3G/HSPA Routers

tomangos · 18-01-2014 6:27pm

Just tried the E3272 on meteor with the MR3420 running sweet as a nut. Getting 30 mb download and 5 mb upload I also tried the K4605 dongle on the Vodafone performance plan and im getting 15 mb download. I hope this helps. Also great ping times on meteor.

THE ALM · 22-01-2014 11:25am

tomangos wrote: »

Just tried the E3272 on meteor with the MR3420 running sweet as a nut. Getting 30 mb download and 5 mb upload I also tried the K4605 dongle on the Vodafone performance plan and im getting 15 mb download. I hope this helps. Also great ping times on meteor.

Thanks tomangos, great to know. Now to find out if the local mast has be upgraded as per comreg as those speeds would be great

brasher · 22-01-2014 6:13pm

The only masts in the area for me are Vodafone. Do you think you got slower speeds because of your signal? Everything is out of stock for them at the moment unfortunately.

tomangos · 22-01-2014 7:27pm

brasher wrote: »

The only masts in the area for me are Vodafone. Do you think you got slower speeds because of your signal? Everything is out of stock for them at the moment unfortunately.

The further away you are the less signal you will get that will mean lower speeds. However you can get a high gain antenna that will improve your signal and speed. Vodafone do decent speeds in the 3g performance and pro packages. You can always get a dongle when they are in stock and try it for a week

brasher · 22-01-2014 10:33pm

That's the plan, try it for a week and see how it works out. Thanks for the advice.

tomangos · 22-01-2014 10:49pm

Has anyone tried the meteor 4g dongle. Im getting 20-30 Mb download during the day which is very good but at night it goes down yo 2-3 Mb which is a joke. Vodafone 3g+ plan gives me 10Mb at night. Its hard to figure out. I rang meteor and the answer they gave was to unplug your dongle then they would reset it. They didn't want to know about it. Think im going to wait for the Vodafone 4g dongle to come into stock ill hand back the meteor one. Its a pity because meteor have a better price plan.

comeonthebann · 27-01-2014 11:33pm

What indoor attenta will e3272 4G dongle from meteor?
And any recommendations on a good wireless router?

comeonthebann · 27-01-2014 11:33pm

What indoor attenta will e3272 4G dongle from meteor?
And any recommendations on a good wireless router?

thewools · 15-02-2014 7:24pm

Will the 3G sims from any the mobile broadband suppliers work with a TP-Link TL-MR3020 Portable 3G/4G Wireless N CABLE Router?

Currently very confused..

The Glass Key · 15-02-2014 7:37pm

thewools wrote: »

Will the 3G sims from any the mobile broadband suppliers work with a TP-Link TL-MR3020 Portable 3G/4G Wireless N CABLE Router?

Currently very confused..

The TP-Link TL-MR3020 Portable 3G/4G doesn't work directly with a SIM card. You put the SIM into a dongle and plug the dongle into the TP-Link unit.

thewools · 15-02-2014 7:43pm

The Glass Key wrote: »

The TP-Link TL-MR3020 Portable 3G/4G doesn't work directly with a SIM card. You put the SIM into a dongle and plug the dongle into the TP-Link unit.

So if I buy any of the dongle from any provider it will be ok?

If I just buy the sim I would need a universal / unlocked dongle then?

The Glass Key · 15-02-2014 8:20pm

thewools wrote: »

So if I buy any of the dongle from any provider it will be ok?

If I just buy the sim I would need a universal / unlocked dongle then?

Almost, each dongle is slightly different and when you use it with a computer the dongle downloads its drivers to the computer so the computer can use it.

With a 3G router the router has to have all the drivers preinstalled so of the dongle will work with it, so you need to check whatever dongle you are getting is compatible with the router you want to use.

So dongle has to be matched to the router and the SIM needs matching to the dongle. Obviously an unlocked dongle will work with any SIM but a three dongle for example if locked will only work with a 3 SIM.

thewools · 15-02-2014 8:39pm

The Glass Key wrote: »

Almost, each dongle is slightly different and when you use it with a computer the dongle downloads its drivers to the computer so the computer can use it.

