Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Huawei B880 4G LTE Router at A1 Austria

Followed Huawei E5170 Speedbox, a new LTE Router Huawei B880 offered by A1 Austria and is available now. Huawei B880 is a LTE Category 4 WiFi Router and support maximum of 150 Mbit/s downlink and 50 Mbit/s in the uplink. A1 offers these speeds currently in major cities. The router is technically quite similar to the Huawei B593s-22, which does not have a LAN connection and it’s regarded as a older version. The biggest criticism of Huawei B593 also unfortunately exists in Huawei B880: either the LAN terminal or the wireless module will be capable of the full speed of 150 Mbit/s when transfer to a terminal. So Huawei continues only on Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n and the LAN port can operate with a maximum of 100 Mbit/s.   Ports and Wireless Technology On the back of the Huawei B880, we can found there is a RJ11 telephone connector next to the LAN port, so you can use the B880 as a full telephone system. Furthermore, a WAN connection is available; here you can connect the router as needed without mobile to the internet. A USB port also allows the use of a printer or USB storage device on the network. Like many other routers, the Huawei B880 has two SMA connectors for external antennas. The 4G External antenna for Huawei B880 is available on 4GLTEMall.com , and there are 35 dBi, which will help users get much better signal strength and network connection. The chipset is manufactured by Huawei and belongs to subsidiary HiSilicon series. This chipset can be found in various modems, such as the Huawei B593u-12 (Telekom Speedbox LTE II ). By supporting LTE Category 4, and associated downlink speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s, Huawei B880 could be a top 4G wireless router now. Faster devices are expected until the second half of 2014. In addition to LTE, GSM and UMTS network modes are aslo supported, in the UMTS network via DC-HSPA+, the peak link speed could reach up to 42.2 Mbit/s. Here now there is unlocked Huawei B880 for sale at 4gltemall.com and if you want the 4G Antenna for Huawei B880, it’s also available. The Unlocked Huawei B880 would work with all the 4G operators in Europe, and most operators in Asia.

HUAWEI E5372 Mobile 4G Router Review

Following the LTE-Advanced network available in Germany, more and more LTE Category 4 Mobile devices are presented to public by the operators. Now the Huawei E5372 LTE Mobile Hotspot will be available soon. We are lucky to have the opportunity to have a closer look of the Huawei E5372. Today, we will have a overview of this new LTE mobile hotspot.     LTE Category 4 to 150 Mbit/s As a modern LTE hotspot, Huawei E5372 supports LTE Category 4 based on the latest LTE standard with up to 150 megabits per second downstream and up to 50 Mbit/s upload. The HUAWEI E5372, more accurately model number is E5372s-32, supports the LTE Frequency bands at 800/900/1800/2100/2600 MHz, which are the most popular LTE bands in Europe and Asia. So with the unlocked HUAWEI E5372, user can surf and roam in most of the LTE networks over the world. As the backup, the HUAWEI E5372 could work on UMTS/HSPA+/GSM networks where LTE network is not available. Based on the DC-HSPA+ technology, the 3G Peak download speed could reach up to 42.2 Mbit/s.     Wi-Fi for up to 11 devices With the built-in WiFi 802.11b/g/n module, HUAWEI E5372 could support maximum downstream speed up to 300 MBit/s. A special feature compared to HUAWEI E5776 is that Huawei E5372 can not only transmit on 2.4 GHz, but also supports the 5 GHz band. This is especially useful when there are many other networks are already active in the 2.4 GHz band. Like other 4G Mobile WiFi Hotspot, up to 10 WiFi devices can be connected wirelessly through Huawei E5372. It is also possible to connect to the Internet via the microUSB connector. Therefore, up to 11 devices can surf simultaneously via the E5372 LTE hotspot.     Up to 6 hours operating time unfortunately, the replaceable battery is 1780 mAh, which is somewhat smaller than most other MiFi hotspots. Huawei E5372 is the smallest LTE hotspot on the market. And two connectors for external antennas are available in HUAWEI E5372, while HUAWEI E5776 has only one antenna connector. The MIMO antenna technology could be used with two external antennas, one antenna can’t do the MIMO.     Same model as Vodafone R215 The Huawei E5372 LTE hotspot will be marketed with other operators’ brand; as we know, Vodafone has introduced E5372 in its product range. The new router is named Vodafone R215 and will be available in the next few weeks. And the color of R215 is in black. Other features may be the same. Per the user experience, the unlocked one or HUAWEI original one would be more convenient to roam around and support more operators.

