Huawei b593s-22

Caspero · 13-02-2015 10:53pm

Hmm - I definitely have a setting somewhere or something else wrong. I tried both a Meteor and Three SIM in the router. On Meteor I get 4 bars on the front of the router when connected to the dipolo antenna that Al linked to. On Three I get 2-3 bars. However on both networks, when I'm on 4G, the router status says 'connecting' when I first select it and then goes blank. On the router homepage it says 'Disconnected'. I can't access the internet on connected devices. 3G works fine on both networks however.

So for people who got this going on 4G, what settings did you change from the router defaults?

I'd post a link to an image but boards says I'm a new user (really I'm just an infrequent poster) so I can't.

WillyFXP · 13-02-2015 11:54pm

The three branded B593s will work on 4G with both Three APN's which are: 3ireland and 3internet. Unlocked routers with generic firmware will only connect to Three 4G with the 3ireland APN. So make sure your APN is 3ireland, NOT 3internet or nbs.ie.

Caspero · 15-02-2015 10:37pm

Thanks WillyFXP. I have the unlocked version with generic firmware. Have you managed to change the APN on this type of router? When I try, I don't see a way to force use of 3ireland.ie. The default profile name 'auto' defaults to nbs.ie and the option to delete it is greyed out. I'm wondering if I can't connect because the router is using this one instead of the new 3ireland APN that I've entered.

I can't post a link because of the boards 50 post rule, but if you go to imgur and tack this on to the end of the URL, I've uploaded a screendump there: /Z8N7AX8.png

Caspero · 15-02-2015 10:56pm

Caspero wrote: »

Thanks WillyFXP. I have the unlocked version with generic firmware. Have you managed to change the APN on this type of router? When I try, I don't see a way to force use of 3ireland.ie. The default profile name 'auto' defaults to nbs.ie and the option to delete it is greyed out. I'm wondering if I can't connect because the router is using this one instead of the new 3ireland APN that I've entered.

I can't post a link because of the boards 50 post rule, but if you go to imgur and tack this on to the end of the URL, I've uploaded a screendump there: /Z8N7AX8.png

Ah - I figured it out. The reason I couldn't delete the default APN profile was that it was in use. To use a new APN, you have to:

1/ Go to Internet/APN management and enter the APN details there to create a new APN profile (this part I had done).
2/ (This is the part I hadn't prior to my previous message) Go to Internet/Network connection and in the drop-down field next to 'Profile', select the name of the new APN you just set up.

It's working now - this message is coming to you via my 4G connection

Now to figure out the best direction to point this dipolo antenna....

Caspero · 15-02-2015 11:49pm

This is weird - when I'm connected on 4G to the 3ireland APN with the built-in antenna I'm getting 9.8mbps download but only 0.25mbps upload. Anyone know if there's a configuration option I have to set to fix the slow upload speed?

I haven't been able to get better speeds with the external antenna so far but am still experimenting with it.

Caspero · 16-02-2015 4:47pm

Okay I think the poor upload on three was just due to poor signal quality in my area. I've been able to get better upload speeds on Meteor and Vodafone.

If anyone else is configuring the 4G APNs, the settings I've gotten working are as follows. Username and password blank, Authentication none, APN:

Three: 3ireland.ie
Meteor: data.mymeteor.ie
Vodafone: live.vodafone.com

Vodafone's speeds were vastly superior in my area, with Meteor second and Three a distant third, which is broadly in line with what the respective networks' 4G coverage maps say for where I live.

-=al=- · 16-02-2015 5:35pm

Some truth behind the maps, who knew! How is that external antenna? It has more gain than the one I have so curious to see how it performs.

I dont mind that it's not too much more bars of signal... it's gone from 1 or 2 bars without the external antenna to a solid 3 bars these days. It's the consistsncy I'm after really

Caspero · 16-02-2015 6:19pm

-=al=- wrote: »

How is that external antenna? It has more gain than the one I have so curious to see how it performs.

I dont mind that it's not too much more bars of signal... it's gone from 1 or 2 bars without the external antenna to a solid 3 bars these days. It's the consistsncy I'm after really

I have to do a bit of research on how to install antennas because I didn't get any improvement with it on Vodafone and actually experienced disimprovement on the other networks. I'm thinking maybe I need a repeater or something, or maybe I'm pointing it in the wrong direction. I'll let you know after I've figured it out.