With a 3G router the router has to have all the drivers preinstalled so of the dongle will work with it, so you need to check whatever dongle you are getting is compatible with the router you want to use.

So dongle has to be matched to the router and the SIM needs matching to the dongle. Obviously an unlocked dongle will work with any SIM but a three dongle for example if locked will only work with a 3 SIM.

Thanks again..

What would u recommend to be best / most suitable router? And where the best place to purchase?

The Glass Key · 15-02-2014 9:35pm

Amazon.co.uk pick the free delivery option at the checkout

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-MR3420-300Mbps-Wireless-Router/dp/B003WK62OS/

or the older and cheaper model (only differs in slower wireless speed)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-MR3220-150Mbps-Wireless-Router/dp/B0043GWGV8/

no guarantee they will work with every dongle (see the previous discussion) but they have the widest comparability.

Part of the compatibility list here http://uk.tp-link.com/support/3g-comp-list/?model=TL-MR3420 if you check out other countries then you'll see other dongles listed.

Product page TL-MR3420 http://uk.tp-link.com/products/details/?categoryid=218&model=TL-MR3420 .

xavi · 10-04-2014 9:31am

Does anyone know if I buy a E3131 dongle from three, whether I can plug it into either of these 3g/4g routers from TP-Link (TL-MR3220 or TL-MR3420)

If not possible, what would you recommend

brasher · 11-04-2014 9:23am

It's not specifically listed on the compatible devices page , but all the carriers have a cooling off period so you could get it and try it then return if you have no luck.

Scruff · 28-04-2014 3:37pm

how reliable is the 3G/4G and WAN Connection Backup Strategy on the TL-MR3420? Anyone use that setup?

Medceltic · 22-07-2014 12:34pm

I have Meteor 3g 50 gigs for 25 Euro monthly, I bought Router from argos and all is fine.

Scruff · 23-07-2014 10:49am

Medceltic wrote: »

I have Meteor 3g 50 gigs for 25 Euro monthly, I bought Router from argos and all is fine.

i dont see this option on the meteor site..link? 12month contract?

Medceltic · 23-07-2014 12:29pm

18 month contract , the best ever you can get, use internet like any landline.
it is up to the locations as well.

-=al=- · 23-07-2014 1:55pm

Had the 25eu a month for 50gigs and it was an old offer if I can remember... I used it for e years or so and it was pretty good

The 4g offers meteor have for broadband aren't great

Scruff · 24-07-2014 2:30pm

Medceltic wrote: »

18 month contract

-=al=- wrote: »

The 4g offers meteor have for broadband aren't great

yeah thats why i'm going to go with tesco's 50gb for €30 on a rolling monthly contract. That and the speeds are almost as good as the meteor 4g in my location.

have an unlocked 02 huwaei E3131 working with a TL-MR3420

-=al=- · 25-07-2014 3:57pm

wow thats pretty good

I'm coming back to the country soon and will be after 4g bb since eircom won't get their fingers out

three have the new 4g router so i might go a year with them

cjt156 · 22-08-2014 5:23pm

Has anyone tried Meteor's Huawei 4G E5372 with the TL-MR3420 ?

jimmyjim11 · 26-08-2014 6:44pm

any routers you can tether android phone to via usb cable
phone BB plan > usb cable > router > wifi ??

-=al=- · 26-08-2014 7:23pm

Not to my knowledge, nope...

BB sim in a dongle > router > wifi is the closest alternative that I know of any way

--

And as for tesco BB in the post a few posts up...

How is their 3g as good as 4g!? That's great it works for you though!

I want the Huawei B593 which is over 200+ quid on it's own without a terrible data allowance on a 4g plan.

Three give 60GB for €30 a month for 1 year with a 1 off payment for the router of €99 which isn't terrible if the connection is stable...

I asked in the three forum if I can get out of the contract after 14 days if the 4g signal isn't stable or legit (Since their map says 4g is in my area) and they gave me a big fat nope!

Why tell people 4g is in their area then when they sign up for it basically say "well if you can't get 4g in your area you're stuck with the contract" ...Surely there's a way out if the service isn't working where they say it is?

