3G/HSPA/LTE Modems

welgemoedjd

New Member
Joined
Nov 15, 2012
Messages
2
cell c sim card on a vodacom modem

hi, i have a vodacom k3770 modem and im using a cellc sim card in it, but i oly get edge network which is unreal slow, any suggestions would be appreciated thanx
 

Cell_C

Cell C Representative
Company Rep
Joined
Sep 7, 2010
Messages
3,721
hi, i have a vodacom k3770 modem and im using a cellc sim card in it, but i oly get edge network which is unreal slow, any suggestions would be appreciated thanx

good day

The reason why you pick up edge only is cause the modem connects UMTS 1700/2100MHz and our networks 3G connects on a 900 MHZ

regards,
bas
 

Krem17

New Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2012
Messages
2
You can't. Your modem is incompatible with Cell C frequecies.

I have a Hauwei E353 21mbps modem which is triband but includes UMTS 900/2100 frequencies. How is this not compatible with Cell C"s frequency?

Using mobile partner software and on the dashboard I get HSPA+ Cell C (95% signal strength) but on my notebooks taskbar, the connection only shows 2-4 bars (out of 5) which means fair-good.

So I am definitely picking up the Cell C frequency but why cant I get the full speed?

I can get from anything between 1-4mbps (speed erratic) but nothing more, can someone help me please?
 

sajunky

Honorary Master
Joined
Nov 1, 2010
Messages
13,124
I have a Hauwei E353 21mbps modem which is triband but includes UMTS 900/2100 frequencies. How is this not compatible with Cell C"s frequency?
Did I say so? No, I didn't.
Re: E353, there are different versions, depends where you buy from. Post here full model number (printed on the back cover or inside SIM compartment - you need to remove SIM). You say it works, fine. Just post above information and where you bought it from (VC, MTN, CC, 8ta), so others can benefit from it.
It is a good modem and has a socket for external antenna.
 

Krem17

New Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2012
Messages
2
model number E353s-2, purchased in P.E from a Computer shop (cant get the name right now) so it isnt locked to any networks.
so do u think an external antenna will solve my speed problem?
Where can I get one? I'm based in Umhlanga, Durban.
 

elf_lord_ZC5

Honorary Master
Joined
Jan 3, 2010
Messages
12,213
Modems to use with Cell-C UMTS/HSPA+

model number E353s-2, purchased in P.E from a Computer shop (cant get the name right now) so it isnt locked to any networks.
so do u think an external antenna will solve my speed problem?
Where can I get one? I'm based in Umhlanga, Durban.

External antennas, more often than not, give you more stable connections, and as a result, you might get a speed increase
 

Bundu

Expert Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2011
Messages
3,421
I have a Hauwei E353 21mbps modem which is triband but includes UMTS 900/2100 frequencies. How is this not compatible with Cell C"s frequency?

Using mobile partner software and on the dashboard I get HSPA+ Cell C (95% signal strength) but on my notebooks taskbar, the connection only shows 2-4 bars (out of 5) which means fair-good.

So I am definitely picking up the Cell C frequency but why cant I get the full speed?

I can get from anything between 1-4mbps (speed erratic) but nothing more, can someone help me please?

what DL/UL speed are you expecting?
 

sajunky

Honorary Master
Joined
Nov 1, 2010
Messages
13,124
model number E353s-2, purchased in P.E from a Computer shop (cant get the name right now.
For purpose of this thread we are looking for specs from major suppliers.
But, yes, s-2 model is UMTS dual band 900/2100MHz :)
Re: improving speed with antenna, please post here your RSSI/SNR measurements. MDMA is a small program <100KB for download, you will need it in future to position the antenna. Before starting it, unload other dashboard from memory first.
 

koeks525

Executive Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2012
Messages
5,315
Hi guys,

I went to Telkom Mobile and bought the Internet Prepaid Starter Pack. It came with the D-Link DWM 156 TLKM USB 3G Modem. This modem works with Cell C's 3G network. I did a speedtest:

2954563499.png


EDIT: I also did download the Product Info for this modem from D-Link's website and It says the modem supports UMTS/HSUPA 850/2100 MHz or 850/1900 MHz or 900/2100 MHz.

