3G/HSPA/LTE Routers

[OGroteKoning]

Are the E367, and K4605 modems, supported by any chance ... , anyone tested yet?

It should be. It was in theory supported already by the MR3420 therefor it should be fine in the new router. I say "in theory" because although I could use my K4605 with the MR3420, it was not the happiest of combinations. You can check the modem compatibility list on TP-Link's site or wait for kernel to come back to you.

Sent from my Galaxy S II

 

[Speedster]

does anyone have 8ta and will this router work
http://www.dbg.co.za/product_info.php?products_id=754

That router requires a USB modem, so it will work on any cell network if you have a compatible modem. The vast majority of USB modems available in SA are compatible with 8ta.

 

[ginggs]

MikroTik RB751U-2HnD

Yes, it has a USB port where you plug in the modem on the side. Another benefit is you can add a stronger antenna if you wish.

Although for most uses you probably wouldn't need to, this router has a 1W radio which is about 3 times more powerful than your typical router, and Poynting want to charge R336.30 including VAT for the pigtail (CAB-501 adapter cable for Slip Stream modem).

It should support most modems as their firmware actually gets updated quite often.

MikroTik's list of supported hardware is here and the changelog showing the frequency of their updates is here.

 

[kernel]

The Mikrotik RB751U is nice and has a lot more features but just remember that the interface is a lot more complex too so setting it up and supporting it is a bit tougher which is fine if you're tech savvy but not ideal if you arent. But agree with the comments, its a fantastic unit.

 

[Speedster]

Kernel, you don't by any chance have some more info on that battery powered unit you mentioned a couple of days ago?

 

[morkhans]

Kernel, you don't by any chance have some more info on that battery powered unit you mentioned a couple of days ago?

Pretty sure it's this: http://www.tp-link.com/en/products/details/?categoryid=218&model=TL-MR3040

 

[Speedster]

Pretty sure it's this: http://www.tp-link.com/en/products/details/?categoryid=218&model=TL-MR3040

That looks like a really nice device - I'm just concerned by this:

At 150Mbps, the TL-MR3040 has the wireless speed and range to accommodate several bandwidth intensive tasks at once with coverage for an entire average sized room.

Do all these battery powered guys have such limited range? I was hoping it would be able to cover my whole house - would need about 10m range for that.

 

[kernel]

That looks like a really nice device - I'm just concerned by this:

Do all these battery powered guys have such limited range? I was hoping it would be able to cover my whole house - would need about 10m range for that.

thats their battery powered unit, not yet available though.

The range is limited because it has an internal antenna and I dont think you can attach an external antenna to increase range, you must remember these units are designed with mobility in mind.

 

[Jola]

Are the E367, and K4605 modems, supported by any chance ... , anyone tested yet?

OK, I have tested my new MR3020 modem on the E367 (firmware flashed 8ta version) and E372 (firmware flashed K4605).

It seems to work well on both of those, which immediately makes it much better than the MR3420, as this modem does not properly support either of those.

But I haven't tested the range of the MR3020, this might be lacking, will report back.

The MR3420 should get an urgent firmware upgrade, or be recalled if the problems are a hardware issue.

Actually, I may use the MR3020 as a 3G router, and the MR3420 as an Access Point, that should solve all the problems.

 

[greatwhite]

MR3420 and a suitable USB modem for use with Vodacom SIM

Greatings All, I come in peace (thats what they say in the movied isn't it?) I have ben observing your world (MB) for many years but now have found I need some advice that I have not been able to find an answer to with a few searches. Here goes:

I recenctly purchased a TP-Link MR3420 from Uniterm and I now need to get a USB modem that will definately work with the aforementioned router. What I can tell you is that:
1. It will not work properly with a CellC ZTE MF 190 with the required Vodacom SIM (it works beautifully with the cellC sim)
2. I can't simply change to a new provides as I am already tied to a 2+2gb vodacom contract
3. The Vodacom SIM works fine in my tablet (albeit slower than CellC), which dispells the nonsense that the Uniterm tech tried to spin me that Vodacom is the problem. I can even make a wireless hotspot with the tablet and share that way, but I need the tablet available not tied up as a hot spot.

