KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway User Guide: T-Mobile Manual

June 6, 2024
T-Mobile

The T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway User Guide is a comprehensive manual that provides users with detailed information on how to operate the T-Mobile 5G Gateway at home. The manual is a supplement to the Quick Start Guide and T-Mobile Internet mobile app and offers visual cues to help users achieve the best placement and performance for the gateway. The guide includes safety guidelines to protect the user and the product from harm, as well as recommendations on how to avoid potential equipment damage, electric shock, and fire. The physical interfaces of the gateway are also explained in detail, along with the recommended setup for using the mobile app. The manual also provides instructions on how to identify an ideal location for the gateway, connect power to the device, and start it up. Additionally, users will learn how to connect their devices to the network using Wi-Fi or Ethernet, view connected devices, and access the web GUI. The guide concludes with information on language selection and Wi-Fi network settings. Overall, the T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway User Guide is an essential resource for anyone looking to maximize their experience with this product.

T-Mobile-LOGOT-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway User Guide

T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway User Guide

Release 1.0.0

Manufacturer| Arcadyan Technology Corporation
No.8, Sec.2, Guangfu Rd.,Hsinchu City 30071, Taiwan
---|---
Import from| Arcadyan Technology Corporation
Distributor| T-Mobile, Inc.

©T-Mobile USA, Inc. All rights reserved.

T-Mobile, the T logo, Magenta, the magenta color and the T-Mobile Internet logo are registered trademarks of Deutsche Telekom AG.

Safety Guidelines

Potential Equipment Damage

Follow these recommendations to protect yourself and the Product from harm:

  • Use the Product only in upright position as shown in the Quick Start Guide
  • Do not insert any sharp object into the openings of the Product
  • Do not put the Product near a heat source
  • Avoid placing the Product in direct sunlight
  • Do not put the Product in damp or wet locations; for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool. Do not spill any liquid on the Product
  • Do not touch the Product or its power adapter or cord with wet hands
  • Do not place the Product on an unstable surface or support
  • Do not place anything on top of the Product
  • Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners; unplug the Product and use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning
  • When connecting a PC or other electronic device to the Product, make sure you use the right cables and connect the device to the right port of the Product
  • Incorrect connections may damage the device and/or the Product
  • Do not open or try to open the Product
  • Opening or removing covers can expose you to dangerous high voltage points or other risks
  • Do not attempt to access, manipulate, insert foreign objects into, remanufacture, or immerse or otherwise expose it to water
  • Do apply care to avoid accidental drops along with the Product
  • If the T-Mobile 5G Gateway is dropped—especially on a hard surface—or in the case of suspected damage, contact your nearest T-Mobile service center for inspection
Risk of Electric Shock or Fire

Follow these guidelines when using the T-Mobile 5G Gateway:

  • Connect the Product power adapter or cord to the right supply voltage (120V AC in USA)
  • Pay attention to the power load of the electrical outlet and possible extension cord
  • An overburdened power outlet or damaged cords and plugs may cause electric shock or fire
  • Check the power cords If you find any damage, replace the cord immediately
  • Do not connect the plug into an extension cord, receptacle, or other outlet unless the plug can be fully inserted with no part of the blades exposed
  • Leave adequate space for heat dissipation to avoid any damage caused by overheating the Product
  • Do not cover the Product or its ventilation holes. Blocking the ventilation holes may cause fire
  • Use the power adapter provided with your Product and do not fasten the power cable to building surfaces
  • Ensure the cable can move Do not place heavy objects on the cable
  • Do not use the Product outside, and make sure all the connections are indoors
  • Do not install, use, or service this Product during a thunderstorm
  • There is a remote risk of electric shock from lightning
  • The standby power consumption of the Product is 4.5W

Introduction

This document explains how to operate the T-Mobile 5G Gateway at home using visual cues to achieve the best placement and performance.

NOTE
This document is a supplement to the Quick Start Guide and T-Mobile Internet mobile app. Use the Quick Start Guide to get up and running quickly The contents of this guide are subject to change without notice.

Getting to Know Your T-Mobile 5G Gateway

You will find the following items in the box:

  • Gateway
  • Power adapter
  • Quick Start Guide
  • T-Mobile Terms and Conditions
  • Safety and Regulatory Notice

The gateway offers 4G/LTE or 5G/NR WAN mobile network connectivity by way of four wide band OMNI antennas that supports all LTE/5G bands. It functions as the connection point between the WAN outside your home and the LAN inside your home.