The Data Rates for this modem:

Download: 14.4 Mbps
Upload: 5.76 Mbps

Link to the Product Information file: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1sQsIymF1DaNjY4elZEQTEtQ28/edit?usp=sharing
 
Last edited:

sajunky

Honorary Master
Joined
Nov 1, 2010
Messages
13,124
Thanks. I think maximum download speed in our networks will be 7.2Mbps (practically topping up 6.5Mbps), so your results are good.

I see external antenna is optional. Does it have external antenna connector?

How it works with MDMA? To use MDMA you need to unload existing dashboard from memory (including systray).
 

koeks525

Executive Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2012
Messages
5,315
Thanks. I think maximum download speed in our networks will be 7.2Mbps (practically topping up 6.5Mbps), so your results are good.

I see external antenna is optional. Does it have external antenna connector?

How it works with MDMA? To use MDMA you need to unload existing dashboard from memory (including systray).

I do not see any external antenna connector slot on the modem :( Actually, there is this one part of the modem which looks like a slot for an antenna but its been closed off. I closed D-Link's software and made sure it was closed by right clicking the icon on the taskbar and selecting exit. I couldn't find the process for it on Task Manager, so I assume it was completely closed. I have MDMA1100, I opened it and it just keeps saying "Detecting Mobile data service". I thought MDMA only worked for Huawei and ZTE Modems, not sure if it works with D-Link.
 
Last edited:

ebendl

Expert Member
Joined
Sep 27, 2004
Messages
4,893
Bump.

Does anybody know if these modems are compatible with CellC?

Huawei E3131 - http://www.comx-computers.co.za/E3131-HUAWEI-E3131-3G-USB-Dongle-Modem-Buy-p-67611.php (says it "supports UMTS 2100 or 2100/900" - not sure how the "or" works).
Huawei E3331 - https://www.nivo.co.za/#buy~huawei.e3331.3g.usb.dongle~p40905 or http://www.shopandship.co.za/shop/cellular-3g-modems/huawei-e3331-ultrastick-4.html - says HSPA+ 900/2100MHz

Some confirmation that somebody are actually using these would be great.

Alternatively, which other modems are cost-effective yet works reliably on CellC's network (preferably 21 mbps)?
 

JimM

Expert Member
Joined
May 23, 2006
Messages
1,543
I'm using two E3131's here and both have 900/2100MHz available for 3G/HSPA.

It should be pointed out that the E3131 is available in two types: HiLink and Standard (USB COM Port interface). The HiLink version does not have the ability to do USSD (for balance checking etc)., but it does seem to fly a lot faster than the Standard interface.
 

ebendl

Expert Member
Joined
Sep 27, 2004
Messages
4,893
I'm using two E3131's here and both have 900/2100MHz available for 3G/HSPA.

It should be pointed out that the E3131 is available in two types: HiLink and Standard (USB COM Port interface). The HiLink version does not have the ability to do USSD (for balance checking etc)., but it does seem to fly a lot faster than the Standard interface.

Mmm, that's interesting. I wonder if HiLink work with Mikrotik routers (or other routers for that matter)? That will be the primary use for the modem (plugged into my Mikrotik RB751G-2HnD).
 

sajunky

Honorary Master
Joined
Nov 1, 2010
Messages
13,124
Does anybody know if these modems are compatible with CellC?

Huawei E3131 - http://www.comx-computers.co.za/E3131-HUAWEI-E3131-3G-USB-Dongle-Modem-Buy-p-67611.php (says it "supports UMTS 2100 or 2100/900" - not sure how the "or" works).
Two separate things:
1. Frequency. It is region dependent, so if they say "or" it means they don't know what product they sell or they don't want really to tell you.
2. As already pointed it could be a standard version with USM modem/network card interface in your Device Manager or HiLink. Hilink doesn't require to install drivers, but you are limited to WEB interface.
 

JimM

Expert Member
Joined
May 23, 2006
Messages
1,543
Mmm, that's interesting. I wonder if HiLink work with Mikrotik routers (or other routers for that matter)? That will be the primary use for the modem (plugged into my Mikrotik RB751G-2HnD).

I think the HiLink is designed for PC use as it has a browser based interface... There is a thread on here about the E303 (with HiLink installed) and it certainly has problems networking peer to peer on PC's for example.

Sadly, when you buy one of these, the end user probably knows more about the device than the seller! :)
 
Top