8.ta Netgear DGN2200M and Huawei E367 Modem speed issues

[buettnerw]

Hi,

Telkom/8.ta recommended that I get the Netgear DGN2200M and the Huawei E367 USB Dongle so that I can get a 3G WIFI hotspot going. The netgear seemed like a good idea since I already have a netgear range extender that I previously used with my ADSL Netgear Modem.

Was a mission getting things going in the first place. Had to phone HCOM x amount of times and eventually found that the E367 FW had to be flashed in order for the DGN2200M to see the USB modem. Eventually works. HOWEVER, if I use the USB modem straight with my laptop I get around 6Mbps DL and 3Mbps UL speeds, but when connected to the DGN2200M it gives only around 2.5Mbps DL and if I am lucky 0.25Mbps UL.

I have tried with the and without the USB extension cable.

The DGNv2200 is on the FW version that it came with from Telkom (telkom branded router) and the E367 was updated with E367Update_11.810.09.20.00.B726.exe which I got from HCOM.

I don't know wht Telkom says it will all work fine if there are these FW issues and then also the speed issue. The UL speed is disastrous...

Hope someone can help/advise me.

Kind regards

Werner

 

[ripple]

I just bought myself the DGN2200M as well, planning on using it with the 10gb promo at the end of the month. Got myself the 2gb+1gb prepaid promo, just to test the signal / speed / latency before i get myself into a 24month contract.

Using the prepaid sim with my laptop's internal 3g modem (will get the e367 at the end of the month when / if I sign up) and am very impressed so far. getting download speeds of almost 4mbps and upload of nearly 2mbps. Which is great as our area doesn't support dsl and the other mobile providers aren't too great here.

Am concerned with your issue on the DGN2200M though. My whole idea was to create the hotspot for our house and have multiple devices accessing same connection too. But if the speeds are dropped to what you're saying, that's not going to be worthwhile...

I've only had my DGN2200M for about 2 weeks now, but have noticed some issues. Updating settings on the router sometimes drops my connection and cannot reconnect without rebooting the router (the router itself doesn't reboot, just my connection drops). My wireless also seems to drop randomly and comes back on about 2 minutes later. I've updated my router's firmware to the latest (DGN2200M-V1.0.0.33_1.0.21WW_A) from Netgear's site (bought one straight from the Netgear suppliers, don't have the Telkom one) and it's still doing the same. Not sure if you can use Netgear's firmware on Telkom branded routers; have you found out if they have an updated version themselves?

Transferring files through wireless also goes at ridiculously slow speeds of like 500kbps, streaming media from my shared external drive lags a lot, even plugged in straight to the router's usb port. I've then plugged the drive back into my PC connected via LAN, and now i'm getting at least around 2mbps, but that is still bad seeing as this is a "N" wireless router supposed to go up to 300mbps? Why would it transfer faster when shared on another PC on LAN, instead of straight from the USB port on the router... I've also tried with / without the extension cable... think something's up with that usb port.

Not sure if it's the router's firmware or just the device. Starting to think that it might be the firmware if other people are having issues as well. I've only noticed one firmware update since DGN2200M was released... hoping for a new version soon!

have read other posts on the e367 firmware update required and most of them say you should update it with MTN's firmware. If you check Netgear's site for supported dongles, you'll notice that it supports the 8ta e367, but lists the isp as MTN. Perhaps give that a bash and see?

Hope you get your trouble sorted out, and if you do please post to let us know what you did. Don't want to battle with same issues at the end of the month...

Would love to get this 10gb+10gb 8ta wifi hotspot going at full speed

 

[fluffypony]

Hi guys - I'm also seeing REALLY SLOW speeds (1mbps up/down) on 8ta on an E1820 + a DGN2200M (stock, not Telkom). Any suggestions? I haven't tried any transfers between devices, but we played a bit of Counter Strike Source the other day and that was fast enough, will have to do a proper test later.

 

[okennejc]

I have the same setup: Telkom Netgear DGN2200M and the E367 modem with similar slow speeds.

My signal strength is good since I am on the 8th floor of a flat building but I seldom reach more than 2 or 3 Mbps download.

Somebody posted some months ago that he got only about 1.5 Mbps initially and then he used "that coffee tin thingy" for an antenna which got him to 8Mbps. However, he did not describe what this is or how to make it and I cannot find the post again.

Edit: use www.speedtest.net to check your speed

 

[fluffypony]

I have the same setup: Telkom Netgear DGN2200M and the E367 modem with similar slow speeds.

My signal strength is good since I am on the 8th floor of a flat building but I seldom reach more than 2 or 3 Mbps download.

Somebody posted some months ago that he got only about 1.5 Mbps initially and then he used "that coffee tin thingy" for an antenna which got him to 8Mbps. However, he did not describe what this is or how to make it and I cannot find the post again.

