ZTE router from Rostelecom: description, characteristics, configuration

Not long ago, a new “Game” tariff appeared in the Rostelecom tariff line. This tariff plan is available to subscribers who are connected using FTTb technology, but this tariff can only be activated if technically possible.

The declared Internet access speed is 200 Mbit/s, which assumes a connection to the provider’s port at a speed of 1 Gbit/s via a four-pair cable. If you already have a two-pair cable installed, it will need to be replaced.

After submitting an application to connect to the “Game” tariff, technical specialists will check the availability of a free gigabit port on the access node and make a positive or negative decision. If the decision is positive, the operator will offer you to replace the old router with a gaming router with 1GE gigabit ports. Now Rostelecom offers ZTE products, model ZXHN H298A, as a gaming router.

This article will discuss how to independently configure a gaming router to receive two services from Rostelecom, Internet and IPTV. You can configure the router either manually or using the setup wizard.

Content

Gigabit Internet to a dacha in the Moscow region Rostelecom has gained popularity among Russian users. The provider works with the latest technologies that make it possible to provide subscribers with a high-speed connection. Access to the network at high speed is possible if certain requirements are met. For example, a subscriber must install special equipment at home. Rostelecom offers customers a modern ZTE router model ZXHN H298A. The device is optimal for gamers and casual users. Experts consider this device as a reliable and productive device. User equipment can be purchased from the company. The provider also offers to rent routers.

Preparing for setup

What are the differences between 3G and 4G networks: features, advantages and disadvantages

Many people are wondering how to configure the ZXHN H298A router, neglecting its preliminary preparation. Before you start setting up FTTB Medium ZTE H298A, you need to write an application to change the tariff plan at the nearest Rostelecom branch. In the near future, the company’s technical specialists will check the capabilities of the equipment installed at the user’s home and make a positive/negative decision.

If a positive decision is made, all that remains is to configure the FTTB Medium ZTE H298A gaming router to connect the Internet and IPTV.

Router Rostelecom ZTE

You can configure the ZXHN H298A model manually. But many users prefer to work with the setup wizard. Turn on the computer and launch any web browser. In the address bar you need to enter the combination 192.168.0.1. We confirm our actions by pressing Enter. A window will appear asking you to log in. The user needs to set a password. This will be the access key to the router's control panel. Come up with your own reliable combination and enter it in the appropriate fields. Confirm your entry by clicking OK. To avoid forgetting your password, write it down in a notepad.

You can now log into the device's web interface. Various settings and options are presented here. We need to select “Start the wizard”. Setting up a router this way is very easy. Therefore, this method is often chosen by novice users. Click on the “Start the wizard” button. Next, a new window will open in front of you. Here you need to enter your branch and city. You will also need to select a range of services. After the selection is made, click “Next”.

In the next window you will need to enter a login and password for the PPPoE option. You can clarify this data in a written agreement issued to you by the provider. When the information has been entered, confirm the actions by clicking “Next”. If you have previously selected the IPTV service, you will need to specify the port through which the TV set-top box will be connected. You do not specify VLAN parameters. The system automatically set these values. If necessary, you can independently change passwords for networks in two ranges. This model is dual-band. Therefore, you can set passwords for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. Click “Next”. Check that the entered data is correct. If the information is correct, click on the save parameters button. This completes the setup of the ZTE router successfully. In a couple of minutes you can start checking the Internet.

Login to the web interface

The next step is to log into the web interface. This authorization is performed under standard credentials, which can be determined by various methods. It is in the Internet center that all further manipulations will be carried out, so you must log in to it. Read about how this operation is performed for routers from Rostelecom in the material below.

Read more: Entering the router settings from Rostelecom

After going to the web interface, a small instruction will be displayed on the screen that you should follow. Let's deal with this in order.

At the first stage, set a new password to access the web interface. You can specify exactly the same key that was used for authorization just now. After this, click on the “OK” button.

Next, a form for setting up wireless access points will be displayed on the screen. If the router can operate on two different frequencies, it will be possible to activate both SSIDs. If desired, any of them can be disabled. Now you are required to change the names of the access points and set passwords for them. You can skip this step and return to it later during quick or manual setup.

You will be notified that the configuration has been completed successfully.

As you can see, a network map appears on the screen. This means that you can proceed to selecting the configuration mode.

Manually setting up a Rostelecom ZTE router

The second setting option is more suitable for advanced users. We need to launch the web browser on the computer again. In the address bar, enter the router address 192.168.0.1 and confirm the transition by pressing Enter. When a new window opens in front of you, you will need to set a password. Enter the parameter in the required field and confirm the action.

Next, the system will prompt you to configure the router manually or using a wizard. Now choose the first option. Enter “admin” in the login field. The password is the one you specified earlier. We go to the “Internet” category. Here we will be interested in the “WAN” menu. All unnecessary connections must be removed. We leave only PPPoE. Click on the blue triangle. It is located near the “PPPoE” point. Enter the username and password in the appropriate fields. We take this information from the contract that the provider gave you. We confirm the completed actions by clicking on the appropriate button. On the left side of the “Create a new element” option, click on the plus sign.

