3G/HSPA/LTE Routers

[sportpro]

I called Cell-C fourways today, and asked if they had any routers, as advertised on the Cell-c website.

He said not, and didnt know whether any other shop had. Also didnt know if Game etc,
had any.

All in all, not very helpful - but, at least knew what I was talking about.

Sigh.

 

[RichardG]

The problem with CELL C Routers they have just been introduced on the 16 December 2010 - so might take time for demand - once there is a demand for the routers the stores should then order stock or alternatively leave your details with the store and once they do receive stock / can organize you 1 also try the bigger branches like CELL C EastGate, Fourways etc.


I am also in the process of purchasing a router, i might go with TP router / Huawei router that CELL C are selling

 

[peanutpakkie]

Netgear with Cell C?

Hi everyone,

I was just wondering.. is it possible to use the USB on the back of a Netgear DGN2200 Router with a Cell C dongle (E1820) so that the internet is shared over the Wifi Network? I'm not sure if there are any firmware available for something like this..

Just wondering.

Thanks alot.

 

[neetz108]

suddenly my router (Air3G) only connects at EDGE since 01-01-2011. remove the modem (E1820), insert into my laptop and I have full HSDPA+ speed. Move my router to where coverage is good and modem connects at edge yet again. any ideas? i have the latest firmware installed... really strange! any advise?

 

[ginggs]

suddenly my router (Air3G) only connects at EDGE since 01-01-2011. remove the modem (E1820), insert into my laptop and I have full HSDPA+ speed. Move my router to where coverage is good and modem connects at edge yet again. any ideas? i have the latest firmware installed... really strange! any advise?

You can try setting the modem to '3G Only' mode, as per this thread.

 

[neetz108]

Thanks however there is no setting on the actual router itself. I can connect perfectly on my laptop with hsdpa speeds. The router only connects at edge

Sent from my GT-I9000 using MyBroadband Android App

 

[ginggs]

Thanks however there is no setting on the actual router itself. I can connect perfectly on my laptop with hsdpa speeds. The router only connects at edge

No, attach the modem to a Windows PC, change the setting, then put the modem back in the router. The modem remembers that setting.

 

[neetz108]

Thanks. That helped! lets hope it doesnt loose its memory...

Any idea why the internet connection drops after a few hours only giving u access to the cellc website? Rebooting the router resolves that problem but thats annoying... Anyone getting 24/7 uptime internet connection with modem plugged into router? Just curious to know....apologies if i have posted this in the wrong section....

Sent from my GT-I9000 using MyBroadband Android App

 

[ginggs]

Thanks. That helped! lets hope it doesnt loose its memory...

Pleasure, it should stay that way until you change it again.

Any idea why the internet connection drops after a few hours only giving u access to the cellc website? Rebooting the router resolves that problem but thats annoying... Anyone getting 24/7 uptime internet connection with modem plugged into router?

That's a known problem, see here. It doesn't seem to be affecting everybody equally though, or maybe people just aren't posting about it any more.

 

[thinga]

I managed to get the two working with the following settings:

Make sure that you have the latest firmware (v1.7)
Download & flash both files
Use Wizard
Choose Mobile 3G
Login Method: Mobile 3G
Pin Code: <leave blank>
APN Code: internet
Phone Number: *99***1#
User Name: <leave blank>
Password: <leave blank>
Type: Keep Connection
Hit Apply

I just placed the router in a convenient spot, not where I could get optimum signal. (signal level 49%)
I then did a speed test and got 5.5M download - I'm happy.

No such luck with my Sitecom WL-326 - connects fine using the above instructions but then loses connection and won't come back.

Our connection is generally a little iffy, and often dies completely or down to EDGE when not in use (even 1-2 mins). Using the router, it just doesn't reconnect again. With stick directly plugged in, you refresh the page a few times and it comes back.

Is this a problem with the router or with the connection? Should I get another router?

 

[Jola]

I am now using the Huawei E585 mobile wi-fi modem / router.

I can confirm that it works well and supports UMTS 900 MHz on Cell C.

Nice little router, and battery life is more than four hours.