Ah - search for Pringles antenna, that's what the 'Merkans make it out of. Incidentally - I have a blade/shark antenna from Poynting (http://www.poyntingdirect.co.za/c22/Antennas.aspx - the cheap one). So now do I spend more money on a jogger antenna just for the sake of signal? Or mess around with my own? C'est frustrating!

 

[kingrob]

Now why did you not buy the Huawei B683 router?

Me does not understand.

 

[fluffypony]

Now why did you not buy the Huawei B683 router?

Me does not understand.

At the risk of offending the screeds of technical illuminati on this forum, the likes of which South Africa has not seen until now, no nor shall see again, are you being serious or just being a troll?

The Netgear DGN2200M is an ADSL2+ router that has a 3G (via USB) backup. Although it can be used with the 3G connection as its primary WAN, it is meant to use it as a failsafe. Additionally, it supports 300mbps wifi (where two channels are used to ensure a doubling up of 802.11N speeds).

A cursory glance shows that these are the two key features separating the devices. Unfamiliarity with the Netgear is completely understandable, but if you don't search and read up on it then why do you tender an opinion?

At any rate, I have a Dovado 4GR - a wholly unstable and overpriced wireless router - and I have purchased a B683 this afternoon to verify my assertion that the router is somewhat to blame for the speed degradation. The B683 is a toy that I can experiment with, as having it and an ADSL router on my network will not be a solution (unless I am willing to look at a load-balancing/multi-WAN router that can handle failover, but then I will have 3 networking devices for a home network that has 8 actual devices on it). I will setup the B683 tomorrow to see what speeds it achieves, but I'm not expecting much to be honest. I'm starting to think that this is definitely an 8ta issue.

 

[kingrob]

At the risk of offending the screeds of technical illuminati on this forum, the likes of which South Africa has not seen until now, no nor shall see again, are you being serious or just being a troll?

The Netgear DGN2200M is an ADSL2+ router that has a 3G (via USB) backup. Although it can be used with the 3G connection as its primary WAN, it is meant to use it as a failsafe. Additionally, it supports 300mbps wifi (where two channels are used to ensure a doubling up of 802.11N speeds).

A cursory glance shows that these are the two key features separating the devices. Unfamiliarity with the Netgear is completely understandable, but if you don't search and read up on it then why do you tender an opinion?

At any rate, I have a Dovado 4GR - a wholly unstable and overpriced wireless router - and I have purchased a B683 this afternoon to verify my assertion that the router is somewhat to blame for the speed degradation. The B683 is a toy that I can experiment with, as having it and an ADSL router on my network will not be a solution (unless I am willing to look at a load-balancing/multi-WAN router that can handle failover, but then I will have 3 networking devices for a home network that has 8 actual devices on it). I will setup the B683 tomorrow to see what speeds it achieves, but I'm not expecting much to be honest. I'm starting to think that this is definitely an 8ta issue.

These "failover" devices.....fail most of the time, or the usb stick modem is not supported.

I would have two seperate devices, seeing that you can buy adsl2+ routers at cna (yes, cna) for dirt cheap.

 

[fluffypony]

These "failover" devices.....fail most of the time, or the usb stick modem is not supported.

I would have two seperate devices, seeing that you can buy adsl2+ routers at cna (yes, cna) for dirt cheap.

You're not making any sense. Having two routers on the same physical network is not something that is inherently supported by most ip stacks. For example, in Windows you can add a second gateway on a static IP configuration, but it will only automatically fail over to that second gateway if the primary gateway is unresponsive (as in the physical device does not respond, not that packets are merely not being routed). Having a PPP-Multilink style setup (ie. connection bonding) would also not achieve the desired purpose.

As I mentioned in my previous post, having both an ADSL router (which the DGN2200M already is) and a separate 3G router (say the new Huawei I bought) on the same network would still require some form of governance. I can throw together a little FreeBSD box to act as a gateway, and that will failover to the second WAN based on whatever condition I have configured. Alternatively I could use a dual-WAN or multi-WAN router in front of both devices. Either solution still requires an entire additional device, which is precisely what I wish to avoid.

 

[kingrob]

You're not making any sense. Having two routers on the same physical network is not something that is inherently supported by most ip stacks. For example, in Windows you can add a second gateway on a static IP configuration, but it will only automatically fail over to that second gateway if the primary gateway is unresponsive (as in the physical device does not respond, not that packets are merely not being routed). Having a PPP-Multilink style setup (ie. connection bonding) would also not achieve the desired purpose.

As I mentioned in my previous post, having both an ADSL router (which the DGN2200M already is) and a separate 3G router (say the new Huawei I bought) on the same network would still require some form of governance. I can throw together a little FreeBSD box to act as a gateway, and that will failover to the second WAN based on whatever condition I have configured. Alternatively I could use a dual-WAN or multi-WAN router in front of both devices. Either solution still requires an entire additional device, which is precisely what I wish to avoid.

