Nec A201ne User manual

A201NE

User Guide

A201NE

A201NE User Guide Contents

Introduction

Introduction.........................................................................3

Getting Started

Parts & Functions............................................................... 8

Home Screen.........................................................................8

Notifications of Data Usage.............................................11

USIM Card.......................................................................... 12

Charging Battery...............................................................13

Power On/Off....................................................................15

Connecting with WLAN

WLAN (Wi-Fi)..................................................................... 18

Activating WLAN (Wi-Fi) Function...................................18

Connecting Windows PC....................................................19

Connecting Mac................................................................. 21

Connecting Android™ Device............................................23

Connecting iPhone/iPad.................................................... 25

Connecting Wi-Fi Compatible Devices..............................30

Connecting WPS Supported WLAN Devices...................... 31

Connecting with USB Cable (Windows)

USB Connection with a Windows PC................................. 36

Connecting/Disconnecting to a Windows PC....................36

Installing/Uninstalling Driver (Windows)........................ 37

Connecting with USB Cable (Mac)

USB Connection with Mac................................................. 40

Connecting/Disconnecting to a Mac.................................40

Installing/Uninstalling Driver (Mac)................................ 41

Settings (Using Router Menu)

Displayed Menus................................................................ 44

Showing/Setting Data Usage............................................44

Setting Wi-Fi Spot............................................................ 51

Checking Notifications..................................................... 54

Checking WLAN Connected Device Information............... 56

Setting Guest SSID............................................................57

Using WPS..........................................................................58

Other Settings.................................................................. 60

Checking Wi-Fi Router Information................................. 90

Operation for Setting Data Traffic.................................97

Settings (Using Web UI)

Overview of Web UI........................................................ 106

Layout of Web UI from PC/Mobile Device......................109

Network Settings............................................................112

Setting Wi-Fi Spot..........................................................121

Wi-Fi Settings................................................................. 124

ECO Settings................................................................... 140

Security Settings............................................................ 143

Advanced Settings.......................................................... 147

Maintenance Settings..................................................... 167

Checking Information......................................................196

Appendix

Troubleshooting.............................................................. 210

Specifications..................................................................213

Software Used with Wi-Fi Router..................................215

Warranty & Service.........................................................216

Customer Service............................................................ 216

Safety Precautions

Safety Precautions......................................................... 218

General Notes..................................................................225

Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) Information for this

Product............................................................................ 228

Introduction A201NE

Introduction

Before You Begin

Read "Quick Start" and "Safety Precautions" thoroughly

beforehand for proper use.

Accessible services may be limited by contract conditions.

Guide Usage Notes

Most operation descriptions are based on default settings.

Unless noted otherwise, operations are basically described

starting from Home Screen. Operation descriptions may be

abbreviated.

Screenshots & Key Labels

Displays in this guide are provided for reference only. Actual

Display may differ in appearance. Key labels in this guide are

simplified for description purposes and differ with actual

Display.

Other Notations

This product is referred to as "Wi-Fi router" in this guide.

Operating Environment (Compatible OSs)

Use Wi-Fi router in any of these operating environments.

Use outside these environments may affect performance.

Operating environment (hardware, connected peripherals,

installed applications, etc.) may also affect performance.

・For computer support, OS version upgrade information,

etc., see corresponding manufacturer's product support

documentation.

・The information for operating environment (compatible OSs)

listed here is the current information as of January 2023.

Item Description

Operating

Systems

Windows 10 Enterprise (32-bit), Windows

10 Pro (64-bit)

Windows 11 Pro (64-bit)

Mac OS X 10.13 to macOS 12

Japanese editions are supported.

Compatible

Browser

Microsoft Edge 102 or later

Safari 7.0 or later

Mozilla Firefox 101.0 or later

Google Chrome 102.0 or later

Opera 88.0 or later

Package Contents

The following items are included in the package. Please confirm

package contents before use. Contact "Customer Service" for

missing items.

Keep accessories in a safe place.

AC Charger is not supplied. Purchase an optional AC Charger.

・A201NE (Wi-Fi router)

・USB Cable (sample)

・Quick Start

・クイックスタート (Japanese)

・お願いとご注意 (Japanese)

・SSID Sticker

Network Name (SSID) and Password

(Encryption Key)

When connecting Wi-Fi router to a WLAN device, network name

(SSID) and password (Encryption Key: WPA Key) are required.

Confirm Wi-Fi router's network name (SSID) and password

(Encryption Key) as follows.

In Home Screen, or Information

・Can change selected items each time / is

pressed.

