Good 3G modem for TP-LINK MR3420 router

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oela85

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Hi guys,

I am aware that there are a few posts already with regards to the TP-LINK MR3420 router, but none of them completely answered the question I have.

I recently purchased the TP-LINK MR3420 router, and I am quite impressed with it. I was a bit disappointed with the Wi-Fi range, but for the price I think its reasonable. In any case, I have one of the older Huawei 3G dongles (I can remember the model now) that came with a Vodacom data contract. This dongle works okay, but it frequently disconnects and then the router does not automatically reconnect to the Vodacom network and I would then have to reboot the router, which is a bit annoying. I have installed the latest firmware on the router, but it did not solve my problem.

I would like to purchase another 3G dongle for the router, which would be able to auto reconnect. I am also aware of the compatibility list on TP-LINK's website, but I would prefer to buy a 3G dongle that is known to work well as experienced by some of the community members on the Vodacom network. I would prefer not to buy a Huawei 3G dongle since I perceive them as rather low quality.

Can anyone perhaps make a few suggestions?

Thanks in advance!!
 
I've also tried several different modems to fix this disconnect issue. None of them made a difference.
My current solution, which works great for me is:

Installed firmware from DD-WRT, it has a setting that can reboot the router as often as you require (Mine is set to daily at 02:00)
Set the modem to reconnect after reboot.
I am currently using Huawei E3131 modem.
 
Hi InusB,

Thanks for your reply!

Its not good news to hear that you have not found a modem that auto reconnects. I had a look at DD-WRT, they do not seem to support the v2.x hardware of the MR3420, which I have. Any other ideas maybe?

An interesting thing I noticed when I took the router and modem on vacation to the cape (garden route), was that it would literally stay connected for days. I suppose there are significantly less network users down there when compared to Gauteng.
 
Any recent Huawei non-HiLink modem; E1820, E367, K4605, etc.

Edit: You may want to look at why the modem is resetting, often this is due to the modem receiving insufficient power.
An external antenna will improve the signal strength and reduce the modem's power requirements.
Alternatively, one can replace the TP-Link supplied power supply with one with a higher current rating, or use a USB power injector like this one:
406_m.png
or use a powered USB hub.
 
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Thanks for the info, I agree the signal strength and power is also something to consider.

Can you recommend a decent local online store where I can purchase these recommended modems and also a suitable powered hub which can supply around 2 amps?
 
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I use a e367 and doesn't disconnect as much as the others I tried before.
 
I also want to mention that I probably would also like to purchase a LTE compatible modem...
 
I tried Huawei E196 and had frequent disconnects on stock firmware. Eventually ditched both.
 
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