3G/HSPA Routers

Batesy · 15-10-2012 10:43am

Thanks for the advice lads. I've gone ahead and ordered the Tp-link for €39 on Amazon and the e3131 from o2.

I'll post my findings at the end of the week hopefully.

Batesy · 16-10-2012 5:10pm

Right, so the Huawei E3131 dongle arrived this morning from o2 and the TP-Link MR3420 arrived from Amazon too.

I was worried about the E3131 compatibility with the Tp-link router as it hasn't been verified to work on their website but I can confirm it does work.

Got it set up fairly hassle free.

The signal strenght being picked up from the dongle is a bit dissapointing at 41% but the speedtest isn't bad.

I've noticed an improvement on Xbox live too compared to the Hotshot. I've switched to an ethernet connection rather than the wireless and the router seemed to automatically detect the xbox and open the correct ports for open NAT on xbox live. Yesterday I had a restrictive NAT from the Hotshot and today I have an Open nat from the Tp-link.

I've tested out the new Sky On Demand feature too via another of the ethernet ports and it's working fine too.

All in all I'm happy enough so far.

homingbird · 02-11-2012 4:26pm

Hi i am looking for help setting up this router i bought TP-Link tl-mr3420 for my sister who is with 3mobile. The dongle she has is the E353 & the router does not recognize it nor does it give me the opition of selecting 3ireland as my internet provider. The Huawei E353 is in their list of dongles under a different make. I also updated the firmware v1.2 to mr3420v1_en_3_12_21_up(120508) but it still does not give me the choice to select 3ireland as my internet provider.
any help would be wellcome !!!!!
Thanks.

eirator · 02-11-2012 4:31pm

Stop wasting your time with that dongle the HiLink version of E353 3 IRL supply doesn't work with that or any router for that matter.Check first if the dongle is recognised if it isn't then give up.No need to select any country just put the APN 3internet and Dial String *99# in manually.

homingbird · 02-11-2012 4:43pm

Ok thanks were can i get a unlocked dongle that works with 3ireland on this router.

eirator · 02-11-2012 6:06pm

homingbird wrote: »

Ok thanks were can i get a unlocked dongle that works with 3ireland on this router.

Almost any dongle should work, for example afaik Vodafone don't lock their dongles but they do lock the software on them but when you use a dongle in a router you aren't using any of the software so any Vodafone dongle with a 3 SIM in that router should work. I'm sure someone can find one that won't.If you need to unlock a dongle google is your friend, no way would I ever pay to unlock a dongle.With the E353 what did it say about the dongle on the routers home page? If you scroll down a bit it says 3G USB Modem: and someting about the modems status, like its name if its recognised, unplugged if there is no modem present and iirc unknown modem for the E353. If it recognises it then your in with a chance otherwise no way.

eclectichoney · 03-11-2012 12:22pm

Batesy wrote: »

Right, so the Huawei E3131 dongle arrived this morning from o2 and the TP-Link MR3420 arrived from Amazon too.

I was worried about the E3131 compatibility with the Tp-link router as it hasn't been verified to work on their website but I can confirm it does work.

Got it set up fairly hassle free.

The signal strenght being picked up from the dongle is a bit dissapointing at 41% but the speedtest isn't bad.

I've noticed an improvement on Xbox live too compared to the Hotshot. I've switched to an ethernet connection rather than the wireless and the router seemed to automatically detect the xbox and open the correct ports for open NAT on xbox live. Yesterday I had a restrictive NAT from the Hotshot and today I have an Open nat from the Tp-link.

I've tested out the new Sky On Demand feature too via another of the ethernet ports and it's working fine too.

All in all I'm happy enough so far.

Thanks a mill for the info Batesy - I use the same o2 dongle and am just about to order the TP link.

I am a total newbie with this, so is it just plug and play? Or do I need any other info from o2 to set it up?