With the built-in antenna, I did get a big 4G speed improvement on both Three and Meteor from putting the router in my attic though (so no concrete walls to block the signal).

My 4G speeds on Meteor jumped from 7.9 down/0.3 up in the house to 10.6 down 8.2 up (yep a 27x upload improvement) by putting the router in the attic.

On Three's 4G I couldn't get any signal at all in the house and got 9.8down, 0.25 up in the attic. As an aside, on my Galaxy S5 on Three I can't pick up 4G at all even in the attic where the router picks up signal.

In contrast Vodafone's 4G was a bit worse in the attic. Maybe the better relative performance in the house something to do with which frequency their 4G is on (i.e. signal passes through walls) or where the nearest mast is. 48.7mbps down, 16.4 up in the house, 34.7 down, 16.3 up in the attic.

WillyFXP · 16-02-2015 11:35pm

Caspero wrote: »

I have to do a bit of research on how to install antennas because I didn't get any improvement with it on Vodafone and actually experienced disimprovement on the other networks. I'm thinking maybe I need a repeater or something, or maybe I'm pointing it in the wrong direction. I'll let you know after I've figured it out.

With the built-in antenna, I did get a big 4G speed improvement on both Three and Meteor from putting the router in my attic though (so no concrete walls to block the signal).

My 4G speeds on Meteor jumped from 7.9 down/0.3 up in the house to 10.6 down 8.2 up (yep a 27x upload improvement) by putting the router in the attic.

On Three's 4G I couldn't get any signal at all in the house and got 9.8down, 0.25 up in the attic. As an aside, on my Galaxy S5 on Three I can't pick up 4G at all even in the attic where the router picks up signal.

In contrast Vodafone's 4G was a bit worse in the attic. Maybe the better relative performance in the house something to do with which frequency their 4G is on (i.e. signal passes through walls) or where the nearest mast is. 48.7mbps down, 16.4 up in the house, 34.7 down, 16.3 up in the attic.

Get open signal or network signal pro for your phone, it will give you direction, signal strength and mast location.

Caspero · 18-02-2015 4:06pm

-=al=- wrote: »

How is that external antenna? It has more gain than the one I have so curious to see how it performs.

I've had a chance to test it properly now and I'm very happy with it. The antenna I got is the one you linked to in post #21, the LTE MIMO Antenna: ATK-LOG LTE (800-2170MHz, 5m cable, SMA plug) on dipol's website.

It solved my download problems on Three and gave significantly faster upload speeds.

I tested 2 ways - holding the antenna on a pole sticking out the skylight window of my attic and just in the attic.

I tried the Open Signal app and I think that would be great for omnidirectional antennae because it tells you where signal is strongest pretty accurately. However for a directional antenna, while it does try to tell you the direction of the mast you are connected to, I found the app to be unreliable for that. I just resorted to connecting the antenna to the router and pointing it in different directions until I got the most blue bars on the router, and then running an internet speed test.

Also I think the reason this antenna wasn't working for me before is that the cables weren't screwed in tight enough.

Anyway today on Three whose signal is weak at my house I saw improvement in my upload speeds from
0.73mbps with the built-in antenna in the attic to
18.26mbps with the external antenna sticking out my attic skylight or
2.3mbps with the external antenna inside the attic.

On Vodafone I'm still getting better download speeds without the antenna and the upload speeds are the same with or without it. I suspect the limitation is not signal strength on Vodafone as signal is quite good at my house with them.

Haven't tested Meteor with the antenna.

Caspero · 20-02-2015 5:10pm

Anyone know if it is possible to configure this router to run as Gb Ethernet for the LAN ports or is it only capable of 10/100? I had a look around for possible options to change to run at 1000 speeds and didn't see anything.

I noticed when transferring files between two connected devices that the transfer rate was maxing out at 11mb/s. One of the LAN cards has a light that lets you know whether the LAN connection is 1000 or 10/100. The 10/100 bulb was flashing when I connected to the router. I've tested connecting through a different device and I can get the 1000 speeds (transferring at 50 to 100 MB/second for me) so it's definitely the router that is causing the slower speeds.