Cowboys

Scruff · 27-08-2014 10:44am

-=al=- wrote: »

Not to my knowledge, nope...
And as for tesco BB in the post a few posts up...

How is their 3g as good as 4g!? That's great it works for you though!

basically the meteor 4g signal isnt great so its not true 4g speeds. might be better with and external aerial but not worth the 18month contract and crappier usage limits imo. o2 base station less than 500m from house and direct los. i live in hope that some day it will be upgraded to 4g as part of the 02/3 merger and 4g roll out....

Three give 60GB for €30 a month for 1 year with a 1 off payment for the router of €99 which isn't terrible if the connection is stable...

I asked in the three forum if I can get out of the contract after 14 days if the 4g signal isn't stable or legit (Since their map says 4g is in my area) and they gave me a big fat nope!

Why tell people 4g is in their area then when they sign up for it basically say "well if you can't get 4g in your area you're stuck with the contract" ...Surely there's a way out if the service isn't working where they say it is?

Cowboys

unfortunately its the same line that all internet service providers give whether its fixed line or wireless connection, up to X which is pretty much impossible in real world.
If you buy online there might be the regulatory 14 day cooling off period for distance selling? Think Meteor honour that with a no quibble cancellation and return (may be wrong)

-=al=- · 27-08-2014 5:23pm

Metor are offering the B593s now too for 99 but the contract and data are crappy

Meteor worked best for me at my location for 3g so I'd happily go with them again but the 18 month/30GB is just a bit too long and not great data. Although, I was with meteor on an old 30GB 3G plan before and had 50GB for some reason!

The Huawei B592s is too expensive on it's own along with an external antenna and bill pay plan, so I'll likely just go with 3 for now and chance it again $:\$ ...It's the shortest contract I can get with the best data and the router for a one off of €99

I might as well put India on my speed-dial now

EDIT

Will this antenna work grand with the Huawei B593s? - http://www.ebay.ie/itm/231284379423?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Here are the antenna stats:

Gain (Max) 2.5 dBi
Gain (Nominal) 2.0 dBi
Input Frequency 790 – 960, 1710 – 2170, 2300 – 2400 and 2500 – 2700 MHz Bands
VSWR across operating bands < 2.5:1
Feed power handling 4 W
Input impedance 50 Ohm (nominal)
Polarisation 2 x Linear (Vertical and Horizontal)
Cable 2 x 5m HDF 195
Connector 2 x SMA plug
Mounting Window, wall or pole
Dimensions (l x w x h) 234 x 134 x 84 mm
Cable Colour: White

And here are the routers specs:

It seems like that antenna is perfect for all the network type options and LTE 4g stuff... It even has 2 outputs for the router which also has SMA connections. Some cheaper antennas don't seem to have as many bands or 4g and some just have 4g

Here is one of the cheaper atenna's - http://www.ebay.ie/itm/111434730850?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 ...not sure if it would be as good

ralphie · 28-08-2014 12:03am

jimmyjim11 wrote: »

any routers you can tether android phone to via usb cable
phone BB plan > usb cable > router > wifi ??

Sapido have a router that will do this.I'm using an android phone for the last couple of years with a broadband sim in it.

jimmyjim11 · 28-08-2014 5:22pm

hi ralphie
which on have you got?
where did you get it?
seen this one on amazon

ralphie · 29-08-2014 2:23am

jimmyjim11 wrote: »

hi ralphie
which on have you got?
where did you get it?
seen this one on amazon

The one I have is Sapido Turbo Gigabit RB-1733
http://www.sapido.com.tw/EN/productrb1733o_35g.htm
The one you have linked to looks like a newer version.
I have it a couple of years and never had a problem with it.
I have tried to use a dongle with it which was on the compatible list but I failed to get it to work.I don't know why because the android phone is just plug and play.