Thanks a mill

-=al=- · 03-11-2012 7:36pm

Plug in and play, you probably have to tick a few settings on the router page (192.168.1.1) and make the 3g as the default connection and change the few APN for the network

eclectichoney · 03-11-2012 8:26pm

-=al=- wrote: »

Plug in and play, you probably have to tick a few settings on the router page (192.168.1.1) and make the 3g as the default connection and change the few APN for the network

Thanks

What's the APN? Sorry for the stupid question

-=al=- · 03-11-2012 8:44pm

Just the place the dongle connects to to get the internets

Something like that would be the settings to edit... if you go to tools and settings on the dongle software itself on your comp the settings should all be in there but they're easy to get from whatever network you're on

eclectichoney · 24-11-2012 12:48pm

Hi guys
Just wanted to say thanks for all the help - got the TC Link router and works like a charm. Really appreciated

messinkiapina · 03-12-2012 6:54pm

I bought a tp-link wr703n from China and after much frustration with trying to get my o2 broadband modem to work by battling with the Chinese language firmware, I decided to install open-wrt instead.

Thing is I'm equally confused by how I'm meant to configure open-wrt for 3g routing on this device

When I go to the router homepage I can't find anywhere to enter my routers APN and access number. Is there something else I need to install with the open-wrt to get it to work with my 3g router?

eirator · 05-12-2012 10:07pm

How to set the time on an Edimax 6200n 3G router.

Sound like a really easy thing to do doesn't it? All you can do is set up a time server and that rarely if ever seems to work. There is no where to set the current time. Thats no big deal but a restart resets the time to 00:00:00 and you can't use the schedule for turning the wireless on and off if the time isn't set correctly

Anyway heres the answer

Log into the router then go to http://192.168.2.1/syscmd.asp

then in the System Command box type

date +%T -s "10:11:12"

Where,
10: Hour (hh)
11: Minute (mm)
12: Second (ss)

and then apply.

Set time info from http://www.cyberciti.biz/faq/howto-set-date-time-from-linux-command-prompt/ .

And if you want to do a reboot of the router without loads of clicks on an annoying system then

http://192.168.2.1/goform/formReboot

does it in one hit.

siblers · 15-12-2012 3:59pm

I have the new Huawei router with 3 but I can't get the wireless to work with it. I have the router upstairs and my laptop downstairs and it wont pick up the connection, when I move the laptop right next to the router it picks up the wireless connection but the strength is only 3 bars, when i try to connect it wont connect. I have tried the same with my ps3 and that wont connect either. The wired connection is working away alright. I'm back using the old Huawei B260a now and that is working away grand.

extra gravy · 24-12-2012 10:35am

Hey guys, not sure if I'm posting in right place but I got a tp link 3g router for a vodafone dongle. I got it working but now I'm just wondering If it needs to stay plugged in to the laptop in order to work or do they work independently?

-=al=- · 24-12-2012 12:08pm

The router powers the dongle and that's all really you can leave it all hooked up together

eirator · 24-12-2012 12:12pm

-=al=- wrote: »

The router powers the dongle and that's all really you can leave it all hooked up together

Yep, I set one up for a mate and the router and dongle are plugged in up in the roof. He connects wirelessly to the router but because the router takes power from an extension lead plugged in near the main computer it gets switched on when the computer is powered up each day and goes off when the computer does. Been working like that for at least 18months with no problems.

THE ALM · 03-01-2013 12:26pm

Looking for a compatible router for Meteor's E3131 dongle. It would appear batesy is running a TP-Link with an E3131 and just wondering how that is working out. Just looking through forums the hilink modems seem to be a bit problematic.

Currently have the dongle on a Manhattan Hi-Speed usb cable out a window direct to the laptop which is not ideal.

Any suggestions welcome

lighthouse · 03-01-2013 10:09pm

Hi, I have the E122 on the TP Link MR3420 a few months now and now problems.

THE ALM · 04-01-2013 12:06pm

Thanks lighthouse, trying to get feedback on using with the E3131 as I know this dongle can be a bit more problematic.

halfback5 · 10-01-2013 11:48pm

guys what is the cheapest option for a router that will take a 3g dongle. Just need something as a back up when I'm away from home. Know the Dovola's are good but a bit pricely. If anyone had a B260 floating around I'd grab it!

halfback5 · 10-01-2013 11:58pm

eirator wrote: »

I'm certainly not convinced 10m is a good idea unless absolutely necessary. Cutting the cable and putting on a new connector is almost impossible unless you have the right crimping tools, but sometimes you can make any adjustment if the cable is soldered into the antenna and of course if you can open it up easily. You could look for an antenna that has a connector mounted directly on it so you buy your own cable.

