ZyXEL Communications NR2101 User manual

Default Login Details
User’s Guide
NR2101
5G NR Portable Router
5G NR Mobile WiFi
Copyright © 2021 Zyxel and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
LAN IP Address http: //192.168.225.1
Username admin
Password admin
Version 1.0 Edition 4, 12/2021

NR2101 User’s Guide
2
IMPORTANT!
READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USE.
KEEP THIS GUIDE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Screenshots and graphics in this book may differ slightly from your product due to differences in your
product firmware. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate.
Related Documentation
•QuickStartGuide
The Quick Start Guide shows how to connect and install the NR2101.
•MoreInformation
Go to support.zyxel.com to find other information on the NR2101.

Contents Overview
NR2101 User’s Guide
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Contents Overview
User’s Guide ........................................................................................................................................9
Get to Know Your NR2101 ................................................................................................................... 10
Web Configurator ................................................................................................................................. 35
Setup Wizard ......................................................................................................................................... 42
Tutorials .................................................................................................................................................. 46
Status ...................................................................................................................................................... 53
Technical Reference ........................................................................................................................55
APN & SIM PIN ....................................................................................................................................... 56
WLAN & WWAN ..................................................................................................................................... 62
NAT ......................................................................................................................................................... 80
Firewall ................................................................................................................................................... 86
LAN Settings ........................................................................................................................................... 92
SMS ......................................................................................................................................................... 94
Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................ 96
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................. 101

Table of Contents
NR2101 User’s Guide
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Table of Contents
Contents Overview..............................................................................................................................3
Table of Contents.................................................................................................................................4
Document Conventions ......................................................................................................................8
Part I: User’s Guide............................................................................................9
Chapter 1
Get to Know Your NR2101 .................................................................................................................10
1.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 10
1.2 Applications .................................................................................................................................... 10
1.3 Ways to Manage the NR2101 ....................................................................................................... 10
1.4 Hardware Description .................................................................................................................... 11
1.4.1 Hardware Installation ............................................................................................................ 13
1.5 LCD Screens .................................................................................................................................... 13
1.5.1 The Home & Menu Screen ...................................................................................................13
1.5.2 Connection Guide ................................................................................................................ 14
1.5.3 Power Saving ......................................................................................................................... 15
1.5.4 SSID ......................................................................................................................................... 16
1.5.5 SMS .......................................................................................................................................... 18
1.5.6 Settings ................................................................................................................................... 19
1.5.7 About Settings ...................................................................................................................... 33
Chapter 2
Web Configurator...............................................................................................................................35
2.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 35
2.2 Accessing the Web Configurator ................................................................................................. 35
2.3 Navigating the Web Configurator ............................................................................................... 36
2.3.1 Title Bar ................................................................................................................................... 37
2.3.2 The Main Window ................................................................................................................. 37
2.3.3 Navigation Panel .................................................................................................................. 37
Chapter 3
Setup Wizard.......................................................................................................................................42
3.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 42
3.2 Access the Setup Wizard ............................................................................................................... 42
3.3 Use the Setup Wizard ..................................................................................................................... 42

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Chapter 4
Tutorials...............................................................................................................................................46
4.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 46
4.2 Set Up Your WiFi Network ............................................................................................................... 46
4.3 Connect to the NR2101 WiFi Network .......................................................................................... 48
4.4 Set Up a WiFi Network Using WPS .................................................................................................. 50
4.5 Configure the MAC Address Filter ................................................................................................ 51
Chapter 5
Status...................................................................................................................................................53
5.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 53
5.2 Status ................................................................................................................................................ 53
Part II: Technical Reference...........................................................................55
Chapter 6
APN & SIM PIN.....................................................................................................................................56
6.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 56
6.1.1 What You Can Do in this Chapter ....................................................................................... 56
6.1.2 What You Need To Know ..................................................................................................... 56
6.2 APN Settings .................................................................................................................................... 58
6.3 SIM PIN Settings ............................................................................................................................... 59
6.3.1 SIM Information ...................................................................................................................... 60
Chapter 7
WLAN & WWAN...................................................................................................................................62
7.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 62
7.1.1 What You Can Do in this Chapter ....................................................................................... 62
7.1.2 What You Need to Know ..................................................................................................... 63
7.2 SSID Settings(2.4GHz/5GHz) .......................................................................................................... 64
7.3 SSID WiFi QR Code .......................................................................................................................... 67
7.3.1 WiFi Security ........................................................................................................................... 68
7.4 WPS Settings .................................................................................................................................... 72
7.5 MAC Filter ........................................................................................................................................ 73
7.6 WWAN Settings ............................................................................................................................... 74
7.6.1 IPv4/IPv6 WWAN Settings ..................................................................................................... 75
7.6.2 WWAN Statistics ..................................................................................................................... 77
Chapter 8
NAT......................................................................................................................................................80
8.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 80