Big Wex fan · 30-08-2014 2:39pm

I got the Huawei B260 3G Router from three a couple of years ago and haven't looked back, great little router. I changed the settings when I switched to Meteor & still working a treat.
Don't think they are common anymore unless you order from china but if you are looking for a solid HSPA router & come across one I would recommend it.

ranger4 · 18-09-2014 4:57pm

Hello all, tried boosting my 02 Internet connection by mounting 02 modem at end of grid antenna which is placed at loft window in direction of 02 mast which is 8 miles away, signal has improved however i believe an external antenna would probably yield more gain, can anyone suggest good quality outdoor antenna for the job also would freq range have to be wideband from 1700mhz to 2100mhz range to cover all bands? also will need a wireless router which will be placed in front room to connect movies and sport etc however the distance from antenna and wireless router will be 30ft will this distance create much signal loss? all replies greatly appreciated.

Big Wex fan · 19-09-2014 4:37am

I got a 3G Wireless Broadband 35dBi Yagi Antenna on ebay from china for 10 Euros. Not one of these nice tidy one's u can get. It's about 1 metre long. I have it mounted in my attic. Router showing max signal strength. Rough guess 5/6 miles from meteor mast. But it took a slow boat from china before i got it about 6 weeks!

ranger4 · 19-09-2014 12:29pm

Big Wex fan wrote: »

I got a 3G Wireless Broadband 35dBi Yagi Antenna on ebay from china for 10 Euros. Not one of these nice tidy one's u can get. It's about 1 metre long. I have it mounted in my attic. Router showing max signal strength. Rough guess 5/6 miles from meteor mast. But it took a slow boat from china before i got it about 6 weeks!

Hi Big wex fan, Gain fig very high does this antenna cover all bands including 694-1000MHZ and 1500-3000MHZ what was max wired cable length for this antenna, could you share ebay link thanks.

Big Wex fan · 19-09-2014 2:54pm

ranger4 wrote: »

Hi Big wex fan, Gain fig very high does this antenna cover all bands including 694-1000MHZ and 1500-3000MHZ what was max wired cable length for this antenna, could you share ebay link thanks.

Sorry, I don't know, spotted it about a year ago on ebay, for €10 euro couldn't go wrong. Came with 1 meter cable. I had the router in the attic up to recently. I had a spare tv coax to my sitting room so bought some SMA plug connectors. wired the router thru this coax from the sittingroom to the antenna in the attic, rough guess 10-12 meters of coax. And has worked a treat. Router now where it's used most.

This is the Antenna on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3G-Wireless-Broadband-35dBi-Yagi-Antenna-RP-SMA-Plug-Signal-Booster-Repeater-/111412897823?tfrom=121156227120&tpos=top&ttype=price&talgo=undefined

Big Wex fan · 19-09-2014 3:01pm

jimmyjim11 wrote: »

hi ralphie
which on have you got?
where did you get it?
seen this one on amazon

Does this router have a sim card for the 3g/4g?

-=al=- · 19-09-2014 3:14pm

Huawei b260 is the old 3g one that takes a sim, the new b593 is the new 4g sim version and d-link make a sim card router too or netlink or something... they're 3 that I know of off the top of my head

It's really much more expensive when you want a router with a sim, they don't come cheap which I find a bit strange.. the one above is for tethering or connecting a dongle I think

ralphie · 20-09-2014 1:29pm

-=al=- wrote: »

Huawei b260 is the old 3g one that takes a sim, the new b593 is the new 4g sim version and d-link make a sim card router too or netlink or something... they're 3 that I know of off the top of my head

It's really much more expensive when you want a router with a sim, they don't come cheap which I find a bit strange.. the one above is for tethering or connecting a dongle I think

Yes,the Sapido router linked to above needs a dongle or a mobile phone connected to its usb port.

Big Wex fan · 20-09-2014 2:39pm

ralphie wrote: »

Yes,the Sapido router linked to above needs a dongle or a mobile phone connected to its usb port.

Am I wrong then thinking these are normal routers advertised as 3/4G routers? Surely if it only works with a dongle or tethered, the other device's antenna picks up the 3/4G signal. So if in poor signal area, can't connect external antenna. Apologies in advance if I'm interpreting this wrongly.

ralphie · 21-09-2014 2:13pm

Big Wex fan wrote: »

Am I wrong then thinking these are normal routers advertised as 3/4G routers? Surely if it only works with a dongle or tethered, the other device's antenna picks up the 3/4G signal. So if in poor signal area, can't connect external antenna. Apologies in advance if I'm interpreting this wrongly.

