Category: 4G Technology

Fibocom Releases LTE Smart Module SC208 at MWC2024

During the Mobile World Congress MWC 2024, Fibocom unveiled the LTE smart module SC208 developed based on the Snapdragon® 460 mobile platform, aiming to provide stable and efficient smart connectivity experiences for various fields such as smart retail, handheld devices, aftermarket vehicle installations, multimedia, and more, thereby accelerating innovation and transformation in industry applications.

ST Liew, Vice President of Qualcomm CDMA Technologies Asia Pacific, stated, “Qualcomm Technologies is delighted to collaborate with Fibocom to empower its advancement in edge intelligence for smart IoT devices. The Fibocom SC208 module, based on the Snapdragon 460 platform, will deliver unparalleled performance enhancement and cutting-edge multimedia processing capabilities. We are proud to support Fibocom in its mission to deploy intelligent wireless solutions across multiple industries. Together, we will leverage higher levels of intelligence to drive digital transformation at the edge.”

 

Zhao Yi, Vice President of the MC Business Unit at Fibocom, mentioned, “AIoT is experiencing rapid growth, with edge computing facilitating on-device analysis of massive data, thus enhancing efficiency and optimizing costs for terminals. The release of the SC208 smart module, based on the Snapdragon 460, by Fibocom, will further promote the development of smart retail, handheld devices, aftermarket vehicle installations, and multimedia applications. In the future, Fibocom will continue its close collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies to meet global demands for intelligent terminal development and iteration.”

 

The Fibocom SC208, built on Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon 460 mobile platform, features a maximum 1.8GHz octa-core processor, DDR4X memory, providing superior performance to help extend terminal standby time. In terms of image processing, the SC208 supports simultaneous operation of multiple cameras and smooth playback of 1080P@60fps high-definition videos. In hardware, the SC208 adopts a 41mm*41mm LCC+LGA package, compatible with Fibocom’s smart modules SC128, SC138, SC228, SS808, SQ808, and SU808 series, enabling flexible terminal iteration for customers. The SC208 offers various expansion interfaces including MIPI/USB/UART/SPI/I2C, facilitating connection to external devices such as cameras, displays, audio systems, and sensors.

 

For wireless communication, the SC208 supports global 4G network compatibility, as well as dual-band Wi-Fi/BT for short-range wireless transmission, meeting diverse wireless communication requirements for different terminals. In terms of positioning, the SC208 supports multiple satellite positioning systems including GPS/GLONASS/BeiDou/Galileo/QZSS, ensuring rapid and accurate positioning in various environments. The SC208 comes preloaded with the Android 14 operating system and supports continuous version iterations of Android OS, enabling customers to release terminals with long lifecycles.

 

Benefiting from the aforementioned software and hardware features, the LTE smart module SC208 can be widely used in wireless smart payment, wearable audio and video recorders, walkie-talkies, aftermarket vehicle installations, multimedia terminals, and more, thereby facilitating the development of the global AIoT industry. Fibocom will continue to rely on its smart module products and technological capabilities to meet the diverse smart demands of the industry, helping customers build terminals with controlled costs, better performance, and optimized power consumption, thus jointly promoting digital transformation. The SC208 has entered the engineering sampling phase and is expected to begin mass production in April 2024.

Huawei B535 4G Router 3 Pro Review

Huawei 4G Router 3 Pro with model number B535-232 has also been available in many coutries since early 2020. The device is a 4G wireless router of the middle class and available for just under 200USD without a contract. It’s design for indoor use with reliable performance for home networking. Below are the details specifications of Huawei 4G Router 3 Pro B535:

 

Huawei B535 4G Router 3 Pro Specs and Features
Manufacturer and Model Number Huawei B535 4G Router 3 Pro
Chipset: Balong chip
LTE category: LTE Cat7
Download rate to: 300 Mbit/s
Upload rate to: 100 Mbit/s
Supported LTE bands: B1, B3, B7, B8, B20, B28
Backward compatible with 3G
Support from LTE-Advanced Yes
MIMO support: not specified
Connection for external antenna: yes, 2 SMA connectors(Buy Huawei 4G Router 3 Pro external antenna)
Network | LAN & WLAN
LAN ports: yes, 3 ports
WLAN standards: 802.11ac/a/n, 2 x 2 & 802.11b/g/n 2 x 2, MIMO
5 GHz WiFi support: Yes
Encryption: Yes
WLAN hotspot function: yes, up to 64 devices
Others
Battery pack: No
Dimension: 219 x 138 x 25.6 mm
USB: No
Memory card expansion: No
Release: Early 2020
Price: $ 199.00 (unlocked and without contract)
available at: www.4gltemall.com
Information material
User Guide: N/A
Datasheet N/A