WillyFXP · 20-02-2015 5:17pm

Caspero wrote: »

Anyone know if it is possible to configure this router to run as Gb Ethernet for the LAN ports or is it only capable of 10/100? I had a look around for possible options to change to run at 1000 speeds and didn't see anything.

I noticed when transferring files between two connected devices that the transfer rate was maxing out at 11mb/s. One of the LAN cards has a light that lets you know whether the LAN connection is 1000 or 10/100. The 10/100 bulb was flashing when I connected to the router. I've tested connecting through a different device and I can get the 1000 speeds (transferring at 50 to 100 MB/second for me) so it's definitely the router that is causing the slower speeds.

The LAN ports are 10/100 and cant be changed, thats the one big negative for this router. I just use it as the modem and have a gigabit router for my LAN.

Caspero · 20-02-2015 5:26pm

WillyFXP wrote: »

I just use it as the modem and have a gigabit router for my LAN.

Thanks WillyFXP. Am I right in thinking that to do that you just go to Security/DMZ and check 'enable', then add the IP address of the gigabit router in the 'host address' field?

If so, I haven't seen an option to view the addresses in the router menus, so do you just guess what the IP of the connected gigabit router is (e.g. 192.168.1.2)?

niallb · 21-02-2015 4:49pm

Caspero wrote: »

Thanks WillyFXP. Am I right in thinking that to do that you just go to Security/DMZ and check 'enable', then add the IP address of the gigabit router in the 'host address' field?

If so, I haven't seen an option to view the addresses in the router menus, so do you just guess what the IP of the connected gigabit router is (e.g. 192.168.1.2)?

You can find the address by going to
LAN -> DHCP Settings

The connected devices will be listed at the bottom with their IP addresses.

I'd recommend you add an entry for the router to the "Bundled Addresses".
This will make sure that the router will always get the same address from the B593,
so your DMZ settings won't be broken when the lease runs out.

Edit the Bundled Addresses list.
When you choose "Add" you'll get a list of the connected devices and can choose from them there.
Make a note of the adress after saving, and head back over to the DMZ page.

Caspero · 21-02-2015 6:17pm

niallb wrote: »

You can find the address by going to
LAN -> DHCP Settings

The connected devices will be listed at the bottom with their IP addresses.

I'd recommend you add an entry for the router to the "Bundled Addresses".
This will make sure that the router will always get the same address from the B593,
so your DMZ settings won't be broken when the lease runs out.

Edit the Bundled Addresses list.
When you choose "Add" you'll get a list of the connected devices and can choose from them there.
Make a note of the adress after saving, and head back over to the DMZ page.

Excellent, thanks niallb!

WillyFXP · 21-02-2015 6:55pm

Caspero wrote: »

Thanks WillyFXP. Am I right in thinking that to do that you just go to Security/DMZ and check 'enable', then add the IP address of the gigabit router in the 'host address' field?

If so, I haven't seen an option to view the addresses in the router menus, so do you just guess what the IP of the connected gigabit router is (e.g. 192.168.1.2)?

You also have to make sure that your B593s and your router have different DHCP host addresses, the B593s has 192.168.1.1 as default, so make your router 192.168.2.1

Scruff · 11-03-2015 11:35am

can you set a monthly usage cap on this router to protect you from exceeding a bundle allowance?

niallb · 11-03-2015 11:38am

Not really.
You can set it to monitor your usage, so that you can see when you go over the limit,
but I didn't find a way to get it to cut you off.

Caspero · 21-03-2015 1:22am

WillyFXP wrote: »

You also have to make sure that your B593s and your router have different DHCP host addresses, the B593s has 192.168.1.1 as default, so make your router 192.168.2.1

I'm working on setting this up over the weekend, was wondering how to configure the router behind the B593. I know the settings change by router, but I was looking for the term that I should Google so that I can figure it out for mine. Do I have to set it up as a bridge? Or something else? Any other settings I should be looking out for?

WillyFXP · 21-03-2015 10:25am

Caspero wrote: »

I'm working on setting this up over the weekend, was wondering how to configure the router behind the B593. I know the settings change by router, but I was looking for the term that I should Google so that I can figure it out for mine. Do I have to set it up as a bridge? Or something else? Any other settings I should be looking out for?

All you do is set it up with different DHCP addresses, you dont need to bridge it. Just make sure the second router is set in the B593s DMZ and that the B593s firewall is off.

