I’ve been everywhere man, I’ve been everywhere… Or so the jingle goes. 3G wireless Internet is starting to really take off in Australia and I get a lot of requests from people about how to share it with multiple PCs on a network, preferably wirelessly.
The easiest way to go is with a router and there’s a few emerging on the market now to suit both the PC Card and USB types of modems.
The Billion 7300GX has been on the market for a few weeks now but for some reason is yet to take off. Strange, as over the last few months I’ve been virtually inundated with requests for this one and there seemed to be a queue forming for it. Where’d everyone go?
Besides being a wireless modem + router similar to the 7300G, the 7300GX adds the ability to accept PC Card style wireless modems and at under $200.00 it’s an absolute bargain.
Compatibility has been tested and proven with the Vodaphone 3G card and Telstra’s Turbo Express card but there’s an issue with the Hutchison card that should be resolved mid-November. No word on the Optus card at this stage.
Linksys led this market with the introduction of the WRT54G3G a couple of months ago but it’s a little more expensive and lacks the built-in ADSL modem. Mind you this means if you ever do switch to another type of broadband service you can plug whatever modem you like into it, chances are it’ll be ADSL anyway due to the minimal Cable coverage in Australia. But if you have Cable already and want to use a 3G connection for backup or failover then this one is the way to go.
Draytek focused on USB 3G modems and upgraded the existing USB Print Server port on the 2800 and 2910 series to accept them. USB 3G modems must be the more popular choice because these have been extremely popular.
Gabriel from Draytek Australia told me how he travelled across Taiwan by bus during the recent Draytek Distributor reunion and had a 2910G plugged into a power inverter in the bus’s cigarette lighter sharing a 3G USB modem wirelessly so everyone on the bus had wireless Internet on their laptops as they traveled. Neat stuff! More on this and other 3G sharing applications from Draytek here.
Update: In response to some of the questions I’ve been getting I have created a basic FAQ about 3G networking including a quick summary of the current 3G capable routers here.
Hi DrewV,
Yes, but you’ll need to check the Router’s compatibility list to make sure your mobile is listed. I think Draytek is the only one offering support on some mobile phones but check the others just to make sure (if you’re looking for a cheaper product).
Remember, if you don’t see your phone or 3G modem specifically mentioned on the manufacturer’s compatibility list then it most likely won’t work. You’ll find links to all of the manufacturer’s compatibility lists in the “more info” sections of all of the OzCableguy router reviews. There’s a short list of all the 3G capable products down the bottom of the page at http://www.ozcableguy.com/3G.asp#routers .
Josh, my Wireless FAQs at http://www.ozcableguy.com/wireless.asp should answer most of your questions. I still prefer cables where possible but sometimes that’s either not practical or expensive, or you want portability eg for Laptops & PDAs.
ok thanks.. im fairly new to computers so i need to ask 1 other question, cause im using usb internet could i just simply just run the cable from bak of my pc to the ps3 or is it more complicated then that?? thanks
Hi Josh,
Yes, it’s a fair bit more complicated than that. Most people with limited networking experience would find a router an easier option but if you want to have a go at doing it with software you should be able to get the gist of things with one of my guides like the one for Windows XP & Cable Internet.
i purchased a a telstra turbo 7 series modem,,,,,with a sierra 880u usb huewei style modem…..but windows vista says,,,it cant find the driver???
i dont have the vista start up discs,,,,,can u help??
Sorry Paul. That’s one you’d need to ask Telstra, Sierra, Microsoft or all 3 but someone in the forums at http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/ might be able to give you a few pointers too. Good Luck!
I have read all your blogs, and have learnt SO MUCH!!
I hope you can help as I am (still) a little confused!
I have an interesting situation. I live on a sailing yacht which is either in Malaysia, Thailand or Singapore – I have 3G USB dongles for both – Thailand uses a Novatel MC727 on EVDO rev A and Malaysia uses a Huawei E220 on HSDPA / UMTS. I will be happy to buy the solution from you if you can help!
Power consumption is a big issue, as I will be running all of this from 12V batteries and DC-DC converters to get the 9V or 5V that the various appliances need.
(I also plan to buy either a Sondigo Siroco or AzureWave Music Infinity WiFi Audio streaming unit to allow the laptop to be truly “roaming” and for the music playing (on the laptop) to be patched into the boat’s hifi system.)
I also have a USB HP printer which I would love to attach to the router, and ideally a USB hard drive that I can use for backup and lesser-used music / pictures / installation CDs.
I also have a Senao EOC-3220 Wifi client bridge router mounted at the masthead which works well for long range WiFi in Singapore and many marinas. This connects with a standard ethernet jack socket.
