Need "auto connect" USB mobile broadband

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RR

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

Topic # 162080 28-Jan-2015 15:23

Hi team,

I have a router that allows the use of a 3G/4G USB modem (T-stick, Vodem etc). I need a USB broadband modem that will auto connect.

I tried a K4607z Vodem Stick, but the ONLY way you can use it is by clicking CONNECT on the special software on your Mac or PC.

I want to be able to run my stand alone wifi router in an environment with no landlines and a USB mobile broadband device for connection.

Which device do I need? Happy to use any network that can supply the device, or can buy a device and add a SIM card. Either way, not fussy as long as I don't need software to connect.

Thanks!

Nick

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Reply # 1224171 28-Jan-2015 16:01

In my experience this sort of feature with a 3G/4G device directly connected, is dependent on the router and the devices it supports.

Consult your router vendor for the type of devices they support?

The Router should ideally see the USB device as a network interface, and not a modem necessarily. Saw this done with a TP-Link recently.

This would be me...

RR

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

Reply # 1224223 28-Jan-2015 16:49

Thanks BlakJak - I agree. USB modems should just connect, but my customer was told by the Vodafone store that this specific one needed a laptop etc to connect.

So I'm using a D-Link DWR-161, and it auto connects according to the admin settings. The router should do the job, but I need a different USB device.

Can anyone give me a model that will DEFINITELY work, no software connection required....?

BlakJak

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Reply # 1224417 28-Jan-2015 23:01

Surely your vendor can get you that info?

This would be me...

RR

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

Reply # 1224459 29-Jan-2015 00:09

You're right - a vendor SHOULD be able to answer this. That's probably true for 95% of the content here at Geekzone. But if the vendors were able to asnwer all the questions, we wouldn;t have Geekzone would we? :D

I am just the middleman trying to solve a problem for a customer. I don't know about USB modems, I don't have a vendor, I am not supplying the hardware, I helped with the router and that's about it.

BlakJak

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Reply # 1224515 29-Jan-2015 07:34

The question you're asking is quite obscure, and if you havn't yet even _tried_ the vendor of the device, i'm not sure posting to GZ is the most appropriate move.

If you'd not had any luck talking to the vendor, then i'd find it perfectly acceptable. :)

The truth is that only the vendor is going to know what works best. If the people that you bought the device from can't help you, or put you in touch with someone who can, then talk to D-Link yourself. Many years ago I actually found them one of the better residential-grade brands for that reason (but it was a long time ago).

This would be me...

sbiddle

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Reply # 1224519 29-Jan-2015 07:55

Your question doesn't really make a lot of sense - because things do already operate in the way you're expecting them to so there isn't really anything to actually answer.

A compatible router and 3G/4G stick will automatically connect, there is no need for 3rd party software on a PC as the router handles this.

As the interface for 3G devices varies between vendors, and 4G sticks also differ significantly in terms of their interface you need to ensure that you buy a stick that's supported by the router you wish to use. If your current stick isn't supported by your current router you either need to buy a compatible stick (a list of such devices if on the website) or buy a new router that supports the stick you already have.

sbiddle

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Reply # 1224523 29-Jan-2015 07:57

RR:
Can anyone give me a model that will DEFINITELY work, no software connection required....?

Refer to the dlink compatibility list on their website.

RR

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

Reply # 1224578 29-Jan-2015 10:07

Called the Vodafone retailer that sold the customer the stick. They confirmed it wouldn't work without software. They were unable to tell me which of their USB modems would connect unassisted.

I called D-Link and after answering a ton of questions about where the customer bought the router and what colour the sky was, they referred me back to the telco.

I came to Geekzone because I know it's frequented by people who just know everything. I just thought it was something the regulars could answer in their sleep.

I'll just try all the USB modems on D-Links list. Thanks!

pab

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Master Geek
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Reply # 1224581 29-Jan-2015 10:20

Does this help?

http://files.dlink.com.au/compatibility/routers.htm
"3G/4G/LTE Router Compatibility List

Below you will find a listing of all 3G/4G/LTE Dongles that are compatible with D-Link Routers. This compatibility list is based on the assumption you are using the latest firmware available from the tech support site."...

trig42

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Reply # 1224583 29-Jan-2015 10:26

None of Vodafone's current models are on that list (K5150 and K4607), so it probably will not go.

You may need to try and track down an older vodem stick or Telecom t-stick on trademe.

sbiddle

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Reply # 1224658 29-Jan-2015 12:48

RR: Called the Vodafone retailer that sold the customer the stick. They confirmed it wouldn't work without software. They were unable to tell me which of their USB modems would connect unassisted.

I called D-Link and after answering a ton of questions about where the customer bought the router and what colour the sky was, they referred me back to the telco.

I came to Geekzone because I know it's frequented by people who just know everything. I just thought it was something the regulars could answer in their sleep.

I'll just try all the USB modems on D-Links list. Thanks!

This issue has nothing to do with Vodafone. I wouldn't expect them to provide any support at all because the issue isn't anything do to do with their hardware.

All USB devices are different and have different interfaces, all D-link will be able to tell you is to use a device that's listed on their compatibility list. If it's not on there, it's not guaranteed to work.

wongtop

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Reply # 1224670 29-Jan-2015 13:04

I have a K3715 (which appears to be on the list) lying around if you are interested. From memory I think it is only a 7.2 Mbps device - I am not sure if this matters to you.

loceff13

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Reply # 1224680 29-Jan-2015 13:24

There will be a bunch of the old vodafone ones about(ie the person offering above) or K3772 on TM for ~$14 which are your best bet.

If you want better speeds then you would probably just have to settle for a wifi hotspot that has limited range

RR

6 posts

Wannabe Geek

Reply # 1224685 29-Jan-2015 13:29

I've found an old T-stick that was on the list on TM, found it before I saw the offers above.

Thanks for the input, much appreciated.

As for Vodafone not being able to help...? I worked for a telco in the past, and it's not about being unABLE to help, they just don't want to or don't know how. If I were a 75 year old lady and went into a Vodafone/Spark/2 Deg store and explained my specific situation, I'd expect someone might try to help. They can't, so I came here. But thanks anyway. Next time I'll just call a help desk in India. :D

I know how to RTFM.

richms

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Reply # 1224712 29-Jan-2015 13:56

You are basically integrating different systems together. People that do that for a living generally have spent quite a bit of time and effort trying different products till they find a combination that work and are IME not too keen on sharing their solutions for free when they get to charge an hourly rate to implement them for people.

Also the telcos and dlink are not going to be providing any assistance since if they say a stick will work and it ends up not working on a non supported configuration it will create additional hassles with customers incorrectly thinking they are able to seek compensation for purchasing something that has ended up not working.

There are 3 main ways that USB 4G devices work.

The best and easiest is a ethernet over USB device where the 4G modem/router thing manages it all on itself. The samsung wifi hotspot ones seem to be great at that, no drivers needed etc.

Other ones show as a serial "modem" and need you to dial, and the third kind needs you to actually have some software on the computer to do more of the work.

Look here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sm5I7lssYNA he calls them managed routers but same thing applies.

Richard rich.ms

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