3G/HSPA/LTE Modems

[sajunky]

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.

MDMA looks for specific names typical to USB modem diagnostic interface. Open Device Manager, select "View" -> "Devices By Connection" and expand corresponding USB section. Typically it is in USB2 or "USB Enhanced" section.
Take screenshot of the area starting with D-link... and post in in the following thread: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthr...amp-USSD-amp-Monitors-Signal-Strength-Windows
Starter pack is selling in large quantities, it should be nice if MDMA supported it.

 

[ebendl]

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!

Yeah, I guess you're right. Will probably just stay away, then.

What would you guys recommend for a decent 21 Mbps modem compatible with Cell C? I have a ZTE MF668 but it seems to be a bit hit or miss with my Mikrotik router (it disconnects and disappears every now and then and I have to physically unplug the modem to get it going again). Was also a bit of a mission with a TP-Link router. I know on the Mikrotik discussion (http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/400897-MikroTik-RouterBoard-and-USB-3G-Modems) they recommend one loads a USB power-reset script, but I'd rather get a modem that just works out of the box.

 

[JimM]

I recently bought a E3131 from MTN on pre-pay at R599 and this has (MTN Branded) Mobile Partner and standard USB/COM interface (i.e. not HiLink). As an unforeseen bonus, the SIM card that was supplied with it comes with 1GB of free data in month 1 and another 1GB data in month 3. Only in SA would getting 2GB of data sort-of free be news!

Although the Mobile Partner is branded it's easy to add another APN and, if you're so inclined you can edit the graphics to make it a truly personal installation!

 

[ajax]

Great deal today only on the LTE Alcatel L100V modem - R599.
I see it is R1600 at Dion Wired.

 

[Bundu]

Great deal today only on the LTE Alcatel L100V modem - R599.
I see it is R1600 at Dion Wired.

does that work on the Telkom Mobile LTE network?

edit: seems not to be....darn!

 

[wesselsj]

Advise needed on mobile network, service providers and equipment please

Hi Guys, I need your expert advise and opinions.
Very soon, as in the next three months, I will be getting in my car and caravan to tour and travel the country for the next couple of years. This obviously means that I will not have a fixed telephone line as I currently have. My current ISP is Telkom. At a fee, I can retain my current email address which will make my life a lot easier. Here are my questions:
1a - Which all round mobile network would you recommend and why?
1b - Which service provider would you recommend and why?
2 - Telkom mobile is the most affordable, but don't have the coverage - at best 2G. So, who offers the next best deals?
3 - I read that one must be cautious of buying the "wrong" dongle or Wi-Fi devise. I want to be able to run more that one devise at the same time. Which is the most reliable, affordable, etc..? Apparently some of the Vodacom devises gave problems.
4 - What advise can you give me regarding download speeds regarding these devises?
5 - Is there anything else I need to consider in making my final decision?
6 - I would prefer to outright buy all the equipment I need instead of committing myself to a contract. If the service provider does not come to the party, one can always make a move if you go on a month to month basis. What are your thoughts in this regard?

I must also mention that I sent an email to Afrihost, I-Burst, bsit and sprintnet. Only Afrihost responded.

 

[AirWolf]

Hi Guys, I need your expert advise and opinions.
Very soon, as in the next three months, I will be getting in my car and caravan to tour and travel the country for the next couple of years. This obviously means that I will not have a fixed telephone line as I currently have. My current ISP is Telkom. At a fee, I can retain my current email address which will make my life a lot easier. Here are my questions:
1a - Which all round mobile network would you recommend and why?
1b - Which service provider would you recommend and why?
2 - Telkom mobile is the most affordable, but don't have the coverage - at best 2G. So, who offers the next best deals?
3 - I read that one must be cautious of buying the "wrong" dongle or Wi-Fi devise. I want to be able to run more that one devise at the same time. Which is the most reliable, affordable, etc..? Apparently some of the Vodacom devises gave problems.
4 - What advise can you give me regarding download speeds regarding these devises?
5 - Is there anything else I need to consider in making my final decision?
6 - I would prefer to outright buy all the equipment I need instead of committing myself to a contract. If the service provider does not come to the party, one can always make a move if you go on a month to month basis. What are your thoughts in this regard?

I must also mention that I sent an email to Afrihost, I-Burst, bsit and sprintnet. Only Afrihost responded.

Vodacom / MTN would have the best coverage, but not the best data prices.

I'm assuming you use a generator for power? A wifi router like the Vodafone R205 is great for multiple devices. Supports up to 21.1mbps HSDPA. New devices than the R205 might have 4G support.

Afrihost offers mobile data (on MTN). You're going to have to shop around on data as you will be mobile and coverage might be tricky.

 

[EdmundHill]

I bought a ZTE667 data stick at Cell C. It uses a web-based interface. Does anyone know if there's a way to change this so that the user interface is an application on my computer instead? Hate the dashboard on the browser and would rather have it separate.

Thanks

 

[yeldoom]

I bought E3276s-601 from: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Unlo...ireless-modem-3g-4g-USB-Wifi/32265536665.html

I've only tested with Axxess/MTN and I'm impressed. The LTE signal strength is around 70% (using internal antenna). The modem also runs cooler compared to other 3G modems. Speeds are not that impressive though, speedtest shows 4Mbps for both upload and download. Although I've seen other random downloads run at higher speeds around 8Mbps.

I'll post more detailed information like RSSI, RSRP if anyone is interested?