The Zyxel FWA710 is a 5G NR outdoor router designed to deliver high-speed internet connectivity in challenging environments. Equipped with high-gain directional antennas and a 2.5GbE PoE port, it's ideal for remote installations where traditional broadband is unavailable or impractical. This guide will assist you in powering on the device, installing the SIM card, and accessing the web interface for configuration.
Disclaimer! This article offers a general overview of the series and may not apply uniformly to every model, software/firmware version. Before purchasing or using the device, please consult the model/version-specific documentation or reach out to technical support for accurate information.
- FWA710 - Full User's Guide
- FWA710 - Quick Start Guide
- FWA710 - Firmware and Datasheet
Design and bundling
The FWA710 comes with an internet cable and power supply, while the external antenna and SIM card are not included.
Specifics of the Physical Installation
Choosing the Installation Location:
- The FWA710 is designed for outdoor installation.
- Select a spot with line-of-sight to the nearest cellular tower to ensure strong signal reception.
- Avoid obstacles such as walls, trees, or metal structures that can block or weaken the signal.
Mounting:
- The unit can be mounted on a pole, wall, or bracket using the provided hardware.
- Ensure it is securely fastened, especially in windy environments.
- Install the device vertically, following the orientation markings for optimal performance.
Cabling:
- Run a shielded Ethernet cable (PoE) from the device to the indoor location – this supplies power and data.
- Only use shielded Cat5e/Cat6 cables to prevent electromagnetic interference.
- Ensure all connectors are properly sealed to withstand outdoor conditions
Antenna Behaviour and Placement Tips
- The FWA710 features a built-in directional antenna.
- It must be accurately aimed toward the nearest cellular base station for best signal quality.
- Even slight misalignment can reduce performance – use the device interface or a mobile app to assist with alignment (check RSSI levels).
Key Recommendations:
- Install the device at a sufficient height (typically 2.5–5 meters above ground) to minimise obstacles.
- Avoid running the Ethernet cable parallel to power lines to reduce interference.
- Ensure proper grounding is in place before powering on the device – this protects against surges and static discharge.
Setting up the device
First, please follow the steps outlined in the quick start guide and complete each step as shown.
- Make sure the Zyxel Device is turned off.
- Open the micro SIM card slot cover on the Zyxel Device.
- Insert the micro SIM into the SIM card slot (If the SIM card's PIN code is enabled, either enter it later in the device’s web interface or disable PIN verification beforehand).
-
Put the cover back in place.
Note:
- If you are using a nano-SIM card, insert it securely into the micro-SIM card slot to avoid possible damage to the device.
- If you have installed the SIM card in a working device, you will most likely need to turn the device off and on for the SIM card to work.
Important: Wi-Fi Is for Web Access Only
The Wi-Fi interface does not provide any internet access. It is only intended for local configuration of the device. When you connect to the FWA710’s Wi-Fi network:
- You can access the web configuration interface at
http://192.168.1.1 - You won’t have access to the internet
- This is expected behaviour and not a malfunction
Connect your device via Ethernet or wait until the FWA710 is fully configured and online to access the internet.
Zyxel FWA710 LAN IP Address Overview
During the initial installation or after resetting the Zyxel FWA710 to factory defaults, you may notice that your device receives an IP address from the 192.168.2.x subnet rather than the 192.168.1.x subnet as stated in some versions of the user manual.
The FWA710 has two separate LAN interfaces, each with its default subnet:
-
Wi-Fi (wireless interface):
192.168.1.x -
Ethernet (wired interface):
192.168.2.x
Why This Happens
The FWA710 separates its LAN settings into two Interface Groups:
- Default – for the wireless LAN
- Bridge 1 – for the wired LAN
Each group uses a different IP range. If you connect via Ethernet cable, your computer will be assigned an IP from the 192.168.2.x range. If you connect via Wi-Fi, you’ll get an IP from the 192.168.1.x range.
| Interface | Default Subnet | Interface Group |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 192.168.1.x | Default |
| Ethernet (LAN) | 192.168.2.x | Bridge 1 |
Accessing the WEB Configurator
Important: When accessing the Web Configurator on FWA710, make sure to use the correct IP address based on your connection type:
- If you're connected via Wi-Fi, go to http://192.168.1.1
- If you're connected via Ethernet, go to http://192.168.2.1
To access the router, open a browser and navigate to 192.168.1.1 (this IP is also listed on the device's sticker or can be found through your computer's network settings).
On the first step, the system will ask you to change the default password; this action is mandatory. Change the password and log in to the device's web GUI with the new password.
On the first step, the system will ask you to change the default password; this action is mandatory. Change the password and log in to the device's web GUI with the new password.
Next, follow the prompts and use the wizard to perform basic device settings, such as setting the correct time search, renaming the SSID, and changing the Wi-Fi password.
That’s it—the basic setup is complete, and you can now access the Internet via a wired connection. The Wi-Fi interface does not provide any internet access. It is only intended for local configuration of the device.
Physical Installation and
Add FWA710 under Nebula Control
- How do you add FWA505 under Nebula control?
- What features and what benefits will you get afterwards?
- Full instructions are available here: Zyxel FWA Series [Nebula] - Add Mobile Router FWA Series to Nebula