3(.5)G Modem with known receiver types?

[PietVermaak]

http://3g4g.blogspot.com/2008/07/advanced-3gpp-interference-aware.html lists a number of different receiver types found in mobile broadband modems. Does anyone know what type of receivers are in the various Huawei (or other?) modems? I would like to find one with a type 3i receiver for use on the edge of reception areas.

 

[sajunky]

Vodafone specification is the only one source for such information. From the last year Springs pamflet the following modems come with Type 3i receivers: K5005 (LTE/HSPA+ combo), K4605, K4510, K4511, K3806. Only the cheapest modem K3770/1 do not have Type 3i receivers.
It doesn't say whether modems are made Huawei or ZTE. From individual specification K3806-Z has Type 3i.
If we look at specification E372 from Huawei, it is Type 3, but Vodafone specify Type 3i for K4605 (which is supposed branded E372). It could mean it is an optional or custom feature, not sure.

Keep in mind that Type 3i performance might not be the same from different chip vendors and also depend on firmware version.

From available modems I would check K4605. However a good external antenna is much more important than Type 3i receivers. So maybe look rather for a good, but not expensive modem with external connector (and working properly). I would pick up is E367 or even cheaper E353 (if you can find it).