Info (Basic Information)

Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi Information)

Confirm SSID and password

SSID (Owner) and Password (Owner) appear.

・Two types of network name (SSID) are set to Wi-Fi router. By

default, a WPA3/WPA2 key is set for both SSID (Owner)/SSID

(Guest).

・To enable SSID (Guest), in Home Screen or

Quick Menu Setting (Detail Settings) LAN (LAN

Settings) Guest (Guest SSID) Set to ON (Use).

・You can also do settings from Web UI. See "Guest SSID

Settings."

・For greater security, use WPA/WPA2/WPA3 for the

encryption mode. However, note that some devices cannot

connect in these modes.

Also, if an error, related to security, etc., is shown on the

connected device, it may be an alert related to the encryption

mode. If this happens, we recommend setting the encryption

mode to WPA2/WPA3.

・You can confirm SSID Sticker in the packaging for network

name (SSID) and password (Encryption Key) set as defaults.

Introduction A201NE

Getting Started

・Wi-Fi router may not be able to communicate with some

devices by using IPv6 address. Restarting your device may

improve communication with Wi-Fi router using IPv6 address.

・Wi-Fi router accommodates software updates. Use the latest

software.

・Note that connection speeds may drop or connections

may be disabled depending on line traffic or connection

environments. Please be forewarned.

・To enhance security, it is recommended that passcode for

unlocking the screen be set. For details on setting passcode,

see "Setting Screen Lock Passcode."

・When Wi-Fi router is subscribed as corporate users,

the functionality of Wi-Fi router can be regulated by

administrators. Depending on how functions are regulated,

settings or operations as described herein may not be

available.

Trademarks

・SoftBank, SoftBank's equivalent in Japanese and the

SOFTBANK logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of

SoftBank Group Corp. in Japan and other countries.

・Pocket WiFi is a registered trademark of SoftBank Corp.

・Microsoft®, Windows®, Internet Explorer, and Microsoft

Edge are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft

Corporation in the United States/other countries.

Microsoft Windows Operating System is indicated in its

abbreviated form as Windows.

・Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, iPhone, Mac, Macintosh, and Safari

are trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the United States

and other countries. The trademark "iPhone" is used with a

license from Aiphone K.K. App Store is a service mark of Apple

Inc.

・Wi-Fi®, WPA™, WPA2™, WPA3™, Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ and

the logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Wi-Fi

Alliance.

・Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of US Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

・Google, Android and Google Chrome are trademarks or

registered trademark of Google LLC.

・Firefox is a trademark or registered trademark of Mozilla

Foundation in the United States/other countries.

・Opera is a trademark or registered trademark of Opera

Software ASA. Go to https://www.opera.com/ja/ for details

on Opera.

・The names of the companies, products and services used in

this guide are registered trademarks or trademarks of the

respective companies.

Getting Started

Parts & Functions............................................................... 8

Home Screen.........................................................................8

Notifications of Data Usage.............................................11

USIM Card.......................................................................... 12

Charging Battery...............................................................13

Power On/Off....................................................................15

Parts & Functions

Front/Top/Bottom

Part Description

Display

Information, such as statuses and

notifications, appears.

Also, the main settings can be done on the

displayed menus.

External

Device Port

Connect USB Cable (sample), AC Charger

(sold separately), and Cradle (sold

separately).

(Power/Enter)

Key

Use to turn Wi-Fi router power on/off, to

turn the Display on/off, and to enter or

recover from Sleep mode.

Apply selected menus/items, and move to

the next screen or item to enter.

(

) Key Move to menus/items displayed above.

(

) Key Move to menus/items displayed below.

USIM Cover

Open the USIM Cover to access the USIM

Card Slot.

Keep it closed during normal use.

USIM Card

Slot Insert USIM Card.

Home Screen

Layout

Part Description

Home

Screen This is Home Screen.

Home

Screen (Menu

Display)

This is Home Screen (Menu Display).

In Home Screen, press or to

show this.

Status Bar Status Indicators for communication status

and battery level appear.

Home

Screen

Information

Data Usage and battery level, etc., appear.

Message Messages appear.

