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CR202 Portable Router Quick Installation Guide

Part 1: Quick Installation (Visual Workflow)

What you need to do first: Unpack → Mount the device → Connect power and Ethernet → (If using cellular) Power off to insert SIM and attach antennas → Power on → Set PC to same subnet → Open Web UI in browser.
Then: Scroll down to Part 2 for packing list, indicator meanings, wall mounting, and interface details.

Must-Read Summary (Before Wiring & Power On)

Item Requirement
Power supply 5V/2A via Type-C interface; or powered by internal battery (battery-equipped models). Verify voltage level before connecting.
SIM card Power off the device before inserting or removing SIM card. Do not hot-swap.
Antennas Tighten 4G and Wi-Fi antennas by rotating the metal interface clockwise until snug. Do not twist by the black rubber stick.
Environment Working temperature -10℃～50℃; avoid direct sunlight, heat sources, and strong electromagnetic interference.

Step 1: Check the Panel and Interface Areas Against the Physical Unit

Take the CR202 out of the box and identify the ports and indicators on the device.
Common interfaces include: Type-C power port, WAN/LAN1 port, LAN2 port, SIM card slot, antenna connectors, and RESET button.

For detailed panel layout and indicator positions, see §2.2.

Step 2: Mount the Device on a Wall or Inside a Cabinet

Use the included wall mounting lug to fix the device to a wall or cabinet interior.

Detailed mounting steps and hardware requirements are provided in §2.4.

Step 3: Connect Power and Ethernet

  1. Connect the Type-C power adapter (5V/2A) to the device and plug it into a power outlet.
  2. Connect the WAN/LAN1 port to your upstream network (public network or modem).
  3. Connect the LAN2 port to your PC using the included Ethernet cable.

For port role definitions and LED behavior, see §2.3 and §2.5.1.

Step 4: (If Using Cellular) Power Off to Insert SIM and Attach Antennas

⚠️ Power off the device before this step. Do not insert or remove SIM while powered on.

  1. Insert the nano SIM card into the SIM card slot as shown below.

  1. Attach the 4G antennas (2 pcs for North America models) to the corresponding antenna connectors. Rotate the metal interface clockwise until tight; do not hold the black glue stick to twist.

  2. If using Wi-Fi, attach the Wi-Fi antenna as well.

For antenna silkscreen names and SIM specifications, see §2.5.3.

Step 5: Power On and Confirm the Device Is Ready

Power on the device. Observe the LEDs:

  • System LED blinks green → device is starting.
  • System LED steady green → device is working normally.

For complete LED definitions for both battery and non-battery models, see §2.3.

Step 6: Log In via PC and Browser

  1. Configure your PC to obtain an IP address automatically via DHCP (recommended).
    Alternatively, manually set a static IP in the range 192.168.2.2 ~ 192.168.2.254, with subnet mask 255.255.255.0, gateway 192.168.2.1, and DNS 8.8.8.8 (or your ISP's DNS).

  2. Open a browser and navigate to the default IP address:

Port Role Default IP
WAN/LAN1 192.168.2.1
LAN2 192.168.2.1
  1. Enter the username and password when prompted. Please look at the nameplate at the bottom of the device for login credentials.

  1. If the browser warns that the connection is not private, click Advanced and proceed to the address.

For certificate alarm handling and account details, see §2.7.

Post-Installation Checklist

  • ☐ Device is securely mounted (wall or cabinet).
  • ☐ Power adapter and Ethernet cables are connected; if using cellular, SIM card and antennas are in place.
  • ☐ System LED is steady green.
  • ☐ Browser can open the Web login page and login succeeds.

If the System LED does not turn steady green, or you cannot access the Web UI, verify your PC IP settings and cable connections. If issues persist, perform a hardware reset as described in §2.7.

