Huawei N5368X: New 5G Cpe Wireless Broadband Access Router

Step-by-step guide for Huawei N5368X setup

Step 1: Initial Setup

• Physically install the Huawei N5368X, mount it outdoors or indoors as per instructions.

• Insert a Nano SIM card into the SIM slot located under the maintenance cover.

• Connect the router to a power source using the Power/LAN port and optionally connect devices to the LAN port.

• Ensure your client device (PC or smartphone) is connected to the router’s Wi-Fi or via Ethernet.

• Open a web browser and enter the router’s default IP address: http://192.168.8.1

• Log in with default credentials: username “admin” and password “admin.” (Change the default password immediately after logging in for security.)

Step 2: Accessing Firmware Information

• Inside the WebUI, the firmware version information can usually be found on the main dashboard or firmware section.

• Check the current software and WebUI versions to confirm availability of updates.

Step 3: Firmware Update

Method 1: Using AI Life App (recommended):

• Connect your smartphone to the router’s Wi-Fi.

• Open Huawei’s AI Life App.

• Select the router device.

• Navigate to “Updates” or Device > Updates.

• Choose automatic update or perform a manual online update:

  • Automatic update allows the router to download and install new firmware during idle periods.

  • Manual update enables you to check and install updates immediately.

Method 2: Using WebUI:

• Log into the router via http://192.168.8.1.

• Go to More Functions > Manage Updates.

• Enable Auto-update or manually check and install updates by clicking “Update Now” or “One-click update.”

• After an update, the router will reboot automatically.

• Note: Firmware cannot be rolled back after updating, and the router does not reset to factory settings automatically.

Step 4: Troubleshooting Firmware Issues

• If login problems occur or password reset does not work, tools like Huawei.Router.Tool.v1.1 can help access the device for maintenance.

• Firmware files can be sourced from official Huawei enterprise support or trusted firmware repositories.

• Always ensure powering off or disconnecting the router is avoided during firmware update to prevent damage.

Additional Notes

• Ensure the router is connected to the network during update.

• Change passwords periodically for security.

• The default IP address and credentials may vary if custom firmware was installed previously.

This procedure ensures the Huawei N5368X router firmware is kept up-to-date and configured for optimal security and performance.

The performance differences of the Huawei N5368X between 5G NSA (Non-Standalone) and 5G SA (Standalone) modes mainly stem from the underlying network architecture and capabilities:

5G NSA Mode:

• Uses a 4G LTE core network combined with a 5G Radio Access Network (RAN).

• Provides enhanced mobile broadband by boosting speed over 4G but still relies on the 4G core for control functions.

• As a result, latency is higher compared to SA mode, since management and signaling go through the 4G core.

• Power consumption tends to be higher because both 4G and 5G networks are used simultaneously.

• Speeds can be good, but the upload performance and real-time applications are limited.

• Beneficial for quicker and more cost-effective deployment and coverage expansion but does not enable advanced 5G features.

5G SA Mode:

• Uses a fully independent 5G core network with a 5G RAN.

• Supports all 5G features, including ultra-low latency, network slicing, and massive machine-type communications (IoT).

• Achieves lower latency enabling better real-time experiences like gaming or autonomous applications.

• More spectrally efficient, handling congestion better with improved throughput stability.

• Generally offers better upload speeds and reduced power consumption due to streamlined infrastructure.

• Requires more investment and infrastructure upgrade but unlocks full 5G potential and advanced services.

For Huawei N5368X specifically:

• In NSA mode, the device achieves max speeds around 1.5 Gbps down and 110 Mbps up.

• In SA mode, similar downlink speeds are possible (about 1.5 Gbps) but with higher uplink speeds (up to 220 Mbps) and noticeably lower latency.

• SA mode delivers improved congestion management and network efficiency, making it better for high-demand and low-latency applications.

In summary, the Huawei N5368X performs faster and more efficiently in 5G SA mode, with lower latency and better upload speeds, while NSA mode is more limited but still offers enhanced broadband compared to 4G alone.

SA mode is optimal for unlocking the full advanced capabilities of 5G networks, whereas NSA is a transitional solution with some performance compromises.