FWA710 management wifi missing

DarkMarc

Hi,

We have just procured an FWA710 to test a number of 5G use case scenarios. But during the initial setup, the built-in management wifi interface on the FWA710 that we are using suddenly disappears. Only way to get it back is to perform a factory reset. Is this a bug or a feature? I.e. do we have to connect the FWA710 to an actual router / NW cable interface to be able to manage it? Or is there some secret button to re-enable the built-in wifi?

Zyxel_Kay

Hi @DarkMarc

If you're referring to the WiFi SSID of the FWA710, this behavior is expected. The Wi-Fi will be automatically disabled 30 minutes after the device boot-up due to security principles. If you wish to access the web GUI again via a WiFi connection, please use Ethernet to access the web GUI to re-enable the Wi-Fi if necessary. (Please note that the WiFi will shut down after 30 minutes).

Additionally, regarding the 5G performance, please try adjusting the facing angle to ensure the device receives the best 5GHz NR cellular signal. If the issue persists, please provide us with information such as the Cellular RSRP, RSRQ, and SINR parameter values for further troubleshooting.

Zyxel_Kay

Hi @DarkMarc

To better assist you, we would appreciate it if you could provide us with the following information:

1. Could you please clarify if the wifi interface you mentioned refers to the default WiFi SSID (Zyxel_XXXX)?
2. What is the current firmware version installed on your FWA710?

In addition to using a Wi-Fi connection to access the web GUI, you can also connect to the FWA710’s local web GUI via an Ethernet connection. Please note that the default IP address for the FWA710 is 192.168.1.1, so ensure there are no IP conflicts within your network.

DarkMarc

Thank you for the quick reply.

1. Yes, the Wifi used is the default Zyxel_XXXX SSID as printed on the box. Changed the password on it but left the SSID name as-is.
2. The FWA710 was delivered with the V1.15 patch 2 which I then upgraded to V1.15 patch 3 to see if it solved the WiFi issue which it did not. I then also upgraded to V1.17 patch 0 but the issue remained.

Yes, I am aware of the Ethernet connection option which is ok. I am simply worried that if there are unforeseen behaviours on the device, we might not be able to deliver it to the customer site as planned.

I am also a bit concerned that the 5G performance is not as expected. Other simple devices like phones, iPads etc easily get 4-500Mbit/s downstream 5G even indoor in our current location. The FWA710's built-in speed-test gives ~30Mbit/s down and ~1Mbit/s up on the same physical location towards the same 5G network operator. Is the built-in speed-test limited in performance so that full 5G performance can only be verified after we connect an actual router/gateway to the FWA710?

Zyxel_Kay

Hi @DarkMarc

If you're referring to the WiFi SSID of the FWA710, this behavior is expected. The Wi-Fi will be automatically disabled 30 minutes after the device boot-up due to security principles. If you wish to access the web GUI again via a WiFi connection, please use Ethernet to access the web GUI to re-enable the Wi-Fi if necessary. (Please note that the WiFi will shut down after 30 minutes).

Additionally, regarding the 5G performance, please try adjusting the facing angle to ensure the device receives the best 5GHz NR cellular signal. If the issue persists, please provide us with information such as the Cellular RSRP, RSRQ, and SINR parameter values for further troubleshooting.

DarkMarc

Thank you. This explains the WiFi issue.

For the 5G performance issue, I was just surprised that it could be 1/10 of bandwidth just as a result of the FWA710 being indoor during tests. But I will test it with proper angle towards the nearest cell tower which is less than 1km away.

Xpsychic

By reading the string above i must say I’m a bit confused. do I really understand correct that the 5g modem/router is only indent to act as a 5g modem with the lan port for further distribution via a secondary router or separate access point?? And that the built in WiFi adapter, is only meant for management with broadcasting its SSID only for the first 30 minutes after power up???

Why don’t include possibility to use the built in WiFi adapter for clients connecting to it as a normal 5g modem/router?? I’m both confused and upset.

Zyxel_Kay

Hi @Xpsychic

The Nebula FWA710 is primarily designed to act as a outdoor 5G mobile router, providing internet connectivity through its LAN port to a secondary router. The built-in WiFi adapter is intended for initial setup and management only, which is why its SSID is broadcast for the first 30 minutes after powering up. This feature helps ensure a secure and straightforward installation process.

For more details on the FWA710's intended use and the WiFi interface, you can refer to the product datasheet here:

Nebula FWA710_3.pdf (zyxel.com)

The datasheet outlines the application of the device.