I don't think normal routers as you call them have the facility to take a 3G signal from a dongle through a usb port and yes the antenna is connected to the dongle not the router.
The Sapido I linked above was the only one I could find at the time I bought it that I could connect a mobile phone to and it also kept the phone fully charged while tethering.

Big Wex fan · 16-11-2014 10:58pm

I got this one for my brother expecting to have to fit a repeater because house has thick walls but no, got strong signal thru house.
Great value for the price.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-MR3220-150Mbps-Wireless-Router/dp/B0043GWGV8/ref=pd_sim_sbs_computers_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=0J2R4J5RDHSTRG48F3RP

P_Cash · 25-11-2014 11:05pm

Big Wex fan wrote: »

Am I wrong then thinking these are normal routers advertised as 3/4G routers? Surely if it only works with a dongle or tethered, the other device's antenna picks up the 3/4G signal. So if in poor signal area, can't connect external antenna. Apologies in advance if I'm interpreting this wrongly.

your confusing the router/modem.

some routers as mentioned above has router/3g modem in 1 unit, while others are just routers, but require the mobile stick/modem to be connected.

my only problem with the router/modem in 1 unit, is that you really looking at placing the router/modem in the best signal spot, that or an Ariel is needed, don't know how good these are.

tombrown · 16-03-2015 7:45am

I need a 3G router for a holiday home in Donegal and looking for recommendations.

Key needs :
- Integrated 3G modem/wifi router (i.e one box I put my SIM into & delivers Wifi to the house)
- Needs to be able to take an external 3g aerial
- Strong 3G reception/strong Wifi signal

I currently use a Huawei R201 hotspot that I got from VF, but I now use a Three prepaid SIM in it (I find the Three signal slightly better than VF where I am, and their prepay 3G packages are more suitable for my use).

The 3G signal from Three is variable inside the house, and at certain times of day can give me 3mbps, at other times it drops to a few kbps. Furthermore the house is an old stone cottage with thick walls, so the WiFi signal is patchy around the house itself.

I think a decent modem/router with an external aerial will give me a more consistent 3G connection and better Wifi penetration.

I also have a Huawei E5332 which does take an external aeriel, but which seems to have worse 3G reception (with & without the aerial) than the R201 (which does not take an external aerial). I guess I dont really trust these credit card sized "hotspot" devices and am looking for something more robust.

Searches on Amazon etc just seem to show me supposed "3G Wifi routers", that all turn out to require an external modem - and my suspicion is that those USB dongle modems they all use will have similar reception issues. However open to persuasion that may be the way to go.

Any advice gratefully received

WillyFXP · 16-03-2015 2:27pm

tombrown wrote: »

I need a 3G router for a holiday home in Donegal and looking for recommendations.

Key needs :
- Integrated 3G modem/wifi router (i.e one box I put my SIM into & delivers Wifi to the house)
- Needs to be able to take an external 3g aerial
- Strong 3G reception/strong Wifi signal

I currently use a Huawei R201 hotspot that I got from VF, but I now use a Three prepaid SIM in it (I find the Three signal slightly better than VF where I am, and their prepay 3G packages are more suitable for my use).

The 3G signal from Three is variable inside the house, and at certain times of day can give me 3mbps, at other times it drops to a few kbps. Furthermore the house is an old stone cottage with thick walls, so the WiFi signal is patchy around the house itself.

I think a decent modem/router with an external aerial will give me a more consistent 3G connection and better Wifi penetration.

I also have a Huawei E5332 which does take an external aeriel, but which seems to have worse 3G reception (with & without the aerial) than the R201 (which does not take an external aerial). I guess I dont really trust these credit card sized "hotspot" devices and am looking for something more robust.

Searches on Amazon etc just seem to show me supposed "3G Wifi routers", that all turn out to require an external modem - and my suspicion is that those USB dongle modems they all use will have similar reception issues. However open to persuasion that may be the way to go.

