2352 MiFi Personal Wireless Hotspot

Configuring the Novatel MiFi 3352 mobile wireless hotspot

MiFi® is your own cloud of connectivity: great for personal and business use providing instant access to email, download large files, and surf the web with your laptop while simultaneously allowing up to five computers or personal devices to be connected. Easily swap and transfer files with built-in microSDHC slot providing expandable storage capacity of up to 32GB.
With DLNA media server capabilities, the MiFi also allows users to browse, play and share movies, music and photos anywhere, anytime, on any DLNA-compatible device. Users can effortlessly access their media stored on a MicroSDHC card inserted in the MiFi device, stream to their screen of choice and enjoy.
The MiFi OS also supported a number of Internet-enabled widgets including GeoSearch, GeoWeather, data usage tracking as well as SMS text messaging.

Features

• Connects up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously
• Computers, PDA's, cameras, music players, personal and game players and more
• MiFi OS™ , a browser based web user interface, capable of hosting advanced software applications and widgets
• Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery
• GPS - enabled
• Advanced internal antenna system
• NovaSpeed® capable
• Auto-install and auto-connectivity
• 10M (30 ft) range of network coverage

Benefits

• Wireless and secure internet connectivity from virtually anywhere
• Portable and convenient – smaller than a deck of cards
• Great for travel – family, friends and colleagues can connect
• Perfect for the mobile professional – creates a virtual office wherever you go for your and your co-workers
• Easy installation with MobiLink™ Connection Manager- no CD required
• Enhanced performance and less connectivity interruptions with NovaSpeed®
• Lasts up to 4 hours on a single charge so you can be anywhere and have connectivity (when connected to one Wi-Fi device)

Configuration

Insert the SIM card into the MiFi and power the unit on. Wait for the blue WiFi light on the front of the unit to be illuminated. Then search for available wireless networks from your computer, the MiFi will be listed:

The SSID of the unit, as well as its security password, is written on the inside of the battery cover.

Once connected, open a web browser and enter in the unit's default IP address - http://192.168.1.1
When connecting for the first time, you will be prompted to accept the license agreement for the device:

The main web interface will then be displayed:

From here you can initiate a connection to the Internet by clicking the Connect button in the top right hand corner, manage SMS text messages, view weather information and more.
You can control which widgets are displayed by accessing the Settings:

To access configuration settings, you will need to log in with the default password "admin". Once logged in an option for Administration will be displayed:

You will be prompted to change your password from the default when logging in for the first time:

The Home screen will then be displayed:

The Applications screen allows you to enable or disable the file sharing feature of the MiFi, provided that you have an SD card inserted. Authentication settings can also be defined:

The WiFi screen displays information about the configuration of the wireless hotspot as well as a list of connected clients:

The MiFi features three built-in profiles which alter the configuration of the wireless hotspot depending on where it is being used, these profiles can be switched between quickly and easily under the Profiles page:

MAC filtering of wireless clients is also supported:

Broadcasting of the SSID (whether the MiFi is visible to wireless clients or must be added manually) can also be disabled:

The Internet page displays information on the Internet connection status:

Multiple Internet connection profiles can be defined:

It is here that you need to enter the connection settings for your mobile operator:

A SIM PIN lock can be configured:

System status information can also be viewed:

Roaming settings, and 2G / 3G operation modes can be set:

The Router page allows you to define how the MiFi operates when used with a SIM that features a public IP address, allowing you to connect to wireless clients connected to the MiFi, from the Internet.
Port Filtering is supported:

as well as Port Forwarding:

It is here that you can also change the IP address settings of the MiFi's wireless network:

VPN Passthrough is also supported:

The System page displays information about the software version running on the device:

The configuration of the MiFi can be stored in a single file and backed up to a computer:

And software updates can be applied if available:

The MiFi can also be configured to automatically turn itself off to conserve power if left idle for a preset length of time:

And finally the administrator password can be edited:

The GPS module can also be enabled and disabled:

As can the DLNA media server:

What is DLNA and What does it do?

