Netgear Aircard 785s 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot

With the Netgear AC785S 4G mobile LTE hotspot, you can connect up to 15 devices with the LTE network via Wi-Fi everywhere. The configuration has been kept as simple as possible and a color display is always showing the current status of the network, the data consumed etc.

netgear-aircard-785s-1

Netgear aircard 785s Main Technical Specifications:

  • 150Mbit/s download speed on cat.4
  • Support LTE/4G/3G/HSPA+/2G multi-mode networks
  • Dual-band WLAN 2.4GHz/5GHz
  • WLAN 802.11 b/g/n, 2 × 2 MIMO
  • Multiple SSID/guest WLAN support
  • Support up to 15 wireless terminals
  • LCD color display
  • WiFi Protected Setup (WPS)
  • 5cm color LCD
  • Removable Li-Ion battery (2000 mAh)
  • Dimensions: 109.9 mm (L) x 68.9 mm (W) x 14.6 mm (H)
  • Weight: 127 g

netgear-aircard-785s-5

Operation

The Netgear aircard 785s is very simple. You just need remove the battery cover behind and inserted the SIM card under the battery. Subsequently, the Aircard 785s mobile router is turned on and after a short boot process; the most important details are showed already on the color display. Here we find information about the battery level, network signal strength, the used data and also the Wireless Passkey, allowing us to connect our devices to the Netgear hotspot.

 

netgear-aircard-785s-3

Once connected to the WiFi, users can log in the admin setting page through browsers. The AC785 can provide a guest network on request, so that any stranger did not have to be directly connected to the private network. The little device provides dual-band Wi-Fi for a maximum range and sends thus on 2.4 and 5 GHz.

 

I would naturally also insert a few screenshots, where you can see the nice interface. But if you want to do some settings, an administrator password is necessary. (Password). Once logged onto the network of AirCard, enter the admin, password and you will have the settings are listed pretty.

 

netgear-aircard-785s-4

Apart the settings of the mobile hotspot from the browser, some basic settings can also be made easily via the mobile phone using the NETGEAR AirCard app.

Netgear Aircard 785s HOTSPOT

If you have a docking station for the aircard 785s, the aircard 785s could have LAN ports and antenna port, where user can connect an external MIMO antenna. On the hotspot located behind two flaps for the connections for the external antenna and the microUSB connector for use on the docking station.

netgear-aircard-785s-2

The battery of Aircard 785s could work for 10 hours on a single charge according to the manufacturer. I personally don’t think the battery is enough in most cases, there are many 4G mobile hotspots from other vendors with large battery capacity, which can also charge other devices. The Huawei E5770, Huawei E5771 and ZTE MF903 are the typical models with large power so that they can work like a mobile power bank.

Netgear Aircard 785s (2)

Conclusion

In summary, we have to say that the Netgear Aircard 785s is not one of the cheapest, but it comes with some special features. Firstly LTE is supported on Cat4 with peak download speed to 150mbps. Secondly, multiple devices could connect to it for internet access. And the features of aircard 785s could meet all our requirements from the mobile router. The pity is the decent battery of netgear 785s.

 

Actually, there are many more new 4G mobile hotspots from Netgear, such as Aircard 810s (LTE Cat12, 600mbps) and Aircard 790s (LTE Cat6, 300Mbps). If you like them, welcome to check on www.4gltemall.com.

 

Netgear Aircard 785s (3)

Netgear AirCard 785S 4G Mobile Router Review

If you need the Internet to work or surf on the road, there are many mobile hotspots available now to provide good solution. We’ve put Netgear AirCard 785S to the test in recent weeks. The portable WiFi hotspot for 4G Internet is useful for all our connected devices and keeps working a whole day without any trouble.

Netgear Aircard 785s (1)
Small (11 x 7 x 1.4 cm) and lightweight (125 grams including battery), fits easily in a pocket. The whole body of Aircard 785 is made of high quality plastic and is extremely easy to use as it has only two buttons: ON/OFF to switch on and switch off the router, and a navigation button to scroll through a few simple options that can be activated directly from the device without interfacing through smartphone apps or web panel. There is in fact a small LCD display (3.5 x 3 cm), which focuses on all the key data and allows you to choose between different modes for use with a few clicks.

