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3G/HSPA Routers

  • 07-03-2009 6:53pm
    #1
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭


    Dovado has a thread here.

    But Linksys, Dlink, Netgear, Draytek and others do them too. You can also use an old PC with ClarkeConnect (free Linux Router).

    But this is a nice solution too:
    http://www.slashgear.com/cradlepoint-phs300-3g-wifi-router-reviewed-simple-flexible-0636729/

    There is also an app to turn smart 3G/HSDPA phones that have WiFi into a hotspot.

    There are many advantages to using a Router compared with 3G modem direct.
    • Firewall protection (Windows built in Firewall is rubbish)
    • Share with more than one user
    • ethernet or WiFi to things with no USB or no 3G drivers
    • WiFi for iTouch, Archos, PhotoFrames etc...
    • Block some users at certain times or from certain sites
    • Position router for better 3G signal, even outdoor in weather poof box or upstairs at mast facing window.


    I've looked at cradle point before and converted a Linksys Router to portable Battery Operation. Handy having Mobile WiFi Hotspot to listen to BBC R4 FM in car or update Maps...


«1345678

Comments

  • #2
    Oneredarmy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 26 ✭Oneredarmy


    I'm slight confused Watty. In the Meteor Broadband thread you commented that 3g wireless was
    watty wrote: »
    for Phones, mobile gadgets and occasional use on the go. Not for Home or Work fixed Broadband.

    On that basis, is a 3g router that relevant a product?


  • #3
    Anon47
    Closed Accounts Posts: 83 ✭✭Anon47


    I bought a Solwise 3G router from broadbandbuyer.co.uk and it works just fine sharing out my (totally crap in the evenings) service from Three
    It was only about 60 euro which is only half the cost of the likes of Dovado.


  • #4
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    It lets you use WiFi gadgets or ethernet with anythning the 3G modem won't work on.

    You can put the modem in a better position without limitation of USB cable length.

    It's not going to make it any worse for one user, but add convenience and sometimes improve the signal. If you have a very good connection then a couple of people or more can browse or you can use alternate computers without having to swap the Modem and install the software.


  • #5
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    Here is review of the Solwise:

    http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2009/03/13/review_networking_solwise_mobile_router/

    Much as it is NOT a replacement for "real" broadband, 3G/HSPA Mobile is very useful if you are out & About. You could use this via cheap mains adaptor to cigar socket as WiFi in car too.

    http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2009/03/13/review_networking_solwise_mobile_router/


  • #6
    jor el
    Closed Accounts Posts: 16,713 ✭✭✭✭jor el


    I'm going to sticky this, as it's useful information to have alongside the Dovado thread.


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  • #7
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    OpenWRT examples with 3G Modems

    E220 USB
    http://josefsson.org/openwrt/dongle.html

    E600 PCMCIA
    http://josefsson.org/openwrt/internet.html

    Other ideas
    http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/04/30/qanda_usb_3g_modem/comments/

    If you install the free ClarkConnect router software on an old laptop or PC you can add the USB 3G dongle as the WAN instead of a 2nd ethernet card by following instructions to add 3G USB to Redhat or Fedora Linux. If you use that as a router for external bridged DSL modem, or fixed wireless or cable modem via the normal 2nd ethernet port configuration, then you can set up the ClarkConnect router to automatically switch over to USB 3G if normal internet fails.


  • #8
    Dr. Nick
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,420 ✭✭✭Dr. Nick


    watty wrote: »

    Much as it is NOT a replacement for "real" broadband, 3G/HSPA Mobile is very useful if you are out & About.

    Having moved from eircom 7.2meg to mobile (moved to the countryside) I have to say that o2 mobile has often been faster than eircom. Of course, it has also been much worse than dial-up......

    It's all I have for the foreseeable future so here's hoping there are more good days than bad. Obviously you can't depend on this technology for running a business from day to day, but so far I can cope with the annoyances of daily surfing.


  • #9
    kgdo85
    Closed Accounts Posts: 23 ✭kgdo85


    Are there any issues with installing software on PC's etc when using the 3G broadband through a router?eg when you use the 3G dongle thingy directly with a laptop or pc you have to intall the software onto the computer before use. How is this set up done when using the 3G dongle through a router??


  • #10
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    Nothing to install. The Modem drivers are PRE-INSTALLED on the Router. Unless you are using OpenWRT or DD-wrt, you can't add a modem not already on the built in list.