What is DLNA?

The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a non-profit trade organization established in 2003 in the mobile, consumer electronics, PC, and service provider industries. The goal of the alliance is to make it easier for consumers to use, share and enjoy their digital photos, music and videos. As of May 2010, several thousand devices had obtained a "DLNA Certified" status. DLNA enables these certified digital media and content services to be easily shared among consumer electronics products, computers, and mobile devices in the home and on the road.

What can you do with DLNA on the MiFi?

The MiFi DLNA Server enables you to serve, browse and stream media stored on your MicroSD card to any compatible DLNA device. The following are examples of what you can do with you MiFi DLNA Server:

• Stream movies straight to your DLNA certified TV
• Watch the same, or different movies on multiple devices at the same time
• Stream music from the MiFi MicroSD card to multiple audio devices at the same time
• Easily share photos with friends and family by streaming photos on the MicroSD card to DLNA enabled media players

What type of Media formats can be served through the MiFi DLNA Server?

The specific types of media formats that can be played on a particular device vary from DLNA player to DLNA player. Your MiFi DLNA Server supports several popular home networking and mobile device media formats.

Home Network Devices

• Video - MPEG 2
• Audio - MP3
• Images - JPG, JPEG

Mobile Devices

• Video - MP4
• Audio - MP3
• Images - JPG, JPEG

Where do I put the files I want to stream?

The MiFi DLNA server automatically creates a new folder on your MicroSD card called dlna. The dlna folder contains sub folders for storing audio, video, and image files. Simply place the media files you wish to stream over DLNA into the appropriate folder:

• Pictures (JPG and JPEG format files) should be placed in the Images folder
• Music (MP3 format files) should be placed in the Audio folder
• Movies and Video (MPEG and MP4 format files) should be placed in the Video folder

What type of devices work with the MiFi DLNA Server?

The MiFi DLNA Server should work with all certified DLNA Players. Some common devices compatible with the MiFi DLNA server are:

Compatible Computer Devices

• Windows 7 - Media Player 12
• Windows Vista - Media Player 12
• Mac OS X - DLNA player like VLC (UPnP)

Televisions

• Sony KDL-32EX308 32" BRAVIA 720p LCD TV
• Samsung LN32C550 32" Class Wi-Fi Ready DLNA LCD HDTV

Blu-Ray Players

• Sony BDPS570
• LG BX580 3D Wi-Fi Blu-Ray Disc Player
• Samsung Blu-ray Disc™ BD-C5500/XAA

Home Media Receivers

• Yamaha YMC-700BL NeoHD Wi-Fi Media Controller
• Denon RCD-N7 Network Ready Receiver/CD Wi-Fi Network

Compatible Gaming Consoles

• Sony PlayStation 3

Compatible Mobile Devices

• iOS Devices including iPod, iPhone, iPad*
• Android devices including Droid 2, Evo4G, Galaxy Tab*
  * Needs a DLNA compatible application such as PlugPlayer or MediaConnect

Installing the Novatel MC950D / MC990D 3G Modem on Windows XP

To install the MC950D on your PC, simply insert the device into an available USB port on the PC. Windows will detect new hardware automatically and install the necessary drivers and software. Once installed, the software will be displayed automatically:

Before you can connect to the Internet, you must first create a connection profile. To do this, right click on the icon in the system tray and select Settings → Profile Manager:

The following window will be displayed:

Click on New to create a new profile, the following window will be displayed:

Enter a name for the profile, this can be anything to identify the connection, the name of the mobile operator is a suitable choice.
In the APN field, enter the appropriate Access Point Name for your network provider:

Vodafone - internet
Orange - orangeinternet
O2 - mobile.o2.co.uk
T-Mobile - general.t-mobile.uk
Three - three.co.uk

Once the APN filed has been completed, click Next. The following window will be displayed:

Enter the appropriate username and password details for your network operator:

Vodafone - ‘web’ for both
Orange - leave blank
O2 - ‘web’ for both
T-Mobile - leave blank
Three - leave blank

Select the profile and click on the Set Default button.