Caspero · 21-03-2015 11:18am

WillyFXP wrote: »

All you do is set it up with different DHCP addresses, you dont need to bridge it. Just make sure the second router is set in the B593s DMZ and that the B593s firewall is off.

Cool it's working now - I had to power cycle and reset my router (Eircom D1000 / Zytel 1000) a few times and then it worked.

The firewall in the second router (Eircom D1000) will still apply to the computers connected to it right? Or would I need to protect them using software firewalls since they're connected (albeit indirectly) to a DMZ?

WillyFXP · 21-03-2015 12:56pm

Caspero wrote: »

Cool it's working now - I had to power cycle and reset my router (Eircom D1000 / Zytel 1000) a few times and then it worked.

The firewall in the second router (Eircom D1000) will still apply to the computers connected to it right? Or would I need to protect them using software firewalls since they're connected (albeit indirectly) to a DMZ?

The DMZ is only on the B593, so the second routers firewall will take effect. I wouldn't go without a software antivirus or firewall though, the routers firewall is pretty basic and it doesn't update.

niallb · 21-03-2015 1:56pm

Caspero wrote: »

... Do I have to set it up as a bridge? ...

Unfortunately, you can't bridge it.
DMZ through to your router as you've done is your best option.
If anyone knows of a firmware for this that does allow bridging, let me know!

WillyFXP · 21-03-2015 2:55pm

niallb wrote: »

Unfortunately, you can't bridge it.
DMZ through to your router as you've done is your best option.
If anyone knows of a firmware for this that does allow bridging, let me know!

There are none. Huawei unfortunately don't support this router very well. They tend to write branded firmware updates only for resellers like three. There have been no generic firmware releases for the B593s since 2013.

LiamHam82 · 23-03-2015 11:12pm

I'm thinking of getting one of these, the price seems a bit high though at €180 from 3. I just want to know if any of ye that own it, is it worth the money?

WillyFXP · 23-03-2015 11:57pm

LiamHam82 wrote: »

I'm thinking of getting one of these, the price seems a bit high though at €180 from 3. I just want to know if any of ye that own it, is it worth the money?

If you cant get decent broadband from eircom or upc then these are the next best thing, that is if you have a half decent 4g signal. They are the best consumer 4G router on the market. If your put off by the price, think of it this way, 12 months line rental on it's own from eircom is €300 and thats before you add any broadband service. PM me, I'm selling a sim free B593s-22 and a poynting antenna.

-=al=- · 24-03-2015 1:04am

Which antenna are you selling? Just out of curiosity how you got on with it the s-22 and an antenna?

As for the device, if fixed broadband isn't an option and 4g is decent in your area, you can get these unlocked on amazon for €140 or so.

There is some second hand ones on adverts.ie from time to time also which are worth a look.

Best sim router going atm. Pair it with an antenna for a very decent conneciton.

I pay 20 quid a month for 50Gb of 4g interwebs with a 30ms ping anddownloading at 12Mb and uploading around 9Mb on 24/7 without a hitch

WillyFXP · 24-03-2015 11:35am

-=al=- wrote: »

you can get these unlocked on amazon for €140 or so.

Can you give a link? Cheapest I can find ATM is €175 with the current exchange rate.

-=al=- wrote: »

Which antenna are you selling? Just out of curiosity how you got on with it the s-22 and an antenna?

The same one you have. It adds around 5-6mbps on download and doubles the upload from 10mbps to 20mbps compared to the built in antenna, signal bars went from 3 to 5. The reason I'm selling is because the cables are about 1m too short to reach where the router is! It's actually cheaper to buy another antenna than to get low loss extension cables made up.

FingalMc · 24-03-2015 2:17pm

Hi folks am thinking of buying this router unlocked from Amazon.co.uk Ã¢Â‚Â¬180

I have a crappy phone line at home driving me nuts. Managed to borrow same router of a friend and was hitting 10-15mb down and 8 up on 4g three network.

Does anyone know if 3 prepay is capped?

Thanks for any advice

FingalMc · 24-03-2015 2:22pm

-=al=- wrote:

I pay 20 quid a month for 50Gb of 4g interwebs with a 30ms ping anddownloading at 12Mb and uploading around 9Mb on 24/7 without a hitch

whois your data provider?