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8.1.1 What You Can Do ................................................................................................................. 80
8.1.2 What You Need to Know ..................................................................................................... 81
8.2 NAT Settings ..................................................................................................................................... 82
8.3 Technical Reference ...................................................................................................................... 83
8.3.1 NAT Port Forwarding: Services and Port Numbers ............................................................. 84
8.3.2 NAT Port Forwarding Example ............................................................................................. 84
8.3.3 Trigger Port Forwarding ........................................................................................................ 84
8.3.4 Trigger Port Forwarding Example ........................................................................................ 85
8.3.5 Two Points To Remember About Trigger Ports ................................................................... 85
Chapter 9
Firewall................................................................................................................................................86
9.1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 86
9.1.1 What You Can Do ................................................................................................................. 86
9.1.2 What You Need To Know ..................................................................................................... 86
9.2 Firewall Settings ............................................................................................................................... 87
9.2.1 IPv4/IPv6 Firewall Entry ......................................................................................................... 88
Chapter 10
LAN Settings........................................................................................................................................92
10.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 92
10.1.1 What You Can Do ............................................................................................................... 92
10.1.2 What You Need To Know ...................................................................................................92
10.2 LAN Settings ................................................................................................................................... 92
Chapter 11
SMS......................................................................................................................................................94
11.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 94
11.1.1 What You Can Do in this Chapter ..................................................................................... 94
11.2 SMS-Inbox ...................................................................................................................................... 94
11.3 Add New Message ....................................................................................................................... 95
Chapter 12
Maintenance......................................................................................................................................96
12.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 96
12.1.1 What You Can Do in this Chapter ..................................................................................... 96
12.2 Firmware Upgrade ........................................................................................................................ 96
12.3 Account Configuration ................................................................................................................ 97
12.4 About ............................................................................................................................................. 98
12.5 Factory Reset ................................................................................................................................ 99
12.6 Logout .......................................................................................................................................... 100
Chapter 13
Troubleshooting................................................................................................................................101

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13.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 101
13.2 Power ........................................................................................................................................... 101
13.3 NR2101 Access and Login ......................................................................................................... 101
13.4 Internet Access ........................................................................................................................... 103
13.5 WiFi Internet Access ................................................................................................................... 104
13.6 WiFi Connections ........................................................................................................................ 105
13.7 Getting More Troubleshooting Help .........................................................................................106
Appendix A Customer Support ..................................................................................................... 107
Appendix B Legal Information....................................................................................................... 112
Index.................................................................................................................................................118

Document Conventions
NR2101 User’s Guide
8
Document Conventions
Warnings and Notes
These are how warnings and notes are shown in this guide.
Warnings tell you about things that could harm you or your device.
Note: Notes tell you other important information (for example, other things you may need to
configure or helpful tips) or recommendations.
Syntax Conventions
• Product labels, screen names, field labels and field choices are all in bold font.
• A right angle bracket ( > ) within a screen name denotes a mouse click. For example, WWAN SETTINGS
> IPv4 WWAN Settings means you first click WWAN SETTINGS in the navigation panel, and then click the
IPv4 WWAN Settings tab to get to that screen.
Icons Used in Figures
Figures in this user guide may use the following generic icons. The NR2101 icon is not an exact
representation of your device.
NR2101 Generic Router Switch
Server Firewall Smartphone
Tablet Antenna Tower Home
Outdoors Printer

9
PART I
User’s Guide

NR2101 User’s Guide
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CHAPTER 1
Get to Know Your NR2101
1.1 Overview
Your NR2101 (A) is a 5G router that allows you to share Internet Access via WiFi anytime. The NR2101
supports 5G/4G/3G multi-mode and complies with the IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax standards. It can
provide data rates of up to 1.2 Gbps/574Mbps (2.4 GHz/5 GHz)and support up to 16 simultaneous WiFi
clients. The NR2101’s slim design is easy to use anywhere anytime and leaves your smartphone’s
bandwidth and battery free for other purposes.
1.2 Applications
You can have the following networks with the NR2101:
• Wireless LAN (WiFi): WiFi clients can connect to the NR2101 using the network’s SSID and Password. For
WPS-compatible devices you can create an instant network connection using WPS (WiFi Protected
Security).
•WAN: Connect to a mobile network using an Ethernet cable.
1.3 Ways to Manage the NR2101
• LCD Touch Screen
A