Part 2: Detailed Information

2.1 Packing List

Standard Accessories

No. Name Qty Unit Remarks
1 CR202 Portable Router 1 pc Mobile 4G router
2 Ethernet cable 1 pc 1 meter cable
3 Power adaptor 1 pc 5V/2A, Type-C interface
4 4G antenna 2 pc North America models have 2 antennas
5 Certificate and product warrant card 1 pc CR202: 3 years warranty; Battery: 1 year warranty
6 QSG (Quick Installation Guide) 1 pc This document
7 Wall mounting lug 1 pc Support wall mounting

Optional Accessories

No. Name Qty Unit Remarks
— — — — Please contact InHand sales staff for optional accessories according to different fields.

2.2 Product Structure and Identification

Front Panel

The panel layout and interface positions are shown below.

Key areas:

  • Type-C power port
  • WAN/LAN1 port — connects to upstream/public network
  • LAN2 port — connects to PC or local devices
  • SIM card slot
  • Antenna connectors — for 4G and Wi-Fi antennas
  • RESET button

For indicator locations, see §2.3.

2.3 Indicators and Reset Button

2.3.1 Operating Status Indicators (CR202 with Battery)

LED Status Meaning
System Off Power off
Blink green Device starting
Steady green Device working
Blink yellow Upgrading
Network Off Cellular disabled
Blink green Dialing up
Blink yellow Dialing abnormal
Blink red No SIM card, cannot read SIM card, or modem abnormal
Steady green Dialed up, signal level ≥ 20
Steady yellow Dialed up, 19 ≥ signal level ≥ 10
Steady red Dialed up, 9 ≥ signal level
Wi-Fi Off Wi-Fi disabled
Blink green Wi-Fi connected, data transmitting
Steady green Wi-Fi enabled
Battery Blink Battery charging
Steady Battery discharging
Green 80% < battery level ≤ 100%
Yellow 20% < battery level ≤ 80%
Red 0 < battery level ≤ 20%

2.3.2 Operating Status Indicators (CR202 without Battery)

LED Status Meaning
System Off Power off
Blink green Device starting
Steady green Device working
Blink yellow Upgrading
Network Off Cellular disabled
Blink green Dialing up
Steady green Dialing successful
Blink yellow Dialing abnormal
Blink red No SIM card, cannot read SIM card, or modem abnormal
Wi-Fi Off Wi-Fi disabled
Blink green Wi-Fi connected, data transmitting
Steady green Wi-Fi enabled
Signal Off Wi-Fi disabled
Steady green Dialed up, signal level ≥ 20
Steady yellow Dialed up, 19 ≥ signal level ≥ 10
Steady red Dialed up, 9 ≥ signal level

Blink frequency definition:

  • Steady / Off: Maintained for at least approximately 3 seconds.
  • Slow blink: Approximately 1 Hz.
  • Fast blink: Approximately 5 Hz.

2.3.3 Reset Button

The RESET button is located on the device panel (see §2.2). Its function is to restore the device to factory default settings.

For detailed hardware reset procedure and corresponding LED state changes, see §2.7.

2.4 Mechanical Installation

2.4.1 Wall Mounting

The CR202 supports wall mounting using the included wall mounting lug.

  1. Secure the wall mounting lug to the device with screws.
  2. Use screws to fix the device (with lug attached) to the wall or cabinet.
  3. To remove, reverse the sequence: unscrew from the wall first, then detach the lug from the device.

Ensure the installation location avoids direct sunlight, heat sources, and strong electromagnetic interference.

2.5 Connections and Cabling

2.5.1 Ethernet

The CR202 provides two RJ45 ports:

Port Role Default IP
WAN/LAN1 WAN / LAN 192.168.2.1
LAN2 LAN 192.168.2.1

Wired Internet Access Procedure:

  1. Connect WAN/LAN1 to the public network or upstream router.
  2. Connect LAN2 to your PC.
  3. In the Web UI, navigate to Network >> WAN to create a WAN port.
  4. Select an IP acquisition method: Dynamic DHCP (recommended), Static IP, or ADSL Dialup.

  1. Click Apply & Save after configuration.

Verify connectivity using Tools >> PING.