Netgear Aircard 785s (4)

 

At the opposite edge to that where we find the two buttons, the microUSB input are located for charging the lithium battery of 2,000 mAh (removable) and two sockets for connecting external antennas, available separately and useful – but not essential as we will demonstrate through our testing – to increase the power and reach of the signal. The back cover is removable and there is the microSIM slot below the cover.

Netgear Aircard 785s (8)

Display

On the LCD screen of Netgear Aircard 785, usage data, WiFi name and the WiFi password are shown. This means that those who are nearby and peers on the screen can potentially find out the password to access and leverage your data plan. Since the information on the screen cannot be hidden in any way, and whereas power on, the screen will remain active for 30 seconds (default timeout is 1 minute), it is perhaps advisable to turn the router while using in public places.

Netgear Aircard 785s (9)

In addition to this information, the Netgear AC785S screen will also show some icons, specifically the classic 5 bars that just like on mobile phones, shows the signal strength; 3G/4G symbol to know at a glance the type of network to which you are supporting; the WiFi symbol with a number overlay that represents the number of connected devices; the two arrows to learn about the data transmission activity in real time; any envelope to indicate the presence of unread messages; and the battery indicator.

Netgear-785s-mobile-Hotspot-Display

 

In our view, the lower portion of the display, if configured, allows you to monitor your data consumption in practice. If you’re using a monthly subscription, you can select the day when you renew your subscription and know at a glance and in real time the precise GB consumed from day one.

Netgear Aircard 785s (5)

Configuration

Inserted the SIM card into the Aircard 785s, connected the battery and close the cover, it just has to turn on the router by pressing the ON/OFF button for a few seconds. In just around 10 seconds, it will be immediately ready and connected to the Internet. Unlike the successor Netgear Aircard 790, the aircard 785s can’t be operated via screen.

At first, it is advisable to change the default password for your Netgear 785 Mobile WiFi, thus making sure that no other device in the vicinity can connect to the network and use their data subscription. To configure the router, you must first connect to it with a device via WiFi. At that point, you can follow two paths: you can download the application Netgear Aircard App to your smartphone or through any browser (including mobile), go to the address http: //netgear.aircard/.

Netgear Aircard 785s HOTSPOT

Then you log in to the administrator panel. The default password is “password” and, like that of WiFi, it is advisable to change it from the first access so as to prevent connected users to do the settings.

 

We tried both systems and we preferred access via the web panel, which we thought was immediately simple and straightforward. The application interface, on our iPhone 6 Plus, it is not optimized for this display appears overly large, but it works without problems and offers quick access to all the desired functions.

 Netgear Aircard 785s (2)

Functions and settings of the router

In addition to changing passwords for the Netgear AC785 Aircard, access to the panel can be useful for reading text messages without having to remove the SIM card to insert it into a cell. Experts can also customize every detail, however, in our tests we have found that in fact, the system automatically recognizes the card operator and set the correct parameters automatically.

 

 

From the 785s aircard Settings panel, you can select the language, choose the screen brightness and display timeout, enable or disable the LED indicator and decide after how many minutes/hours of downtime the router can automatically turn off WiFi to save battery. You can also export all configurations jack to a file so that, as a result of a possible recovery, you can re-import them with a click without having to again lose time sifting through the various panels. We enclose a photo gallery where you can take a look at all the functions accessible via the web panel.

 Netgear Aircard 785s (10)

Field tests

We used the Netgear 785s router every day for more than a month, and when connect MacBook, two iPhones and an iPad simultaneously, we didn’t ever encounter any problems. The connection to the Aircard 785 was always stable and high performance, even when the router was located on the opposite side of our small apartment.

We have also tried the external antennas, but only with router and no extra accessories, about 15 meters away and with two walls to separate the connected devices, the testing terminals had continued to function without too much trouble. Specifically, the reception of the WiFi signal was obviously weaker, the response in navigation proved slightly slower but still quite functional and useful to allow us to work smoothly.

Netgear Aircard 785s

 

The optimal working condition on Mac was in the same room without walls to separate them, even at more than 5 meters away. Here, the reception is always optimal, and thanks to 4G connectivity guaranteed by our membership, on many occasions, the speed through Netgear 785 aircard is even faster than the ADSL line of our house.

 

 Netgear Aircard 785s (3)

Conclusions

The Netgear AirCard 785S provides the most convenient solutions to have a 4G hotspot in your pocket and connect all mobile devices. And it’s the ideal choice for those who must work on the computer while traveling, for those who are on vacation and want to offer Internet to the whole family, but also for those who have a WiFi iPad and do not want or cannot take advantage of the hotspot mode for iPhone to connect to the Internet.