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You can use the LCD touch screen to navigate and manage the NR2101.
• Web Configurator
The Web Configurator is recommended for everyday management by using a supported web browser.
1.4 Hardware Description
The following image shows the front and side panels of the NR2101.
Figure 1 Front/Side Panel
You can use Power Button on the front panel to turn on the NR2101 and use LCD Touch Screen to
navigate the NR2101.
1Press the Power button and then the Home screen appears. (Press the Power button for three seconds
and then release the button to turn on or off the NR2101.)
Power Button
Ethernet Port
Reset Button
LCD Touch Screen

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Figure 2 Home Screen
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
2To start navigating the NR2101, slide right to unlock the Home screen and then the Menu screen
appears as shown next. Tap an icon on the Menu screen to configure the selected setting. Slide left if
you want to go to another Menu screen.
Table 1 NR2101’s Home Screen
LABEL DESCRIPTION
This displays the type of network your NR2101 is connected to. Your network can be
either 3G, 4G, or 5G.
This displays the signal strength of the current WWAN of the NR2101.
This displays when the NR2101 is receiving or transmitting data to/from the Internet.
This displays the WiFi network status. The number indicates how many WiFi client
devices are currently connected to the NR2101.
This displays when the NR2101 receives a new SMS (Short Message Service)
message.
This icon shows the NR2101 battery life.
Clock WWAN Signal
Operator Name Battery percentage
MiFi SSID
Data Usage percentage Date
The number of WiFi client devices
connected to the NR2101

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Figure 3 Menu Screen
The following table describes the labels in the Menu screen.
1.4.1 Hardware Installation
See your Quick Start Guide for detailed information about hardware installation procedures.
1.5 LCD Screens
This section describes the labels or icons displayed on the LCD screen of your NR2101.
1.5.1 The Home & Menu Screen
Swipe right to unlock the Home screen on the LCD. The Menu screen appears. Tap an icon on the Menu
screen to select the setting that you want to configure.
Table 2 Menu Screen
LABEL DESCRIPTION
Connection Guide Use Connection Guide to activate WPS. If your WiFi client device supports WPS, use
WPS to connect to the NR2101.
Power Saving Use Power Saving to change the screen off time. You can also configure WiFi auto-
close duration here.
SSID Use SSID to allow WiFi clients to connect (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) to the NR2101 using its SSID
and password. Enter a password of 8 to 20 characters, including spaces and special
characters.
SMS Use SMS to view and delete SMS messages.
Note: You can only create an SMS messages using the Web
Configurator.
Settings Use Settings to configure features, such as WPS, WiFi 2.4G/5G, Connected Users,
Profile management, Data Usage, Data Roaming, Network Settings, PIN
Management, Password Lock, Language, Time Setting, FW upgrade, and Restore
Default settings.
About Use About to view the NR2101 hardware/firmware information and notifications.

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Figure 4 Home Screen
Figure 5 Menu Screen
1.5.2 Connection Guide
To enable a WiFi client device to connect to the NR2101 using WPS, go to Connection Guide > Next >
WPS.
•TapManual, if you want to enter the WiFi network setting manually. Otherwise, tap WPS to quickly
establish a WiFi connection.
Figure 6 Connection Guide

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The following table describes the labels in this screen.
•SelectWPS to connect. Otherwise, tap WPS PIN and enter the PIN code of a four-digit number to start
the WiFi connection. Tap the check mark at the upper-right corner to confirm the password.
Figure 7 WPS
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
1.5.3 Power Saving
Use this screen to configure the time your LCD screen stays on before going to sleep. Go to Power
Saving >Screen off time and select from 15s, 30s, 60s, 120s, and 10 minutes. Tap the check mark at the
upper-right corner to save the changes made. To configure the time set up for turning off WiFi
automatically if no WiFi client device is connected to the NR2101, select Auto-close WiFi and then
choose from 10 minutes, 20 minutes, and 30 minutes in the WiFi auto off field. Tap the check mark at the
upper-right corner to save the changes made.
Table 3 Connection Guide
LABEL DESCRIPTION
Manual Select Manual and then the default WiFi network settings and security modes will
appear. Enter the necessary information on the SSID > 2.4G SSID/2.4G Password or
5G SSID/5G Password screen manually to connect to the NR2101.
WPS Select this to connect to the NR2101 using WPS.
Table 4 WPS
LABEL DESCRIPTION
WPS Select this to connect to the NR2101 using WPS.
WPS PIN Enter the WPS password to enable WPS.