So – I am looking for a Wireless Router to provide Internet access to my laptop and VoiP phone, using either of my USB 3G dongles or the WiFi router, whilst providing print serving and perhaps access to the backup / offline hard drive. All for minimal power consumption.
I would be tempted to go for wireless N as this is where the future lies, but the Draytek range seems to offer EITHER wireless G and print serving (2910) OR wireless N and no print serving (2820.)
I don’t suppose I need the speed of wireless N, though I understand that audio streaming takes a lot of bandwidth from the Wireless G. There is also a wireless N router with audio streaming, called Music Infinity which I would imagine would have enough bandwidth to do both – http://www.azurewave.com/product_AW-NR580_1.asp
Are you able to tell me which way to go, and which way to avoid?! And if nothing else, have you any idea of the power consumption of the Draytek alternatives – 2910VG+ or 2820VN+ (ideally on the DC side of the power supply.)
Thanks so much for anything you can offer to help my floating techno centre!!
Andy
Hi Andy,
Unfortunately my online shop can only deliver within Australia but I’m sure you’ll find Draytek resellers around SE Asia.
You’ll find links to the manufacturer’s 3G modem compatibility lists in the comments section of each of my product reviews to see if your modems are compatible and you’ll also find a summary of the main features and a link to the manufacturer’s specifications to check for print servers and printer compatibility. Incidentally the USB port on the 2820 series can be used for either print serving or 3G, or both with the addition of a USB hub, the same as the 2910 series.
Power wise, the Draytek 2820 & 2910 series ship with a 15V 1.34A power pack. Some older Billions use a 12V 1A while others use a 12V 1.2A, while most of the newer models use a 15V 1.6A. Hopefully you should find this info on the manfacturer’s data sheets.
Good Luck!
Hello OzCableguy,
I’m looking at purchasing the Wi-Fi Router from Three for $169.00, it’s from Hauwei (model D100) with an E160G USB modem.
All I’m trying to do is share my mobile broadband service with two computers without the router introducing bandwidth limitations of it’s own.
Have you any thoughts or advise on this combination?
Thanks
Steve
Hi Steve,
I’m not familiar with the D100 to make any comments about its performance or capabilities but the E160G from 3 is listed as compatible with all of the USB capable routers listed at http://www.ozcableguy.com/3G.asp#routers so you’ve got plenty of options.
Hi OzCableguy,
I have a bigpond 3G wireless modem, and was wanting to upgrade to the Home Network, Telstra in usual fashion messed me around, but one of their technicians told me I could use the existing modem with a router and connect to laptops etc. I have a Belkin router that is a few years old, and does not have a USB port. Is it possible to connect them and share the Internet. I have tried various things but no luck as yet.
cheers
Laurel
Hi Laurel,
Your router isn’t designed to work with a 3G modem so you’ll either need to replace it with one that can accept your 3G USB modem or just use it as a WAP (Wireless Access Point) plugged into a PC with Windows Internet connection Sharing or similar to share the Internet. (See my FAQ 1.17 at http://www.ozcableguy.com/wireless.asp#1.17 for how to configure a router to function just as a WAP).
This option is not exactly simple stuff though so unless you like experimenting or can pay a technician to do it for you then it’s probably easier (and probably quicker & cheaper too) to upgrade to a router that will support your modem.
For a list of routers that are designed to work with 3G see http://www.ozcableguy.com/3G.asp (don’t forget to check the manufacturer’s modem compatibility list to make sure your modem is listed).
Hi OzCableguy,
I have just bought one of the new Telstra Next G 21 Mbps USB modems (I think its a Sierra Wirless USB306 Model). Just wondering if you know of a Wirless Newtork router that will work with this ??
Many Thanks
Dazzign
Hi Dazzign,
I don’t/can’t really keep up to date with all of the 3G modems getting around out there but the easiest way to find a router for 3G is to use my feature search facility at http://www.ozcableguy.com/router_reviews.asp#featuresearch . Select the type of 3G modem you have (eg USB) from the pulldown menu beside the “3G Support” option (4th one down) and any other feature you’d like, then click “Go” at the bottom.
Then you can click each product that comes up for more info and you’ll find a link to the manufacturer’s modem compatibility list in the comments sections.
Here’s a quick list of the main manufacturer 3G modem compatibility lists -
AXIMCom
Billion
Draytek
Netcomm N3G series
Netgear
McAfee (Snapgear)
The Sierra 306 comes up on most of the lists above. However, there may be some limitations. eg Draytek show compatibility of the “Telstra Turbo 21″ version with some models but specifically mention the “BigPond 21″ version as not compatible, while Billion show the 306 as compatible if it comes from BigPond but not from any other ISP.
When in doubt I recommend getting it in writing from the manufacturer before you make a purchase.