In your location I'd say get a router and a suitable dongle that takes an antenna and try the whole thing out with the dongle on the side of the shed in a plastic bag on a USB extension cable. If thats not great then move onto an antenna. I did a quick look on ebay and came up with this cheapy http://cgi.ebay.ie/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230845887385 note the short cable and I'd try one like that with the router inside the shed, a 4m USB extension cable, a water proof cheap "Hansel" type box for the dongle mounted on the back of or near the antenna. btw I'm not saying that link is for a great antenna just an example and from checking the listing I don't think you get any mounting hardware.

Having any joy lads? any updates. Feel free to bang some question this way

cuculainn · 13-01-2013 8:33pm

halfback5 wrote: »

Having any joy lads? any updates. Feel free to bang some question this way

Just an update on what I ended up doing.

I got the directional flat panel antenna with the 10 metre cable. it was possible to cut it but I decided not to do so to start off with. the dongle is plugged into a tp link router. and I have a cat 6 cable bringing the connection to the house.

Without the antenna I am not able to get any connection. with the antenna my signal strength goes to about 38% (per the router)

I am geting pings of 50 to 100ms and the download speed is between 1.5mbps and up to 8mbps

I have to say I am really happy with the outcome, I havent bothered to shorten the cable on the antenna, but I guess it would probably improve it a bit more if i did

halfback5 · 14-01-2013 10:52pm

cuculainn wrote: »

Just an update on what I ended up doing.

I got the directional flat panel antenna with the 10 metre cable. it was possible to cut it but I decided not to do so to start off with. the dongle is plugged into a tp link router. and I have a cat 6 cable bringing the connection to the house.

Without the antenna I am not able to get any connection. with the antenna my signal strength goes to about 38% (per the router)

I am geting pings of 50 to 100ms and the download speed is between 1.5mbps and up to 8mbps

I have to say I am really happy with the outcome, I havent bothered to shorten the cable on the antenna, but I guess it would probably improve it a bit more if i did

Very good, yes I would strongly advise to keep cable run as short as possible it is amazing how much difference it can make especially as your boasting the signal at as stage.

Feel free to pm and I can give you more tips

Amalgam · 17-01-2013 11:18am

Huawei E355

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEVlaIUP3r8

http://www.huaweidevice.com/worldwide/productFeatures.do?pinfoId=3254&treeId=3619&directoryId=5009&tab=0

I was wondering how long it would be before the likes of this came out. Basically, a Mifi unit from Huawei with no power source of its own.

Exactly the same otherwise, but it needs power from a USB battery pack\Car USB port\USB wall plug etc, through its USB end.

It does not have to be plugged into a PC, self standing, like the powered units.

I can see this having a bit of a following for bodging, to be used in cars, boats.. etc. They're exactly the same size as a regular USB dongle and have an external antenna port. Currently, certain sellers on eBay will ship from Hong Kong for about €45. (smscaster)

I like this for some reason, maybe just the size, it's so dinky..

davidom2513 · 24-03-2013 10:17pm

I have the TP-Link MR 3220 but it wouldnt recognize my usb modem, huawei E353, even though its on the compatibility list. I tried updating firmware, entering Apn manually etc.

I'm in the process of returning the 3220, and I was going to get a 3420, but I seen that hominngbird had the exact same problem with the 3420 aswell.

homingbird wrote: »

Hi i am looking for help setting up this router i bought TP-Link tl-mr3420 for my sister who is with 3mobile. The dongle she has is the E353 & the router does not recognize it nor does it give me the opition of selecting 3ireland as my internet provider. The Huawei E353 is in their list of dongles under a different make.

Has anyone with the 3420 or the 3220 come up for a solution for this?