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Figure 8 Power Saving
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
1.5.4 SSID
Use this screen to scan the QR code and join the WiFi network of the NR2101.
1Tap SSID in the Menu screen to go to the SSID setting.
Figure 9 SSID Settings
2Select SSID password visible to view the WiFi 2.4GHz/5GHz SSIDs and passwords.
Tap WiFi 2.4GHz/5GHz QR Code in the SSID screen to view the WiFi QR codes.
Table 5 Power Saving
LABEL DESCRIPTION
Screen off time This displays the screen off time on the NR2101. If the NR2101 is not in use for a certain
period of time, the system will automatically turn off the screen.
Auto-close WiFi Select this to enable Auto-close WiFi on the NR2101. The NR2101 will automatically
turn off Wi-Fi if no WiFi client device is connected to the NR2101 for a certain period
of time.
WiFi auto off This displays the time length set up to turn off WiFi automatically.

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Figure 10 SSID Password Visible
3The following screen appears. Scan the WiFi 2.4GHz/5GHz QR code to join the WiFi network.
Figure 11 WiFi 2.4GHz QR code
Figure 12 WiFi 5GHz QR code
4To configure the SSID and password (2.4 GHz/5 GHz), tap 2.4G SSID/2.4G Password or 5G SSID/5G
Password in the screen and then the Modify screen appears. Enter your user name and a password of 8
to 20 characters, including spaces and special characters. Tap the check mark at the upper-right
corner to save the changes made.

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Figure 13 Modify
5To configure the SSID security mode, tap 2.4G Security or 5G Security in the screen and then the SSID
Security screen appears. Select a security mode from None (Open), WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, and WPA3/
WPA2 mixed mode.Tap the check mark at the upper-right corner to save the changes made.
Figure 14 SSID Security
From another device, find this SSID and enter the Password to connect wirelessly to the NR2101.
1.5.5 SMS
SMS (Short Message Service) allows you to view and delete SMS messages that the NR2101 received
from mobile devices or Internet Service Provider.
Tap SMS in the Menu screen to go to the SMS setting. The following screen displays.
• Read Message: Use the LCD screen to navigate and select an SMS message to read. Tap the Menu
( )icon to go back to the Menu screen.

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Figure 15 Read Message
• Delete Message: Use the Delete( ) icon to delete an SMS message. Select OK to delete the
message. Otherwise, select Cancel to return to the SMS screen.
Figure 16 Delete Message
Note: You can only create an SMS messages using the Web Configurator.
1.5.6 Settings
Use the Settings screen to manage and view the following features of the NR2101. Tap Settings and the
following screen displays. Scroll up and down the screen to select the feature you want to configure.
Figure 17 Settings

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1.5.6.1 WPS
Your NR2101 supports WiFi Protected Setup (WPS), which is an easy way to set up a secure WiFi network.
WPS is an industry standard specification, defined by the WiFi Alliance.
WPS allows you to quickly set up a WiFi network with strong security, without having to configure security
settings manually. Each WPS connection works between two devices. Both devices must support WPS
(check each device’s documentation to make sure). When WPS is activated on a device, it has two
minutes to find another device that also has WPS activated. Then, the two devices connect and set up
a secure network by themselves.
You can use the LCD screen of the NR2101 to activate WPS in order to quickly set up a WiFi network with
strong security.
Go to the Settings >WPS screen. The WPS connect field will be available after you enable WPS. Go to
WPS connect >WPS to activate WPS or enter WPS PIN to connect. The following screen displays. Tap the
check mark at the upper-right corner to save the change made.
Figure 18 Enter WPS PIN
The following table describes the labels in this screen.
Note: You must activate WPS on the NR2101 and on another device within 2 minutes of each
other.
1.5.6.2 WiFi 2.4 G
To enable a WiFi client to connect to the 2.4 GHz WiFi band, select WiFi Enable.
•TapBandwidth to select a 2.4 GHz bandwidth (20MHz or 20/40 MHz) from the list. Tap the check mark
at the upper-right corner to save the change made.
•TapHide SSID to hide your SSID from a site survey tool.
Table 6 WPS
LABEL DESCRIPTION
WPS Use this screen to establish a WPS connection.
WPS PIN Enter the WPS password to enable WiFi clients to connect to the NR2101.