TP-Link TD-W8970 and 3G mode advice needed

LaraC

LaraC

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My ADSL line has become horrendous and I’m considering using my Telkom Mobile as an alternative and use the router in 3G mode.

Unfortunately I’ve hit an obstacle and the modem is not recognized.

The devices I’m using are a Huawei E3131 USB Modem and a TP-Link TD-WD8970 ADSL2 Modem Router.

Are they compatible?
 
Anyone using the router with 3G failover enabled?

Please tell me which modem are you using? The TP-Link website is not very helpful in this regard.

Ps. I’ve already updated to the latest firmware without success.
 
I contacted TP-Link Technical Support and was told that the USB ports on the modem cannot be used to connect to a 3G USB dongle.

So that’s why the modem can’t not detect the 3G dongle.

How disappointing after having such high hopes. :cry:
 
Maybe if you connect it to a 3G router via the LAN/WAN port.
 
LaraC said:
Maybe if you connect it to a 3G router via the LAN/WAN port.
Click to expand...
For that you must ask support. And if they answer yes, you must remember, that it will pickup alternative connection - thats all. It will not revert to ADSL when the line comes back.
 
I did, I'm still awaiting an answer from them.
I'll post the result when I receive feedback.
 
Mine definitely works with a K3772 modem.

If you look under Network -> 3G Settings you can see if your modem is successfully identified. If it is simply select South Africa and a local network. You can also enable 3G as a backup option on this page.
 
KhoisanX said:
Mine definitely works with a K3772 modem.

If you look under Network -> 3G Settings you can see if your modem is successfully identified. If it is simply select South Africa and a local network. You can also enable 3G as a backup option on this page.
Click to expand...

That is wonderful, how old is the modem, I keep getting messages that it has been discontinued.
Do you perhaps know who sells them and if they will be network locked?
 
The exchange is almost a kilometre away.
 
No, I haven't.
The line is working properly again.

Speed_test.JPG
 
Last edited:
LaraC said:
That is wonderful, how old is the modem, I keep getting messages that it has been discontinued.
Do you perhaps know who sells them and if they will be network locked?
Click to expand...

It's quite old, I doubt you can buy them anymore.

I'd rather attempt to solve the problem with your ADSL though, maybe you could better describe the issues you've been having?
 
Telkom seemed to have solved my ADSL connection on their own.
It would be great to have the ability to utilize my 3G dongle as a backup.
I'm still hopeful that TP-Link support will be able to recommend a compatible 3G modem that I can use.

Thank you for your reply.
 
Thank you Tw171, it seems that the Optus modem is similar to the one KhoisanX mentioned.
It is not available anymore.
 
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