WillyFXP · 24-03-2015 3:46pm

FingalMc wrote: »

Hi folks am thinking of buying this router unlocked from Amazon.co.uk Ã¢Â‚Â¬180

I have a crappy phone line at home driving me nuts. Managed to borrow same router of a friend and was hitting 10-15mb down and 8 up on 4g three network.

Does anyone know if 3 prepay is capped?

Thanks for any advice

I use a three payg sim all you can eat data €20 top up every 30 days. In the last 26 days I've downloaded 180gb, so no, it's not capped.

-=al=- · 24-03-2015 6:03pm

WillyFXP wrote: »

Can you give a link? Cheapest I can find ATM is €175 with the current exchange rate.

The current exchange rate is not kind and this one is €166. That's the very one I got last year, which is slightly more with the Euro gone to crap. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Huawei-B593s-22-Unlocked-Wireless-Router/dp/B009QW3ZG4

I have the 5m antenna cable that just about fits for what I need. 10m is probably ideal but I can just about get away with the 5m! I'm curious about the antennas http://www.dipol.ie/ offer.

FingalMc wrote:

whois your data provider?

Meteor. They work best for me at my location so I opted for them. I am on the student plan though which gives me that offer, the closest one to it is the 24€ a month 30GB. I don't know why they don't offer more data for normal plans, it's pretty annoying tbh. Metoer offer the router for €99 with €24/30GB a month on a 6 month contract.

Three offer 60GB for €35 a month on a 12 month contact (€40 after June) and the router is €99 with that.

As for caps with 3, I've run out of data a few times with them on bill pay/prepay but it's been a couple of years since I've used them... Check the fair usage policy too

WillyFXP · 24-03-2015 10:34pm

-=al=- wrote: »

The current exchange rate is not kind and this one is €166. That's the very one I got last year, which is slightly more with the Euro gone to crap. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Huawei-B593s-22-Unlocked-Wireless-Router/dp/B009QW3ZG4

It's actually €175 mate, thats the cheapest one I could find.

FingalMc · 26-03-2015 9:51pm

Hi folks,

I have just purchased the B593s unlocked from Amazon. I've got a prepay 3 sim. Its connected but speeds are very poor I'm getting 1MB down and about 5.5MB up.

I have the router up high close to the window but not up against the window touching the glass.

I have the 3ireland.ie APN set and the country is set to Ireland.

I cannot seem to login to the Huawei web interface over wifi keep getting ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED in the browser. I can connect via my mobile Safari on the iPhone, connects fine with a network cable which is not ideal. Any ideas on this one?

On the Overview when I tap the USIM icon it says 4G can I assume its getting 4G signal, it reported it as normal once.

I bought the prepay sim from 3 this evening and came hope took router out of the box, inserted sim and turned it on. The first speed test was about 8+MB down and 12+MB up then it went to ****.

I've moved the router around the house from upstairs to downstairs etc btw it has no aerials attached.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

long_b · 26-03-2015 10:06pm

FingalMc wrote: »

Hi folks,

I have just purchased the B593s unlocked from Amazon. I've got a prepay 3 sim. Its connected but speeds are very poor I'm getting 1MB down and about 5.5MB up.

I have the router up high close to the window but not up against the window touching the glass.

I have the 3ireland.ie APN set and the country is set to Ireland.

I cannot seem to login to the Huawei web interface over wifi keep getting ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED in the browser. I can connect via my mobile Safari on the iPhone, connects fine with a network cable which is not ideal. Any ideas on this one?

On the Overview when I tap the USIM icon it says 4G can I assume its getting 4G signal, it reported it as normal once.

I bought the prepay sim from 3 this evening and came hope took router out of the box, inserted sim and turned it on. The first speed test was about 8+MB down and 12+MB up then it went to ****.

I've moved the router around the house from upstairs to downstairs etc btw it has no aerials attached.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

Excuse me if I'm way off but have you topped up the SIM properly to get the unlimited data from 3 ?

FingalMc · 26-03-2015 10:14pm

Hi Al

Yeah I put €20 as advised in store. Chap said the sim should be up and running with 30 minute of purchase. I asked if it would be 4G enabled he said it would.

FingalMc · 26-03-2015 10:15pm

Yeah I put €20 as advised in store. Chap said the sim should be up and running with 30 minute of purchase. I asked if it would be 4G enabled he said it would.

