HSDPA & Laptop with Embedded Device

[MidnightWizard]

Hi ,

I have read the FAQ as well as I can but did not find an answer to my specific questions.

I have a DELL D830 laptop with one of the embedded "Modems" I notice that on the Vodacom site it does mention the D630 -- so I assume that I am in good company.( How does one check to make sure that you are indeed using the 3.6 HSDPA and getting the full benefit of the extra speed ? )

I can connect using the default settings -- so no initial problem. MS was quick to find it and try to start download "updates" . I do however find that I am unable to change the configuration settings for the connection profile. I understand that one uses DHCP for a dynamic IP address as well as dynamic DNS. ( These settings are greyed out and can NOT be changed ! )

The problem comes in when I try and use my browser -- FireFox -- and the TELKOM ADSL proxy -- I am only able to connect using the "Direct Connection to Internet" option. ? I have tried to set up another profile in the Dialer config but this is not working.

Does anyone have any idea how the VODACOM settings for accessing the Internet work and the correct way they should be set up ? Do they use their own proxy ?

Another thing I am not sure about -- The data charges -- are these for "line-charges" only , or does Vodacom also act as the ISP ? In which case do I also get an email address and access to email ?

The "modem" unit does come with software -- a VERY basic SMS client that apparently can also send email ? I do notice though that it can only use very basic SMS and NOT MMS ( it truncates text messages into multiple sends ). Is this just a function of the basic software or something else ? ie do you need to enable something -- get a different SIM card or something else to be able to use MMS ? Is there more advanced software out there for SMS and MMS -- obviously for email one can use things like OUTLOOK.

Any help much appreciated. I am new to mobile broadband as well as Laptops.


Chris

 

[MidnightWizard]

HSDPA & Laptop Embedded Device

Hi ,

I have read the FAQ as well as I can but did not find an answer to my specific questions.

I have a DELL D830 laptop with one of the embedded "Modems" I notice that on the Vodacom site it does mention the D630 -- so I assume that I am in good company.( How does one check to make sure that you are indeed using the 3.6 HSDPA and getting the full benefit of the extra speed ? )

OK found out how to answer this one.
Found the place in the Software connect window to see what it is telling you.

Now discovered that 3G and UMTS are stable. I get " Excellent" signal strength. HSDPA DOES show in the window and I was able to run a speed test which indicated HSDPA speeds -- was getting 100Kb/sec on downloads. BUT sad to say the HSDPA DROPS OUT. If I disconnect and then re-connect I can see the HSDPA indication -- BUT it drops out again after awhile ?????? Does anyone have an answer for this -- which seems to be a Vodacom problem ? Not sure what my tower is called but I am near the BIG " HULAMIN" factory in PMBG. ( They probably stealing all the bandwidth )

I can connect using the default settings -- so no initial problem. MS was quick to find it and try to start download "updates" . I do however find that I am unable to change the configuration settings for the connection profile. I understand that one uses DHCP for a dynamic IP address as well as dynamic DNS. ( These settings are greyed out and can NOT be changed ! )

The problem comes in when I try and use my browser -- FireFox -- and the TELKOM ADSL proxy -- I am only able to connect using the "Direct Connection to Internet" option. ? I have tried to set up another profile in the Dialer config but this is not working.

OK have partly worked this one out as well. TELKOM ADSL Proxy NOT accepting links from VODACOM IP address range. Tried another Proxy address and it is working OK.

But I would still like to know what if any is the proper Vodacom Proxy address ?

Would also still like to know proper Vodacom settings for connection info. I have been able to ascertain the DNS IP addresses. It would also appear that DHCP is NOT being used ? ( according to ipconfig / ALL )

Another thing I am not sure about -- The data charges -- are these for "line-charges" only , or does Vodacom also act as the ISP ? In which case do I also get an email address and access to email ?

Also found answer to this question -- Vodacom acts as " line-provider" as well as ISP. ( In which case it would appear cheaper to use than TELKOM ADSL ISP Bundle ???? ) Can anyone confirm this. ( That LINKSYS HSDPA router is looking more and more attractive ) Also does one ONLY get a " Username" and "password" to authenticate , if one is on a contract basis ? WHERE does one sign up for the "FREE" Vodacom email account ?