China’s First 4G TD-LTE Handset — ZTE Grand Memo LTE U9815

ZTE’s Grand Memo LTE is poised to become the first 4G device available for sale in China, after it became the first to be awarded a TD-LTE handset permit by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued the first batch of license for 4G mobile network. Samsung, Sony, HUAWEI and ZTE got their first 4G TD-LTE network license and the four TD-LTE handsets are Samsung GT-N7108D, Sony M35T, Huawei D2-6070 and ZTE U9815.   As the first LTE Handset available for China 4G network, it has single-SIM, dual stand by voice solution used by ZTE Grand Memo LTE (Model No: U9815), a quad-band device compatible with the TD-LTE/ FDD/TDS/ GSM bands, which means it is capable of supporting simultaneous high-speed data transmission and high-quality voice calls.   ZTE Grand Memo LTE is the 4G version of ZTE’s flagship Grand Memo device, offering superior specifications including a 5.7-inch high-definition display with 1280×720 resolution, a 1.5GHz NVidia Tegra3 quad-core processor, 12-core GPU and 13 million pixel camera, supporting 1080P HD video playback and recording. With an ultra-refined display and packing entertainment features including “Home Theater,” the ZTE Grand Memo LTE is well-equipped to take advantage of the fast data transmission speeds of 4G networks.   It’s said that the 4G Smartphone could be combines with 3G & WLAN, and it has the functions to transmit video and images in high quality. Regarding the price that users concern, the operator said the price is not higher than the WLAN contract. User could customize the service per the preference. The 4G download speed could reach up to 10 times of 3G link speed, which would let the 4G Smarpthone to watch vedio or transfer documents in large size smoothly; usually it takes only for few seconds.

Monday, April 28, 2014

Huawei Presents LTE Cat6 MiFi E5786

As the world's first mobile Wi-Fi hotspot (MiFi), Huawei E5786 with LTE-Advanced (category 6) was presented a few months ago. The Huawei E5786 allows downlink speeds of up to 300 megabits per second; of course, the wireless network must be equipped accordingly. A 3000 mAh powerful battery provides up to 10 hours of operating time, thanks to Wi-Fi 802.11ac, the full LTE Category 6 speed can make true on the terminal used. The Huawei E5786 is the direct successor of Huawei E5776, which came to Germany in early 2013 on the market. The E5786 was a highlight of Huawei press conference at MWC 2014 LTE with up to 300 MBit/s Huawei have introduced the E5786 as the world's first device that supports LTE-Advanced with up to 300 megabits per second in the downlink. The device is based on the the carrier aggregation technology for wireless transmission, depending on the cell bandwidth said top speeds are possible. In Germany, however, Carrier aggregation cannot use everywhere, but mainly in areas with high data volumes. Also, the launch date is not yet known - the provider Telefonica O2 , Vodafone and German Telekom are testing it diligently.     The modem is made by Huawei subsidiary HiSilicon. In addition to LTE, Huawei E5786 also supports both UMTS including DC-HSPA+ (up to 42.2 Mbit/s in the downlink) and GSM/EDGE. A maximum of 10 devices can be connected wirelessly to the router via wireless 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, an additional device is also connected via micro-USB. The (non-removable battery) has a capacity of 3000 mAh and should provide about 10 hours of running time. Operation is via a web interface, as you already know it from other mobile Wi-Fi hotspots ago. Upon request, even other devices can be recharged via the Huawei E5786, if a suitable cable is available. Huawei calls this Reverse Charging technology. Reverse Charging is one of the many features of Huawei E5786. Other equipment and Hands-On Under a cover of the Huawei E5786 side, there are two connectors for external antennas. Since the E5786 "only" 2 × 2 MIMO support, you also need only two terminals. Theoretically, the speed would be by 4 antennas, ie MIMO 4 × 4, again in need of improvement.   Although the back of the Huawei E5786 can remove, the battery is built-in installed. Under the cover, there is a slot for SIM cards and a slot for MicroSD memory cards. A menu button on the top allows the operation of simple functions such as the wireless repeater function, which is already known on Huawei E5372.  