Hi OzCableguy,
I’ve just bought D100 router from Three along with the E180 modem (we have no landline). Connected it up and got it working, no problem…. until I tried to print using my wireless printer (set up ad hoc). From scanning the web, it seems I need to set one access point. Can this be done with my laptop (Vista), can I use the D100 or do I need to buy a more appropriate router?
Any help appreciated.
Leanne
Hi Leanne,
I’m not familar at all with the Huawei D100 and it seems the specifications are pretty thin on the ground. A quick look at the manufacturer’s site reveals almost nothing but they do mention “Support Wi-Fi speed rate up to 54Mbps” which would seem to indicate it has 802.11g wireless capability on the LAN side (ie it has a WAP already built into it). If that’s the case you should be able to connect your wireless printer to it in much the same way you would any other wireless device per the diagram at the top of my 3G FAQ.
If it doesn’t have a built-in WAP then you’ll need a separate WAP or a wireless router that also supports the E180.
Hi OzCableguy,
I don’t know a great deal about computers. We have a Vodafone USB 3G internet connection (HUAWEI mobile connect?) and are wanting to connect it to a router – we have a Belkin N wireless router – to use PS3 and Wii etc. Is this possible? I get through a bit of the setup but then asks for our connection type which isn’t there??? Or maybe I don’t know it, I’m not sure.
Any ideas on this?
Thanks heaps,
Georgie
Hi Georgie,
You’ll need a router that supports your 3G modem. It sounds like your existing Belkin one doesn’t, but I don’t keep up to date with Belkin products in my router review database (due to the lack of information available on Belkin’s website) so I could be wrong. You may need to contact Belkin for help if you’re sure it should work.
I have a list of all routers I’m aware of that support various 3G modems down the bottom of my 3G FAQ at http://www.ozcableguy.com/3G.asp#routers. Note the warning in red about checking compatibility at the top of the table.
See also my reply to Dazzign on May 20.
Hi
I have had to purchase a USB Wireless Modem from Telstra to get service in my area (no ADSL 2+, 2 or 1)
I asked for speed, data limit and networking ability and was given the USB 306 Wireless Modem (21mbps) and advised that Netgear had a router for networking at home.
I purchased this and found it not compatible.
Noone seems to know what is and I am as frustrated as hell….not to mention the kids who are champing at the bit to have their computers up and running.
Can you advise what, where and how much for a compatible router for this new super quick beast?
Hi Frank,
See my response to Dazzign above.
Hi,
I have two netgear MBR624gu. One for work one at home.
I have different USB modems on each. They were relatively easy to setup and appeared to work ok.
Then I did a speed check. I was getting about 1 mbit download speed through the router sometinmes as low as 650kbits. When connected directly the speed was 3.5mbits. This is in a 5 bar signal strength area.
Both routers do the same thing and they are different modems both on Nextg.
I have tried with a Netcom router and it shows the same problem ie download speed through the router to be one third of that when directly connected to the PC.
Is there a router that actually works at close to full download speed?
Thanks
Hi Keith,
The mileage will vary between modems, routers and ISPs but generally you will see some speed loss with the 3G modem plugged into a router compared to directly into a PC. Losing more than 2 thirds of your speed is more than I would expect though. Are you using a speed testing utility like http://www.exetel.com.au/speed/ or just going by an indicator in your task bar that the ISP’s software put there?
While I rarely hear anything bad about Draytek and Billion products with 3G, your best bet to find out which router will work best in a case like this would be to see what others are experiencing in forums such as http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/. If you post up don’t forget to let them know which modem and ISP you’re using.
We lose about half the typical direct PC speed using our NetComm N3G002W with the Telstra Elite, compared to about 20% used with their 7 series.
I deduce from this that these routers do not have enough power to keep up with the faster speeds now available. I don’t know how they will handle 42Mbps or 84Mbps.
It was one of the reasons why I tried using the modem in a spare Win7 computer for a while, but even using the Telstra manager, which has auto reconnect, rather than the Bigpond one, reboots after OS updates would often leave the modem offline. Having full modem speed was nice though, as even a quad core on half speed has oodles of reserve.
I tried going for the Telstra Elite Home Gateway with inbuilt 3G.
However, after four weeks of not being able to get it activated, I eventually returned it to JB HiFi for a refund.
While Telstra gave several different ‘reasons’ for the problem, their only ’solution’ was to return the box to the shop, and buy one direct over the phone and it would already be activated.
Well, what poor service. Their resellers and even their own shops have been given the shaft on this one.
The real problem seems to be that either the problem is:
- in their backend in how it handles the activation process online, or
- the box needs some hands on stuff done (though it possibly is hidden page adjustments that they are not willing to give out publically).
Either way, people and resellers have been sold a dud device. They can give NO ETA on when these devices can be activated.
Mr Thodey, you have a problem!