    Just use normal ethernet or WiFi. So the 3G then works with WiFi Internet radio, gadgets, any OS at all with Networking, Sony PS2, Xbox etc (Badly due to lag.latency).


  • #11
    Anon47
    Closed Accounts Posts: 83 ✭✭Anon47


    M Solwise needed a firmware upgrade after I bought it but its very stable now. I just needed to supply one parameter called the APN.


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  • #12
    Into Everything
    Registered Users Posts: 28 ✭Into Everything


    Has anyone used this router, Edimax 3G-6200WG 3G Router with Print Server. Selling in peats.com for €90.

    See it here http://www.peats.com/cgi-bin/catalog.cgi?view_product=1&id=25634

    Thanks in advance

    P.S. Using it with vodafone 3g E220 modem (for the minute but I will be changing unless they increase their download cap)


  • #13
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    Home page
    http://www.edimax.com/en/produce_detail.php?pd_id=279&pl1_id=3&pl2_id=18

    I'm not sure I'd want one with built in print server as this has, as you would want printer near a PC where you working and 3G router on a window sill upstairs. Peats isn't what I'd call a bargain store and I'm suspicious I only see Bling Gadget Hype Boy Toy places mostly selling it ($149 to €83 )

    If I needed a print server I'd use a separate one.

    Ironically *my* print server is upstairs near window (beside PC desk actually) and my router is on a shelf in the kitchen (but it's a router for cable modem).


  • #14
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    OK confirmed this week that if you put a USB PCMCIA adaptor into the PCMCIA slot on any Router supported by OpenWrt (e.g. WRT54G3G) you load the standard USB drivers and then the USB host ports work with
    • USB hard Drive holders for IDE/SATA drives, even with NTFS
    • USB 3G Modems supported by OpenWRT/Linux
    • Some USB webcams
    • Standard USB Souncard dongles
    • USB Printing
    • USB Memory stick

    I imagine a USB Cardreader can be got working too.

    the tested adaptor was a Maplin STLabs USB2.0 2 Port Cardbus adaptor. It has a 5V DC in socket to allow a total of 1A (2x 500mA USB) which the PCMCIA slot can't usually deliver. Lower current USB devices are fine without a PSU.

    There are 4 different drivers depending which USB chip the PCMCIA card uses. The correct driver loads and wrong ones dont' and can be uninstalled.

    The USB host ports on a PCEngines Wrap Board only need a PC USB motherboard to rear panel socket adaptor. Alexis/Soeckris boards similar.


  • #15
    mimnagh
    Registered Users Posts: 14 ✭mimnagh


    Hi, I'm having trouble connecting my 3G router to work. I hope someone can help.......

    I just bought the Edimax 3G router above but i'm having trouble connecting my 3 Mobile Broadband modem - Huawei E180

    The driver (disk) only has software for windows and i'm using a MacBook - To overcome this i have accessed the router settings using 192.168.2.1 and entered the APN for 3 which i believe is 3ireland.ie

    From reading other posts, it seems that the APN field is the only field to enter. There is no pin set on the modem so i have left this and other fields blank.

    So, when i plug the Huawei e180 modem in to the edimax router - the blue light starts but there is no internet coming through

    WiFi light is orange...

    Do i still need software? I can;t find anything for the Mac OS on the Edimax website.

    I would gratefully appreciate your help - Thank You


  • #16
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    No drivers are required or possible for any Router. Driver disks are only for Mac & Windows.

    Linux (or other embedded OS) drivers are already installed on 3G Routers. You select the modem (or a compatible model in some cases) in the router's set up menu.

    You did perfectly correct. Router needs no SW for Mac or Windows, it is accessed via Web Browser.

    Make sure on your Mac network connection the Gateway and DNS are both the IP address of your router (in this case 192.168.2.1).

    If your web brower for configuration to http://192.168.2.1 can access the router via WiFi then WiFi is OK.

    If you can only access http://192.168.2.1 on your browser via an ethernet cable, then you need to setup WPA WiFi with a passphrase (at least 25 characters mix numbers upper lower case, and write it down 1st), identically on the Router and the Mac (WPA PSK or WPA2 PSK and ideally AES)

    If you can't access Internet via cable then try the modem on your Mac (needs Mac drivers) or some ones PC 1st and use the supplied software to turn off PIN and check that the modem connects.