Telekom Speed Stick LTE IV Review

Named the Speed Stick LTE IV, the German Telekom has brought their fourth LTE stick at the end of 2013. Since the first LTE Speed Stick was able to score above all with excellent reception and great features (and therefore still is very popular), so Speed Stick II LTE was thought rather unspectacular and not as known as entry-level model. The Speed Stick LTE III arrived in May 2013 on the market and represents the current top model, which is as good as the first Speed Stick LTE, this model is made by Huawei. When Speed Stick LTE IV is again a device from the manufacturer TCT Mobile now like Speedstick LTE II, better known under the brand name Alcatel. The modem of the Speed Stick LTE IV is with a special feature which highlights this surf stick from the other three models on an integrated WLAN module which provides up to 10 devices connected wireless to the Internet. How well this works in practice and how to beat the rest of the functions with extended use, you can read in this review. Package and setup The Telecom Speed Stick LTE IV comes in a small cardboard box in a typical telecom style. In addition to the surf stick itself (it is a branded Alcatel One Touch W800Z stick by TCT Mobile), you can still find a quick start guide and a Y-USB cable for power supply in case the computer cannot supply sufficient USB port. Generally you could use the Telekom Speed Stick LTE IV without computer, a simple power supply with USB port just fine. Unfortunately, no AC adapter is included, but any commercially available power supply of smartphones (with USB port) is working properly as an energy supplier. At first glance, the Speed Stick LTE IV makes a good impression: the white-silver plastic case is well made, the USB port is turned by 180 degrees and the lid that covers the slots for SIM and MicroSD card is firmly seated. Two LEDs on the front indicate the operating condition, the wireless status and the connection status. Unfortunately there is no external antenna connector in this Alcatel W800Z, so there is no way to improve the reception performance if working in low signal area.     The usage of the Alcatel W800 is very easy. Either one connects via Wi-Fi with the Speed Stick LTE IV (the password is required for this purpose in the cover over the SIM slot), or you plug your surf stick into a computer, whereupon the driver and a link to install the Web Interface. Unlike in most other surf sticks, separate software is not required; the operation is done completely via a web interface. This is accessible from any web browser under "speedstick.lte".   Software and settings The operation runs almost automatically, in the normal case, the user must make any other settings, except possibly enter the PIN code after purchasing. If you want the wireless password, the wireless SSID or change the access to the web interface, so a wizard helps you through the configuration. The whole web interface is extremely fast and reliable. On request, detailed statistics on data consumption are available, as well as the receiving and sending of SMS messages is possible. Further settings are possible via the tab "Connection" where you can, for example, create a new connection profile, unless the configuration is not based on the SIM card and has already been made independently. Also, the network mode is selectable, so you can choose a specific network technology, for example "LTE only" or "3G only". In the settings, you can also configure the WLAN module as you wish. For example, the number of wireless devices limit (1 to 10 wireless clients are possible) or select the wireless channel. If you want to update the Speed Stick IV LTE to a new firmware version, so this must also be on the "Settings" tab to be made.   Speed and reception We tested the Telekom Speed Stick LTE IV for a week under the Germany Telekom network. These reception and speed tests were carried out in the UMTS network 2100 megahertz, and in the LTE network of 800 and 1800 megahertz, with both wireless and via the USB port. Compared with the Huawei E398 (Speedstick LTE I)and Huawei E3276 (Speedstick LTE III), the Speed Stick LTE IV is definitely something back. The situation is that the two models mentioned could find a LTE network and data rates of 8-10 Mbit/s achieved in the download, in contrast, the Speed Stick LTE IV could not find a LTE network despite a long web search. In such situations it is of course particularly unfortunate that the stick does not have connectors for external antennas. Once reception is available, the Speed Stick LTE IV can also score with good data rates. So in the Telecom LTE network at 1800 megahertz, data rates could reach up to 85 megabits/s in the downlink and ping times of sometimes less than 20 milliseconds. This is not better than other competing Internet sticks, but also not worse. The main feature is the Wi-Fi usage: the wireless connection allows no more than 20 megabits per second, although the top downstream 85 Mbit/s were measured in the same place with the stick via USB connection. The various positioning of the Speed Stick LTE IV helps to optimize the Wi-Fi reception, but no improvements in data rates. On the latency, the type of connection are not altered, they are consistently good. When using the stick in the train, Speed Stick LTE IV was able to score with a good stability. If a car with a repeater is available, you will often benefit from LTE, as the 1800 MHz signal is amplified by repeaters. Crashes or reboots, which happened by many LTE modems, did not occur in our test. Test Results of the Telekom Speed Stick LTE IV: The Telekom Speed Stick LTE IV Telekom has launched the first LTE Stick with integrated WLAN to Germany. On the whole, the Speed Stick LTE IV makes a good figure; most users will come along very well with the stick. The reliability is good and the functionality for normal use IS absolutely sufficient. The LTE Category 4 ("LTE Plus" at Telekom) is not supported and the speed over wireless is far from the advertised 100 Mbit/s. In addition, we missed connections for an external antenna.