Getting Started A201NE

Status Indicators

Icon Description

Mobile networks connected (signal strong)

Mobile networks connected (signal weak)

No signal

Data roaming

Connected network operator name

15G network connected

4G network connected

LTE network connected

3G network connected

When connected to Cradle (sold separately)

and AP/Bridge mode is set

Mobile networks connection completed

Receiving data

Sending data

Sending/receiving data

2Mobile network not connected

Wi-Fi Spot connected (signal strong)

Wi-Fi Spot connected (signal weak)

3When software needs to be updated by new

software release

When notifications are received and unread

Advance notice of slow speed

communication (when subscribed as an

individual)

5Start of slow speed communication (when

subscribed as an individual)

5Cancel of slow speed communication (when

subscribed as an individual)

When connected to PC by USB

When using Cradle (sold separately)

connected by LAN cable

6Set to 2.4GHz (lower right digit is number

of units connected)

Set to 5GHz (W56) (lower right digit is

number of units connected)

Set to 5GHz (W52) (lower right digit is

number of units connected)

6Set to 2.4GHz/5GHz (W56) (lower right

digit is number of units connected)

6Set to 2.4GHz/5GHz (W52) (lower right

digit is number of units connected)

Battery level full

Battery level low

Battery level insufficient

Battery level full (when Long Life Charge is

set to "ON" (Use))

Charging

When power supply setting is set to "ON"

(Use)

1　Even when "5G" icon is shown on Wi-Fi router Display (top

of screen) during standby, the icon may change to "4G"

and "LTE," and 4G/LTE communication may be used when

communicating.

2　Appears also when Wi-Fi router is set to Wi-Fi Spot or

connected to the Internet using Cradle (sold separately) with

the LAN Cable.

3　Automatic updates are executed if specified conditions are

met. For details, see Automatic Software Updates.

4　Appears when the amount of data remaining reaches

specified value which starts slow-speed communication.

5　Automatically erased in the following month. Erase it in

the settings of Wi-Fi router. For details, see "Deleting

Notification Indicators."

6　Icon is green when Guest SSID is activated.

Displayed Menus

Select and set items on the displayed menus to confirm

information about Wi-Fi router and do various settings.

In Home Screen, press or to change Home Screen

(menu display).

In Home Screen (menu display), select Information and press

to show "Information" screen.

To return to Home Screen, select Home or Back (Back to

home) and then press .

In Home Screen (menu display), select Quick Menu , and then

press to show "Quick Menu" screen.

・Can change selected items each time / is

pressed.



・Information

Item Description

Info

Check Device Information, Wi-Fi

Information, Connected Devices, Bluetooth

Information, Notice for 5GHz band, Web UI,

MAC Address, and IP Address.

Data Check this month's data usage.

Notify Confirm notifications.

WAN Check APN Information and Wi-Fi Spot

Information.

Cert Check credentials.

・Quick Menu

Item Description

NW Mode Set Network mode.

Wi-Fi Freq Set Wi-Fi Frequency Band.

Setting

Set Wi-Fi connection settings, Network

items, Wi-Fi Spot, LAN Settings items,

Cradle settings items, Energy-Save/

charging items, Display items, Security

items, Maintenance items, and Data Usage

items.

Pow save

Set Energy-Saving Mode, Energy-Saving

timer, Long Life Charge, and Power supply

setting.

Wi-Fi Spot Set Wi-Fi Spot and SoftBank Wi-Fi Spot

settings.

Display Off/Sleep Mode

・If Wi-Fi router is not used for a certain period of time,

Display turns off automatically. To turn on Display again,

press .

・Sleep mode is a function from which the system can quickly

return to a usable state, even though wireless were stopped.

・If Wi-Fi router is not connected to a WLAN device, and there

has been no operation of Wi-Fi router for a certain period of

time, or if Battery is not being charged, Display turns off and

Wi-Fi router enters Sleep mode to save power (time before

entering Sleep mode is set to 5 minutes by default).

・When in Sleep mode, WLAN function is disabled.

・Long pressing for about 3 seconds until "Pocket WiFi

5G" appears cancels Sleep mode. After Sleep mode is cancelled,

WLAN function is enabled and Wi-Fi router can reconnect to

WLAN devices.

・Some WLAN devices will disconnect a WLAN connection if

there is no transmission for a certain period of time after

connecting. If such a device is connected to Wi-Fi router, the

device may disconnect and Wi-Fi router may enter Sleep mode.

・To change the time before Wi-Fi router enters Sleep mode or

the on/off setting, use the displayed menu on Wi-Fi router

or Web UI. For details, see "Setting Energy-Saving Mode" and

"ECO Settings."

・When set to Sleep mode, a maximum of approximately 400

hours of standby is possible.

・Energy-Saving Mode is set to Sleep mode at time of purchase.

Getting Started A201NE

Number Entry Screen

The number selection screen appears in Display when entering

numbers.

The displayed screens are explained by using the screens to

enter login password for a SoftBank Wi-Fi Spot as an example.