Or will I just have to get a different USB modem, and if so which one as the one I have is on the compatibility list

homingbird · 24-03-2013 10:55pm

eirator wrote: »

Stop wasting your time with that dongle the HiLink version of E353 3 IRL supply doesn't work with that or any router for that matter.Check first if the dongle is recognised if it isn't then give up.No need to select any country just put the APN 3internet and Dial String *99# in manually.

Like eirator says e353 modem does not show up on the tp link so I gave up and bought a o2 modfem that wojrks.

davidom2513 · 25-03-2013 6:02pm

So will any o2 modem work or what model is your modem?

davidom2513 · 27-03-2013 5:29pm

Is the 02 modem not locked to o2?

homingbird · 27-03-2013 7:16pm

Yes it is locked but you can get it unlocked at a phone unlock shop for 15 euro. I havent got it done yet but intend to do so & use for 48mobile internet or 3internet.

eirator · 30-03-2013 1:22pm

Locked??? If you are trying a locked dongle from another provider in a 3G router then try it without unlocking it first. I've not tried any current dongles but many were many older ones were never locked and it was only the software on stored on the dongle that was locked to the operator and you don't use that software when you are plugging the dongle into a 3G router.

-=al=- · 31-03-2013 8:47pm

That crazy weather recently bashed up the old router on the roof had to make a new box things...

Really is an inexpensive way to get a decent 3g signal outside... would work find for a dongle in a smaller box and a long usb cable

Cost about a 5er to do

Dr Silly Bollox MD · 30-04-2013 12:24am

What sorta set up have you in that box??? Does it still cut out/be crap all the time or a real improvement?

I've used a fair few dongles and Hotshots, none of which were much addition (10th of a meg most of the time), could someone give me a real quick rundown on the Dovado and the stuff discussed in this Thread (they're gone very long) and whether it'd be worth me trying them??

eirator · 30-04-2013 12:44pm

@ Dr Silly Bollox MD, -=al=- and others that have posted unusual setups started out with the same issues as you have and the reason that lunch boxes etc have been used is because they are cheap ways of getting an installation up and running to TEST and see if their is an improvement. If it works then you can throw some more money at it or a more expansive piece of tupaware.

So all I'm saying is go and try it, it might be a big improvement or a waste of time but you'll have to try it to know.

-=al=- · 30-04-2013 7:09pm

Works fine really and it's as good as "always on" broadband to be quite honest. I never turn it off unless I'm going away for a few days at a time.

All there is in the box is the 3g router and a cat5 cable going into my main router...

Alternatively if you had an external antenna you could just put that outside but the length of cable for the antenna could affect how effective it is.. or even just stick the USB dongle outside in something like that

It's so cheap to do it's worth the shot really. I use the connection for 4-5 devices and works fine for xbox live too.. I get the odd drop out but it's aok

Dr Silly Bollox MD · 01-05-2013 4:54am

-=al=- wrote: »

Works fine really and it's as good as "always on" broadband to be quite honest. I never turn it off unless I'm going away for a few days at a time.

All there is in the box is the 3g router and a cat5 cable going into my main router...

Aww, it looked more magical on first glance:pac:, worth a shot, though I fear i'll have to head down the satellite route.

What's your main router or will any do?

-=al=- · 01-05-2013 6:22am

Yeah very simple, just a router in a box there really is nothing to it.. Definitely try something similar to avoid the satelite... netflix, streaming, xbox live, youtube everything works fine and always on pretty much

Tp-Link TL-WR1042ND Wireless Router

Any router should do really once you go into a lan port and disable the DHCP server on it...
Just a few simple settings to edit really

Amalgam · 02-05-2013 9:52pm

-=al=-, do you have any 'heat issues', moving towards Summer? Router resetting itself, or freezing (unresponsive), etc..

-=al=- · 03-05-2013 12:07am

In this country!? :pac:

Never had issues but the old router crapped out after over a year of use outside but it wasn't in as good a box as the one there

There are also holes in the box to let some air in and out and if it's cold out sure it keeps itself warm

It might get knackered after some time but they're usually fine out there. The condensation would do more damage probably

fran426ft · 26-05-2013 7:00pm

I bought a TPlink TL-MR3420 router and am using it with my O2 E3131 3G Dongle as wired broadband is not an option in my area.

