The Huawei B593 LTE discussion thread

[Arzy]

Yes, although you're heading towards two separate networks now : one "ADSL" and one "LTE". Maybe you're OK with it that way ?
If you ever wanted to interconnect them to create one LAN with two internet gateways, you'd have to be very careful with the network setup, ie non-conflicting static IPs, only one DHCP server, very distinct gateway addresses for specific clients etc.

If your DGN has the WAN port option, I'd suggest to rather go that route - you have the device already and it's no extra cost. While you're at it, why not toss the ADSL completely ?!

So turns out I don't have the v4 dgn2200, no wan port indicated on the unit itself, but I'll try ports 1 and 4 this evening.

Failing that I guess it's another router or getting something like the tp-link Archer.

To illustrate the problem on the dsl though, I set the everything up last night on the dgn. Nothing on the roku would connect. Kept fiddling, no result. Eventually the wife complained the internet was slow at which point I finally clicked, left everything as is and went to bed.

Got up this morning and everything was working and streaming beautifully.

The same will happen every night...

I used to feel that way until I came across the Telkom Mobile uncapped LTE & realised I'll still need Internet for the coming 2 years so I could as well just sign that 2 year contract considering how bad my ADSL had become, the lower R599/m cost (compared to my previous R940/m for 4meg uncapped Adsl) & a potential 90Mbps uncapped service

I may be moving in the near future to an area with fiber so I really don't want to get tied into a contract before then.

 

[jcheek]

So turns out I don't have the v4 dgn2200, no wan port indicated on the unit itself ...

Drat!

, but I'll try ports 1 and 4 this evening. Failing that I guess it's another router or getting something like the tp-link Archer.

Not going to work, I'm afraid ...

To illustrate the problem on the dsl though, I set the everything up last night on the dgn. Nothing on the roku would connect. Kept fiddling, no result. Eventually the wife complained the internet was slow at which point I finally clicked, left everything as is and went to bed. Got up this morning and everything was working and streaming beautifully.
The same will happen every night...

Pretty standard cr**py ADSL experience. I think all of us LTE converts have been there - I certainly have !

I may be moving in the near future to an area with fiber so I really don't want to get tied into a contract before then.

Pretty specific situation, I guess, especially if you really (really, truly) need uncapped.
Are you in (or close to) coverage of Telkom's current uncapped LTE promotion ?
If so, try for it - see this thread for some user experiences, if you haven't already. Going out of uncapped coverage when you move may not be a trainsmash, as you'll read there.
With the possible exception of latency, good LTE is near-as-dammit as good as fibre (my experience/opinion). Sticking with LTE for the balance of a 2-year contract may not be so bad!

As a last thought, you could also consider aggregating an LTE and an ADSL connection using a dual-WAN router.
I did this for a while, but to be honest, the "4Mbps" uncapped ADSL added very little value to a 30Mbps capped LTE connection.

 

[Arzy]

Drat!


Not going to work, I'm afraid ...



Pretty standard cr**py ADSL experience. I think all of us LTE converts have been there - I certainly have !



Pretty specific situation, I guess, especially if you really (really, truly) need uncapped.
Are you in (or close to) coverage of Telkom's current uncapped LTE promotion ?
If so, try for it - see this thread for some user experiences, if you haven't already. Going out of uncapped coverage when you move may not be a trainsmash, as you'll read there.
With the possible exception of latency, good LTE is near-as-dammit as good as fibre (my experience/opinion). Sticking with LTE for the balance of a 2-year contract may not be so bad!

As a last thought, you could also consider aggregating an LTE and an ADSL connection using a dual-WAN router.
I did this for a while, but to be honest, the "4Mbps" uncapped ADSL added very little value to a 30Mbps capped LTE connection.

Indeed, so the setup on the DGN works, the ADSL is just farked.

Now its getting a way to get the B593 to work, I love using the LTE connection, but the bandwidth is prohibitive when you try and stick to month to month. Telkom only offers the uncapped LTE on a 2 year contract, don't they?

So for the interim, irrespective of what I do with the LTE, suggestions on a cheap router with WAN port and configurable DNS? I don't mind running 2 seperate networks in the house.

 

[jcheek]

Telkom only offers the uncapped LTE on a 2 year contract, don't they?

Yes. Capped and uncapped, as far as I'm aware.
Both come with a "free" modem/router (either B315 or B593) but only the uncapped deal (which is a promotion until 30 June only) comes with the antenna and installation.

So for the interim, irrespective of what I do with the LTE, suggestions on a cheap router with WAN port and configurable DNS? I don't mind running 2 seperate networks in the house.

I think virtually anything with decent firmware (ie not a Huawei) will offer a DNS override.
I've got no specific suggestions, but hopefully someone else will chip in here.

 

[Arzy]

Sitting pretty between 2 uncapped stations, assuming I could take the offer but the 2 years just puts me off.

I'd basically only be using 30-40gb per month anyway on the LTE which is basically the DSTV sub that I canned.