Unless someone else can suggest another coarse of action, what USG 3g modem are vodacom subscribers that have a MR3420 using?

Incidentally, it is updated to the latest 110617 firmware and that made no difference. Sypmtoms are connection for a few seconds then it drops out - all other functions on the router appear normal although, tbh, I have not tested that much.

Any guidance/wisdom welcome - Thanks

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

OK, I have tested my new MR3020 modem on the E367 (firmware flashed 8ta version) and E372 (firmware flashed K4605).

It seems to work well on both of those, which immediately makes it much better than the MR3420, as this modem does not properly support either of those.

But I haven't tested the range of the MR3020, this might be lacking, will report back.

The MR3420 should get an urgent firmware upgrade, or be recalled if the problems are a hardware issue.

Actually, I may use the MR3020 as a 3G router, and the MR3420 as an Access Point, that should solve all the problems.

Could be worthwhile if it has coverage of +/- 180 square meters ... over 6 rooms ...

 

[greatwhite]

I seems my 1st post was moved here. Anyone that can give some input for the best 2s usm modem to use with a Vodacom SIM and and MR3420?

Has anyone here ever considered posting a matrix with what SIMs work with what modems and what 3g routers?

 

[ginggs]

Has anyone here ever considered posting a matrix with what SIMs work with what modems and what 3g routers?

All SIMs should work with all South African modems. The exception being Cell-C's, and now MTN's, UMTS 900 networks, for that you can consult the Modems to use with Cell-C UMTS/HSPA thread.

As for which modems work with which 3G routers, you can usually find a list of compatible modems on the manufacturer's website.

 

[Speedster]

I've been looking at the MR3420 and the MR3220. Apart from the difference in wireless speed (300Mbps vs 150Mbps), is there any other difference between these two?

 

[bdt]

I've been looking at the MR3420 and the MR3220. Apart from the difference in wireless speed (300Mbps vs 150Mbps), is there any other difference between these two?

Seems not. I've got a 3420 at home set up to do failover and set the 3220 up to do the same thing ..exactly the same way ..looking at the UI, aside from seeing 3420 vs 3220, you would never know the difference.

 

[kernel]

I've been looking at the MR3420 and the MR3220. Apart from the difference in wireless speed (300Mbps vs 150Mbps), is there any other difference between these two?

The only difference is the wireless speeds, apart from that the units are identical.

 

[Jola]

Actually, I may use the MR3020 as a 3G router, and the MR3420 as an Access Point, that should solve all the problems.

OK, after a few more days testing I am really impressed with the performance of the MR3020 with the E372 (flashed K4605).

So it seems that the unstable MR3420 is going to be downgraded to the role of an Access Point !

 

[OGroteKoning]

OK, after a few more days testing I am really impressed with the performance of the MR3020 with the E372 (flashed K4605).

So it seems that the unstable MR3420 is going to be downgraded to the role of an Access Point !

That is good news and bad news.
Good News: It means that the MR3020's hardware is actually better than it's bigger brother (MR3420) and it works well with the firmware
Bad News: The same firmware sucks on the MR3420.... (if it is the same firmware)
Why can TP-Link not sort this out?

 

[Jola]

That is good news and bad news.
Good News: It means that the MR3020's hardware is actually better than it's bigger brother (MR3420) and it works well with the firmware
Bad News: The same firmware sucks on the MR3420.... (if it is the same firmware)
Why can TP-Link not sort this out?

I doubt that it is the same firmware !

TP-Link should sort the MR3420 out - but it may be a hardware issue !

 

[OGroteKoning]

... but it may be a hardware issue !

That would suck bigtime!!