Proroute H685 4G (H685t‑W) — Quick Start Guide

This guide covers the basic hardware setup and first-time configuration of the Proroute H685 WRT 4G router. For advanced features (firewall, VPN, port forwarding), refer to the relevant knowledgebase articles.

What’s in the box

• 1× Proroute H685 WRT 4G Router (H685t‑W)
• 1× Mains PSU (power adapter)
• 4× Stick antennas (2× Cellular, 2× Wi‑Fi)
• 4× Magnetic‑mount antennas (2× Cellular, 2× Wi‑Fi)
• 1× Ethernet patch lead

Please note: The mag-mount antennas require a metal ground-plane to function properly, which needs to be a horizontal metal surface at least 30cm x 30cm.

Before you begin 

• Have a compatible SIM card ready (ensure any PIN is known or removed).
• Identify the unique Web UI and Wi‑Fi passwords (printed on the underside sticker).
• Ensure a PC or laptop with Ethernet (set to obtain IP via DHCP).
• Choose antenna type: stick or mag‑mount, and plan placement for best signal.

From June 2024: Each router ships with a unique Web UI password and unique Wi‑Fi password, printed on the underside label.

Hardware setup 

1. Insert the SIM

   • Remove the rear SIM cover (2 screws).
   • Slide and lift the SIM holder, place the SIM in the tray, then press and slide to lock.

2. Attach antennas

   • Connect the Cellular (4G/LTE) antennas to the CELL labelled ports.
   • If you will use Wi‑Fi, connect the Wi‑Fi antennas to the WIFI labelled ports.
   • For mag‑mount antennas, place them on a suitable metal surface (for ground plane) away from obstructions.

3. Power on

   • Plug in the Mains Power Adapter and switch on.
   • Wait 60–90 seconds for the router to boot (LEDs stabilise).

4. Connect your PC

   • Use the Ethernet cable to connect your PC to the router’s LAN port.
   • Confirm your PC is set to DHCP (automatic IP).

Access the Web UI

1. Open a web browser and go to http://192.168.8.1.
2. Log in with:
   • Username: admin
   • Password: Unique per router (on the underside sticker)

If the page doesn’t load, check the LAN cable, ensure DHCP is enabled, and try a different browser. You can also set a temporary static IP on your PC (e.g., 192.168.8.10/24) and retry.

First‑time configuration

1. Change the admin password
   On first login the system will prompt you to set a new password. Immediately set a strong and complex admin password in the Web UI. 

2. Update firmware level to latest 
   Navigate to the firmware upgrade section in the Web UI and update to the latest firmware (download from your support page).

   • IMPORTANT: Do not power off during upgrade.

Review security settings

Before configuring the router, read through and understand the settings and concepts that keep your device and networks secure. See the knowledgebase article 'Important Device Security Guidelines & Settings'.

Connect to the internet: APN & mobile settings 

See the knowledgebase article 'Configure APN settings (Connect Router to the Internet with a SIM)'.

1. In the Web UI, open the Mobile/Cellular/APN settings page.
2. Enter your APN provided by your SIM/network operator.
3. If required, add username/password and authentication (PAP/CHAP).
4. Save & Apply, then wait for the modem to register and obtain an IP.

Verify connection: Check the Status page—look for the mobile interface (WWAN) showing Connected, with signal metrics and a public/private IP assigned.

Wi‑Fi setup (optional)

Network > Wi-Fi > 'Edit' the interface.

1. Disable Wi-Fi if it is not required. 
2. Open the Wi‑Fi settings page.
3. Set your SSID (network name).
4. Keep WPA2/WPA3 security enabled.
5. It is advised to change the Wi-Fi password to something unique and complex. If you keep the password printed on the unit, anyone with physical access to the unit will have access to the password.
6. Save & Apply, then connect a device to test.

Defaults (for quick reference)

• LAN IP: Configure APN settings (Connect Router to the Internet with a SIM)192.168.8.1
• Web UI Username: admin
• Web UI Password: Unique per router (see underside sticker)
• Wi‑Fi Password: Unique per router (see underside sticker)
• SSH Username: router
• SSH Password: Same as Web UI Password

Troubleshooting

• No Web UI at 192.168.8.1:
  • Check Ethernet cable and LAN port.
  • Ensure PC is DHCP; otherwise set a temporary static IP (192.168.8.10, mask 255.255.255.0).
• No mobile data:
  • Check APN accuracy, SIM PIN status, and antenna connections.
  • Try rebooting or toggling the mobile interface.
  • Move antennas to improve signal (near a window, away from metal obstructions).
• Forgotten admin password:
  • Use the documented reset procedure (hold Reset for ~10 seconds), then reconfigure.