Physical Interfaces

The gateway’s physical interfaces include those shown in the diagram.

T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway User Guide - Physical
Interfaces

Setting up the T-Mobile 5G Gateway

Recommended Setup: Use the Mobile App

Using the Quick Start Guide and the T-Mobile Internet mobile app provides the easiest setup experience. The T-Mobile Internet mobile app can be downloaded from either Google Play or the App Store.

NOTE
The first time you access your gateway, the “How to navigate this interface” displays on the LCD panel. Select “OK” to continue the start up.
Download and install Mobile app using your smart phone, then the Mobile app establishes communication and connects to the gateway.

Manual Setup: Identify An Ideal Location

You will start by identifying the ideal location for your gateway — that location will meet the following criteria:

  • Near a window where the signal strength is strongest
  • In an open space away from:
    • Walls or obstructions
    • Heavy-duty appliances or electronics such as microwave ovens and baby monitors
    • Metal fixtures, enclosures, cabinets, reinforced concrete, or pipes
  • Near a power outlet
  • On an upper floor of the home or at least 6 feet off the floor
Connecting Power to the T-Mobile 5G Gateway
  • Place the gateway on a flat surface, such as a table top or similar; close to a window and near an electrical outlet
  • Minimize the number of obstructions as much as possible
  • Connect the gateway’s USB Type-C power cable to its Power port, then plug the other end of the power cable into a grounded electrical outlet
  • The USB Type-C power cable must be capable of supporting 100–240V (volts) AC adapter, 50–60Hz frequency and 3A of current at DC 15V

T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway User Guide - Connecting Power to the
T-Mobile 5G Gateway

Starting the T-Mobile 5G Gateway

After the gateway is connected to a power source, the LCD screen displays an animated T-Mobile logo that indicates the gateway is starting up.

Four small dots displayed on the LCD panel indicates available screens. Take a moment to browse these screens to see what information is available. For more information about the LCD screen display, refer to the section “Understanding the LCD” on page 19.

The start up sequence is complete when the LCD shows:

  • Connection
  • Devices
  • Messages
  • Language

Connecting Devices

Connecting Wi-Fi Devices

Connect your wireless devices to your network using the Wi-Fi SSID (Wi-Fi name) and Wi-Fi Key (Wi-Fi password), which are found on the gateway’s rear panel. Here is an example of the label:

Connecting Ethernet Devices

The gateway has two (2) Ethernet LAN ports. Use an Ethernet cable to connect devices that don’t have Wi-Fi adapters or capabilities.

Viewing Connected Devices

The Devices LCD screen on the front of the gateway shows the number of devices currently connected to the network by way of either Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

To view how many devices are connected:

  1. Observe the LCD Connection screen
  2. Press the right arrow on the LCD panel to display the Devices screen

Accessing Your Web GUI (Graphical User Interface)

NOTE
You can configure the gateway and any connected client devices via the T-Mobile Internet mobile app on a smartphone.

Ensure the Local Area Connection setting on your PC, laptop, smart phone, or tablet is configured to obtain an IP address automatically.
On your device, open a web browser, and enter http://192.168.12.1

NOTE
If you are unable to access the GUI at the above address, please contact customer support.

Home Screen

You should now see the dashboard screen, which provides network connection status and information about the gateway.

T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway User Guide - Home
Screen

The Home screen contains five sections: internet connection status, connection quality of cellular signal strength, gateway information, Wi-Fi networks settings, and the QR code of T-Mobile Internet mobile app.

  • Connection status: shows network status of the connected devices, the gateway, and the cellular network connection

  • Connection quality: cellular signal strength is represented by number of bars

  • Gateway information

    • Firmware version: variable
    • UI version: variable
    • Running time: how long it has been since the gateway’s last reset/power-cycle
    • Serial number: variable
  • Wi-Fi networks settings: gives you a way to manage and configure wireless settings on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks

  • T-Mobile Internet mobile app: scanning the QR code with your smart phone for the easiest setup experience

NOTE
The advanced settings are not available with this version release of the web GUI.

Language Selection

From the GUI’s top-right corner of the screen, select your preferred language, English or Español, from the dropdown menu for user interface language.

Wi-Fi Networks Screen

T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway User Guide - Wi-Fi Networks
Screen

T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway User Guide -
Home

Clicking Manage Wi-Fi Networks from the Wi-Fi networks menu gives you a way to manage and configure Wi-Fi settings on your networks.