The "modem" unit does come with software -- a VERY basic SMS client that apparently can also send email ? I do notice though that it can only use very basic SMS and NOT MMS ( it truncates text messages into multiple sends ). Is this just a function of the basic software or something else ? ie do you need to enable something -- get a different SIM card or something else to be able to use MMS ? Is there more advanced software out there for SMS and MMS -- obviously for normal email one can use things like OUTLOOK.

Tried using UNICODE instead of ASCI. Not sure if that is going to make any difference as far as MMS is concerned ? Not sure what to do for an SMS / MMS client software ?

Hi ,
Any help much appreciated. I am new to mobile broadband as well as Laptops.
Chris

Well a little wiser -- but still appreciate any help -- keeping on looking in the meantime.

 

[MidnightWizard]

Now discovered that 3G and UMTS are stable. I get " Excellent" signal strength. HSDPA DOES show in the window and I was able to run a speed test which indicated HSDPA speeds -- was getting 100Kb/sec on downloads. BUT sad to say the HSDPA DROPS OUT. If I disconnect and then re-connect I can see the HSDPA indication -- BUT it drops out again after awhile ?????? Does anyone have an answer for this -- which seems to be a Vodacom problem ? Not sure what my tower is called but I am near the BIG " HULAMIN" factory in PMBG. ( They probably stealing all the bandwidth )

OK Sorted this one as well. When you are just Web Surfing the line speed drops down on it's own. Soon as you need more bandwidth -- like downloading etc it comes back to life and 3.6 is automatically enabled. Downloaded OPERA -- 152 Kb/Sec

Sitting in bed typing this OK -- BUT if I hardly use the 3.6 and it only kicks in now and then do I STILL need to cough up the extra R49.00 ?

Well a little wiser -- but still appreciate any help -- keeping on looking in the meantime.

NOONE out there ? Are my questions too basic ?

Still waiting for a reply to my email to VODACOM support

KZNChris

 

[MidnightWizard]

Would also still like to know proper Vodacom settings for connection info. I have been able to ascertain the DNS IP addresses. It would also appear that DHCP is NOT being used ? ( according to ipconfig / ALL )

OK DHCP and other IP settings seem to be a function of the APN that one uses. Would appear that I need an "unrestricted" APN. How and where does one get one of these ?

Perhaps V3G could provide more detailed tech info on how these APN's work on the network --their settings -- what they do -- what the effect is etc etc. Can one obtain a dedicated public IP number on HSPDA ? Sort of strange -- it is a dial -up technology -- but is on constantly. I suppose sort of like continually up ISDN ?

I wonder if it is possible to get an "unlimited" SIM card that will work on ALL the networks -- perhaps time to get out the "SIM-DOCTOR" ?

WHERE are the "propellor-heads" ?


KZNChris

 

[Big Kriss]

Im just sitting here enjoying your fault/diagnosis/repair thread ..
Great stuff,who needs to input anything ?

 

[kingrob]

Im just sitting here enjoying your fault/diagnosis/repair thread ..
Great stuff,who needs to input anything ?

I'm also enjoying it, Big Kriss.

 

[ic]

Any chance of a summary in 50 words or less?

 

[MidnightWizard]

Any chance of a summary in 50 words or less?

It's a " SOAPIE" you have to wait for the next installment.

Well sorted out the "FREE" email thing at Vodacom4Me and found out how to set up a data bundle online. First bunch of topup vanished in a flash at R2.00 / MB (Anyone know how to top up the SIM without having to put it back into a cell phone ?)

Found the thread for APN's ....

Still looking for a good SMS / MMS client -- guess GOOGLE is the answer , -- or a DELL software update. Has no-one designed a multi format Mail Client yet ?

Does anyone know if CISCO offer a 3G type wireless router similar to the LINKSYS ? Guess that can be found on GOOGLE as well.

At this rate I will not need you guys anymore

What's the next thing -- Super Root password Have to go and look for that myself 2

Is there any difference between the 64K SIM card and the standard 32K one ?

A question specifically for V3G....

Does Vodacom offer any public access to their training courses ? I know that in the year dot TELKOM used to at their Durban training campus. Not sure why they stopped it ?

