Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Anyone use a wireless broadband modem in a desktop pc?

  • 02-07-2009 5:29pm
    #1
    difenda
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20 ✭


    3 have a deal at the moment 15Gb per month download, for 20euro per mth. The wireless modem is 20 euro and its a 12mth contract. The guy in the shop says you can leave the modem plugged in all the time no problem.

    What I am looking to do is plug the wireless modem into a desktop pc at home and add a wireless router to the desktop pc. I can then connect to the desktop pc wirelessly with my laptop and mobile phone and use the desktop pc as a gateway to the internet. Why? Because I can't get broadband over the landline where I live. So this sounds like a possible solution for 20euro a month. Anyone tried this or anything like it? Is there a gotcha?

    Thanks posters.


Comments

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


    yes.

    It's not broadband. What you suggest is possible.

    A better solution:
    But a Router/WiFI that takes the 3G modem directly will be MUCH better as it can go on a window facing the mast. Dramatically reduces the amount of disconnections.

    15G isn't much of a Cap. It may be 12G down and 3G up.

    Routers with WiFi for 3G:
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055506944
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055602604
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055361790

    Why this isn't Broadband:
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=1147
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055115306
    http://www.radioway.info/comparewireless/CompareHSPAandFixed-v4.html

    and
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055605768


  • #3
    jor el
    Closed Accounts Posts: 16,713 ✭✭✭✭jor el


    difenda wrote: »
    The guy in the shop says you can leave the modem plugged in all the time no problem.

    You can leave it plugged in, but no guarantee that the connection wil lstay active. From experience, it won't, especially with Three. Periodic disconnects are part and parcel with 3G internet.
    difenda wrote: »
    What I am looking to do is plug the wireless modem into a desktop pc at home and add a wireless router to the desktop pc. I can then connect to the desktop pc wirelessly with my laptop and mobile phone and use the desktop pc as a gateway to the internet.

    That's a very problematic solution. Windows internet connection sharing is a pain. A better and cleaner solution is a 3G router, as watty pointed out, but bare in mind that it will not be broadband, so it all depends on what you expect from it.


  • #4
    difenda
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20 ✭difenda


    Why do you guys say 3.6mb/sec is not broadband? I am a little confused.

    Ok if the line gets periodically dropped then that would be an issue. I did get the impression the 'Saturday sales' guy in the shop was talking just for the sake of it. I wanted to know rates, specs etc and all he could talk about was the great price.

    The wireless modem from 3 is the dongle type, like a USB memory stick. Are you suggesting I can buy a Wireless router that can accept the USB wireless modem directly and that will help keep the connection from dropping? Windows Internet connection sharing may be hoops to jump through but the alternative is no internet service at all so I have to explore all possibilities.

    Thanks for the feedback guys.


  • #5
    jor el
    Closed Accounts Posts: 16,713 ✭✭✭✭jor el


    difenda wrote: »
    Why do you guys say 3.6mb/sec is not broadband? I am a little confused.

    This is the max, for a single user in any sector, if they are close enough to the mast, and no interference.

    img3.jpg

    http://www.radioway.info/comparewireless/img3.html

    The major issue with 3G is latency, it'll generally be a lot longer than proper broadband (typical 170ms vs 30ms for DSL/Metro), which will play havoc with online gaming and VOIP. The speed will also get divided as more users go online, and the same space is shared with phone users (who have priority). Remember, broadband is not just speed, it's a combination of a lot of requirements.
    difenda wrote: »
    Ok if the line gets periodically dropped then that would be an issue. I did get the impression the 'Saturday sales' guy in the shop was talking just for the sake of it. I wanted to know rates, specs etc and all he could talk about was the great price.

    The sales people know absolutely nothing about what they're selling, or it's technical limitations.
    difenda wrote: »
    The wireless modem from 3 is the dongle type, like a USB memory stick. Are you suggesting I can buy a Wireless router that can accept the USB wireless modem directly and that will help keep the connection from dropping?

    You can connect the USB modem to some routers, but it won't help with keeping the connection going. That's going to be dependent on network conditions.

    difenda wrote: »
    Windows Internet connection sharing may be hoops to jump through but the alternative is no internet service at all so I have to explore all possibilities.

    A 3G router is the best solution. Windows ICS will not bring anything but hardship when setting it up. The router is a cleaner and simpler option.


Advertisement