T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway User Guide - Wi-Fi
Networks

The Wi-Fi Networks screen contains the following options:

  • Combined/Automatic (Recommended): provides the best Wi-Fi connection to the connected devices with automatic selection of the radio frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). Your T-Mobile mesh network has the single Wi-Fi network enabled by default and this is recommended for most users
  • Separate Networks: you also can configure the following SSID-specific settings for different types of Wi-Fi devices
    • 4 GHz radio frequency
    • 5 GHz radio frequency

Click Learn more to see detailed information about the use of appropriate frequency for the Wi-Fi devices on your network.

T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway User Guide - Click Learn
more

To create a new Wi-Fi network:

  1. The 4GHz and 5GHz options become available by selecting Separate Networks
  2. Configure the following Wi-Fi settings for the new network
Setting Options
Network Name Enter SSID (Service Set Identifier) name.
Password Enter a Wi-Fi password.

You can click the eye icon to view the password.

NOTE
The gateway automatically steers client devices to the best band and channel combination for most situations.

  1. T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway User Guide - Wi-Fi Networks T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway User Guide - Wi-Fi Networks

T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway User Guide - Click OK to finish the
Wi-Fi network configuration and the Home screen will be
displayed

Replacing the SIM Card

T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway User Guide - Replacing the SIM
Card

Access the SIM card from the backside of the gateway.

  1. Power off the gateway by removing the power cable from the gateway and from the electrical outlet

  2. Remove any Ethernet cables connected to the gateway’s LAN ports (LAN1 and LAN 2)

  3. Use the finger pull to open the SIM door
    T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway User Guide - Access the SIM
card

  4. The SIM card socket supports push-in and push-out installation

  5. With the SIM door open, press the pre-installed SIM card into the slot and the SIM card pops out

  6. Carefully remove the pre-installed SIM card

  7. Insert and press the new SIM card into the slot

  8. Be sure the SIM card clicks into place to ensure that it is properly installed

  9. Close the cover of the SIM card slot and ensure the cover is securely closed on the SIM door

Resetting the T-Mobile 5G Gateway

Resetting the T-Mobile 5G Gateway to factory default deletes all configuration changes made since

setup.

Using the Reset Port

You can reset the gateway using a paperclip and the Reset port, which is located on the device’s backside.

  1. Press-and-hold a paperclip in the Reset port for 5 seconds

  2. Withdraw the LCD shows:

    • Factory reset in progress
    • T-Mobile animated logo
    • Power up animation
  3. On the LCD, press OK on the LCD panel and you will see the Connection screen

Troubleshooting

No Signal

This LCD alert indicates there is no network signal, which could mean local cellular equipment is down for any number of reasons, or the gateway may need to be re- positioned.

If the connection does not improve in a reasonable amount of time, you can contact T- Mobile customer service or refer to the section “Manual Setup: Identify An Ideal Location”.

Prevent Overheating

Make sure that obstacles never obstruct airflow vents on the top or bottom of the gateway’s enclosure. Allow at least 100mm/4in clearance on all sides of the enclosure. Ensure the gateway is at least 3 feet from baseboard heaters.

If the gateway feels hot to touch, unplug it immediately and let the device cool before plugging it in again.

T-Mobile 5G Gateway Does Not Start

If the gateway does not start up, verify the provided power cord is connected to an outlet. If the gateway is connected to an outlet and power still does not start, contact T-Mobile technical support.

Poor Internet Experience

If you feel your overall internet experience is poor, try repositioning the gateway; refer to the section “Manual Setup: Identify An Ideal Location”.

Forget Your Admin Password?

If you configure a custom admin password and forget it, use the password reset function found within the T-Mobile Internet mobile app to reset the password to factory default.

Understanding the LCD

The gateway’s LCD is located on front of the device. The LCD serves as a dashboard where you can quickly obtain information of the following types:

  • Connection
  • Devices
  • Language Settings
  • Messages

Press left or right arrow ( < or > ) on the LCD panel with your finger to move between screens. The position of the illuminated dot on the bottom of the screen indicates where you are in the screen sequence.

The Connection screen is the first displayed after a successful start up sequence.

Connection

Like your phone, the gateway displays up to five bars on its Connection screen, indicating signal strength.

The number of bars you see represents the strength of the gateway’s current connection to the cellular network.

An X indicates the gateway is not connected to the cellular network.

Devices

The Devices screen indicates how many devices are currently connected to the gateway. This is true for both wireless and wired devices.

Messages

These messages come from the T-Mobile network and may provide outage information or other important updates.

The Messages screen allows you to view the message contents by pressing < and

to scroll between messages.

