Figured out how to get decent 3G datacard performance

[biometrics]

I have three bars (out of five) for GPRS and two bars for 3G. I've got the Novatel U630 with version 14 firmware, version 5 software and an external antenna.

When you set up your profile you choose a connection option:

3G Preferred
3G Only
GPRS Preferred
GPRS Only

I had it on "3G Preferred" and because the signals are weak it kept switching between GPRS and 3G causing terrible performance. I have changed it to "3G Only", now there's none of the switching and it's pretty fast and reliable.

With broadbandreports.com's speed test I've gone from not being able to complete the test to 172/45 Kbps.

So go to Tools, Profile, New and follow prompts and create a "3G Only" profile. You can always switch to GPRS in places where 3G is not available or doesn't work.

 

[rehd]

You can also create a GPRS only connectiion when you are not in a 3G covered area as well.

 

[diabolus]

Yea, good advice, i eventually did the same [3G Only and GPRS Only Profiles] , to prevent switching. With me usually when i dropped from 3G to GPRS it wouldnt switch back to 3G, even though when i disconnected and reconnected i would be back on 3G.

 

[ant101]

Yes, 3G only profile is the best to use. When my option card decides to do the switching on a 3G Preferred Profile, all hell breaks loose - I even get a "sim not ready error" among other things. I think the switching is highly unstable, and has been since I signed up. -It could be only relevant to my setup/coverage.

It's plain sailing on 3G Only Profile

 

[biometrics]

myadsl.co.za

As usual I got my info from here. When something obvious like this isn't mentioned you simply have to post it.

Btw, in the Green Point, Cape Town branch where I got mine they had a demo which also returned these terrible results. The saleslady said that "they're going to upgrade the network speed soon." But the problem is the default setting. 3G works great even with 2/5 bars (I'm in Melkbosstrand with "no coverage").