3G/HSPA/LTE Routers

OK, I finally got it (TP-Link MR3420 with CellC ZTE MF668) working last night. The trick was to load the latest firmware (MR3420v1_en_3_12_0_up(101130), posted by Kernel, I think) as well as the BIN file for the MF190 as found on TP-Link's website (http://www.tp-link.com/common/getResource/?type=3g&resource=ZTE_MF190_South_Africa_ISP1.zip). Even though the BIN is for a different modem, the router correctly picks up my modem as the MF668, connects and everything seems dandy.

I have a rather low signal strength (38% reported by the router) but the connection held since I managed to get it up and running when I looked this morning (4.5+ hours, I have Skype running all the time) and got download speeds of about 3-4 Mbps. I had to use a short USB extension cable (10cm) as the USB Cradle that I received with the router from Uniterm results in the router not seeing that the modem is plugged in. Thinking that a powered USB might be a good idea...?
 
I have a question regarding signal quality in dbm, I have a netgear router and it states my quality as -89dbm, what is better higher or lower? since I can't reach more than 2Mb/s.
 
ebendl said:
I have a rather low signal strength (38% reported by the router)
Click to expand...
That is around -90 dBm. 3-4 mbits/sec sounds about right for that signal strength. Your speed could possibly improve with a better signal.
 
ajax said:
That is around -90 dBm. 3-4 mbits/sec sounds about right for that signal strength. Your speed could possibly improve with a better signal.
Click to expand...

Thanks! Will see what I can do with positioning the modem and will also try the reflective box thing. :)
 
ebendl said:
OK, I finally got it (TP-Link MR3420 with CellC ZTE MF668) working last night. The trick was to load the latest firmware (MR3420v1_en_3_12_0_up(101130), posted by Kernel, I think) as well as the BIN file for the MF190 as found on TP-Link's website (http://www.tp-link.com/common/getResource/?type=3g&resource=ZTE_MF190_South_Africa_ISP1.zip). Even though the BIN is for a different modem, the router correctly picks up my modem as the MF668, connects and everything seems dandy.
Click to expand...
Glad you got it sorted!

You may want to also try the Beta firmware from here:
http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/273744?p=5561079#post5561079
Then you shouldn't have to apply the BIN file in a separate step.

I understand the problem with the MF190 and MF668 is that they only appear as modem devices after the virtual CD-ROM has been ejected, as reported here:
http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/303489?p=5498295#post5498295
 
ajax said:
I have permanently disabled the CD-ROM on my stick using AT^U2DIAG=0.
Can be re-enabled using =1.
Click to expand...
That's the command for Huawei devices.

For ZTE's it is AT+ZCDRUN=8 followed by AT+ZCDRUN=E.
See here for more information.
 
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K4505-Z working with Billion 7402NX router

I finally made the switch. Bought a (slightly) used Vodafone K4505-Z for R500 and a R999 data sim. I upgraded the router software to Ver 6.03. It connected and recognised the modem without any bother. The modem seems quite stable - no disconnects and not too hot. I do have a dual USB cable and a spare powered hub, but it may not be necessary to connect it.

The speeds are awesome. I suspect that they may be quicker when the modem is directly connected to the laptop, but this is not bad at all! Far better that my old 4Mb ADSL.



So Pieter Uys, I'll no longer be requiring your services. Thanks for the memories - I'm sure in time I'll forget how much you guys gouged out of me (actually no, I won't!).
 
mcleangb said:
Hi Guys
This is my first post. I too bought the 24Gb data package and got the ZTE MF190 modem. I have the TP-Link MR3420 3G router and have not been able to get the router to recognise the modem.
Has anybody had any success with this combination?
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Hi I also bought the ZTE MF190 Modem (But for use with Mikrotik RB-411U) because it says supported on the Mikrotik Wiki but also no success. I'm troubleshooting this with the support guys on the Mikrotik side. Testing a pre-release of ROS v5.0rc11.

I've also been searching the net for the settings I have to input like: remote address, username and password etc but no luck. Anyone else have an idea?
 
jirristols said:
Hi I also bought the ZTE MF190 Modem (But for use with Mikrotik RB-411U) because it says supported on the Mikrotik Wiki but also no success. I'm troubleshooting this with the support guys on the Mikrotik side. Testing a pre-release of ROS v5.0rc11.

I've also been searching the net for the settings I have to input like: remote address, username and password etc but no luck. Anyone else have an idea?
Click to expand...

The only thing you need to set is the APN (internet) and Pin (if you have one).
 
FYI I am using an 8ta Huwaei E153 modem with a tp link mr 3420 3g router and the combination is working. I am at the edge of cell c 3g coverage in brentwood park benoni and am averaging 300-400 kps download speed. using the modem alone and mobile partner interface, i get a wcmda and hspda signal alternating but mostly its hspda. without a usb extension line the signal drops down to EDGE connection. The e153 is neither in the list of tp link and cell c supported usb modems but its working. I have the k3565 but the e153 connects faster via the router than the k3565.

bong
 
Cell-C Black MF668 and Netgear MBRN3000

Hi everyone,

I have a new Cell C MF668 modem and am unable to get it to work with my netgear MBRN3000 router, it states it is an incompatible device. It does work wonders when I use it standalone on my MAC but just wondering if anyone else have been able to get it to work through this Netgear router. I have looked all over mulitple forums and am unable to find the exact setup.

Any help please - so bleak I cant use it :crying:. I also just got the modem yesterday via Nashua Mobile so wondering whether I can replace it for another modem with similar sppeds and if so which one should I go for?

Thanks!
 
Well the MF 668 is the ZTE 21.6mbps modem Cell C are offering. The Huawei E1820 is also a 21.6mbps modem that Cell C offers. Try check up with Netgear if the Huawei modem is compatible with your router - then change your ZTE for the Huawei at any Cell C store?
 
Thanks will do - If I need to change it can I do so at at any cell c store even if I bought it through Nashua Mobile (I really hope so!)
 
We have the same problem. Phoned around frantically for a E1820 and got one from Autopage (last one they had). Most branches don't sell only the modem and then not the Huawei E1820.

/rant on
TP-Link has been much more helpful in adding "unknown" modems to their routers, and the list of modems they support is big. Netgear, from what I gather from forums is not as helpful.
/rant off
 
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