 

Among the Aircard 785s features, we liked the most is the Guest mode that can be activated directly from the router with a few clicks by the instructions on the screen. In practice, the Guest WiFi can offer temporary access to the Internet for a friend without telling your master password. The Aircad 785s is really recommended for your mobile network partner!

Netgear AirCard 785s Mobile LTE Router Test

The Netgear AirCard 785s is a small mobile LTE hotspot router, which could be used on holiday or traveling. With the Aircard 785s, smartphones and tablets as well as laptops can easily connect to the Internet. Up to 15 wireless-enabled devices can be powered via the AC785S LTE router to the Internet. We have subjected the Aircard 785s on the road to a test. The device is simultaneously dual-band and WLAN n-capable .Per LTE Cat. 4, the speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s are supported in the downstream.

 

Netgear Aircard 785s front screen and logo

Netgear Aircard 785s comes with the dimensions 109.9 x 68.9 x 14.6 millimeters and weighing 127 grams, and is therefore compact and lightweight. The processing of the mobile hotspot is impeccable, we found no sharp edges. In addition, the design is appealing: Because on the front is a triangular design element installed, behind which the rectangular display hides. While Netgear sets the front and back of the AirCard 785s in the color of black, the plastic frame is kept in metal optics. The back cover is removable, so as the battery of 2000 mAh capacity, which covers the SIM card slot. Inserting the SIM card was smooth, but the removal is not easy due to the design. We also spend more power than expected when removing the battery. On the lower side a respective antenna connectors are left and right integrated. In the middle of antenna connectors, the Micro-USB port is located.

netgear aircard 785s back logo

Installation and Setup

 

After the SIM card plugged into Aircard 785s, we first had to connect the device to a power source, so that we could start the mobile hotspot, because the AC785S came with an empty battery. Then the user has to select the language via the display. The menu navigation is not via touch screen, but with two buttons that are located on the upper side of the frame (facing the display). While the left button works for the confirmation of entry, as the on and off button is the right button to navigate to the next item. Note: If you inserted a different micro-SIM card into the device, the mobile hotspot from Netgear must be restarted.

 Netgear Aircard 785s power button

So runs the Aircard 785s: First of all, WiFi in the smartphone or laptop must be enabled and are searching for the Netgear hotspot on the device. This shows then NTGRFAC6. The network generated is then selected and Security Key must be entered, which is displayed on the display of the Netgear 785s, also named password of the LTE router. The device worked without problems in our test and is likely to be implemented quickly for everyone. Further settings and configuration of the router can be done via the website http://netgear.aircard. Here, the user must first enter the password, and then change it by dashboard (under the “Private”), where user can overview a complete of the connected devices, the monthly usage, the wireless information and the current wireless session.

Netgear Aircard 785s antenna ports

Overall user interface for the various settings in the 785 Aircard router is designed very clear and easy to understand. The design is simple and not too cluttered. In the menu, “WLAN” can be edited under “Connect” the main and secondary wireless network. The master and guest WLAN can be configured under “Options”. Here the encryption, the 2.4-GHz or 5-GHz frequency band and the number of allowable WLAN devices are adjustable. Users will have the ability to assign a certain number of devices the master and guest Wi-Fi. The final point is the Mac filter mode: Here appliances a blacklist or whitelist or no list can be assigned.

netgear aircard 785s external antenna connector

 

Under the general “settings”, the user can define, for example, the screen brightness, the screen circuit hotspot LED, hibernation and the language for the 785S LTE router. In addition to the instrument settings to place the item “software and resetting”: Here you can restore the settings and retrieve software updates. The menu item “Network” provides additional settings for network mode, APN, the SIM card security and more status details. The last point is “router”, where the user is able, UPnP on or off, set up a port forwarding or port filtering.

Netgear Aircard 785s with battery

If you want to configure the Aircard 785 by phone or tablet, you need install a suitable app from the respective iOS or Android Store, alternatively via the website www.netgear.com/AirCardApps. The Aircard app offers a quick way to change the settings and has a good menu structure.

