mobile broadband - tethered phone vs usb stick

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steadysteve

87 posts

Master Geek

#113311 13-Jan-2013 13:34

i am thinking of moving to a new place (rural) where standard broadband is not available. 3G signal is also not super strong in the area

with my android tethered to my laptop i can access the internet although the speeds are not great.

i am wondering if the speed might be better with a mobile broadband stick?

also i have seen that there are various signal boosting options out there

any ideas would be welcome

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#744067 13-Jan-2013 13:45

It depends.

I still have one of those older 3G/UMTS PCMCIA Datacards which has a clip on external antenna. I have always found that it works far better than a tethered phone.

I have never used one of those USB sticks but would imagine it would be pretty much the same. Try find one which can fit an antenna.

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gzt

15197 posts

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#744073 13-Jan-2013 14:01

Most phones get pretty damn hot on constant data tether, I'd prefer a separate stick myself.

USB 2.0 specification allows a 5 meter cable length. That could get you to the ceiling if signal is better up there.

In theory you could get more with a repeater cable if it is worth mounting the stick at the highest point of the roof cavity permanently. Other option is a 3G router mounted up there and use ethernet or wireless within the house.

1eStar

1604 posts

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#744076 13-Jan-2013 14:11

Wireless 3G router. Telecom and Vodafone both sell them. Put it in the window with the best reception. Look for a dual carrier version for max speed. The portable versions have an inbuilt battery and so will work in a power cut, and when you go camping too

johnr

19282 posts

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#744097 13-Jan-2013 16:29

Vodafone R208 supports Dual carrier

steadysteve

87 posts

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#744122 13-Jan-2013 17:17

thanks all for the helpful replies

so i can see now that a tethered phone is not a good "permanent" solution.

Klipspringer, this antenna, is it a length of wire or a dish or solid state device or ...?

also, finding the best spot in the house makes sense, even if it is outside - and using a repeater cable

the wireless 3G router does sound like an excellent option. i'm guessing it has built-in 3G signal boosting capabilties? is it possible to run network cable from the router to the computer, rather than use it wirelessly?

Klipspringer

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#744133 13-Jan-2013 17:42

steadysteve:
Klipspringer, this antenna, is it a length of wire or a dish or solid state device or ...?

Its one of these:

And the original antenna looks like similar to this:

The connections are pretty standard from what I can tell so it should be easy to extend and mount outside on the roof, or better still replace with an antenna better suited for the job.

Here is one on trademe for $24

coffeebaron

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#744135 13-Jan-2013 17:45

steadysteve: thanks all for the helpful replies

so i can see now that a tethered phone is not a good "permanent" solution.

Klipspringer, this antenna, is it a length of wire or a dish or solid state device or ...?

also, finding the best spot in the house makes sense, even if it is outside - and using a repeater cable

the wireless 3G router does sound like an excellent option. i'm guessing it has built-in 3G signal boosting capabilties? is it possible to run network cable from the router to the computer, rather than use it wirelessly?

What end result do you have in mind? Is this your permanent connection? Are you rural, as an RBI option may suite too.

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gzt

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#744151 13-Jan-2013 18:23

steadysteve: is it possible to run network cable from the router to the computer, rather than use it wirelessly?

Yes, just depends which model you buy. There is a lot of choice on features.

allstar1

81 posts

Master Geek

#744163 13-Jan-2013 18:32

Vodem k3805z takes an antenna. It can also be used with an edimax 3g (Also on tm) to make it wireless plus a yagii antenna will make a real difference. But imho I would look at rbi with ultimate for a good data deal as also noted by coffeebaron.

steadysteve

87 posts

Master Geek

#744172 13-Jan-2013 19:16

well it will be the only connection i will have for a good while. i read about the rbi but not sure how i could benefit from that except perhaps via a wireless connection. the property is quite remote and unlikely to be near any fibre connection for some time. coffeebaron and allstar1, were you thinking wireless broadband?

i'll look into the Vodem k3805z thanks

allstar1

81 posts

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#744173 13-Jan-2013 19:21

Rib comes off vf cell.ultimate is a seller of rib .. check their web and or pm coffee baron

johnr

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#744177 13-Jan-2013 19:39

K4605 is a Dual carrier USB modem

nitrotech

1285 posts

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#744221 13-Jan-2013 20:52

johnr: K4605 is a Dual carrier USB modem

Do you think it's worth DC - he says he's rural I imagine your DC upgrade will be cities first then rural?

I haven't come across and DC sites yet (but quite happy with HSPA speeds) - other than speed tests does it make a real world difference to general browsing?

johnr

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#744227 13-Jan-2013 21:02

nitrotech:
johnr: K4605 is a Dual carrier USB modem

Do you think it's worth DC - he says he's rural I imagine your DC upgrade will be cities first then rural?

I haven't come across and DC sites yet (but quite happy with HSPA speeds) - other than speed tests does it make a real world difference to general browsing?

Many rural sites are DC and have been for quite a while

coffeebaron

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#744261 13-Jan-2013 21:45

Speedtest now in rural South Waikato - Putaruru:

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