 

  

Up to 300 Mbit/s download rate

The “Huawei B535 4G Router 3 Pro” contains the Huawei balong chip, an LTE CAT 7 modem. It supports downloads with up to 300 Mbit/s and uploads with a maximum of 100 Mbit/s. However, these are of course only theoretical values ​​and in practice are usually significantly lower depending on the network environment. The Huawei LTE Router supports almost all LTE frequencies represented in Asia and Europe. Bands B1, B3, B7, B8, B20 and B28 are specified by the manufacturer. Unfortunately there is no information about carrier aggregation combinations.

 

If no LTE network is available, the Huawei B535 Router alternatively switches to 3G/UMTS network. Here it is on the bands B1 and B8. Older standards such as GSM or 2G are not available as an alternative. Since the LTE network is already very well developed for most network operators worldwide, this should not be necessary either. The prerequisite is an inserted SIM card in micro format in the existing card slot.

No WiFi ax

To improve reception, the Huawei B535 WiFi router can be equipped with an external cellular antenna. Two connections are available for this. There is also a WAN/LAN port on the back as well as three additional Gigabit LAN connections. Various LEDs are lined up on the front to tell various connection status information, such as 4G, WLAN, LAN, signal strength and power.

 

Up to 64 devices can be connected wirelessly to the Huawei B535 4G Router 3 Pro via the B535’s WLAN network. The device transmits on the common frequencies 2.4 and 5 GHz, but does not support the new WLAN ax / Wifi 6. There are 802.11ac/a/n 2 x 2 and 802.11b/g/n 2 x 2 MIMO. The maximum wireless transmission rate via the dual-band WLAN antenna is 1,167 Mbit/s.

 

 

No integrated battery

In addition to the LTE router itself, the package content also includes the mandatory power supply unit and a stand to place the device. The power supply plug port is also on the back of the LTE router. The device does not offer an integrated battery, so there must always be an electrical outlet nearby.

 

The 219 x 138 x 25.6 mm large and approximately 325 g heavy LTE router, is primarily intended for home use. Installation is easy and takes place via the compatible Huawei SmartHome app. A multilingual quick start guide is also included for commissioning and clarifying questions. Among other things, support for password-free access to HiLink devices, changing WLAN names and much more is possible via HiLink Smart Home. Other features include SMS service, firewall, PIN protection, MAC address filtering, Wi-Fi encryption, VPN tunnel and VPN penetration, IP penetration, IPv6 and IPv6 / IPv4 dual stack, multi-APN, WeBUI, Administrator maintenance, HOTA and more. However, there is no telephone function.

 

 

Actually, similar to B535 4G Router 3 Pro, Huawei had presented many similar 4G LTE WiFi Router to the market, such as Huawei B612, Huawei B525 and Huawei E5186 etc… They had different appearance and design, but functions are very similar. They are good for home or office networking. If you are interested in Huawei 4G Router, you may select one from them.

Huawei E5576 Mobile WiFi 3s Test

The Huawei Mobile WiFi 3s has recently become a very affordable mobile LTE router in European countries. The Huawei MiFi 3S, which is also marketed under the model name Huawei E5576-320, can be used with all SIM cards.

Of course, you shouldn’t expect high-end equipment at the very reasonable price. For example, there is no display on the front – this is often standard for more expensive 4G LTE hotspots. For this, the Huawei E5576 is very small and handy and can be perfectly carried in your pocket or in your backpack.

 

The Huawei E5576 is made entirely of plastic and available in black and white. In addition to the device itself, the scope of delivery also includes an approximately ten centimeter long USB to micro-USB cable, a 1,500 mAh battery, a quick start guide and a warranty card. There is no need for a power pack to charge the battery, but you can use any existing USB power pack.

 

Good first impression

The Huawei E5576 Mobile WiFi 3s hotspot makes a good first impression. The material used feels good and the button for switching on and off on the top has a good pressure point. The back can be easily removed to insert the SIM card (Mini-SIM format, 2FF) and the battery.

 

 

 

At first glance, it is negative that Huawei has not installed any connections for an external cellular antenna and continues to rely on the micro USB standard. USB Type C would have been appropriate here in 2020.

 

Unlimited SIM cards from Telekom and O2 were used for the test. Unfortunately, the performance in the LTE network via WLAN was very poor. Tested with several end devices, the speed rarely exceeded 20 Mbit/s. In the peak, about 23 Mbit/s in the downlink and about 33 Mbit/s in the uplink could be reached via WLAN.