 

[Arzy]

So I ended dropping a tp-link in between the Roku and the B592, works like a charm with no additional config needed apart from DNS on the TP-link.

Thanks for all the advice guys.

 

[kianm]

So I ended dropping a tp-link in between the Roku and the B592, works like a charm with no additional config needed apart from DNS on the TP-link.

Thanks for all the advice guys.

Great. Huawei really need to get their stuff together considering how they have grown. This lack of firmware updates / inflexible firmware settings is for corner shops

 

[dotcat]

how do you tidy up your install? will the 2 antenna cables and lan cables coming out the back it's a bit of a mess of wires. How sharply can you bend the antenna cable to neaten it up?

 

[sajunky]

how do you tidy up your install? will the 2 antenna cables and lan cables coming out the back it's a bit of a mess of wires. How sharply can you bend the antenna cable to neaten it up?

Depends how thick is cable and make. Read marking on the cable, download spec sheet. If you get pdf from a reputable source, it will show a minimum radius.

 

[jcheek]

How sharply can you bend the antenna cable to neaten it up?

Not very sharply !
Most consumer-grade antennas come with some derivative of type "195" coax cable (eg HDF195, HF195), which is modelled after LMR-195 (LMR = Land Mobile Radio) from Times Microwave. (If you have the Poynting XPOL-0006 antenna, you probably have HDF195 cables).
Even with the "real McCoy" LMR-195, it isn't advisable to bend it much tighter than a 50mm radius (ie 100mm diameter circle) :



The "LMR copy" cables may be slightly worse in that respect. You do get more flexible versions of '195 cable but they're not common in the consumer market.

Bending too sharply will damage the cable's internal structure (dielectric) and degrade its performance.

So be gentle!

 

[Dazzla]

Hi, I am not good at networking and need some assistance on the following.
I have the B593-601s and want to route the internet through my Asus n55u and also use its superior wifi.
I have been reading the posts where people are using wan ports on their routers to do this. I am however not sure how to correctly configure everything.
I have enabled dual wan function on the asus and assigned one of the lan ports as a wan port. Wan connection type is set to automatic.
I think that is all I have to do with the asus router or am I missing something?
The settings on the b593 I am not sure what to do. I know I must turn off dhcp. Is there anything else I have to do?
The IP address range on b593 is 192.168.1 - 192.168.1.254 do I have to change the IP address of the asus. I am not sure what to do with the IP address.

 

[Nimz]

Since we cannot change the DNS on this router, is there any other way I can block specific websites for my office?

Thanks

 

[sajunky]

The settings on the b593 I am not sure what to do. I know I must turn off dhcp. Is there anything else I have to do?
The IP address range on b593 is 192.168.1 - 192.168.1.254 do I have to change the IP address of the asus. I am not sure what to do with the IP address.

Disabling DHCP on B593 is optional (just to help find IP conflicts easier).
Start from assuring that B593 IP address in different LAN segment than Asus. Don't disable DHCP server on the B593 yet. Connect both routers separately to the PC by cable, with PC being the only connected device to prevent kick-start autoconfiguration.

Huawei default IP address is 192.168.1.1, you must make sure that ASUS has a different IP than 192.168.1.x. If it is in the range, then you must change default IP address on Asus or on Huawei.

Step 2. Take note of ASUS IP address and put it in Huawei menu DMZ option.

Step 3. Connect one of the Huawei LAN port to the ASUS WAN port. Reconnect all your devices to ASUS LAN.

Setp 4. Check on the ASUS menu that it pickups Huawei router IP address as a Default Gateway. If DHCP server is active on Huawei, it should pickup automatically. Many routers are able to detect upstream router. If doesn't, you have to manually configure ASUS Default Gateway an enter Huawei IP address here.

 

[Dazzla]

Huawei default IP address is 192.168.1.1, you must make sure that ASUS has a different IP than 192.168.1.x. If it is in the range, then you must change default IP address on Asus or on Huawei.

Thanks for the input, should I make the ASUS IP 192.168.2.1 or put it somewhere in the same range as B593 (192.168.1.100)

 

[sajunky]

Thanks for the input, should I make the ASUS IP 192.168.2.1 or put it somewhere in the same range as B593 (192.168.1.100)

Try it, I am sure that Asus will refuse to accept such address, as it violate basic networking rules.
Read carefully:

Start from assuring that B593 IP address in different LAN segment than Asus.

192.168.2.1 is fine.

 

[HP78]

Getting lost in translation..... Trying to change router from Telkom to Vodacom

Moved to new area that only has Vodacom LTE available. Despite Telkom claiming their LTE service covering all networks after last year's doubling of data package prices seems they only support telkom and MTN.

How do I change my router to the Vodacom frequency as it seems the B593-601 has the capability to cover 1800MHz but cannot find a way to move it over as vodacom simcard is not picking up any LTE signal even though my iPhone (vodacom) is picking up great speed.