Vodafone B3000 LTE Router Test

From the beginning of 2014, Vodafone has launched a new LTE Router Vodafone B3000 on the market, the successor to the B2000 LTE router, which had been tested last year. The biggest new feature is the improved speed of 150 megabits per second (LTE Category 4), which function is not available in the Vodafone B2000. I could look at the Vodafone B3000 router at CeBIT 2014 in more detail; you will find some photos of the B3000 in this article. The experience regarding reception quality and data rates based on the Huawei B593 4G Router, as the two devices are almost identical. Scope of supply and technical data The Vodafone B3000 LTE router is manufactured by Huawei and the corresponding model is B593s-22. As already talking about, extensive branding is used on the Vodafone B2000 and Vodafone B1000, which could be also clearly recognized on the B3000 as Vodafone device. For the user that has really no disadvantages, the functions are more or less unchanged. The Vodafone B3000 comes in a fancy box in the new Vodafone-design and the router can be found with a power cable and a short Ethernet cable. In addition, of course, there is still a quick-start guide and a safety instruction included.   On the back of Vodafone B3000 you will find various connections: there are 4 LAN ports, each operating at a maximum of 100 Mbit/s. In addition, there are two RJ-11 ports for analog phones and a USB 2.0 port. On the right side, a separate power switch is still attached to the left two buttons for WLAN / WPS circuit. The two telephone connections are available but only for VoIP telephone; telephone support through the mobile network (CS or VoLTE) is not available in the B3000 LTE Router. Vodafone B3000’s internal WLAN module only works on 2.4 GHz and supports 802.11 b/g/n. The speed is depending on the distance to the router at about 90 Mbit/s, so that the full speed of LTE cannot be achieved here as well. The range of the wireless network is certainly absolutely sufficient for most users, on request, up to four separate SSIDs (network name) will be awarded.   Reception and data rates With support for LTE Category 4, data rates up to 150 Mbit/s downlink and 50 Mbit/s in the uplink are theoretically possible with the Vodafone B3000. However, Vodafone is providing these data rates over LTE2600 currently available only in cities and at sites with very high data volumes, on widespread LTE800, Vodafone has so far only about 50 - 60 MBit/s in downlink. In general, the B3000 can also achieve these data rates, and allows quick and easy browsing, but a little "design flaw". Unfortunately, there is neither over the WLAN module nor the LAN ports, the maximum speed of 150 Mbit/s is available. Of course, this is hardly relevant to a user.   The reception quality is good when measured. Even in regions with weak reception, good data rates are possible. Since the Vodafone B3000 router supported (LTE800, LTE1800 and LTE2600) all frequency bands used in Germany, the device is also quite future proof. Upon request, the receiving means of external antenna can be improved. For this purpose, two SMA connectors are located under a cover on the back of the router.   Conclusion The Vodafone B3000 LTE is undoubtedly a good router, with which most users are likely very satisfied. However, there are also some weaknesses: the LAN ports only work with a maximum of 100 Mbit/s and the internet is not very fast. The consequence: it is impossible, the theoretical maximum speed of 150 Mbit/s to use them. If only for this reason, it is difficult to understand why Vodafone has brought the B3000 LTE Router at all on the market, while the Vodafone B4000 is already a much more powerful successor waiting in the wings. If you appreciate Gigabit LAN and WLAN radio technology, future-proof, should wait a little longer for the sequel, we will see Vodafone B4000 Later. .  