To delete a message:

  1. Press O (OK) on the panel to select VIEW MESSAGES and view unread messages

  2. Select NEXT and read next message

  3. Select DONE when your read all messages

  4. Select DELETE to delete a message

  5. When prompted a message of asking you to confirm deletion, select YES to confirm

Language Settings

The gateway supports both English and Spanish on its LCD. You may change the language by doing:

  1. From the Language screen, select CHANGE

  2. From the Language screen, choose English or Español

  3. Press O (OK) on the panel to set the language

Technical Specifications

Dimensions 191 (H) x 115 (W) x 120 (D) mm
Weight w/power adapter 1.097 kg 2.412 lbs
Operating environment 0 to 40 oC 32 to 104 oF
IoT / GPS Bluetooth 5.1 GPS
Power adapter AC
Power input 100 – 240V, 3A @ DC 15V, 50/60Hz
Theoretical power consumption 45 W
Wi-Fi connectivity 11ax 4×4 2.4G 11ax 4×4 5G Seamless roaming
Security WPA/WPA2/WPA3
Buttons Reset (recessed switch) Arrow Keys (Left & Right) Enter (OK)
Display TFT LCD Non-Touch Panel 2.4-Inch 240×320 Resolution
Mobile Band 5G NR: n25, n41, n66, n71 4G LTE: B2, B4, B5, B12, B41, B46 (for

RX only), B66, B71
Physical Interfaces| GE LAN (Yellow)

SIM Card Socket (4FF Only)

USB Type C x 1 (Regular Power Source)

USB Type C x 1 (Data and other USB Port Purpose)

Terms and Conditions

t-mobile.com/responsibility/legal/terms-and- conditions

Privacy Policy

t-mobile.com/privacy-center/our-practices/privacy-policy

Customer Support

24/7 Tech Support Line: 1-844-275-9310 Metro Support Line: 1-888-8Metro8

Need help? Visit https://www.t-mobile.com/internethelp
or call T-Mobile customer service at 1-844-275-9310
Metro support service at 1-888-8Metro8

FAQS

How does tmobile 5G gateway work?

You receive service through a 5G Gateway device (which combines the capabilities of a router and a modem), the Gateway device then converts the 5G signal to Wi-Fi, and provides a Wi-Fi signal accessible by all the devices in your home. Easy, self-installation – set up in as little as 15 minutes.

Why is my tmobile 5G home internet so slow?

If you’re only having problems with the browser,  delete the cache, cookies and history. Turn off any VPN settings or apps, as well as any firewalls. Test on a different computer or device connected to the gateway. If it’s only on one device, there may be an issue with the device settings.

Can you stream TV on T-Mobile home internet?

T-Mobile Home Internet supports most video streaming services, like YouTube TV or Netflix. However, at the moment, Hulu + Live TV is not supported due to a technical requirement in delivering the service.

Is T-Mobile home internet really unlimited?

T-Mobile’s service is reliable and offers steady (although not dizzyingly fast) speeds and  an unlimited amount of data. Monthly service includes the use of a modem/router that creates a Wi-Fi home network, so there are no equipment costs. In many rural areas, T-Mobile Home Internet tops any other internet option.

Does T-Mobile throttle their home internet?

The Home Internet product offers unlimited data with T-Mobile touting that its home internet service also has  no throttling. You don’t have to be a T-Mobile wireless customer to sign up for the service. If you decide to cancel all you will need to do is return the router back to the carrier.

What is the speed of T-Mobile 5G home internet?

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet customers see typical download speeds between 33-182 Mbps, which is great speed for streaming video, surfing the web, working from home and most types of online gaming. Speeds can vary depending on location, signal strength and availability, time of day, and other factors.

Is T-Mobile internet good for Netflix?

T-Mobile Home Internet supports most video streaming services, like YouTube TV or Netflix ,” a company spokesperson told Next TV. “However, at the moment, Hulu + Live TV is not supported due to a technical requirement in delivering the service. We’re working closely with Hulu to resolve this as quickly as possible.”

What is a good internet speed?

A good download speed is at least 100 Mbps, and a good upload speed is at least 10 Mbps. With 100 Mbps, you can watch Netflix or YouTube, attend Zoom meetings, and play most online games on several devices at the same time. Some people can get away with fewer Mbps, and others need more.

How many devices can connect to T-Mobile home internet?

Customers can connect up to 64 devices to their home Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi 6 also provides Muti-user MIMO, which creates more capacity as more users connect, improving individual speeds when many devices are accessing Wi-Fi.