Status Description

Number

entry box1Selected numbers are entered in order.

Selected

number

display

Press / to change the number

that is shown. When the number you want

to enter appears in the center, press

to enter that number.

Confirm

number to

enter

Confirms the number to be entered.

Clear Deletes all the numbers that were entered.

Back Returns you to the previous screen (menu

item).

1　The numbers entered for the login password, passcode, PIN

code, and PUK code appear as " ."

Number Entry

In the number entry screen, press or , and when the

selected number is shown in the center, press to enter it

in the number entry box.

Enter the numbers in order.

When appears in the center, press to confirm the

number to be entered.

When appears in the center, press to delete all the

entered numbers.

Notifications of Data Usage

According to the subscribed plan, the communication speed

becomes slower depending on the amount of data usage.

When Wi-Fi router is subscribed as an individual, Wi-Fi router

makes advance notice or notification of start of slow-speed

communication using notification, pop-up window, or icon.

When Wi-Fi router is under a corporate subscription, Wi-Fi

router makes notification of start of slow-speed communication

by the setting on the Corporate Concierge Site.

Status Description

Notice of

slow-speed

communication

When the amount of data remaining

approaches specified value where slow-

speed communication starts, notification

is delivered, Wi-Fi router shows pop-up

window or on Display.

Start of

slow-speed

communication

When the amount of data remaining reaches

specified value, notification is delivered,

Wi-Fi router shows pop-up window or

on Display.

Cancel of

slow-speed

communication

When slow-speed communication is

canceled, notification is delivered and

appears on Display.

USIM Card

USIM Card is an IC card containing phone number and other

customer information.

Handling USIM Card

Check the following regarding USIM Card handling.

IC Chip

For handling USIM Card, see the following SoftBank Website

(Japanese).

https://www.softbank.jp/mobile/support/protect/usim/

(Japanese)

・Always keep the IC chip clean.

・Wipe clean with a dry, soft cloth.

・Avoid applying labels. May cause malfunction.

USIM Card Cautions

Observe the following when using USIM Card.

・Customer is responsible for any damage caused by inserting

USIM Card in another-brand IC card reader, etc. SoftBank

Corp. is not responsible in such case.

・USIM Card is the property of SoftBank Corp.

・USIM Card is replaceable (at cost) in case of loss/damage.

・Return USIM Card to SoftBank Corp. when canceling

subscription.

・Returned USIM Cards are recycled for environmental

purposes.

・Note that USIM Card specifications and performance may

change without notice. Please be forewarned.

・It is recommended that you keep a separate copy of

information that is stored on USIM Card. SoftBank Corp. is

not responsible for damages from saved information that

is lost.

・Always follow emergency procedures to suspend service

if your USIM Card or Wi-Fi router (USIM Card inserted) is

lost/stolen. Contact "Customer Service."

・Be sure to power off Wi-Fi router before installing/

removing USIM Card.

・If USIM Card of another company is used, services and

functions may be limited. SoftBank Corp. does not

guarantee any operation.

Installing USIM Card

Be sure to power off Wi-Fi router before doing this.

Hook your fingernail or something similar in the groove on the

side of USIM Cover on the side of Wi-Fi router, and open USIM

Cover in the direction of the arrow

・Be careful not to hurt your fingernail.

Face the IC chip (metal surface) ( ) of USIM Card upward,

insert the notched part ( ) of USIM Card straight into

USIM Card Slot, and press it in with your fingertip or something

similar until it clicks

・Note the orientation of the notch.

・When installing USIM Card, take care not to touch the IC chip

or scratch the surface.

Close USIM Cover

USIM Card installation is complete.

・Use your finger to press on USIM Cover, to fit it to Wi-Fi

router.

Getting Started A201NE

Removing USIM Card

Be sure to power off Wi-Fi router before doing this.

Hook your fingernail or something similar in the groove on the

side of USIM Cover on the side of Wi-Fi router, and open USIM

Cover in the direction of the arrow

・Be careful not to hurt your fingernail.

Slowly press USIM Card in until you hear a click sound, after

this sound, a part of USIM Card pokes out, grab this with your

fingers and pull it out

・When removing USIM Card, take care not to touch the IC chip

or scratch the surface.

Close USIM Cover

USIM Card removal is complete.

・Use your finger to press on USIM Cover, to fit it to Wi-Fi

router.

Charging Battery

Wi-Fi router is not fully charged by default. Be sure to charge

Battery before the first use.