 

[jcheek]

Moved to new area that only has Vodacom LTE available.

Wow. Can't be many of those left these days! Which area are are you in ?

Despite Telkom claiming their LTE service covering all networks ... seems they only support telkom and MTN.

Yup. MTN roaming only (for now), and then only on 3G (not LTE).

after last year's doubling of data package prices ...

The Telkom prepaid LTE packages increased in price by about 20% (considering Anytime data only).
The contract prices actually came down quite a bit.

... as it seems the B593-601 has the capability to cover 1800MHz ...

It does, yes.
Bear in mind though, that if you're not using the B593's internal patch antennas (or the flat whips - uggh), then your antenna system also needs to support operation at 1800MHz. Not all do.

How do I change my router to the Vodacom frequency ... but cannot find a way to move it over as vodacom simcard is not picking up any LTE signal even though my iPhone (vodacom) is picking up great speed.

If all the B593's options are set to 'Auto', I would expect it to pick up Vodacom LTE automatically, but if not, use the manual network search feature referred to under point (8) of this post.
The controls are on the Internet / Connection screen on the B593's 'Web UI.

If the B593 doesn't show Vodacom(4G) on the list shown at 'Network selection' then it would indicate that that SIM isn't provisioned for Vodacom LTE.
Have you also tried using the same SIM that works for Vodacom LTE (in your phone) in the B593 ?

 

[HP78]

Appreciate the reply on this. Yes it seems I am lucky enough to live in one of the deadzones here in Welgemoed area.... Waiting for fibre but will that happens need to see if there is a way to get LTE on vodacom going here. Have it running on a MTN router here but being dropped more that a cricket ball by our Proteas.

Did try to look for or adjust Network selection but that option does not exist on the "Network Connection" page or any other that I ran through on the router's pages. Only options I have are Network mode (auto) , Connection mode (always on), profile ( only one option and that is auto ) and PDP type ( IPv4 or IPv4v6 )

Agree that anytime data only increased 20% but including the removal Night time data completely takes it well over 100% increase.

Am using those flat whip antennas so assume they should work for 1800MHz.

Cannot input my iPhone's sim as that micro sim is smaller that the micro sims in the vodacom sim I have for router so housing does not fit. But did buy this sim for LTE purposes about 6 months ago so would hope they gave me the correct sim but will go check as you never know....

Can only assume as the Network selection option is missing there might be some hard coded issue here ( which I thought should not exist ) or it is the Vodacom simcard. Hopefully only the simcard.

 

[jcheek]

Did try to look for or adjust Network selection but that option does not exist on the "Network Connection" page or any other that I ran through on the router's pages. Only options I have are Network mode (auto) , Connection mode (always on), profile ( only one option and that is auto ) and PDP type ( IPv4 or IPv4v6 )

<snip>

Can only assume as the Network selection option is missing there might be some hard coded issue here ( which I thought should not exist ) or it is the Vodacom simcard. Hopefully only the simcard.

Might be a case of Huawei's award-winning user interface catching you out - you wouldn't be the first and you certainly won't be the last!
Try this :

1. Go to the 'Internet / Connection' page. The settings for Network / Connection / Profile / PDP will probably be set to Auto / Always on / Auto / IPv4 respectively.
2. Change the drop-down for 'Connection Mode' to 'Manual' and click 'Submit'. Now you should see a 'Disconnect' button you didn't have before.
3. Click the 'Disconnect' button. Now you should see the 'Network selection' option that wasn't there before.
4. Change 'Network selection' to 'Manual' and hit 'Search' to see available networks.

The rule on this UI is ... When in doubt, click 'Submit' !

Am using those flat whip antennas so assume they should work for 1800MHz.

They do, but ditch them. The internal patch antennas work better.

Cannot input my iPhone's sim as that micro sim is smaller that the micro sims in the vodacom sim I have for router so housing does not fit. But did buy this sim for LTE purposes about 6 months ago so would hope they gave me the correct sim but will go check as you never know....

Pop into a cell accessories shop or Incredible Connection and pick up a SIM adaptor kit. These contain a series of adaptors that allow you to use a Nano-format SIMcard in a micro, mini ("Standard") and - sometimes - full-size SIM slot. Very useful as diagnostic tool. The carrier frames you get with a new SIMcard will serve the same purpose though not quite as elegantly.
You only need to take this step if the recipe above doesn't get you going.

 

[sajunky]

Cannot input my iPhone's sim as that micro sim is smaller that the micro sims in the vodacom sim I have for router so housing does not fit. But did buy this sim for LTE purposes about 6 months ago so would hope they gave me the correct sim but will go check as you never know....

Get Cell C prepaid SIM R0.99 (a blue one) from any Cell C shop. It has universal cuts for micro and nano SIM. Use these parts as a SIM holder for your SIM.

BTW, Cell C SIM can be also used for network coverage checking. I use Cell C LTE for 3 months, but their map still show no coverage.