2.5.2 Power Supply

Item Specification
Input voltage 5V DC, 2A
Interface Type-C
Alternative power source Internal battery (battery-equipped models)
Power-on indicator System LED blinks green, then steady green

⚠️ Pay attention to the power voltage level before connecting.

2.5.3 Cellular SIM and Antennas

SIM Card

Item Specification
Supported card type Single nano SIM or eSIM
Installation requirement Power off the device before inserting or removing
Hot-swap support No — hot-swapping may cause data loss or damage

Installation illustration:

Antennas

Antenna Type Quantity Installation Notes
4G antenna 2 pcs (North America models) Tighten by rotating the metal interface clockwise until snug. Do not twist by the black rubber stick.
Wi-Fi antenna As required Attach to Wi-Fi antenna connector

Cellular Internet Access Procedure:

  1. Power off the device. Insert the SIM card and attach 4G antennas.
  2. Power on. The device enables cellular by default and will connect within a few minutes.
  3. If the device cannot connect, disable and restart dialup in Network >> Cellular.

  1. Check dialup status in Status. If it shows Connected with an IP address, the router is online.

If using a private network SIM card, configure the APN parameter in Network >> Cellular.

2.5.4 Wi-Fi

The CR202 supports two Wi-Fi modes: AP and STA.

AP Mode (Default)

In AP mode, the CR202 acts as an access point radiating wireless signals. Terminal devices can connect to the CR202 to access the Internet. Ensure the CR202 itself is already connected via wired or cellular.

STA Mode

In STA mode, the CR202 connects to another AP Wi-Fi device to access the Internet.

  1. Navigate to Network >> Switch WLAN Mode, select STA, and save. Reboot the router.

  1. Go to Network >> WLAN Client, click Scan, and select an available AP to connect.

  1. Configure Wi-Fi parameters and save. Check connection status in Status >> Network Connection.

  1. Configure WAN mode in Network >> WAN(STA) and set WAN parameters for Wi-Fi.

2.6 Power and Environmental Specifications

Item Specification
Input voltage 5V DC, 2A (Type-C)
Alternative power Internal battery (battery-equipped models)
Working temperature -10℃ ～ 50℃
Storage temperature -20℃ ～ 60℃
Environmental notes Avoid direct sunlight; keep away from heat sources and strong electromagnetic interference

2.7 First Login and Factory Reset

Web Login

  1. Configure your PC to obtain an IP address automatically via DHCP (recommended), or set a static IP in the range 192.168.2.2 ~ 192.168.2.254 with subnet mask 255.255.255.0 and gateway 192.168.2.1.

  2. Open a browser and navigate to 192.168.2.1.

  3. Enter the username and password from the nameplate at the bottom of the device.

  1. If the browser warns that the connection is not private, click Advanced and proceed.

This section repeats the instructions from Part 1, Step 6 so that this chapter can be shared independently.

Factory Reset

Method 1: Web UI

  1. Log in to the Web management page.
  2. Navigate to System >> Config Management.
  3. Click Restore default configuration. The router will restore defaults and reboot.

Method 2: Hardware Reset (RESET Button)

  1. Power on the device.
  2. Press and hold the RESET button until the System LED turns yellow, then release.
  3. When the System LED starts flashing yellow, press and hold the RESET button again.
  4. When the System LED starts flashing green slowly, release the RESET button. The device will restore to default settings and restart normally.
Need Where to Go
Product introduction, USB/SD details, configuration & troubleshooting CR202 User Manual
Ordering information and antenna models CR202 Product Specification
Software downloads and announcements InHand Networks Official Website
Device cloud management platform InHand Device Manager

Connecting to InHand Device Manager

  1. Ensure the router has Internet access.
  2. Navigate to Service >> Device Manager.
  3. Select the server (global: https://iot.inhandnetworks.com).
  4. Fill in your DM account in Registered Account and click Apply.

  1. Log in to your account in Device Manager, add the device in Gateways using the serial number found in Status >> System or on the back of the device.

© InHand Networks. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer

All statements, information and recommendations in this manual do not constitute any expressed or implied warranty.

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InHand Networks and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of InHand Networks.