Wi-Fi router discharges even when not in use. Charge Wi-Fi

router before use if it is not in use for a long time. Charge Wi-Fi

router regularly to prevent a full discharge if it is not in use for

a long time.

For usage times, see "Specifications." Usage times gradually

become shorter due to repeated charging/discharging.

Charging

Charging Conditions

Under low temperatures charging, performance decreases.

Use USB Cable (sample) and AC Charger (sold separately) in

temperatures between 5°C - 35°C.

Note that when charging by connecting to a PC by USB Cable

(sample) or by the AC Charger (sold separately), Wi-Fi router

may not charge, depending on its temperature.

Use Supplied Accessories or Accessories Sold

Separately

Always charge with supplied USB Cable (sample) connected to

computer or with an AC Charger (sold separately).

Wi-Fi Router and AC Charger (Sold Separately)

Becoming Warm/Hot

Wi-Fi router and AC Charger (sold separately) may become

warm while charging. This is not a malfunction. However,

stop using them immediately if they become extremely hot;

they may be malfunctioning.

Precaution for Extended Use

Wi-Fi router may become hot while in use or while charging

for a long period, especially in high temperatures. Prolonged

contact with skin may cause low-temperature burn injuries.

Precaution for High Temperature

Depending on operation or usage environment, internal

temperature of Wi-Fi router may rise and become hot. In

this case, the power may be turned off for safety. Power on

after internal temperature of Wi-Fi router drops.

Battery Protection

If Wi-Fi router becomes hot, charging may stop before

reaching a full charge to protect the Battery ("A charge

is suspended this device because of high temperature"

appears on screen). If this happens, wait until the message

disappears.

Charging automatically starts after it disappears.

Furthermore, to protect the Battery, if charging continues

for a long time while the power is on, the battery level may

be gradually reduced automatically to the same state as

Long Life Charge (maximum charge level is about 70%). When

charging, disconnect cable once and reconnect it.

Battery protection function is cancelled, and charging

starts.

Connecting USB Cable (Sample)

Confirm that orientation of USB Cable (sample) plugs

is correct. Connecting forcibly may cause damage or

malfunction.

Display while Charging

Even when power is off, press to turn on the display

and show the battery level.

Precautions against Always Charging and

Frequently Charging

Avoid always charging or frequently charging because doing

so can shorten the service life of Internal Battery.

Using USB (Computer)

Use supplied USB Cable (sample) for charging.

・Make sure to power on computer before charging.

・Depending on computer connection environment, charging may

fail.

Insert USB Cable (Type-C plug) into External Device Port and

USB Cable (USB plug) to a computer

When charging is complete, remove USB Cable from computer

and Wi-Fi router

Check battery level on Display.

Charging with Computer

Charging Time

Charging takes longer than with AC Charger (sold

separately). Also, depending on the connected computer,

the time required for charging may vary or charging may be

impossible.

Charging During Data Usage

Charging time may increase or the remaining battery may be

consumed when charging from a computer, depending on the

environment being used, such as data usage.

Getting Started A201NE

Charging with AC Charger

AC Charger is an optional accessory. Use AC Charger (USB Type-

C 3.0 A) [SB-AC22-TCPD]1 specified by SoftBank.

This section describes charging method using AC Charger [SB-

AC22-TCPD].

1 USB PD-PPS compatible USB Type-C® Quick Charging AC

Charger [ZSDBAV] (SB-AC22-TCPD)

・See AC Charger (sold separately) user guide.

・Never connect a USB plug while Wi-Fi router or AC Charger

(sold separately) is wet.

Insert USB Type-C plug of AC Charger (sold separately) into

External Device Port of Wi-Fi router and plug the power plug

into an AC outlet

When charging is complete, unplug AC Charger (sold separately)

Check battery level on Display.

Power On/Off

Power On

Long press for about 6 seconds (until "Pocket WiFi 5G"

appears)

Home Screen appears and the Internet connection is

established. WLAN function and the Internet connection using

WLAN function are enabled.

・It is ready for use when mobile network status shows

(mobile networks connection completed).

・When passcode for unlocking screen is set, passcode entry

screen appears. For unlocking screen by entering passcode, see

"Starting by Entering Screen Lock Passcode."

・When PIN authentication is set to USIM Card, PIN entry screen

appears. See "Setting Screen Lock Passcode" or "Starting by

Entering Screen Lock Passcode," and enter the PIN code. For

PIN authentication settings also, see "Setting Screen Lock

Passcode" or "Changing Screen Lock Passcode."

Power Off

Long press for about 3 seconds (until the "Power

Option" screen appears)

Power (Power OFF)

Power is off.