Mine is an unlocked "3" network version.

 

[morkhans]

I am now using the Huawei E585 mobile wi-fi modem / router.

I can confirm that it works well and supports UMTS 900 MHz on Cell C.

Nice little router, and battery life is more than four hours.

Mine is an unlocked "3" network version.

Added thanks!

 

[renierp]

Hi everyone,

I was just wondering.. is it possible to use the USB on the back of a Netgear DGN2200 Router with a Cell C dongle (E1820) so that the internet is shared over the Wifi Network? I'm not sure if there are any firmware available for something like this..

Just wondering.

Thanks alot.

Have a look at DD-WRT
Make sure to read their wiki pages first on how to flash it so you do not brick your router. If you are not an advanced user, register on the forums, and ask for help there. Be sure to read the prerequisites for posting, else you will not get help there

DD-WRT works GREAT on my Cisco E3000, and my E1820 is far more stable than my pc or notebook!

 

[RichardG]

I am thinking of buying TP Link router but my main concern is whether it will operate and function as I am receiving -91 -87 RSSI, also does RSSI change once its connected to the router, I did read a few post where some were mention they were able to receive EDGE but not 3G, but once they connected the dongle to their computers they were able to access 3G service

 

[morkhans]

I am thinking of buying TP Link router but my main concern is whether it will operate and function as I am receiving -91 -87 RSSI, also does RSSI change once its connected to the router, I did read a few post where some were mention they were able to receive EDGE but not 3G, but once they connected the dongle to their computers they were able to access 3G service

Router is not going to improve or degrade your signal. Placement and external antenna is the only thing that will help. So rather than being stuck in the back of your PC under a desk it can now be placed near a window where there is less obstruction.

 

[rorz0r]

RSSI changes like the wind. If you're cutting it fine then a router probably wont help much. What the modem is connected to wouldn't have any effect at all on the signal. What could help is if you can get the router higher up or in a location with good signal, then put the modem and the router there and then use wifi throughout the house etc.

 

[RichardG]

I know my area will be improved probably by end of the Jan or Feb. Yes, I know an external antenna will improve the signal but I am not going to cough up around R1000+ for that to happen, just my main concern is if i stick the dongle in the router will the RSSI degrate, i am getting static RSSI between -87 and -91 but after the maintenance they carried out today I am back to -87... I think I should wait until the end of Jan or FEB to see if the new base station do come alive..... I am not worried about the signal - My concern is if the router will have the same RSSI - if it has the same RSSI i am happy but if it degrades the RSSI, then it will be useless for me to purchase the router until the new bases station come alive.

Higher up - that sounds like a good solution I will by the router then end of JAN to see if i am able to pick up 3G signal - don't want to be connected on edge then i will be depressed it will take about 2 days to download 500 megs, at the moment I had to move to the tv room its the only place receiving 3G cause its facing JOBURG CBD

 

[kernel]

As far as I know, RSSI is measured in dbm in which case a -87 signal is in-fact better than a -91 signal (the lower the number the stronger the signal when using dbm). The guys are right, a router will have no impact whatsoever on the signal strength of the modem. If your signal strength is poor then the only other alternative if the mobile operator is not going to install a closer tower (which is probably unlikely) is to then get a coupler with a high gain LPDA antenna. Not all of them cost R1000 we do a 9.5dBi kit (includes the coupler and antenna) for R499 ex vat and are launching a new 11dBi version in about 3 weeks time which will cost about R599 ex vat. Only down side with these antenna's are that you need to mount them outdoors (they will still improve your signal if installed indoors but this is both impractical and wont yield the same signal strength benefits).

 

[rorz0r]

a -87 signal is in-fact better than a -91 signal (the lower the number the stronger the signal when using dbm)

Uh, -87 is higher than -91...

 

[kernel]

Uh, -87 is higher than -91...

Yup, got me on a technicality there I'm pretty sure he knows what I mean though, but you are right, I should have said higher and not lower but that sometimes confuses people when dealing with negatives.

His signal sitting at -87 to -91 is actually not bad if it were being used for voice calls but data requires a far better signal than this.