    The modem itself only needs Mac or Windows Drivers / Software if used directly without the Edimax. Any modem software should be uninstalled once the Modem works on the router.


  • #17
    mimnagh
    Registered Users Posts: 14 ✭mimnagh


    Thanks for your help Watty

    I think the problem lies in the fact that my modem or any mobile broadband provider's modem is not listed. From speaking to Edimax support today - this is meant to be in the WAN settings section - which it isn't.

    They asked me to upload the latest firmware as this would contain latest modems and configurations. Downloaded the file (which is a .rar file) from the website, but when i go to upload it onto the router - i get the message "Invalid file format!"

    Can't seem to win here at all!!! Will persevere! Thanks again watty

    BTW - i can access router settings wirelessley despite a yellow wi-fi light (even when i wipe the cache)

    Just don't get it!


  • #18
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    you need a utility to unpack the .rar, it' s an archive compressed file

    Something like this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zipeg or
    http://mac.softpedia.com/get/Compression-Tools/RAR-for-Mac-OS-X.shtml

    Search your favorite sources of Mac free softwares


  • #19
    mimnagh
    Registered Users Posts: 14 ✭mimnagh


    Thanks Watty

    Called up Edimax tech support - they're very helpful and there is a number for calling from Ireland - the team are uk based.

    Anyway - there was something wrong with the download from the site as the file was meant to be a .bin file when unzipped. They eventually e-mailed it to me. I had to find a windows machine and use it (instead of my Macbook) to upload the new firmware. (Go to system tools on the router 192.168.2.1 to upload)

    With Firmware uploaded - i reconnected the edimax router to my macbook. Went to the router settings again 192.168.2.1

    Under General Set UP - go to 3G/3.5 G on the left. All you have to do here is enter your mobile broadband provider's APN (3ireland.ie - for example) Hit apply to all save everything.

    Still under General Setup - go to 'wireless' make sure "Enable or disable Wireless module function " is enabled. Then click on "Basic settings" (on the left) - enter the name you want to call your router in the field "ESSID". Below "basic settings" you'll see "security settings" where you can set up a security password for the router. Select WPA Pre-share key and enter your password in the blank field that says "WPA Pre-share key". Hit apply to all that.

    Restart your router. plug in you mobile broadband router. Go to "Status Infor" then on the left you'll see "internet connection". Click on it. You should now see that the "WWAN Status" is now "connected"

    Thanks again Watty for your responses and help - i really appreciate it...hopefully this note will save the next guy some time!!!!

    Peace out


  • #20
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    Cradlepoint and MiFi mashup

    http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/10/new-cradlepoint-firmware-turns-mifi-into-wait-for-it-a-3g/


  • #21
    difenda
    Registered Users Posts: 20 ✭difenda


    Hi Folks,

    Ok I got me a 3 Wireless Broadband Modem (USB Dongle thing) and its pretty good all areas I use it. I have a Draytek 2820n wireless router that has a USB connection that can take a 3g modem in case the DSL fails etc. I cannot for the life of me get the any internet service when the 3g modem is plugged into the Draytek and I have pretty much read the manuals and entered the correct setting for the 3g in the Draytek via http://192.168.1.1

    Can anyone please confirm what the APN for 3 is or where I can go next???

    Many thanks.


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  • #22
    jor el
    Closed Accounts Posts: 16,713 ✭✭✭✭jor el


    difenda wrote: »
    I have a Draytek 2820n wireless router that has a USB connection that can take a 3g modem in case the DSL fails etc. I cannot for the life of me get the any internet service when the 3g modem is plugged into the Draytek and I have pretty much read the manuals and entered the correct setting for the 3g in the Draytek via http://192.168.1.1

    Thread merged, this is the correct place for it.

    The APN settings can be found in the FAQ.


  • #23
    difenda
    Registered Users Posts: 20 ✭difenda


    Thanks for the link jorel. I have been using 3internet as the APN, as thats what the modem uses when connected direclty to my XP lappy. I shall try the other in case its a quick fix. I am looking for Drayket firmware as I kinda suspect the Huawei E180 was not supported by the Draytek 2820n when it was new... maybe a firmware update will sort it. Let you know either way. Thanks again.


