Linksys Wireless Router for 3G

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MainMeat

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Hi Guys,

I have a few simple questions as I need to install a sort of reliable internet service (without using Telkom for obvious reasons). I plan to:

1) Get a proper antenna (meduim gain) from Poynting to get the 3G connection stable - it falls over from time to time even though I have 2-3 bars in VMC

2) Get the Linksys 3G Router and install this. (I have a Novatel 3G / HSDPA card)

Has anyone tried the above and does it work well? All documents and reviews I have read indicates that is a good and stable solution. The internet connection will be used for downloading email 24/7, browse the web and the odd VIOP calls

The Linksys Router seems to go for about ~2K - does anyone have a good second hand one for sale, or know where I can find a unit at a better price?

Thanks!
 
MainMeat said:
Hi Guys,

I have a few simple questions as I need to install a sort of reliable internet service (without using Telkom for obvious reasons). I plan to:

1) Get a proper antenna (meduim gain) from Poynting to get the 3G connection stable - it falls over from time to time even though I have 2-3 bars in VMC

2) Get the Linksys 3G Router and install this. (I have a Novatel 3G / HSDPA card)

Has anyone tried the above and does it work well? All documents and reviews I have read indicates that is a good and stable solution. The internet connection will be used for downloading email 24/7, browse the web and the odd VIOP calls

The Linksys Router seems to go for about ~2K - does anyone have a good second hand one for sale, or know where I can find a unit at a better price?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Good setup, just one thing. You can never have too good an antenna, so go for the best one you can get. And obviously mount it outdoors.

How are you going to attach to the router from the PC's? Go wired if at all possible, even if it's some effort.

I find WiFi to be less stable than HSDPA in most cases!

If you've got an old PC or laptop, you could build your own 3G router. A old 486 / Pentium system running Linux would be just the thing.

/OT - for sure hope it's not a Freudian thing, but every-time I read your nic, I read ManMeat :)
 
vodacom3g said:
Good setup, just one thing. You can never have too good an antenna, so go for the best one you can get. And obviously mount it outdoors.

How are you going to attach to the router from the PC's? Go wired if at all possible, even if it's some effort.
Click to expand...

Yes - Wired it will be - the wifi is just a nice to have since all PC's are notebook with built-in wifi...makes it easier to getup and walk somewhere if required :)

I find WiFi to be less stable than HSDPA in most cases!
Click to expand...

Very true, especially with several AP's in the same area with the same channel configuration

If you've got an old PC or laptop, you could build your own 3G router. A old 486 / Pentium system running Linux would be just the thing.
Click to expand...

I know :(...but getting the PCMCIA - PCI converter and drivers always seems to be some issue...so now I am want to get this router

/OT - for sure hope it's not a Freudian thing, but every-time I read your nic, I read ManMeat :)
Click to expand...

he he...does it make a difference in meaning ;)


Thanks for you reply and constant inputs to this forum - much appreciated and always good to know the Vodacom Thread delivers!!!
 
MainMeat said:
Hi Guys,

I have a few simple questions as I need to install a sort of reliable internet service (without using Telkom for obvious reasons). I plan to:

1) Get a proper antenna (meduim gain) from Poynting to get the 3G connection stable - it falls over from time to time even though I have 2-3 bars in VMC

2) Get the Linksys 3G Router and install this. (I have a Novatel 3G / HSDPA card)

Has anyone tried the above and does it work well? All documents and reviews I have read indicates that is a good and stable solution. The internet connection will be used for downloading email 24/7, browse the web and the odd VIOP calls

The Linksys Router seems to go for about ~2K - does anyone have a good second hand one for sale, or know where I can find a unit at a better price?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Why dnt you just get a Billion 7300GX? Does the same trick as the Linksys and has got a ADSL port IF you ever need it..... :)

It is also like R500 cheaper!!!!!!!
 
Snormossel said:
Why dnt you just get a Billion 7300GX? Does the same trick as the Linksys and has got a ADSL port IF you ever need it..... :)

It is also like R500 cheaper!!!!!!!
Click to expand...

Looks good and at least you get some of your monies worth, seeing that one can later use it for ADSL if required - anyone used it before with a Novatel U740? I note the Datacard is compatible.


(Where can I buy one)
 
MainMeat said:
Looks good and at least you get some of your monies worth, seeing that one can later use it for ADSL if required - anyone used it before with a Novatel U740? I note the Datacard is compatible.


(Where can I buy one)
Click to expand...

Don't you have to use USB modems with that? Thought it only had a USB port. :confused:
 
Was trying to get hold of the manual to get some clarity on the compatible devices - none available on the Billion Website...will email them and see if they respond.
 
OK, been in contact with Billion.

The 7300GX takes a PC/MCIA Data card
The 7402GX takes a USB Modem.

Would have been nice if everything was integrated into a single router :)
 
MainMeat said:
OK, been in contact with Billion.

The 7300GX takes a PC/MCIA Data card
The 7402GX takes a USB Modem.

Would have been nice if everything was integrated into a single router :)
Click to expand...

Definitely, the 7402GX is obviously more future proof but then if you've already got a PCMCIA card...
 
Now for the pop-quiz: Linksys or Billion (R400 difference)

Linksys: Got the name and stability but expensive

Billion: Integrates ADSL and 3G in a single solution and cheaper...but is it stable?

I have never used a Billion Product so cannot comment on that :(
 
MainMeat said:
Now for the pop-quiz: Linksys or Billion (R400 difference)

Linksys: Got the name and stability but expensive

Billion: Integrates ADSL and 3G in a single solution and cheaper...but is it stable?

I have never used a Billion Product so cannot comment on that :(
Click to expand...

I've got a Billion 7300M, which I think is basically the same as the 7300GX without the 3G and it hasn't given me any problems, had it for probably 6 months now.
 
We use a Linksys, no problems with it so far. Can't vouch for the Billion, never used one. Just make sure that which ever one you do go for, that it supports your data card.

I got mine from the importer, Uniterm Direct, and paid R1,599.00 excl.
I see they have it for R1,650.00 on their website, and I think it is including VAT, but rather confirm with them.
http://www.dbg.co.za/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=51&products_id=42

EDIT: Added

Also got my LPDA21 high-gain antenna from them, along with the correct pigtail for my data card.
 
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morkhans said:
I must say they do have a much longer list of supported cards than Linksys.



If I was selling them I wouldn't either ;)
Click to expand...

:) Maybe I will be the first to have one fail, who knows. I must admit the router covers all basic and even some advanced router config. I need to have a look at the Linksys manual to compare the two in more detail.
 
MainMeat said:
:) Maybe I will be the first to have one fail, who knows. I must admit the router covers all basic and even some advanced router config. I need to have a look at the Linksys manual to compare the two in more detail.
Click to expand...

I see the Billion has a 12V car charger which could be useful with loadshedding, you wouldn't need an inverter then.
 
@MM: If you are prepared to fiddle around a bit you could reflash an Asus WL-500g Premium router to share a USB HSDPA modem. It seems that the v.1 model works reliably but there are still some software problems with the latest v.2 device. This router used to cost around R850 in SA. Some of the 800MHz cell networks in the Czech Republic and Romania actually supply this router for this purpose.
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies-archive.cfm/880784.html
http://koppel.cz/cdmawifi/hardware/
 
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