KZNCM

 

[Big Kriss]

Id suggest trying Giings`s application,nothing to lose..
http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=59080
Thanks for the very entertaining thread !

 

[TonyA]

Can you use a 3G or HSDPA enabled phone as a modem and will you still get 3.6 mb speeds

 

[LandyMan]

OK Sorted this one as well. When you are just Web Surfing the line speed drops down on it's own. Soon as you need more bandwidth -- like downloading etc it comes back to life and 3.6 is automatically enabled. Downloaded OPERA -- 152 Kb/Sec

What do you mean with "HSDPA drops out". I have a D830 with the 5520 card installed. When connecting using the VMC dashboard, it displays Vodacom HSDPA as the network, but as soon as you connect it shows Vodacom GPRS, but you remain on the HSDPA network.

Is this what you were talking about?

 

[vodacom3g]

A question specifically for V3G....

Does Vodacom offer any public access to their training courses ?

Firstly, well done on the 'self-help' thread

Don't think the training courses are available to the public (cue remarks on it not being available to 155 either.....).

There is a self-help web-site but you're probably already at the best place for a wide range of support

 

[MidnightWizard]

What do you mean with "HSDPA drops out". I have a D830 with the 5520 card installed. When connecting using the VMC dashboard, it displays Vodacom HSDPA as the network, but as soon as you connect it shows Vodacom GPRS, but you remain on the HSDPA network.

Is this what you were talking about?

I am using the software that came with the Laptop (DELL) If you let your mouse rest on the application icon in the taskbar ( Mobile Broadband Connection ) you can see what is going on. It will tell you how you are connected. 3G is a steady 384. When you get HSDPA it shows as HSDPA and 3.6. When you are idle or just doing mail it automatically drops down to 3G. Soon as you download something it picks up again to 3.6 -- also auomatically Now that I have got the hang of it I seem to have pretty good and steady HSDPA -- but NOT with the speeds that V3G talks about.

Have you been to the DELL site and downloaded the latest firmware and software for the D830 ( and 5520 ) ? BTW I am completely in LUV with this machine. ( Got it at a "DEMO" price -- I still feel like I robbed someone Busy upgrading it to 3GB 3G --> 3GB , got it ? )

ALSO -- the newer DELL high end laptops have GPS built into the Broadband device. ( For sure I have seen it working ) VERY NICE. You can interface the computer to certain types of mapping software. Still investigating all that stuff -- but seems to be right up the street for SURVEYORS , GIS , MAPPING , etc etc businesses.

Have a look at the CISCO Aironet 1250 IEEE 802.11n DRAFT -- NOT a Linksys

Now please can I have one BEFORE Christmas -- without buying Father Christmas AS WELL

KZNCM

 

[MidnightWizard]

Vodacom TRAINING

Firstly, well done on the 'self-help' thread

I hate sitting around IDLE

Don't think the training courses are available to the public (cue remarks on it not being available to 155 either.....).
There is a self-help web-site but you're probably already at the best place for a wide range of support

Where does one go then if one would like to know all the gory details of how the system works "Self-Help" in this department might be construed as "hacking"

What I mean is -- if one is interested beyond the normal "layman" (woman) How do you get more info ? ( I am in IT )

Once knew someone from another nameless organisation and managed to wangle a "Network Operators Manual" -- still trying to decipher it

Vodacom should train up a bunch of people -- put them in an internship program , and then set them free to start their OWN startups. But perhaps that is too "American" for the "staid" VODAFONE ?

KZNCM

 

[fionab]

I have the dell inbuilt hsdpa modem with the dell software and works great. A friend is trying to set up asony via with no luck as itr has no software, what options exist to get it to connect?

 

[MidnightWizard]

Hsdpa & Sony

I have the dell inbuilt hsdpa modem with the dell software and works great. A friend is trying to set up asony via with no luck as itr has no software, what options exist to get it to connect?

"GREAT" depends on what you are comparing it to

As for the SONY -- speak to someone at SONY. They must have a support site somewhere. Software can often just be downloaded. Not sure how SONY works -- or being SA -- if it EVEN works

There is a saying that seems to apply here.....

"The LORD helps those that help themselves"


KZNCM