  • #24
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    You have to select the correct Modem in the Draytek menu. NO external router uses the PC/MAC drivers but only the drivers "built in".

    If there is no E180 menu setup option in the Draytek, it won't work, unless a different model driver is compatible enough. The exact same APN as works on the laptop is the correct one.


  • #25
    difenda
    Registered Users Posts: 20 ✭difenda


    OK just upgraded firmware, going to move modem form laptop and into router. Check back in a bit hopefully with 3g modem connectivity via the router!!


  • #26
    difenda
    Registered Users Posts: 20 ✭difenda


    Watty, just seen your post before I logged off

    "You have to select the correct Modem in the Draytek menu"

    I cant see any facility in the draytek to specify and specific brand/model of 3g modem. Should I???

    Also - yes I see your point on the APN and thats what I would have though as well, the APN that works on the laptop should work on the router.

    Let you know.


  • #27
    difenda
    Registered Users Posts: 20 ✭difenda


    Yehay....................... after hours of persistance I got there, bloody technology, and I have only just got used to eating with knives and forks.


    Not sure what I actually did to get the solution but here's what I went through;

    I upgraded the firmware on the router
    I added a short usb cable between the Draytek router and the Huawei E180 modem
    I turned off the PIN code requirement on the E180 (through the Connection software supplied by 3, with Modem directly attached to the lappy)

    Here's the one I think finally made the fix... on the router under the WAN2 connection where it says Modem Dial String I entered ATDT*99#
    This is slightly different than when the USB Modem is connected to the laptop as that only uses *99#

    There you go, hope this helps as opposed to confuses people, I am now browsing on my LG Renoir, wireless WEP link to the router and 3g on the router out to the internet. Happy days.


  • #28
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    ON the PC the ATDT is automatically added. Its the regular analogue dialup Modem command that say ATtention [next is a modem command, not data] Dial Tone

    Perhaps the Draytek auto-detects the Modem model. I've used Dlink & Linksys where you had to use a menu. The Netgear and Dovado models I used had custom firmware for a specific non-3G modem.

    You should use WPA wireless though as WEP is very easily cracked.


  • #29
    slowlydownwards
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 326 ✭✭slowlydownwards


    Here's a slightly alternative route to what's been posted here already, nothing new really, just a little DYI solution.

    * You're bound to have one of the early netbooks lying around (tiny screen, ssd drives). Everybody wanted and bought one when they came out 15 months ago, now everybody's trying to get rid of them.

    * Install ubuntu (vanilla) on it, or just load it from usb stick or memory card.

    * Install your 3g modem on it. Under ubuntu it is a succession of "next" propmts, "windows style".

    * From the network manager click "Create new wireless network", encrypt it if ou wish and

    * Voila, you've got wifi.

    Pros:
    1. Have wifi anywhere (car, camping etc)
    2. Runs on batery for few hours if needed
    3. You have fully blown os on a far from full blown pc instead of just router.
    4. Absolutelly no software (except ubiquitous ubuntu .iso or disc) or hacking required. Although, I know for certain that many of you would categorise this as a "negative" feature.
    5. No need to buy (sometimes expensive) 3g router to share your bband.
    6. Consumes very little power
    7. You can pick up one of the early netbooks for next to nothing on ebay, even refurbs on laptopsdirect if you do not have one.

    Cons:
    1. Range not as good compared to router, as there's no wifi antena
    2. Not really suitable to be a long term/permanent solution
    3. Other's that I'm not familiar with.

    btw, this is just "Internet sharing connection" known from windows world, although in a much safer and capable environment.


  • #30
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    You can easily google or ask on a linux group how to use IPTABLES and set it up a as fully functional Firewall/NAT.


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  • #31
    RedLedbetter
    Registered Users Posts: 50 ✭✭RedLedbetter


    Ok, hanging my head in shame - first I checked the performance, then I made sure it was USB compatible and GPRS/HSDPA/3G compatible - check and check. Don't ask me why, but I was convinced my 3 USB dongle was the E220..... it's not, it's the E180..... the one NOT on the compatibility list for the WRT54G3GV2-VF router!

    3 don't support anything other than the router they supply, so that brought their support to an end. Linksys were a little more helpful, said officially ye the E180 is not on the compatibility list, but???? Re-flashed the firmware and yes, this time the router was not looping on "Acquiring" network, but picked up 3 IRL. However, when trying to connect it was just, well, trying to connect and not connecting.