Now you need to write manually:

Connection name.
Connection type - bridge.

We confirm the actions after entering the data. If you will connect a set-top box, you need to select a port for it. Save the changes made. At this point, manual configuration of the ZTE Rostelecom router has been successfully completed. If necessary, the router can be reflashed. Manipulations are also performed through the control panel.

Setting up Wi-Fi on the ZTE H118N Ethernet router

Router manufacturer ZTE provides its products with a configured Wi-Fi wireless connection. Information about the network name and access password can be found on the label on the router case. But the connection setup can be done manually. To do this, in the VLAN (Wireless Network) section of the menu, select “Setting up Wi-Fi networks”.

What is the password to enter the settings on the ZTE ZXHN H118N router?

On its page you can change the factory values to your own. After selecting the “Security” item, you can change the authentication type and encryption algorithm. Finally, click the save button (“Apply”).

Popular settings

You can use automatic configuration of the Rostelecom router after the proposed change of the factory password. If you then click on the “Start the wizard” stencil, then in the next step you need to select and indicate the region, branch and service of Rostelecom. After continuing the setup, you need to fill in the login and password fields issued by the provider when concluding the contract. If the branch uses Dynamic IP, this data will not be needed.

When connecting a set-top box, it must be assigned a LAN4 port. After continuing, the wizard will prompt you to change your authorization data. You can do this and continue. The next page prompts you to enter the settings with the new Wi-Fi network values, administrator name and password, and click the “Save settings” button.

Technical support email

Email address of the company's customer support in Russia: [email protected]

Call center phone number 24/7

The number looks like this

A new tariff has recently appeared in the tariff line, which is called “Game”. The tariff plan is available to users connected using FTTb technology, however, to realize all the capabilities of the tariff, it is important that the home network infrastructure has certain technical capabilities.

The declared speed reaches 200 Mbit/s, which implies a connection to the local provider’s port at a speed of about 1 Gbit/s via a four-pair network cable. If a two-pair network cable is installed at home, it will need to be replaced.

Voice gateway/router ZTE ZXHN H298N

FTTx from Rostelecom

FTTx is a modern Internet technology. Rostelecom is implementing it in major Russian cities. The connection is made via fiber optic. The installation of FTTX Rostelecom routers is usually carried out by company representatives. The FFTx line provides fairly high throughput. Therefore, subscribers can access the Internet at their dacha in the Moscow region using MTS 4g at speeds of over 1 Gbit/sec. You need to be very careful when choosing a router for this technology. Not every device supports FTTx. If the optical cable will be routed directly to the subscriber’s apartment, a special modem should be installed. After laying the cable, Rostelecom specialists configure the FTTx router themselves. Fiber optic modems are quite expensive, so it is advisable to rent such equipment.

How to download and install firmware on a router

If errors appear on the router, for example, during regular Wi-Fi shutdowns, for no apparent reason, the router can be reflashed. But this is done at your own peril and risk, since this will void the factory warranty. According to the MGTS agreement, the router belongs to the provider company, not the user. And in case of unsuccessful firmware, the user will have to pay the cost of the router.

In order to flash the router, you need to download the official version from the website of the equipment manufacturer ZTE, or contact MGTS technical support.

Can I replace the Rostelecom router?

Each client of the company can replace outdated equipment if necessary. You can choose a better and more modern router. In your apartment, a special cable is responsible for connecting to the Internet, which the provider previously installed in the room. And the router is just an auxiliary element. Therefore, replacement of network equipment can be carried out smoothly.

Choose a new router taking into account some nuances:

Consider the type of line you are using.
Check your tariff. Based on the type of package, select the bandwidth of the router.
Purpose of acquisition. If your goal is online gaming, consider powerful devices.

In addition to the ZTE H298A model we reviewed, the provider offers other equally popular devices:

TL–WR940N 450M. Wireless router has three antennas. It works stably and flawlessly. Provides data transfer speeds up to 450 Mbit/s. You can connect wirelessly or cabled.
ZTE ZXHN H118N. The model belongs to the category of budget devices. But the low cost does not in any way affect the quality of the connection. The communication level is quite sufficient for the functioning of home TV when connected via a standard wireless network.

The easiest way to change a router is to contact the company’s office. We connect the new router to the provider's cable. To establish a connection, enter your username and password. For advanced settings, you will need to log into the control panel.

Preparatory actions

Let's start with an analysis of the preparatory steps, which should be paid attention to by those users who have not even unpacked the router yet. First, select the place where you want to place the device itself. Make sure that there are no problems with laying the cable from the provider, and that the Wi-Fi coverage area covers all the required points. To do this, it will be enough to avoid thick walls and electrical appliances operating nearby, the radiation of which can affect the quality of the signal. This applies, for example, to a microwave or baby monitor. After this, carry out the direct connection process, which you can read about in more detail below.