 

Display and status indicator

 

Over the 4.5-centimeter screen of Netgear AC785S, the user can see the status information for 4G/3G network, the wireless connection, the battery life and can set up basic wireless configurations and set an alarm and notification function. However, user may not expect too much from the screen resolution. On the LCD screen, at the top of the display, it indicates signal strength, 4G, data transfer and the wireless network. Among the current battery status, it also indicates the number of users connected to the mobile hotspot AC785S and the status of the consumed data volume.

Netgear Aircard 785s with smartphone

Right above the display, the LED status is visible. Through a slow flash of blue light, that is signaled. When data is being transferred, then the blue light will flash twice. A slow, yellow light signals, it means the user that the internet is still not connected to any network.

 

First experiences in operation

 

In operation, the Netgear AirCard 785s looks good and comes on a single charge for about 6 hours and 30 minutes in our test. And the Aircard 785 can keep continuous operation of a battery life of up to 8 hours. The posting the individual devices via the LTE router worked fine and fast. The assignment of the number of connected devices has been well implemented by the netgear 785s in our test. According to the Netgear official specs, it could support up to 15 wireelss devices, we tested only 10 users. Nevertheless, it is still a useful companion in the mobile LTE router. Especially on holiday or at a meeting in the park with a few friends, the Aircard 785 has proven to be extremely helpful in our testing.

 Netgear Aircard 785 package contents

 

Conclusion:

 

The small mobile LTE router Netgear AirCard 785s has a nice design and is easy to configure via a web browser or via app for iOS, Android and Amazon devices. However, the display cannot be operated by finger touch. In addition, a battery with more capacity would be desirable, especially for users who travel a lot, are on vacation at the beach or professionally have multiple wireless devices in his luggage. Anyhow, it’s good pocket WiFi router for 4G networks.

 

Actually, here now there are newer models available with touch screen such as Netgear Aircard 790s and Aircard 810s with larger battery. They have better specifications and performance. If you want the latest models, welcome to check here: http://www.4gltemall.com/4g-wireless-router/netgear-4g-lte-router.html

Netgear Aircard AC785S 4G Mobile Hotspot Review

After acquisition of Sierra Wireless, Netgear has expanded the range of wireless products such as wireless aircards. Now many new products come available in Europe and Australia. Now we get the new mobile pocket router from Netgear, model number is Aircard 785s hotspot.

Netgear Aircard 785s Appearance

The Aircard 785s comes in a small box. With the AC785S, there is a battery with a capacity of 2000mAh and A USB cable for charging power with output of 1A at 5V. Both the front and the back are decorated with triangular elements. This feature not only looks good, but also raises it from other boring designed models from competitors.  On the back, there is only “Netgear” logo on it. At the bottom side, there are two external antenna connectors. They are TS-9 type and covered by small cap. Between the two antenna connectors, one micro USB interface is used for power charge. The battery for the Netgear AC785s is removable and the Micro SIM card is covered by battery. The stick at the side of SIM card slot lists the model number Aircard 785s, IMEI number and MAC ID for the AC785S.

 

The power button is on the top side of the body, and the microSD card slot is beside the power button. Once you have inserted the MicroSIM and its battery, and closed the door on the back, you can start the device using the power button on the top.  The color display on the front provides all the key information such as network operator, SSID and wifi code, battery status, data used and signal strength etc.

Aircard AC785S Technical Features

To setup the Aircard 785s, no other devices are required. All essential settings can be done directly on the display and the buttons on the top side. Up to 15 devices can be simultaneously connected via Wi-Fi with the AC785s. The wireless password is displayed on the screen. If you want to make additional settings on the device or want to see information, Netgear has developed a very good app for Android and iOS; almost all possible settings can be made with the APP. You can also access to the router via a web interface in the PC browser.

 

Netgear AC785S could support LTE, UMTS and GSM networks. With the LTE Category 4 technology, Aircard 785s could reach peak download speed to 150Mbps and upload speed to 50mbps. It can work well on the LTE-FDD Frequency bands around 800/850/900/1800/2100/2600MHz and TD-LTE band 2600MHz. This feature makes the AC785S could roam all over the world, but it’s not suitable for North America. On the UMTS network, the data speed could reach up to 42Mbps and upload speed to 5.76Mbps.

 

Netgear AC785S External Antenna

If you want the Netgear 785s works better in rural areas with weak signal, the external antenna may be necessary. You need buy 4G Antenna with two Ts-9 connectors. The antenna is now available on 4gltemall.com . The antenna could support MIMO technology which improves the data transfer rates.