DoIT Computer Lending Program - Wireless Modems

This document outlines the usage, features, and other details of the wireless modems available for loan at the Walk-In Help Desk. Please see DoIT Computer Lending Program - General Information for more details.

Hot Spot:

  • Verizon Jetpack MiFi 8800L

Features

  • Internet access in Verizon's 5G and 4G coverage area in continental United States
  • Portable and charges over USB
  • Secure wireless network

Usage

  1. Hold down the power button on top of the modem until the screen displays "MiFi".
  2. The modem will take a few moments to start up and search for service.
  3. Once the modem has finished starting up, open the wireless network connection settings on your computer or mobile device and select the MiFi 8800L Jetpack network.
  4. When prompted for a password, enter the password found in the modem's settings.
  5. Your device should now be connected to the wireless modem and should have internet access through that network.

Troubleshooting

If the device will not power on or start up:

  1. Ensure that the modem has been allowed to charge for at least 2 hours.
  2. Remove the plastic back panel of the modem.
  3. Disconnect the battery from the modem.
  4. Hold the power button on the modem down for 10 seconds with the battery removed.
  5. Reinsert the battery and replace the plastic back panel.
  6. Try again to power on the modem.

If you are unable to connect to the wireless modem or internet:

  1. Ensure that you have selected the correct wireless network on the device you wish to connect and that you have entered the correct password (found on the back side of the wireless modem).
  2. Switch your Jetpack off and on, then restart your computer or Wi-Fi device.
  3. Check the display status on the LCD screen for your connection status, alerts, or messages.
  4. Check the Alerts screen on the wireless modem and resolve any outstanding issues.
  5. Make sure that network coverage is available in your area.
  6. Reset the wireless modem using steps 2-6 from the power on/start up troubleshooting steps above.

One common "issue" that may be encountered is an older computer not automatically selecting the correct frequency to connect to to the wireless modem. The wireless modem can operate at both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, and some older computers can only connect to the 2.4 GHz frequency. To change the frequency, follow these steps:

  1. From the main menu on the wireless modem, go to Settings and tap the middle button.
  2. On the next page, go to Wi-Fi and tap the middle button (it should be the first option on this page).
  3. Tap the right button to go down one option to Band.
  4. Tap the middle button to change the frequency between 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

For further troubleshooting, please refer to Verizon's documentation at one of the links below. We have three different models of 4G wireless modems, please visit the link that pertains to the model that you have:

If further troubleshooting does not succeed, please contact the DoIT Computer Lending Program at clp@doit.wisc.edu.

See Also