LiamHam82 · 27-03-2015 4:30pm

Well I got it this morning, it is very good but there seems to be something rattling around in it. It was bought new from three, does anyone else unit do this

-=al=- · 30-03-2015 7:07pm

Nothing rattles, and it probably shouldn't!

When I got one from amazon, it had no power supple for some reason but they replaced it next day delivery so wasn't all bad. Annoying though!

It should be aok, I don't have the 3 apn settings on me but I'm sure you have them or got them off the three lads, I had to ask a three rep a while ago for t apn in store... She wass quite helpful too.

If you can't conect to the login page via wifi, does your computer/laptop have a fixed Ip address?

I had an issue connecting on one machine to the router login page but forget how i fixed it, I think it was an IP issue and works aok now.

How much signal are you getting? Three wasn't too great for me on the router itself but I got a few Mb each way with 1-2 bars of 4g

Caspero · 31-03-2015 10:16pm

Has anyone configured port forwarding with this router? (Al I saw you mention opening Xbox ports - have you done it?)

Reason I ask is that I'm trying to configure RDP and in the router Security/Port forwarding page, when I click 'Add item', one of the fields it requests is 'Remote port range'. I'm trying to figure out if this is just the same as the local range - e.g. 3389 for RDP, or something different.

Also, after I open the port, do I also need to create a firewall rule to allow Internet to LAN traffic? Can't find anywhere to do that, I just see the global firewall level settings.

WillyFXP · 31-03-2015 11:07pm

Caspero wrote: »

Has anyone configured port forwarding with this router? (Al I saw you mention opening Xbox ports - have you done it?)

Reason I ask is that I'm trying to configure RDP and in the router Security/Port forwarding page, when I click 'Add item', one of the fields it requests is 'Remote port range'. I'm trying to figure out if this is just the same as the local range - e.g. 3389 for RDP, or something different.

Also, after I open the port, do I also need to create a firewall rule to allow Internet to LAN traffic? Can't find anywhere to do that, I just see the global firewall level settings.

Port forwarding will only work if you have an external IP, if it's an internal IP then you're stuck behind the CGNAT.

Caspero · 01-04-2015 9:39am

WillyFXP wrote: »

Port forwarding will only work if you have an external IP, if it's an internal IP then you're stuck behind the CGNAT.

CGNAT was new to me - if I understand correctly from a quick read around, it means that my IP is shared among several mobile broadband users, is that correct? If so, I'm guessing something like dyndns wouldn't work either?

The router has a dyndns section but maybe that's for mobile carriers that don't use CGNAT and do assign IPs dynamically? Or am I misunderstanding nad Dyndns would work?

WillyFXP · 01-04-2015 12:23pm

Caspero wrote: »

CGNAT was new to me - if I understand correctly from a quick read around, it means that my IP is shared among several mobile broadband users, is that correct? If so, I'm guessing something like dyndns wouldn't work either?

The router has a dyndns section but maybe that's for mobile carriers that don't use CGNAT and do assign IPs dynamically? Or am I misunderstanding nad Dyndns would work?

CGNAT puts you behind the mobile providers firewall, the firewall gives you an internal IP, similar to your routers dynamic ip settings, then the public IP is visible on the other side of the NAT.

As far as I know dyndns wont work, I haven't specifically tried it, but I do use noIP.com, and that wont work unless you can port forward.

TommyMacca · 04-04-2015 1:43pm

To spare you the details I cannot get a landline installed where I live. So instead I tried a Skype number. But as my Huawei E5220 gets from a suicidal 0.10Mbps up to a euphoric 1.50Mbps I couldn’t achieve the call quality.

My NBS contract expires this month. So I upgraded from a Huawei E5220 to a Huawei B593s-22 in the vain hope of catching a 4G signal. The modem arrived this Monday, so I stuck it in the attic and I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw I was getting 22.0Mbps. Hallelujah!!!!! I don’t think I need a Poynting antenna just yet.

Then I noticed the Huawei B593s-22 has 2 telephone ports on the side. This got me thinking… Can I connect my analogue desktop phone to the modem and use it to make VOIP calls?

But when I go into the web management page of my modem there is no VOIP tab. I think Three.ie have changed the firmware to remove the VOIP options. I realise I could “flash” the firmware but I am frightened I might “brick” my modem.

