3G/HSPA Routers

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.

BlatentCheek · 16-04-2015 12:32pm

-=al=- wrote: »

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.

I'm quite interested in one of those.

Do you know if any specialised equipment or knowledge is required to install a directional antenna like that?

ie is there anything more to it than securing it on the roof and experimenting with the best signal you get based on the direction it's pointed in?

I ask because I have a number of masts in my area and I do not know which one my provider uses for its 3G/4G service.

THE ALM · 16-04-2015 12:46pm

BlatentCheek wrote: »

I'm quite interested in one of those.

Do you know if any specialised equipment or knowledge is required to install a directional antenna like that?

ie is there anything more to it than securing it on the roof and experimenting with the best signal you get based on the direction it's pointed in?

I ask because I have a number of masts in my area and I do not know which one my provider uses for its 3G/4G service.

Nothing specialist required. Make sure you have the right connections for your dongle/router and then start experimenting with direction you are pointing.

BlatentCheek · 16-04-2015 1:00pm

THE ALM wrote: »

Nothing specialist required. Make sure you have the right connections for your dongle/router and then start experimenting with direction you are pointing.

Cheers. I note the Ad refers to a 5m cable with SMA plug, as opposed to 2 of them. My understanding was that MIMO is dual output and the Huawei B593s-22 requires both input ports for a connected antenna to work. Would I need an adaptor?

my3cents · 16-04-2015 1:07pm

BlatentCheek wrote: »

I'm quite interested in one of those.

Do you know if any specialised equipment or knowledge is required to install a directional antenna like that?

ie is there anything more to it than securing it on the roof and experimenting with the best signal you get based on the direction it's pointed in?

I ask because I have a number of masts in my area and I do not know which one my provider uses for its 3G/4G service.

Try www.siteviewer.ie

THE ALM · 16-04-2015 1:21pm

BlatentCheek wrote: »

Cheers. I note the Ad refers to a 5m cable with SMA plug, as opposed to 2 of them. My understanding was that MIMO is dual output and the Huawei B593s-22 requires both input ports for a connected antenna to work. Would I need an adaptor?

Got one of these and it came with the two cables. The only extras I needed were two sma to ts-9 pigtails.

-=al=- · 16-04-2015 3:40pm

I think It comes with 2 Sma connectors so it's just a matter of securing the antenna, hooking it up and finding the best direction to point it in... like an old fashioned tv arial

breathn · 29-04-2015 1:27am

Right now with the sterling exchange rate the B593s-22 is about €170
Does anyone know of any places in Ireland or abroad selling new unlocked models for much cheaper than that?

-=al=- · 29-04-2015 3:32am

Unless you want to get a discounted price at the cost of a 12 month contract, I don't think so! It's €99 for the router with 3 and 12 month contract with 60gb a month for €35/€40

Check adverts.ie for one maybe at around 100... They are quite pricey and I paid something similar to that... But it is a decent router and should do the trick for a while

Big Wex fan · 29-04-2015 3:50am

breathn wrote: »

Right now with the sterling exchange rate the B593s-22 is about €170
Does anyone know of any places in Ireland or abroad selling new unlocked models for much cheaper than that?

Checked on Amazon.de and they are around that price in Germany so 170 looks like the norm.

tinofapples · 20-11-2015 10:05pm

Folks, I'm using a Huawei E5220 on Meteor network as my sole broadband at home. Rural location so it's better than the landline connection I cancelled 12 months ago. Can I purchase one of these TP link's that use domestic sockets to run your connection throughout the house ? I'm really only looking to wire connect in 2 rooms of the house rather than depending on the wireless connection. Do any of you know would the ethernet connection be an improvement on the wireless connection or would it be much the same ? I know it's impossible to say for sure but perhaps some of you have done similar ??

3G/HSPA Routers

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