Does T-Mobile home internet have Ethernet ports?

The gateway has two (2) Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports. Use an Ethernet cable to connect devices that don’t have Wi-Fi adapters or capabilities. The Devices LCD screen on top of the gateway shows the number of devices currently connected to the network by way of either Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Who has faster 5G T-Mobile or Verizon?

T-Mobile  has faster 5G and more “premium” data than Verizon for a lower monthly cost. However, Verizon tends to have better coverage, especially in rural areas. You’ll need a 5G phone to make the most of any of these plans.

Can you stream TV with 5G?

In theory, the answer to that question is yes. In practice, we probably aren’t quite there yet. 5G is faster than 4G in some areas of the U.S., offering higher download speeds and a more consistent connection. However,  it’s unlikely that you’d be able to stream Netflix in 4K with 5G right now.

How do I connect the Product to my home network?

The Product can be connected to your home network by using an Ethernet cable. You can also use the Product’s built-in Wi-Fi capability.

How do I connect the Product to my wireless router?

You can connect the Product to your wireless router by using an Ethernet cable. You can also use the Product’s built-in Wi-Fi capability.

How do I set up the Product’s Wi-Fi connection?

See “Wi-Fi Setup” in the Quick Start Guide.

What are the safety guidelines for using the T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway?

Follow these recommendations to protect yourself and the product from harm: – Use the product only in upright position as shown in the Quick Start Guide – Do not insert any sharp object into the openings of the product – Do not put the product near a heat source – Avoid placing the product in direct sunlight – Do not put the product in damp or wet locations; for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool. Do not spill any liquid on the product – Do not touch the product or its power adapter or cord with wet hands – Do not place the product on an unstable surface or support – Do not place anything on top of the product – Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners; unplug the product and use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning – When connecting a PC or other electronic device to the product, make sure you use the right cables and connect the device to the right port of the product – Incorrect connections may damage the device and/or the product – Do not open or try to open the product – Opening or removing covers can expose you to dangerous high voltage points or other risks – Do not attempt to access, manipulate, insert foreign objects into, remanufacture, or immerse or otherwise expose it to water – Do apply care to avoid accidental drops along with the product – If the T-Mobile 5G Gateway is dropped—especially on a hard surface—or in the case of suspected damage, contact your nearest T-Mobile service center for inspection

What are the physical interfaces of the T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway?

The physical interfaces of the gateway include those shown in the diagram.

How do I identify an ideal location for the T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway?

You will start by identifying the ideal location for your gateway — that location will meet the following criteria: – Near a window where the signal strength is strongest – In an open space away from: – Walls or obstructions – Heavy-duty appliances or electronics such as microwave ovens and baby monitors – Metal fixtures, enclosures, cabinets, reinforced concrete, or pipes – Near a power outlet – On an upper floor of the home or at least 6 feet off the floor

How do I connect power to the T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway?

Place the gateway on a flat surface, such as a table top or similar; close to a window and near an electrical outlet. Minimize the number of obstructions as much as possible. Connect the gateway’s USB Type-C power cable to its Power port, then plug the other end of the power cable into a grounded electrical outlet. The USB Type-C power cable must be capable of supporting 100–240V (volts) AC adapter, 50–60Hz frequency and 3A of current at DC 15V.

How do I connect my devices to the T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway?

You can connect your devices to the network using Wi-Fi or Ethernet. To connect your wireless devices, use the Wi-Fi SSID (Wi-Fi name) and Wi-Fi Key (Wi-Fi password), which are found on the gateway’s rear panel. To connect Ethernet devices, use an Ethernet cable to connect devices that don’t have Wi- Fi adapters or capabilities.

ow do I view connected devices on the T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway?

The Devices LCD screen on the front of the gateway shows the number of devices currently connected to the network by way of either Wi-Fi or Ethernet. To view how many devices are connected, observe the LCD Connection screen and press the right arrow on the LCD panel to display the Devices screen.

How do I access the web GUI for the T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway?

Ensure the Local Area Connection setting on your PC, laptop, smart phone, or tablet is configured to obtain an IP address automatically. On your device, open a web browser, and enter http://192.168.12.1. If you are unable to access the GUI at the above address, please contact customer support.

What options are available on the Wi-Fi Networks screen of the T-Mobile KVD21 5G Home Internet Gateway?

The Wi-Fi Networks screen contains the following options: – 2.4 GHz radio frequency – 5 GHz radio frequency – Setting

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References

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