Click OK. You are now ready to connect to the Internet.

Installing the Novatel MC990D 3G Modem on Mac OS X

The MC990D offers quand-band GPRS/EDGE service (850/900/1800/1900MHz) as well as UMTS 3G service (2100MHz) and can be installed on Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

Insert the MC990D into an available USB port on the Mac. The device will be detected automatically and will be mounted as a storage drive:

Double click the icon for the "installer.pkg", the installation wizard will start automatically:

Click Continue:

Read the license agreement and select the option to Continue if you agree to the terms and conditions. Select Agree when prompted:

Select the drive you wish to install the required drivers onto and click Continue:

Click Install. You will be warned that the Mac will need to be rebooted upon completion of the installation:

Click Continue Installation. The required files will now be installed. Once complete click Finish:

Now restart the Mac. Once rebooted, click on the Apple menu and launch the System Preferences. Click on Network. You will be notified that a new network device has been detected:

Click OK, the Novatel device will now be listed:

Enter the required username and password for your mobile network provider:

O2 - 'web' for both
Orange - leave blank
Vodafone - 'web' for both
T-Mobile - leave blank
Three - leave blank

Click on the Advanced button:

In the APN field, enter the required Access Point Name for your mobile network provider:

O2 - mobile.o2.co.uk
Orange - orangeinternet
Vodafone - internet
T-Mobile - general.t-mobile.uk
Three - three.co.uk

Click OK and then Apply. To initiate the connection to the Internet, click the Connect button:

After a few moments you will be connected.

Installing the Novatel Merlin XU870 3G Modem on Mac OS X

Sourced from http://www.novatelwireless.com/support/merlin-xu870-apple.html

Introduction

The following describes how to connect to the Internet using a Novatel Wireless Merlin XU870 ExpressCard modem and an Apple MacBook Pro: with Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger.

The Novatel Wireless Merlin XU870 enables you to connect to a 3G service provider and the Internet. The modem provides reliable wireless data communications with average speeds between 400 and 700 kbps and easily installs in any MacBook Pro®: ExpressCard/34™ slot.

Requirements

Before you can connect to an HSDPA service provider with a Novatel Wireless Merlin XU870 ExpressCard modem, you will need the following:

• A Novatel Wireless Merlin XU870 ExpressCard modem and an activated SIM card
  Note: The PIN code on the SIM card MUST be disabled BEFORE trying to use the card in the MAC, as there is no means to enter the PIN code on the MAC.
• An Apple: MacBook Pro: with an ExpressCard/34 slot with Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger
• A UMTS/HSDPA account with a service provider
• Configuration information from your service provider, including your username, password, APN, and DNS addresses

Setting Up Your Equipment

1. Power on your Apple®: MacBook Pro: computer.
2. Download, unzip and mount the disk image (.dmg)
3. Install the driver and modem script by launching the Merlin HSDPA (XU870) package.
4. Verify that the SIM card is inserted properly in the modem.
5. Insert the modem into the MacBook Pro®: ExpressCard/34 slot.

Setting Up the Network Connections

In this section, you will configure the TCP/IP, PPP, and modem network connection settings.
1. Make sure the card is completely inserted into the ExpressCard/34 slot.
2. Select System Preferences from the Apple menu.

3. Click the Network button in the System Preferences window.

If this is the first time you have inserted your modem into the computer, a notification window will alert you that a new port has been detected and that it is a Novatel Wireless HSDPA Modem.

4. Click OK to dismiss the notification.
5. In the Network window, select Novatel Wireless HSPDA Modem from the Show drop-down list box.

6. With the PPP tab selected, enter your account name and password into the appropriate text boxes as shown below. Next enter your APN in the Telephone Number text box even though the APN is not a phone number. These values correspond to the user name, password, and APN supplied to you by your service provider.
Note: Enter the APN in the Telephone Number field. APNs are NOT of the form *98#.