Vodafone LTE Carstick W5101 Features

Recently, we have presented the Vodafone LTE Carstick. And at CeBIT, we had the opportunity to look at the device in more details. The name "Carstick" is just the marketing name, the full name is "Vodafone Mobile Wi-Fi W5101" and of course the stick is again manufactured by Huawei. Apparently it is a customized version of the Huawei E8278 Hotspot stick. LTE Cat 4 to 150 Mbit/s The Carstick W5101 allows downloads at speeds of up to 150 megabits per second in the LTE network from Vodafone. These speeds are available but initially only in cities and in places with high traffic available; since the 150 Mbit/s can be realized only in the frequency band around 2600 MHz (Vodafone deployed this band in central areas). In much further developed LTE800 network, speeds up to about 70 Mbit/s are possible, realistic more than 50 Mbit/s should be expected. Wi-Fi only limited The Vodafone Carstick is a so-called hot spot stick, so you have the ability to connect multiple devices via Wi-Fi with the stick. Therefore, the Carstick W5101 is well suited for use in the car and the marketing with this application is quite reasonable. The full rate of 150 Mbit/s is available but only via the USB connection, since the performance of the WLAN module is limited. Since most users are probably not going to use such high speeds anyway, this limitation should have few notice.   First impression & Fittings Both the W5101 Stick and the included USB adapter for the car make a good impression. Fortunately, the USB port is also provided with this stick, so that the unit can be placed as inconspicuously as possible in the car. On the side two connectors for external antennas are installed, which are protected by flaps. Under the cover you can insert on request, a memory card next to the SIM card, the data is then available to all registered users on the stick, provided that an appropriate share of the access is done. From the spring of 2014 in the commercial The Vodafone LTE Carstick W5101 will be available in a few weeks in the color black on 4gltemall.com . A price has not yet been released Vodafone at CeBIT.

Monday, April 14, 2014

Vodafone R215 Mobile Wi-Fi (Huawei E5372 ) Test

Since the end of November 2013, Vodafone offers a new portable mini router called "Mobile Wi-Fi R215". The unit dominated LTE and all relevant previous standards. The R215 LTE router is designed for travel companion rather than purely stationary use. Therefore, the package also advertises with the slogan "Wi-Fi everywhere in your pocket". We have tested the Vodafone R215 detail on the heart and kidneys.   Vodafone R215 = Huawei E5372 Vodafone R215 is made incidentally by Huawei and is identical to the E5372 - just provided with Vodafone brand. If the R215 is SIM unlocked, of course, other providers SIM cards can be used with it. Huawei E5372 is original from Huawei, so many features are pure and not customized. So someone ask whether they can use the E5372 with Vodafone SIM, the answer is yes.   Technical parameters and first impression We were surprised by the first dimension, with only 9.9 x 6.2 x 0.14 inches (HxWxD), the Vodafone R215 actually fits into any jacket pocket inside. With battery, we measured a weight of 97 grams, but we could not quite understand the 130g specified by Vodafone, perhaps with the box. In this sense, the router weighs so less than a bar of chocolate. Visually, it is in itself nothing to complain about. The housing is made of black matte plastic, so that the router is not comparable with a high quality smartphone, but never feels cheap. On the left side is an screen which measures 2.5x2.5 inches and operation pops up the most important results.   Inserting the battery and SIM card Regarding the technical data, the R215 is absolutely convincing. The R215 hotspot supports LTE Category 4, so it can be used in combination with tariffs, which offer up to 150 Mbit/s download rate. In addition, the operating via HSPA+, HSIPA, UMTS, EDGE and GPRS is possible. However, unfortunately Vodafone R215 only support the frequency bands at 800, 1800 and 2600 MHz, so that the use of 4G abroad is a matter of luck. But it can still use in European countries. In 3G mode that looks a bit different. When traveling to the USA, South America, Africa, Asia and Oceania, there should be no problem, since all major bands (850, 900, 2100 MHz ) are covered .   We come to the next core of the R215, the WLAN module. If necessary, R215 can establish a hotspot with little effort. Up to 10 wireless devices can then connect to the Internet. It requires only a single Sim card in this scenario. This is an interesting method for those who want to connect several terminals on the road or in a hotel such as tablet, laptop, smartphone. The WiFi is supported with 2.4 or 5 GHz and in the standards 802.11 b/g/n. Thus, data rates up to 300 Mbps are possible.   Unfortunately, there is innately no internal memory (other than a 6 MB large system cache). However, up to 32 GB via Micro SD Card are extendable. Files can be loaded into and from the memory. Other connected users can also access other devices and read the files.   External antenna As befits a portable 4G router, an external antenna can be connected, of course, if the receiving site is not ideal. Two TS9 ports are located on the underside (MIMO 2x2).