    Absolutely sick with myself for not verifying the E180 on the compatibility list, basic, basic error and I know it's probably a stupid question, but is there any hope of getting the E180 to work with the WRT54G3GV2-VF (VF as preconfigured for Vodafone)?

    The fact I managed to get the router to eventually pick up the 3 IRL network gave me some hope. I configured the APN to 3ireland.ie (no username, password or pin). I did read a post (http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055037659) which mentioned similar issue, but they probably had a device that was ON the compatibility list. I was thinking if there might be a way to flash the firmware with a firmware not configured for Vodafone, but a generic WRT54G3GV2 firmware? Or somehow being able to get E180 driver software onto the router?

    One thing about the Linksys routers (have several) the logging is sh^t. Enabled but not seeing one single line of information in the logs, so can't actually tell where it's falling over.

    Cluthing at straws and nobody to blame but myself!!!!! Arrrrggggghhhh


  • #32
    cheater99
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2 ✭cheater99


    Hi there, i'm havin the same problem but with a pcmcia card with too recent firmware. I'm going to attempt to add extra drivers to the firmware and then recompile it. If it works successfully, i'll upload the firmware and add more drivers to it.

    It's a pain that linksys don't roll out firmware updates more frequently to support the more recent products.

    Tell you how it goes.


  • #33
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    It's maybe possible to put OpenWRT on it. You may need to patch the Header ID in the vodafone firmware into the OpenWRT firmware so that the updater thinks it's Vodafone version.

    I did this with WRT54G3G. After loading OpenWRT, then subsequently you need unpatched OpenWRT firmwares as the custom webloader is gone.

    See OpenWRT.org

    I have WhiteRussian on the WRT54G3G and can load USB devices via Maplin Dual USB2.0 PCMCIA card. Not tried the E180.

    I have Kamakazie on the PCengines Wrap2E board as main Router/WiFi. Ethernet Router but it has two working USB ports. The Wrap2E is obsolete and their is an Alex board wihich is similar (2x USB, 2xMiniPCI for WiFi, 2 x ethernet 1x CF for firmware) but also has IDE / PATA connector for HDD.


  • #34
    RedLedbetter
    Registered Users Posts: 50 ✭✭RedLedbetter


    That's good stuff lads, thanks.

    Watty - ye, did some research on this particular model and looks like it's reluctant to accept OpenWRT customised (or rather WRT54G3G) firmware - see https://forum.openwrt.org/viewtopic.php?id=20267. Good call though on OpenWRT, as still the only out if Linksys don't release new firmware...... but I'll have a tinker around with the firmware myself and see what gives.

    Cheater - hoping you have some luck dude! Keep us posted.


  • #35
    cheater99
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2 ✭cheater99


    No luck in compiling the source before modifications. All the components of the firmware compile and then when it comes to JADE converting code to html for the web interface, every part throws errors and it fails to compile.

    I have had luck on the older model (i have a regular wrt54g3g and a wrt54g3gv2-vf) and managed to get the pcmcia card working but i'm going to continue trying to get the newer model to work because i need it to work as well.
    EDIT: Used the linksys addpattern tool and it claims to have added 932bytes to the trx. I thought the header was 30? Gonna try flash that.
    EDIT2: Still doesn't flash. I've tried bcrm2.4 kamikaze and brcm47xx-2.6 kamikaze but no luck :(
    EDIT3: Partial success, i've got the source code to compile and the router accepts it! Turned out that JADE was only compiling the usb help documentation on the web interface, so i stopped it doing that. Im going to work on getting an ssh client on there which i can then use to flash firmware directly (hopefully).


  • #36
    RedLedbetter
    Registered Users Posts: 50 ✭✭RedLedbetter


    I hate to do it, but it looks like I might go for 3's 3G router, although I'm sure it's pretty basic.

    I've been looking at alternatives to the WRT54G3GV2-VF, to use with 3's E180 USB dongle and the best that's out there is probably the DLink 451, but that device is 2 years old already and well router technology has come a long way in 2 years :-(

    Netgear MBR624GU - looks a little basic
    Netcomm N3G005W 3g - looks ok, but no real reviews and sourcing is tricky

    Anyone any recommendations?


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  • #37
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    The Dovado. Well supported.