7. Click the PPP Options... button. Change the settings to match what is shown below.
Note: You may need to turn off IP header compression for some carrier networks.

8. Click OK to return to the Network window.
9. Click the Modem tab and then select HSDPA Support (XU870) from the Modem drop-down list box.

10. Click the Apply Now button and close System Preferences.

Opening an Internet Connection

1. Click the Phone icon in the menu bar and select Open Internet Connect...

The Novatel Wireless HSDPA Modem dialog box is displayed

2. Click the Connect button.

The modem will attempt to register with the service provider. The status bar message indicates the connection status: "Status: Contacting PPP Server..."

While a connection is being made, the status bar displays "Status: Authenticating User...". When a connection is made, the status bar message changes to "Status: Connected to" and the connect time and IP address are indicated. The Disconnect button appears in the window.

Surfing the Internet

Once you are connected to the Internet, you can use any Internet application, such as Safari, Firefox, Mail, and iChat, to surf the Internet, check email, and connect using VPN, etc.

Disconnecting From the Internet

To disconnect from the Internet, click the Phone icon in the menu bar and select Disconnect.

You can also disconnect by clicking the Disconnect button in the Internet Connect application as shown above.

Uninstalling the Merlin XU870 HSDPA Modem Software

To remove Merlin XU870 HSDPA Modem driver and its associated files from your machine, delete the following files (requires Administrator permissions):
/System/Library/Extensions/MerlinHSDPADriver.kext
/Library/Receipts/MerlinHSDPA.pkg
/Library/Modem Scripts/HSDPA Support (XU870)

Installing the Novatel Merlin XU870 3G Modem on Windows XP

IMPORTANT – DO NOT INSERT THE MERLIN CARD INTO YOUR PC UNTIL YOU ARE PROMPTED TO DO SO BY THE INSTALLATION WIZARD

Insert the Merlin XU870 software CD into your PC. The installation wizard should start automatically. If it does not, open the Run dialogue from the Start menu and type in ‘D:\autorun.exe’ (where D is the letter of your CD drive). The following window will be displayed:

Select the option to Install Mobilink Connection Manager, the following window will be displayed:

Click Next, the following window will be displayed:

Read the license agreement and select the option ‘I accept the terms in the license agreement’ if you do so. Click Next, the following window will be displayed:

Click Install. The necessary program files will now be copied to the PC. This may take a few minutes. Once complete, the following window will be displayed:

Click Finish. You will be returned to the installation wizard splash screen, select Quit.

An icon for the Mobilink software will have been added to your desktop:

You may now insert the Merlin XU870 card into the PC. Windows will detect the new hardware automatically and install it. This may take a few minutes.

To verify that the installation was successful, open the Control Panel and double click on the System icon. Click on the Hardware tab and then on the Device Manager button. The following hardware should be listed in the Modems and Ports section:

Modems: - Novatel Wireless Merlin HSDPA Modem
Ports: - Novatel Wireless Merlin HSDPA Status Port

Double click the MobiLink icon on the desktop. The following window will be displayed:

Click on the Menu button (in the top left-hand corner of the Mobilink window) and select Profile Manager:

The following window will be displayed:

Click New, the following window will be displayed:

Enter a name for the Profile, this can be anything to identify the connection.
In the APN field enter the correct Access Point Name for your network provider:

Vodafone - internet
Orange - orangeinternet
O2 - mobile.o2.co.uk
T-Mobile - general.t-mobile.uk
Three - three.co.uk

Click Next. The following window will be displayed:

Enter the correct Username and Password details for your network provider:

Vodafone - ‘web’ for both
Orange - leave blank
O2 - ‘web’ for both
T-Mobile - leave blank
Three - leave blank

Click Finish. The new connection will now be listed. Click OK to return to the Mobilink window.

Now, from the drop-down menu, select the connection you just created:

Click the Connect button. After a few moments you will be connected to the Internet.