Before I bought the TPlink router I was using an old Vodafone HG556a router that was lying around. With that I had to continually reset and reconnect with that router. Then the WiFi started playing up so I replaced it.

I'm happy with the TPlink and it seems to stay connected all the time but there has been a considerable drop in connection speed since I started using it. With the Vodafone router or directly connected to the computer I was getting up to 7Mbps download speeds and with the TPLink I'm now only getting between 1 and 2Mbps. Upload speeds are about the same as before.

Anyone any idea why this is the case and any suggestions to get my speed back through the TPLink router?

eirator · 26-05-2013 7:15pm

Have you tried directly connecting with an ethernet cable to the router just to check if its a wireless issue?

long_b · 26-05-2013 7:20pm

I find I get much better performance when I disabled wifi altogether on the TP Link.
I use another old router connected over ethernet to give wifi.

fran426ft · 26-05-2013 8:08pm

eirator wrote: »

Have you tried directly connecting with an ethernet cable to the router just to check if its a wireless issue?

I've my main PC connected to it via an ethernet cable and that's what I'm using to measure the speed. The WiFi is just being used for laptops and phones around the house.

I tried disabling the WiFi radio as long_b suggested just in case the WiFi was interfering in some way but unfortunately there was no difference in speed.

fran426ft · 26-05-2013 8:17pm

OK I'm an idiot......forget I even asked this question, I've got it sorted.

The problem was nothing to do with the router but with the connection of my external antenna to the CRC9 connector on the dongle

I had checked this before but when I was moving things about just there it came loose. I reconnected it and voila speed test of 6.81Mbps.

Thanks for the help guys.

freelancerTax · 24-06-2013 2:04pm

hi,
i am thinking of using tesco mobile for internet (using 25 euro topup every month on pre pay - to get 15gb data) in a remote part of the country - i want to use a router to be able to use multiple devices on wireless at the same time.

cost is a concern as well as reliablility and ease of setup
whats the best router dongle combination i can get for this

thanks
ft

eirator · 24-06-2013 4:35pm

freelancerTax wrote: »

hi,
i am thinking of using tesco mobile for internet (using 25 euro topup every month on pre pay - to get 15gb data) in a remote part of the country - i want to use a router to be able to use multiple devices on wireless at the same time.

cost is a concern as well as reliablility and ease of setup
whats the best router dongle combination i can get for this

thanks
ft

Depends

Best option is to get the dongle first and get that working then post back what dongle you have and we can check which router should work. The newer v2 version of the TP-Link routers mentioned many times in this thread work with most dongles and if you get an older say 3 yo dongle second hand its almost bound to work with that router.

M00lers · 01-07-2013 12:58pm

Where can I buy the v2 version of the TP-Link TL-MR3420?

lighthouse · 01-07-2013 1:07pm

I bought the version 1 last year and it works fine.:D

eirator · 01-07-2013 1:11pm

moolers2000 wrote: »

Where can I buy the v2 version of the TP-Link TL-MR3420?

Some amazon.co.uk sellers have them just check the txt and the pictures and be prepared to send it back if its not the v2 which is the current model. Its been a while since I read the stories but at one time one seller was showing the picture for the v2 and sending out the v1 boxes but I suspect that was long enough ago for it to be safer now. If you get a v2 you might still need to flash the ROM to the latest version (info on TP-Links website) to get some of the newest dongles to work with it.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-MR3420-300Mbps-Wireless-Router/dp/B003WK62OS/ is what I'd be buying if I needed one - free delivery.

Another thing to check on the description is 3G/4G the older versions were 3G/3.5G.

eirator · 01-07-2013 1:13pm

lighthouse wrote: »

I bought the version 1 last year and it works fine.:D

Works fine for me too with an older dongle but I couldn't get some of the newer dongles to work with the v1 even with the latest firmware.

3G/HSPA Routers

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