Slighty annoyed with TP-link modem

[wizardofid]

Okay got my self a new HSPA+ modem this one http://www.tp-link.com/en/products/details/?categoryid=2106&model=MA260#spec

This modem only connects to edge , nor does the dashboard have an option to select or lock it to 3G which is currently annoying the crap out of me.MTN has 3G in my area and works fine with my vodacom modem(mtn sim), however due to some reason, the craptastic vodacom modem can't upload at higher speeds other than dial up, however downloads are fine, with a family member's MTN branded modem uploads is fine, so not a network issues

Which forced me to look else where for another modem as I regularly need to upload data, now I can't do jack with a egde connection only.

Is there another tool or 3rd party dashboard I can perhaps use to force the modem to 3G as its really really annoying..

 

[JimM]

It could be that MTN are using 900MHz locally to you. Both networks use 900MHz in areas where 2100MHz is over subscribed. This modem is only good for 3G on 2100MHz...

Most phones and modems offer 3G/HSPA on 900 & 2100MHz.

 

[ginggs]

Is there another tool or 3rd party dashboard I can perhaps use to force the modem to 3G as its really really annoying..

Where did you get this modem? If I can get my hands on one for a few days, I might be able to add support for it in MDMA.

 

[Rocket-Boy]

Wait until you need to start rebooting it all the time to keep it working, that will properly annoy you.

 

[wizardofid]

Where did you get this modem? If I can get my hands on one for a few days, I might be able to add support for it in MDMA.

Sadly I am a bit far away however modem query pointed out it's qualcomm

It could be that MTN are using 900MHz locally to you.

Yes 900MHZ if you check the spec page you will notice it does support 900MHZ so no problems there.

2100mhz is HSPA+ only any way, if it supported 2100MHZ only I would have not been able to get edge any ways.

Managed to do some more searching, but it seems I can manly change from 2G to 3G, with AT+ commands.

Managed to get the terminal working, and did the AT+COPS? command and gave me the following,
(0,"MTN-SA", "MTN", "65510",2) and that is where I am stuck now how do a change to 3G with the COPS command and which one of the 3 do I use ?

EDIT*
@ginggs
Yes first thing I tested was was your proggie as I am using it with the vodacom modem, my only issue is the retarded upload speeds...of that modem (huawei K3520) for some reason the upload speeds on is about 20kbs, I can't seem to get that sorted

Also tried mwconn but that doesn't even able to connect to the com port even if you manually select it

 

[JimM]

Check the specs again, It supports 900MHz (in fact 850/900/1800/1900 MHz) but for GSM Bands or EDGE as some will know it!! So, I'm sorry a BIG problem there!!

3G/HSPA+ is supported on 2100MHz alone!

There are many entry level modems like this, I assume using a lower cost chipset?

 

[wizardofid]

Check the specs again, It supports 900MHz (in fact 850/900/1800/1900 MHz) but for GSM or EDGE as some will know it!!

3G/HSPA+ is supported on 2100MHz alone!

There are many entry level modems like this, I assume using a lower cost chipset?

Read again, will you...

http://www.tp-link.com/en/products/details/?categoryid=2106&model=MA260#fea

HSPA+ is only on the 2100MHZ band

Provides HSPA+/HSUPA/HSDPA/UMTS/GPRS/GSM/EDGE network support

 

[JimM]

HARDWARE FEATURES
Standards and Protocols WCDMA Network
Interface USB 2.0
Data Rates DL: 21Mbps, UL: 5.76 Mbps
LED Indicator Two-color LED provides status information
Dimensions ( W x D x H ) 3.89 x 1.09 x 0.55 in. (99 x 28 x 14 mm)
Antenna Type Internal antenna
GSM Band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz ---- GSM = 2G/EDGE and exactly what you have!!
Micro SD Card Reader Supports standard Micro SD cards up to 32 GB
HSPA+ Band 2100 MHz
SIM Slot Standard 6-Pin SIM card interface

Provides HSPA+/HSUPA/HSDPA/UMTS/GPRS/GSM/EDGE network support

It does but not on all bands!!

 

[wizardofid]

Read again, will you...

http://www.tp-link.com/en/products/details/?categoryid=2106&model=MA260#fea

HSPA+ is only on the 2100MHZ band

Why in god's name would they not support 3G on the other bands when HSPA+ is only on the 2100MHZ, bit pointless then, both HSDPA and UMTS can make use of 2100MHZ and 900MHZ.....

At this very instance I am connected to HSDPA on the 900MHZ band with the vodacom modem....the fact is I need to force the modem to 3G mode as 90% of the time the 2G connection is better, I even had to force the MTN branded modem to 3G other wise it would switch to 2G

And in my case the the TP-link won't switch over the the 3G signal as the 2G signal is better...nor has it options to select preferred signal, so that leaves me between a rock and hard place........

 

[JimM]

I many countries 3G/HSPA is only permitted on 2100MHz.

Early modems like the Huawei E220 and E272 and many others all offered HSDPA/HSUPA on 2100MHz only. TP Link is entry level Chinese (what isn't?) kit and they will build what they can get away with.

I've had similar types of modem in stock in the past and chose not to sell them on various grounds not the least was the fact of no 3G on 900MHz. I've stuck with Huawei as my only brand.

It may be possible to force it on to 3G/HSPA+ (because you do have some 2100MHz signals available) but sadly, I'm guessing that the 900MHz for MTN is way stronger than 2100MHz. So rather than trying tom force it on to 3G/HSPA+ look to see if you can force it NOT to use 900MHz or GSM instead?

 

[nahoR]

That modem is rubbish. I also made the mistake of spending R500 for it. Throw it away and buy a huawei modem and spare yourself hours of frustration. Takealot had a special on one yesterday...

The TP-Link modem does not even work with their own (TP-Link) routers. The router recognizes my huawei modem but not the TP-Link modem.

 

[wizardofid]

I have a ZTE K3772-Z modem here just need confirm it doesn't also have the retarded upload speeds of huawei K3520. And Now FFS, the K3772_z switches auto to 2G just to further irritate the crap out of the latest version of MDMA is not working with it

It's official my day has ruined....by craptastic stuff, I give up.....

 

[wizardofid]

I many countries 3G/HSPA is only permitted on 2100MHz.

Early modems like the Huawei E220 and E272 and many others all offered HSDPA/HSUPA on 2100MHz only. TP Link is entry level Chinese (what isn't?) kit and they will build what they can get away with.

I've had similar types of modem in stock in the past and chose not to sell them on various grounds not the least was the fact of no 3G on 900MHz. I've stuck with Huawei as my only brand.

It may be possible to force it on to 3G/HSPA+ (because you do have some 2100MHz signals available) but sadly, I'm guessing that the 900MHz for MTN is way stronger than 2100MHz. So rather than trying tom force it on to 3G/HSPA+ look to see if you can force it NOT to use 900MHz or GSM instead?

There is no 2100MHZ band here out on the farm they use 900MHZ here for better coverage so that would be pointless I have direct line of sight to the tower as well....