So my questions are:

1.) Would it be easier to send my modem back to Three.ie and get an “unlocked” one from Amazon?
2.) If I get an unlocked one will I be able to make VOIP calls? What I mean by that is have Three.ie got things “switched on” at their end? No point my configuring everything here if they don’t have it enabled on their servers.
3.) Do I need to purchase an ATA adapter to allow my analogue phone and the modem to communicate or is this functionality already built into the modem?
4.) If an analogue phone will not work, would a VOIP phone work?
5.) Do I need a VOIP account with a vendor or would the Three.ie servers act as gateway to the PSTN? (I don't know how this works)
6.) If I have an "unlocked" modem can I insert an “all you can eat” SIM into my modem and get unlimited downloads or is this in violation of the T&Cs?

My objective is to use my analogue desktop phone to make/receive calls via my modem and that way I don’t need to leave my PC turned on 24/7.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Caspero · 04-04-2015 2:26pm

TommyMacca wrote: »

To spare you the details I cannot get a landline installed where I live. So instead I tried a Skype number. But as my Huawei E5220 gets from a suicidal 0.10Mbps up to a euphoric 1.50Mbps I couldn’t achieve the call quality.

My NBS contract expires this month. So I upgraded from a Huawei E5220 to a Huawei B593s-22 in the vain hope of catching a 4G signal. The modem arrived this Monday, so I stuck it in the attic and I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw I was getting 22.0Mbps. Hallelujah!!!!! I don’t think I need a Poynting antenna just yet.

Then I noticed the Huawei B593s-22 has 2 telephone ports on the side. This got me thinking… Can I connect my analogue desktop phone to the modem and use it to make VOIP calls?

But when I go into the web management page of my modem there is no VOIP tab. I think Three.ie have changed the firmware to remove the VOIP options. I realise I could “flash” the firmware but I am frightened I might “brick” my modem.

So my questions are:

1.) Would it be easier to send my modem back to Three.ie and get an “unlocked” one from Amazon?
2.) If I get an unlocked one will I be able to make VOIP calls? What I mean by that is have Three.ie got things “switched on” at their end? No point my configuring everything here if they don’t have it enabled on their servers.
3.) Do I need to purchase an ATA adapter to allow my analogue phone and the modem to communicate or is this functionality already built into the modem?
4.) If an analogue phone will not work, would a VOIP phone work?
5.) Do I need a VOIP account with a vendor or would the Three.ie servers act as gateway to the PSTN? (I don't know how this works)
6.) If I have an "unlocked" modem can I insert an “all you can eat” SIM into my modem and get unlimited downloads or is this in violation of the T&Cs?

My objective is to use my analogue desktop phone to make/receive calls via my modem and that way I don’t need to leave my PC turned on 24/7.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Edit - see WillyFXP's response below

If you are happy with using your Skype number and don't want to leave your computer on, you could get something like a Skype phone that just connects to your router via wifi and uses it's regular internet connection to route your outbound calls (in the same way that your computer does). Alternatively if you have a smartphone, you could download the Skype app and connect your phone to your wifi network and make Skype calls over that. Quality should be similar to what you'd get using your computer for Skype. FYI I use Skype for videoconferencing regularly with my Huawei B593-s22 and am very happy with it. I get about 16mbps up / 10mbps down.

WillyFXP · 04-04-2015 4:45pm

TommyMacca wrote: »

To spare you the details I cannot get a landline installed where I live. So instead I tried a Skype number. But as my Huawei E5220 gets from a suicidal 0.10Mbps up to a euphoric 1.50Mbps I couldn’t achieve the call quality.

My NBS contract expires this month. So I upgraded from a Huawei E5220 to a Huawei B593s-22 in the vain hope of catching a 4G signal. The modem arrived this Monday, so I stuck it in the attic and I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw I was getting 22.0Mbps. Hallelujah!!!!! I don’t think I need a Poynting antenna just yet.

Then I noticed the Huawei B593s-22 has 2 telephone ports on the side. This got me thinking… Can I connect my analogue desktop phone to the modem and use it to make VOIP calls?

But when I go into the web management page of my modem there is no VOIP tab. I think Three.ie have changed the firmware to remove the VOIP options. I realise I could “flash” the firmware but I am frightened I might “brick” my modem.

