unsure of the network connection you
subscribed to, you can select this mode that the device will
detect the network connection automatically.
Connect automatically
The account name and password are provided by your Internet
Service Provider (ISP).
Connect with user
account
No parameter is provided by your ISP. The IP address is
automatically assigned by the ISP.
Connect without user
account
3. Set WLAN parameters.
–If you selected Connect with user account，enter the parameters provided by your
Internet Service Provider (ISP) and click Next.
–If you selected Connect without user account, click Next.
4. Choose Home tab, click Set Up WLAN, set WLAN parameters, click Save.
Setting Dial-Up Connection Parameters
When the WS550 works in Bridge mode you need to perform this operation. Otherwise you do
not need to perform this operation.
Before setting dial-up connection parameters, verify that the WS550 is correctly connected to
your computer and you have the dial-up connection account name and password provided by
your Internet service provider (ISP). This section demonstrates how to set up a Point-to-Point
Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) connection on Windows.
On Windows 7
1. Choose Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Under Change your networking settings, click Set up a new connection or network.
3. In the Set Up a Connection or Network window, select Connect to the Internet and click
Next.
If you reset Wi-Fi password, the login password to the web management page will remain
unchanged.

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4. Click Broadband (PPPoE).
5. In User name and Password, enter the dial-up connection account name and password
provided by your ISP. In Connection name, name the dial-up connection. Select or deselect
Allow other people to use this connection. Then click Connect.

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6. Return to the Network and Sharing Center page. Click Change adapter settings. Right-
click the icon for the dial-up connection you just set up and choose Create Shortcut from
the shortcut menu. In the displayed dialog box, click Yes.
After you successfully set up a PPPoE connection, a dial-up connection icon is displayed on your
computer desktop.
To connect to the Internet, double-click the dial-up connection icon. In the displayed dialog box,
click Connect.

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4Wireless Connection Setup
Setting Up a Wireless Connection Using the WPS
Button
Push the WPS button once to quickly set up a wireless connection between the WS550 and any
WPS-capable device.
Before you set up a wireless connection using the WPS button, the wireless device (laptop, tablet,
or mobile phone) to connect to the WS550 is WPS-capable.
1. Press the WPS button on the wireless device to start WPS negotiation. For details, see the
user guide for the wireless device.
2. Within 2 minutes, press and hold the WPS/Reset button on the WS550 for 1 second or more.
The WPS indicator blinks.
When the WPS indicator on the WS550 is steady on, a connection between the WS550 and
wireless device is set up. The WPS indicator is on for 300 seconds.
Manually Setting Up a Wireless Connection
The wireless configuration software provided by Windows is used as an example to describe
how to set up a wireless connection.
Before setting up a wireless connection, record the WLAN name and password of the WS550.
On Windows 7
1. Click in the lower right corner of your desktop.
For the WS550's default Wi-Fi network name, check the nameplate at its bottom. By default,
the WS550's Wi-Fi network is not password protected.

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2. From the wireless network list, select the WLAN provided by the WS550. Click Connect.
3. In the displayed dialog box, enter the WLAN password and click OK.
4. In the wireless network list, check the WLAN connection status. If the status is Connected,
the computer is wirelessly connected to the WS550.

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5Network Security
Improving WLAN Security
Changing Your WLAN Name and Password
WLAN access requires the WLAN name and password. To improve your WLAN security, regularly
change your WLAN name and password.
1. Log in to the web management page.
2. Choose Home Network tab.
3. In the navigation tree, choose WLAN Settings.
4. Select WLAN Encryption configuration page.
5. In SSID, enter a new WLAN name.
6. In WPA pre-shared key, enter a new WLAN password.
7. Click Save.
Allowing Only Specified Computers to Access Your WLAN
To prevent unauthorized access to your WLAN, you can specify which devices are allowed to
access your WLAN.
1. Connect a computer and the WS550 via wireless.
2. Log in to the web management page.
3. Choose Home Network tab.
4. In the navigation tree, choose WLAN Access.
5. Select WLAN Access Rules configuration page.
After the SSID had been changed, your computer should use the new ones to establish a
wireless connection to the WS550.