    New routers are not any different to the DIR45x, but it's not sold here. If it supports the E180 it's fine. It was fine when I tested it on O2 with E220 and Sierra PCMCIA 3G/HSDPA modems.

    Netgear MBR series are also OK, if it supports the E180.

    Three's own router is a traveller's toy.

    The only change of significance in four years apart from USB modem support is 802.11n WiFi and Gigabit ethernet port routers. Both are pointless on 3G/HSPA


  • #38
    mukki
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,669 ✭✭✭mukki


    these work great with vodafone, they are cheap too, will test with 02 when i get one

    i set one up in about an hour, ( i finally figured thatyou need to run the cd on a pc connect to it to set up the 3g settings) will take minutes next time. owner is still loving youtube a week later


    http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002GNHOCQ/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

    only 7 left.... i ordered 10 of them last night sorry


  • #39
    RedLedbetter
    Registered Users Posts: 50 ✭✭RedLedbetter


    Cheers lads.

    Ye, I did a good bit of looking around at the weekend and came very close to purchasing the Edimax 3G-6200N, that you have listed below Mukki. I couldn't understand how it was so reasonably priced and wondered what the "nLite" was about, but eventually found out that it only support 150Mbps and not the full 300Mbps of a 802.11n bandwidth. I'm probably never going to be in a position to ever need 150Mbps, let alone 300Mbps, but we can always dream!!! I also wanted a device on the full N protocol to give me as good a range as possible.

    I eventually opted for the Aztech HW550-3G, which came in about another £20 dearer, but was still pretty reasonable, especially for a Wireless N. Now I just have to wait and see what the craic is with setting it up for the 3 network - setup looks straightforward and at least I know it's E180 compatible this time!!!

    Thanks for the help. Will post back when I receive it and have set it up


  • #40
    jimbuckleybarre
    Closed Accounts Posts: 34 ✭jimbuckleybarre


    Red, where did you buy the Aztech HW550-3G router?

    I went with nLite but am finding on Three that when the connections drops, the router attempts to dial out once, fails and then stops trying. I've been on to Edimax, very helpful but no solution. If I can get the Aztech over the weekend I will return the Edimax.

    Thanks,
    Jim


  • #41
    jimbuckleybarre
    Closed Accounts Posts: 34 ✭jimbuckleybarre


    Well first thank you to RedLedbetter for coming back with answers on the Aztech HW550-3G to me, much appreciated. One of the problems Red had with the Aztech is that it gets disconnected from the network and you have to press the CONNECT button on the router to get it to reconnect. Unfortunately for me that wouldn't be good as I need my router in the attic as I'm on the edge of the Three signal and when I have it in the attic I can get up speeds from 0.2 to 4.4. Considering I had dial up before this 0.2 is even good :-).

    I tried the D100 from Three myself and found the router to be way below average in fact I would describe it as a piece of c$%p :mad:. I couldn't pick it up outside the room it was in never mind in the attic. I took it back to Three, told them this and they immediately refunded me without a single argument! Makes you wonder if they know this to be the case.

    I also tried the Edimax 3G-6200n, good router but I found that it was dropping the connection and the router had to be remotely rebooted and it took a few minutes before you were back on line :(. Painful but workable except if you are using the Xbox 360, Wii - no way to reboot from them so I returned that to Car Warehouse. I did speak with Edimax Support in the UK for a week and eventually they agreed that it was a bug in the firmware :eek: as the router only attempted to make one connection to the network after dropping the 3G and then would sit there for the rest of it's life until you rebooted it.

    Eventually I went with the Dovado, it's been around for a while and it's about €30 more then the Edimax or D100 but well worth it. Shame I couldn't buy it in the shop but they had it delivered to me in two days. Some of the features I liked about this router was it's keep alive connection (http://3g-router.ie/2009/04/connection-tracker/), basically you can set it up to ping a number of IP addresses to fool the network in believing that the connection is active - this costs you less then 100MB a month, considering you have 15GB, it's nothing! Also it can detect if the connection is dropped, attempt to connect three times, then reboot if those attempts fails. So far we have only spotted two dropped connections and each time after only 10 to 15 seconds the connection was back up again. It was the best buy of the lot even if it was a bit more. It can be purchased on line from http://www.commsoft.ie/, also tons of info on it there but forums! So far I have two computers, Xbox 360, Wii and two PSP linked up with it. Also the router has some automation features to allow you to turn on and off stuff in the house (Wonder if it would work on the wife :rolleyes: ).

