How to setup your 4G/5G router

At this stage you will require a sim card from your chosen service provider, a 4G or 5G router and if required/desired an external antenna kit. If you have chosen to install an antenna but need further guidance, go back to the previous step (4G & 5G antenna installation

Plug And Play Router: As always, if you would like all of the setup steps to be completed for you, you can take advantage of one of our plug and play kits. check them out by clicking here. If you would prefer to do things yourself, no problem keep reading.

Register with 4G & 5G service provider

Although you have received or purchased a sim card from your chosen service provider, this doesnt always mean you have registered an account with them. If you haven’t already done so you will need to register/signup before your sim card will work.

If you have a Pay As You Go sim card, instructions on how to register will be provided on the sim card packaging.

this usually entails making your way to the service providers website and creating an account, then adding credit via debit or credit card. (Service provider guidance)

If you have ordered a pay monthly sim card the registration is likely already completed.

once registered simply insert the sim card into your routers sim card slot.

plug the router in and turn on.

Router settings

Many routers will automatically setup with the appropriate service provider settings. Meaning you can skip this step. Note that sometimes on first turn on with your new sim, you will need to turn on the router, allow 5 minutes for it to boot and then restart the router.

If your router does not automatically setup on your network you may have to login to the router via its IP address and update the APN settings.

Changing 4G & 5G APN settings

first login to your router by first of all connecting tp your rputer via its wifi. Then type your routers IP address in to you internet browser address bar.

Top Tip. The routers IP address can usually be found on the back or bottom of your router. If not search on google for your routers brand name IP address.

IP example: 192.168.0.1

You should now make it to your routers access page.

At this point you will be asked for a username and password. These can be found on the back or bottom of your router. If that fails search your routers brand name on Google. They will usually be along the lines of

Username: Admin

Password: Admin

once logged in to your router, make your way to Internet or Connection settings and then to APN settings.

At this point you will require your service providers APN settings. These can be found on you service providers website or by simply searching on Google and referancing your service providers name.

Example APN settings:

APN: giffgaff.com.
Username: gg.
Password: p.
Proxy: {Leave Blank}
MCC: 234.
MNC: 10.
APN protocol: IPv4v6.
APN roaming protocol: IPv4.

Changing Router Name & Password

To change the routers WiFi name and password you will first need to login to the WiFi network with the original password.

As with changing the APN settings you will now need to login to the router by entering the routers IP address into your web browser address bar. The IP address can usually be found on the back or bottom of the router.

Once logged in make your way to settings and/or WiFi settings. Enter your new WiFi id (sometimes referred to as “SSID”) and new password.

Top Tip: Sometimes the WIFI details can be altered using the routers setup Wizard. This simplifies the setup procedure so keep a look out for it on the routers home screen.

Resetting your 4G & 5G router

If something goes wrong during your setup you can always reset your router back to factory settings.

To reset your router you will find a small button on either the bottom or side of your router.

Whilst the router is turned on press and hold the button for 6 seconds. Note you may require a pin to reach it.

Once reset the routers SSID and password will return to the ones displayed on the router.

Connecting an External Antenna

If you have installed an external antenna kit you can connect it to your router via the LTE antenna sockets. This may require removing the old antenna’s.

Top Tip: Be sure not to mix the WiFi and LTE antennas up. They will be clearly labled. The WiFi antennas should be left in situe.

If a Mimo antenna and a compatible Mimo router, there will be 2 LTE antenna ports and 2 cables. It doesnt matter which cable goes to which socket.

4G & 5G Speed Checks

At this point your router should be fully setup and ready to go. It’s time to run some speed checks and ensure you are receiving the best connection possible. There are a number of broadband speed tests online. We use Broadband Speed checker and Googles own speed checker.

You will be looking for Download speeds of at least 10mb in order to stream TV services and box sets.

To review all router selection and setup steps see below links.