Read more: Connecting a router to a computer

The most popular protocol used by Rostelecom is called PPPoE. The principle of its operation is that the user is given unique data for authorization, he enters them in the Internet center and after that the packages are automatically received. In this case, the DNS and IP address are configured automatically, so it is important to ensure that the standard operating system parameters responsible for receiving the same data do not conflict with the router itself. This is implemented by switching the parameter to automatic mode, which is done in just a few clicks. Find detailed instructions on this topic in another article on our website by clicking on the following link.

What router is needed for VDSL

Information transmission via VDSL line is carried out at a speed of maximum 200 Mbit/s. The provider uses equipment model RT-V4L1USBn as an access point. This is a branded router offered by the provider. The functionality of the device is extremely simple. But users do not consider the device reliable enough. Therefore, it is better to give preference to the NETGEAR D6400 model. The wireless network connection speed reaches 1600 Mbit/s. This is a powerful router that is suitable for home and office use.

Old firmware

Enter the old password for this admin panel and the new one twice.

If a window like this appears, then indicate “WAN Type” as “DSL”.

Now the most important thing is to indicate the type of connection that your provider uses. This can be found in the contract or by calling technical support. If the contract specifies a login and password, then it is most likely “PPPoE”. If IP and mask are specified, then “Static”. If nothing is said, then “DHCP”. Rostelecom uses PPPoE.

From the sheet, enter the data “VPI” and “VCI”. Now below we indicate the ports that will be used by the Internet. We indicate all “LANs” except the one to which the IPTV set-top box will be connected. If it is not there, then specify all ports. And check the box next to “SSID1”.

If you previously specified the connection type as “PPPoE”, then enter your login and password here.

Next comes the Wi-Fi setup. We indicate only the network name and password.

If you need to set up IPTV, then indicate “Bridge” on the next circle.

Here we indicate VPI and PCI from the IP-TV settings sheet. We indicate only one port to which the set-top box is connected.

Fiber Router

Users who want to connect via GPON need an optical terminal. This is a device tailored exclusively for one provider. Rostelecom offers the Huawei Echolife HG8245H model. The Rostelecom optical Internet terminal is equipped with one USB connector. Data transfer speed is 1000 Mbit/s. By default, the company offers other models. You can view the full list of routers on the Rostelecom website. Here you can study the technical characteristics of the devices in detail. The Rostelecom optical modem is quite expensive. Therefore, it is better to rent it.

Configuring the LAN3 port on the ZTE ZXHN H108N modem to connect the Rostelecom IPTV set-top box to it

For the Rostelecom IPTV set-top box, you need to register PVC 0/50 and 0/51 and group them with any LAN port into which the IPTV set-top box will subsequently be connected. I chose the LAN3 port for the set-top box. PVC for IPTV depend on the settings on the provider's side. The example below is relevant for Rostelecom Volga region.

Create a VPI/VCI 0/50 bridge connection for multicast

Create a VPI/VCI 0/51 bridge connection for unicast

Grouping PVC 0/50 with a LAN3 port

In the menu on the left, select Network -> WAN (Internet) -> Port binding. We select a WAN connection that corresponds to PVC 0/50 and a LAN port into which you plan to connect the IPTV set-top box.

Grouping PVC 0/51 with a LAN3 port

We select a WAN connection that corresponds to PVC 0/51 and a LAN port into which you plan to connect the IPTV set-top box.

FAQ

Most often, the provider's support service receives several questions from subscribers using MGTS ZTE routers.

Q. Can I configure my router in bridge mode to use an additional router?

A. The currently used BRASS ZTE 670 and 680 do not work in bridge mode. Users should contact the company's support team for advice and to find an alternative option.

Q. Why is the Internet speed through mobile devices lower than stated in the tariff?

A. The provider guarantees the declared speed in the area from the client router to the external network. A drop in speed in a subscriber's wireless network may be caused by a low signal level or band congestion (especially 2.4 GHz). You can try to fix the problem by changing the router settings or installing an additional signal amplifier (Wi-Fi router).

Q. Why are not all customization options available?

A. When logging into the router with an account specified by the provider, the user has the opportunity to change all the settings necessary to provide access to the Internet and other services. Only settings that are critical for the normal operation of the network and equipment are closed from it.

Briefly about ZTE

In addition to routers, mainly mobile ones, that supply subscribers with a Wi-Fi network, the Chinese corporation supplies a full range of user equipment, including IPTV digital television set-top boxes. Over half of the products produced are serviced by provider networks. Many Chinese telecommunications service providers now use domestic equipment.

The history of ZTE exceeds 30 years. One of the investors was the Ministry of Aerospace Industry of China. Initially, the main income came from consumer goods, but the booming communications industry overwhelmed the enterprise with government-managed orders related to CDMA cellular networks. As of 2006, 40% of the company's income came from operator equipment. At the same time, offers from foreign companies began to pour in. The first was the Canadian Telus.

A year later, Vodafone (UK), Telefonica (Spain), Telstra (Austria) ordered Chinese equipment. The 2008 client base included customers from 140 countries. ZTE took third place in the market of GSM communications equipment manufacturers (about 20% of global sales). Gradually, the company mastered the production of smartphones. The corporation's engineers filed over 48 thousand patents, and 13,000 were confirmed in just two years (2011-2012).

Sometimes the company's equipment does not work...