Any advice gratefully received

Huawei B593s is the only one that fulfills all your needs, it's a very good piece of equipment, wifi signal is very good, takes a MIMO external aerial. Will also do 4g when it becomes available in your area, if it's not already.

tombrown · 16-03-2015 2:33pm

WillyFXP wrote: »

Huawei B593s is the only one that fulfills all your needs, it's a very good piece of equipment, wifi signal is very good, takes a MIMO external aerial. Will also do 4g when it becaome savailable in your area, if it's not already.

Thanks Willy. I also just came across this one from DLink - http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0081XCXPS/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=311MFGWRN18TQ&coliid=I30483YV96KPMA
A bit cheaper, but I am willing to pay extra if the the Huawei one is better in your view

-=al=- · 16-03-2015 4:11pm

I'd pay a little but more and get a 4g Huawei b593s-22 @ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Huawei-B593s-22-Unlocked-Wireless-Router/dp/B009QW3ZG4

and

LTE antenna @ http://www.dipol.ie/cellular-systems/gsm-3g-lte-antennas/lte/lte-mimo-antenna-atk-log-lte-800-2170mhz-10m-cable-sma-plug.html

For about €200 that will sort you out properly and future proof you too but might be a little expensive for just a holiday home, but probably the best way to get a great solid connection in my opinion.

If something on the cheap, even the d-link you mentioned would be aok or you could get a second hand Huawei b260a 3g router and a normal antenna.

http://www.adverts.ie/other-electronics/huawei-b260a-3g-hsupa-wifi-router/6823042

I use the Huawei b593s-22 and an external antenna and it works great + I found my 3g connection improved greatly with the 4g router

tombrown · 16-03-2015 5:11pm

I'm sold - I'm going for it. Is it worth me going ahead without the aerial to see how it goes first or should I get them all together?

Also I notice two aerial options on Amazon :-

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00L2J5TXG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=311MFGWRN18TQ&coliid=I3A2KE92G5PBS

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00OFXEDC4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=311MFGWRN18TQ&coliid=I3DF0T3O4QTABV

What do you reckon?

WillyFXP · 16-03-2015 5:19pm

tombrown wrote: »

I'm sold - I'm going for it. Is it worth me going ahead without the aerial to see how it goes first or should I get them all together?

Also I notice two aerial options on Amazon :-

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00L2J5TXG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=311MFGWRN18TQ&coliid=I3A2KE92G5PBS

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00OFXEDC4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=311MFGWRN18TQ&coliid=I3DF0T3O4QTABV

What do you reckon?

Get the router first and test it, no point in buying an antenna if you wont need it. The B593s has a very good internal antenna, you will only need an external one if you are in a very weak signal area.

-=al=- · 16-03-2015 5:38pm

Yeah try it first and see if it works ok... it might be grand out of the box.

It's pretty decent at picking up signal and has decent wifi on it too. You can have up to 4 different wifi networks on the device and lots of other options too etc... Really nice piece of kit.

You can get these type of antennas for 20 quid too

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/NEW-HUAWEI-3G-4G-LTE-External-Antenna-x2-for-B593-Wireless-Gateway-SMA-Connector-/271663851251?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f406d66f3

But not sure if they'd make that much of a difference tbh

I was looking for a similar set up myself had a good search for antennas and the ones you linked seem to vary in price from €15-€40 for the same thing and seemed suspiciously cheaper than other antennas on the market!

I opted for a decent poynting antenna which was one of these -
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Omni-Directional-4G-3G-LTE-MIMO-External-Antenna-Window-Wall-Pole-Mount-Aerial-/231284379423?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item35d99f8f1f

Pretty expensive for just an antenna and after I got that poynting one on ebay, I noticed these ones - http://www.dipol.ie/cellular-systems/gsm-3g-lte-antennas/lte/lte-mimo-antenna-atk-log-lte-800-2170mhz-5m-cable-sma-plug.html

I'd 100% get that one a go if I knew about it before hand. It's an Irish company too.

3G/HSPA Routers

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