    Jim


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  • #42
    MojoRising
    Registered Users Posts: 83 ✭✭MojoRising


    hi all really hope you can help me!!
    have a sierra compass 888 and just got edimax 6500wg router,but just can get it to work!! on an imac,it picks up router and theres 1 blue light on modem when conected to router but doesnt seem to connect to internet! have external antena outside so not problem with signal,how do i go about this?any help truelly appreciated!
    thanks in advance
    Jon


  • #43
    jimbuckleybarre
    Closed Accounts Posts: 34 ✭jimbuckleybarre


    Hi Jon,

    I don't know much about mac's but first think is to log on to the router, it will tell you the IP address in the manual. If you can't log on to router, the issue is with your network settings. This site may help, http://lifehacker.com/162754/geek-to-live--set-up-a-home-wireless-network.

    Also if you can't log on to router then you couldn't have set the APN so you need to go through the wizard to do that.

    Another site I've found useful is http://www.protonic.com/clients.

    Sorry I couldn't help more

    Jim


  • #44
    madmoe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,368 ✭✭✭madmoe


    Hi lads,
    I have an O2 broadband modem that is connected to my laptop on which I have Internet access....all grand.

    I have an iPhone and a Netbook I would like to use online as well. I have been trying to share the 02 broadband connection out but the iPhone and Netbook don't see anything or pick up any wireless network. Am I doing this correct? I am using Vista. Maybe this is not possible without a 3G router?

    I thought I had done this once before using an XP laptop using the same O2 modem.

    Cheers,
    M


  • #45
    slowlydownwards
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 326 ✭✭slowlydownwards


    http://connectify.me/ for win7 only

    or else i wrote few lines earlier in this thread how to do this simply from linux ubuntu.

    Sorry, i know you're running vista, so none of this is immediate help.


  • #46
    madmoe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,368 ✭✭✭madmoe


    Thanx mate. Me is actually using Windows 7 so downloading this now!

    M

    Edit: Downloaded it but it sits in the system tray saying its disabled? I am connected to Internet with my 02 modem but the app does not seem to see this connection in Internet drop down. Maybe I should reboot and try again?

    Edit2: Rebooted and still no joy.


  • #47
    jimbuckleybarre
    Closed Accounts Posts: 34 ✭jimbuckleybarre


    Hi M,

    I do believe that the main problem is that the O2 software doesn't allow the sharing of the 3G internet connection. You could look at getting a Proxy server software for your PC but then you would have to have your PC on to share it plus the cost of that software. I would suggest the 3G Router and as I have experience with a few of them including D100, Edimax etc I would go with the Dovado (http://www.commsoft.ie/shop/dovado.php). There is a simple wizard to do first, just read the quick start and you be fine. All you need to know is the APN from O2.

    Now you could upgrade Vista to Windows 7 and use that other link but that's going to cost you around €119 plus you have to set it up, I don't know how technical you, and plus again the computer must be on.

    I found the router the simplest solution. I have 2 x PSP, Wii, Xbox 360 and two computers linked to it. Just remember that your devices must be Wifi enabled.

    Jim


  • #48
    madmoe
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,368 ✭✭✭madmoe


    I found an article online where you can create and ad hoc network in Windows 7 and the enable ICS on this. I done this and was then able to share out the O2 connection. My iPhone did not see it though but the Netbook did.

    Cheers,
    M


  • #49
    AbbeyWebs
    Registered Users Posts: 21 ✭AbbeyWebs


    I bought the edimax router below last week to work with my three mobile broadband usb and so far no problems at all. Works perfect and I have my xbox, samsung jet and laptop all connected to it.

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Edimax-3G-6200N-nLite-Broadband-Router/dp/B002GNHOCQ

    Very easy setup too.


  • #50
    jimbuckleybarre
    Closed Accounts Posts: 34 ✭jimbuckleybarre


    Glad to hear that but the router was a disaster for me probably because of coverage, it had major problems recovering from dopped connections plus I had it on 24/7.

    Jim


  • #51
    AbbeyWebs
    Registered Users Posts: 21 ✭AbbeyWebs


    Hi Jim,

    Only been using it a week now but no problems yet. Will report back if I start to have problems.


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