Novatel Merlin XU870 – SIM card not recognised error message (Windows XP)

Problem

When launched, despite the SIM card being correctly inserted, the MobiLink software returns the error message:

“No SIM inserted, please check orientation”

Cause

There seems to be a problem with certain SIM cards, notably Vodafone UK, being recognised by the MobiLink application.

Resolution

Create a connection manually, without using the MobiLink software. The procedure is as follows:

Open the Control Panel
Double click the icon for Phone and Modem Options
Click on the Modems tab
Select the Novatel XU870 and click on the Properties
Click on the Advanced tab
In the Extra dial-string initialisation commands box, enter the correct string for your network provider:

Vodafone

AT+CGDCONT=1,”IP”,”INTERNET”

Orange

AT+CGDCONT=1,”IP”,”ORANGEINTERNET”

O2

AT+CGDCONT=1,”IP”,”MOBILE.O2.CO.UK”

T-Mobile

AT+CGDCONT=1,”IP”,”GENERAL.T-MOBILE.UK”

Three

AT+CGDCONT=1,”IP”,”THREE.CO.UK”

Click OK, and then OK again.

Back in the Control Panel, double click the icon for Network Connections

Select the option to Create a New Connection and click Next
Select the option to Connect to the Internet and click Next
Select the option to Set up the connection manually and click Next
Select the option to create a Dial-up connection and click Next
Select the Novatel UX870 as the modem to use and click Next

Enter a name for the connection, this can be anything and is only used to identify the connection. Click Next

When prompted for a telephone number, enter *99***1#

When prompted for a Username and Password, enter the relevant settings for your network provider:

Vodafone ‘web’ for both
Orange leave blank
O2 ‘web’ for both
T-Mobile leave blank
Three leave blank

Click Next and then Finish.

An icon will now be created for the connection Double click the icon to initiate the connection.

Novatel MiFi 3352 LED indicators

Using the Novatel 3352 MiFi as a USB modem on Mac OS X

Connect the MiFi 3352 to your Mac via USB. Mac OS will detect the new hardware as a removable storage device:

Open the drive and run the installer package file, the following window will be displayed:

Click Continue:

Read the license agreement and click Continue:

Select the option to Agree to the terms and conditions:

Select the drive you want to install the required drivers and click Continue:

Click Install:

Enter in the details of an account with administrative permissions:

You will be warned that the Mac will need to be rebooted upon completion of the installation:

The installation will now proceed. When complete click Finish, the Mac will reboot automatically.

When rebooted, launch the Network System Preferences. Mac OS will indicate that a new network interface has been detected:

Click OK, the MiFi will then connect to the Internet automatically:

To configure the MiFi's Internet connection settings, open a web browser and browse to the MiFi's default IP address - http://192.168.1.1
The MiFi's web interface will be displayed:

Click on the Administration link at the top of the screen. Click on the Internet section:

Edit the connection profile and enter the required connection settings for your mobile operator:

Save the changes, and click the option to Connect to initiate the connection to the Internet.

Using the Novatel 3352 MiFi as a USB modem on Windows

Connect the MiFi 3352 to an available USB port on your computer. Windows will detect the new hardware automatically as a CD drive. If the installer does not launch automatically, browse the contents of the CD in My Computer and run the DriverInstaller.msi file, the following window will be displayed:

Click Next:

Select the option to Agree to the terms and conditions of the license agreement if you do so, click Next:

Click Install. The required drivers will now be copied to the PC. When complete, click Finish:

Windows will now detect additional new hardware and install a Network Adapter:

To configure the MiFi's Internet connection settings, open a web browser and browse to the MiFi's default IP address - http://192.168.1.1
The MiFi's web interface will be displayed:

Click on the Administration link at the top of the screen. Click on the Internet section:

Edit the connection profile and enter the required connection settings for your mobile operator:

Save the changes, and click the option to Connect to initiate the connection to the Internet.