So if it doesnt make any sense, why did you get the B683?

 

[fluffypony]

So if it doesnt make any sense, why did you get the B683?

I can tell that reading isn't your strong point. I'll cut and paste from my post above to save you the trouble of scrolling up and actually reading it: "I have purchased a B683 this afternoon to verify my assertion that the router is somewhat to blame for the speed degradation. The B683 is a toy that I can experiment with" - I think I made it clear WHY I got the B683.

 

[sajunky]

"I have purchased a B683 this afternoon to verify my assertion that the router is somewhat to blame for the speed degradation. The B683 is a toy that I can experiment with" - I think I made it clear WHY I got the B683.

Good enough. Just don't make wrong assessments. B683 is expected to perform better than ordinary USB stick due to the stronger antenna. In 3G world even small antenna gain can make hudge difference.

 

[fluffypony]

Good enough. Just don't make wrong assessments. B683 is expected to parform better than ordinary USB stick due to the stronger antenna. In 3G world even small antenna gain can make hudge difference.

sajunky, from my post #5 above I do point out that I already have an antenna: "Incidentally - I have a blade/shark antenna from Poynting (http://www.poyntingdirect.co.za/c22/Antennas.aspx - the cheap one)." I may try a bigger wall-mounted omni from Poynting, but I loathe having to mar my outer wall for the sake of 8ta's retardation.

 

[sajunky]

Thats good. Did I write anything wrong?

 

[fluffypony]

Thats good. Did I write anything wrong?

Nope not at all - I was just moaning in general - I shouldn't need an aerial to use 8ta effectively, and I definitely shouldn't need to stick a massive doo-hicky on my wall to get decent speeds Let's hold thumbs for the B683!

 

[sajunky]

I shouldn't need an aerial to use 8ta effectively, and I definitely shouldn't need to stick a massive doo-hicky on my wall to get decent speeds Let's hold thumbs for the B683!

I also think you can improve 3G speed a lot before deciding on expensive antenna. By example B683 is not tied to your DSL line. You can position it around the house to get the most stable speed. And improvements can be significant. It is why this 'gadget' can help a lot. Small external antenna might also help due to the dual receivers.
You know a lot about routers, but these things need a lot to experiment with.

 

[kingrob]

You know a lot about routers, but these things need a lot to experiment with.

I doubt it if he knows anything about routers, cos then he would have known that the B683 is not a toy.

It's actually a damn good router, with built-in SMS client, Samba, SNTP and lots more.

In fact, it has more advanced features than many ADSL+ routers out there.

 

[fluffypony]

I doubt it if he knows anything about routers, cos then he would have known that the B683 is not a toy.

It's actually a damn good router, with built-in SMS client, Samba, SNTP and lots more.

In fact, it has more advanced features than many ADSL+ routers out there.

*shrugs*

I have no idea why I would care if my router has SNTP? Do I want to synchronize the time with my router or with some sort of central server that exists outside of my network? The answer is obvious.

As to the rest - enterprise grade routers do not have SAMBA (I have a NAS box anyway, so that's largely irrelevant), nor do they rely on a heavy, ancient, unreliable messaging protocol like SMS.

As I have already made abundantly clear: having multiple gateways on my network is a level of redundancy I'm trying to avoid. Thus, the B683 is a toy that I will use to establish whether the DGN2200M is somehow at fault, or whether I require a new antenna.

Finally, I have no desire or need to justify whether my knowledge of networking is up to scratch. Suffice it to say that I'm not some N+ kiddie who just learnt about IPv6.

 

[Baba Vakai]

Fluffypony, have u managed to set uo your B683? how would you rate it?

Am not good with the technics( your SAMBA , NAS , SNTP, what what) just an ordaniry man who needs a decent wifi connection around the house on 8ta network

 

[fluffypony]

Fluffypony, have u managed to set uo your B683? how would you rate it?

Am not good with the technics( your SAMBA , NAS , SNTP, what what) just an ordaniry man who needs a decent wifi connection around the house on 8ta network

Hey Baba - had a dinner arrangement last night that ran later than expected, so it's this evening's project. Shouldn't take longer than 10 minutes to setup and test, I will definitely drop some feedback here.

If you're getting decent signal with your 8ta 3G dongle, then there is an el-cheapo TP-Link that will do the trick. Having never owned a TP-Link I can't speak to their stability. The Huawei is reasonably expensive, but there are advantages to having the physical wireless access point hardware living that close to the HSPA/UMTS (ie. 3G) hardware. Your latency, for example, should be noticeably lower, and reliability should increase as there is no reliance on the firmware on a USB device (adding complexity and potential points of failure). And, as sajunky pointed out, the Huawei will have a better internal antenna for the 3G connection than a USB dongle would.

If you want a price comparison of your major options, check Poynting's site: http://www.poyntingdirect.co.za/c30/GSM-Routers.aspx - that isn't every possible router, but it will give you an overview.