So my questions are:

1.) Would it be easier to send my modem back to Three.ie and get an “unlocked” one from Amazon?
2.) If I get an unlocked one will I be able to make VOIP calls? What I mean by that is have Three.ie got things “switched on” at their end? No point my configuring everything here if they don’t have it enabled on their servers.
3.) Do I need to purchase an ATA adapter to allow my analogue phone and the modem to communicate or is this functionality already built into the modem?
4.) If an analogue phone will not work, would a VOIP phone work?
5.) Do I need a VOIP account with a vendor or would the Three.ie servers act as gateway to the PSTN? (I don't know how this works)
6.) If I have an "unlocked" modem can I insert an “all you can eat” SIM into my modem and get unlimited downloads or is this in violation of the T&Cs?

My objective is to use my analogue desktop phone to make/receive calls via my modem and that way I don’t need to leave my PC turned on 24/7.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

The three branded B593s has had the VOIP tab removed, no idea why, because three dont provide a VOIP service, you would think they would allow you to use the VOIP provider of your choice. The unlocked/generic firmware version has full VOIP functionality, but not natively, you need to have a third party VOIP provider and enter the account details into the router.
The three branded B593s cannot use a voice sim for calls, but the unlocked/generic version CAN use a voice sim with a standard analogue phone plugged into one of the phone ports. This is limited with a three sim, can only make calls, not receive them, I think this is because of the CGNAT. I haven't tried with any other operator apart from three.

Other things to note about the three branded version vs the generic version. The three branded version with the latest firmware CAN bypass the CGNAT using 3internet APN, allowing full functionality like port forwarding etc because it gives an external IP. This obviously only works with a three sim.

The generic version gives full voip menu etc etc, BUT it cannot use the 3internet APN, only the 3ireland APN. This means it can only ever get an internal IP as the APN is locked to the CGNAT, resulting in port forwarding etc not working.

niallb · 04-04-2015 5:50pm

WillyFXP wrote: »

The unlocked/generic firmware version has full VOIP functionality...

the unlocked/generic version CAN use a voice sim with a standard analogue phone plugged into one of the phone ports.

Hi.
Do you have one yourself that performs these functions?
Can you confirm the firmware version on it for me?
Would it be close to V200R001B236D30SP00C00 from late 2013?

We've no landline either, and no DSL on the local exchange let alone eFiber!
I transferred our old number to Blueface, and it worked well for months, but since Three absorbed O2 and started playing with merging the networks two weeks ago, speeds have dropped to a fraction of what they were and another way of calling a house phone would be a bonus.

WillyFXP · 04-04-2015 5:54pm

niallb wrote: »

Hi.
Do you have one yourself that performs these functions?
Can you confirm the firmware version on it for me?
Would it be close to V200R001B236D30SP00C00 from late 2013?

We've no landline either, and no DSL on the local exchange let alone eFiber!
I transferred our old number to Blueface, and it worked well for months, but since Three absorbed O2 and started playing with merging the networks two weeks ago, speeds have dropped to a fraction of what they were and another way of calling a house phone would be a bonus.

I bought a three branded B593s, then unlocked it and debranded it, so yes, I can confirm the functions.
Firmware version:
V200R001B236D30SP00C00
Firmware build time:
Sep 30 2013 / 10:29:34

niallb · 04-04-2015 6:13pm

Excellent!
I just found that firmware earlier today!
Thank you.

TommyMacca · 07-04-2015 11:03am

Caspero wrote: »

Edit - see WillyFXP's response below

If you are happy with using your Skype number and don't want to leave your computer on, you could get something like a Skype phone that just connects to your router via wifi and uses it's regular internet connection to route your outbound calls (in the same way that your computer does). Alternatively if you have a smartphone, you could download the Skype app and connect your phone to your wifi network and make Skype calls over that. Quality should be similar to what you'd get using your computer for Skype. FYI I use Skype for videoconferencing regularly with my Huawei B593-s22 and am very happy with it. I get about 16mbps up / 10mbps down.

@Caspero

Sorry for the slow response, Easter happened :-)

That's two good solutions. I think Skype on my smartphone is step one, so I can see what the call quality is like before purchasing a handset.

It's reassuring to know that someone else with a similar set-up to me has got it to work.

Thanks very much for replying.

Huawei b593s-22

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