Loving my 8ta

So this morning I go to Telkom Direct, to buy an E367 modem, they did not have any in stock, walking out the door, I noticed, they had a B683 router in a display cabinet, made a U turn, and bought one.

Having arrived at home, I setup and installed it, put in my 8ta SIM, it connects fine, but I notice, that I did not receive any DNS numbers when, the connection was made. DNS values show 0.0.0.0, which would more than adequately explain my problems.

I assume, these should be received from the network, upon connection.
 
Okay, been playing with my netbook, and B683 router, connecting and disconnecting, and it seems that on only every third or fourth attempt, I get DNS server IP's allocated. When I get DNS IP's allocated, network perfomance is normal 6-8Mbits/s. Currently connected using my 8ta SIM, staying connected for 5 minutes or more does not result in DNS IP's being allocated, when they are not allocated on connection.
 
If DNS is not allocated during connection phase, it won't. It seems a typical problem. For now use static Google DNS 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. PM your details to 8ta rep.
 
sajunky said:
If DNS is not allocated during connection phase, it won't. It seems a typical problem. For now use static Google DNS 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. PM your details to 8ta rep.
Click to expand...

Will look into that this afternoon, when I should have time to play funny buggers, you or any other might not have a URL handy where I can download a more comprehensive manual, than the quick start guide that came in the box?
 
Hi,
Don't know how to enter DNS? Manual won't help much, judging from your findings about DNS you are capable to find out. I don't have this router, but usually it is on Web configuration page in the router using static IP address. This address should be on your subnet in order to access it from local computer. Subnet is combination of IP address and Subnet Mask. If it is outside of subnet, you need to reconfigure local network.

How do you connect router to PC? The simplest way is to plug it directly to PC using USB cable. Then it acts as USB modem. On PC you need to edit your dialup connection properties -> Networking, select TCP/IP protocol, click on Properties -> "Use the following server addresses" [on XP].
 
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Manual entry of DNS entries, is not the problem, a little fiddling, which resulted in changing a set of buttons from "dynamic" to "static" and DNS fields became available to enter values in.

Router connects to the PC/switch via an ethernet cable.

Why I'd like a manual, is that it just might enlighten me, how to connect it to my network ADSL router a Cisco/Linksys WAG120N. Problem is both devices are connected to the internet. Connecting both is not the problem, both being connected to the internet at the same time is, unless, I can enable/disable the 3G part, and activate, when the DSL goes down.

But then, I probably, should just use it for the portable devices, around the house, i.e. 3 cellphones, a laptop, and a netbook. If the ADSL goes down, all that needs doing is plug the ADSL modem out of the switch, and the 3G router in.

BUT, if I can have my cake and eat it, why not? :)

Not that I think it possible. :)
 
I just checked specification for both WAG120N and B683. Problem is that both support wireless network, so you have to decide which one to use as an access point and worse... none of them have WAN ports with failover firmware. So, I am afraid you will need to use unplug/plug strategy, and not your brain. ;)

Don't eat it, :) 7 days to return product? But it is your own mistake.

There is a thread about router here:
http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/373892
 
I bought it with my music server in mind, i.e. to make it accessible via wi-fi without using an internal radio device, and independent internet access, now if it had DDNS, and a WAN port, I'd go out and break the bank, to get another ...
 
It escapes me. Why you need DDNS?
If looking for failover, and fast Ethernet (100Mbps) is sufficient, then TP-link MR3420 is not expensive and has good support on myBB. It has WAN port USB port and failover to 3G USB modem. But you can't use B683 for failover, as it has only one WAN port. You need USB modem compatible with router.
Or look for router with two WAN ports. Little planning is needed. :)
 
DDNS is needed so I can connect to small server, from the outside via Vodacom SIM with unrestricted APN.

Like I said, bought it for my music server, and now am considering other options ... :)

TP-Link MR3420, is well supported, and has a lot of problems all of it's own, if it was not well supported it would be not even worth considering.
 
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MR3420 has problems only when using 3G modems with DDNS. If you restrict outbound connecttions to ADSL, it shouldn't be a problem. Good luck searching, there are plenty devices on the market.
 
sajunky said:
MR3420 has problems only when using 3G modems with DDNS. If you restrict outbound connecttions to ADSL, it shouldn't be a problem. Good luck searching, there are plenty devices on the market.
Click to expand...

Noe that is my problem, I need DDNS to work with my Vodacom SIM, the WAG120N does fine so far wit DDNS over ADSL ...

As for searching, that is another kettle of WORMS :(
 
sajunky said:
MR3420 has problems only when using 3G modems with DDNS. If you restrict outbound connecttions to ADSL, it shouldn't be a problem. Good luck searching, there are plenty devices on the market.
Click to expand...

Now that is my problem, I need DDNS to work with my Vodacom SIM, the WAG120N does fine so far wit DDNS over ADSL ...

As for searching, that is another kettle of WORMS :(
 
What about micro PC with two or three NICs? If you are fluent with Linux, you can set independent routing for each port. Some of these are size of 10" tablet.
I have v. old VIA C3 CPU using 2.5" HDD with four NICs, size 230x175x50.

Check also Microtik Router boards.
 
sajunky said:
What about micro PC with two or three NICs? If you are fluent with Linux, you can set independent routing for each port. Some of these are size of 10" tablet.
I have v. old VIA C3 CPU using 2.5" HDD with four NICs, size 230x175x50.

Check also Microtik Router boards.
Click to expand...

I have a MikroTik RB750GL, but it is "bricked" Murphy and Centlec (Local Eskom Derivative) conspired to-gether, and the power went off while it was updating the OS.

If nothing untoward happens, and it will accept a netinstall, it will be back in working order, and I will be smiling ear to ear. Otherwise, I am going to have to, very reluctantly, haul out the credit card, and get another. A wonderful little box it is indeed.
 
Bad luck, perhapse can't be recovered by reset button (usually underneath), I gather you tried it already. Some clever guys might be able to resolder chip and even program in-circuit (depends on flash chip). So don't throw it away.
EDIT: On the models with plastic cases the access hole is under one of the silicone feet.
EDIT: Now I see how to recover. I can do it!
For RouterBOARD devices with no serial port, and no RouterOS access, the reset button can also start PXE booting mode.
Click to expand...
Source:
http://wiki.mikrotik.com/wiki/Manual:Netinstall
 
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sajunky said:
EDIT: On the models with plastic cases the access hole is under one of the silicone feet.
EDIT: Now I see how to recover. I can do it!

Source:
http://wiki.mikrotik.com/wiki/Manual:Netinstall
Click to expand...

Been there, on my third attempt, but I find those instructions more than a little confusing, it is currently connected to my netbook, after third attempt, leaving it till I get up tomorrow,(later this morning), if you think you can get it right. Well, then I have no problem putting it in a Speed post bag, with another speed post bag, included - for it to come back with, that is if you are prepared to stand in queue to collect and return it.
 
Important: Did you use reset button? It says that "reset button can start PXE booting mode".
 
I've just moved to north riding / sundowner, telkom says there's no infrastructure for adsl, thinking of trying out 8ta. Anyone in that area with 8ta? Wonder if I can test some how?

Also, I've heard of antenna / boosters for 3G, anyone know anything about that?

I'll probably get a 3G wifi router.
 
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