 

 

LTE Modem In the Test

The speeds were significantly better when the Huawei E5576 was connected via USB. Well over 100 Mbit/s in the downlink and almost 50 Mbit/s in the uplink were possible. These measurement results show that the modem can deliver high speeds, but the bottleneck is to be found in the weak WLAN module. In comparison with an expensive high-end LTE hotspot such as the Huawei E5788 and Netgear Nighthawk M2, it also shows that the LTE network can do much more than the small Huawei E5576 gets out of the connection.

 

 

The minimum latency (ping) was always well below 20 milliseconds – the small Huawei E5576 hotspot is in no way inferior to much more expensive end devices.

 

 

 

The Huawei E5576 can be used in almost every UMTS and LTE network in Europe, since all important frequency ranges are supported. Incidentally, the modem is not capable of 2G / GSM, which, given the now very good LTE networks, is no longer tragic. The following frequency ranges are supported in detail:

  • 4G / LTE: B1, B3, B7, B8, B20, B28
  • 3G / UMTS: B1, B8

 

On other continents such as Asia, North America or South America, you have to be prepared for the fact that many LTE networks cannot be used or can only be used to a very limited extent. The Huawei E5576 does not support the frequency bands required for this.

 

WLAN in the test

The WLAN module of the Huawei E5576 Mobile WiFi 3s works exclusively in the frequency range around 2.4 GHz and can supply up to 16 devices with a WLAN connection at the same time. The WLAN name and password can of course be assigned individually.

 

 

Unfortunately, the WLAN module did not do well in the test. The connection was always stable, but as described in the LTE modem test, it was relatively slow. Often, only 73 Mbit/s gross data rate was displayed on the MacBook. The speed is sufficient for normal surfing and video streaming, but the maximum LTE speed of 150 Mbit/s cannot be reached via WLAN. The range was also quite short, there shouldn’t be more than one wall between the Huawei E5576 and the end device.

 

 

 

For example, the channel bandwidth can be set via the advanced WLAN settings. There is also the option of setting up an automatic standby mode for the WLAN network when no devices are connected. This helps to save energy.

 

 

It is easy to set up a second SSID (guest access). The name, the password and the desired duration for the guest access can be set individually. Huawei offers the options unlimited, 1 day and 4 hours for the duration of guest access.

 

 

The WiFi extender is a very interesting function. This means that you can use a different WiFi network than Internet access, for example in a hotel, at a campsite or on the train. This helps to save mobile data volume. There is no noticeable difference for the devices connected to the Huawei E5576, because the WLAN network of the E5576 will of course remain as usual. The WLAN extender is configured either via the web interface or via an app.

 

 

Operation and software

The Huawei E5576-320 LTE router can be operated either via the Huawei Smart Home app (for Android and iOS) or via the browser web interface. Right from the first setup, the software offers to change the WiFi password and admin password. Huawei has noted the standard WLAN password both under the battery cover and in the battery compartment.

 

 

Since there is no display for operation directly on the device, you have to rely on the corresponding LEDs on the front. These shine in different colors depending on the condition of the battery or depending on the reception and are easy to read. Green LEDs indicate good condition, yellow LEDs indicate poor reception or a weak battery.

 

 

Both the web interface and the Huawei Smart Home app offer an attractive, functional design and are easy to use. The web interface can be called up with a device connected to the router via the IP address 192.168.8.1 in the browser. If you use the app, you do not need to enter the IP address. The app is sufficient for most settings, only a few menu items can only be accessed via the web interface, such as the 3G-only mode.

 

The software of the Huawei mobile WiFi router can be updated via the web interface. If an update is available, the router automatically reports via the web interface.

 

 

 

Battery for up to 6 hours of operation

 

The battery has a capacity of 1,500 mAh and can be changed by the user without any problems – quite a special feature in today’s world. The operating time is specified by Huawei as about 6 hours, this value was confirmed in the test. Depending on the number of connected devices, the operating time may decrease somewhat, but if necessary you can simply buy a replacement battery and thus extend the runtime.

 

 

 

Charging the battery takes about an hour in the test. Operation without an inserted battery, i.e. only via USB power supply, was not possible in the test. The two LEDs flashed red.

 

 

Conclusion: good and cheap

The Huawei E5576 Mobile WiFi 3s is one of the cheapest mobile LTE routers. At the cheap price you get a reasonable performance. The well-designed software and simple operation were particularly convincing. The compact design and the removable battery are also positive.

 

 

You have to cut back on the weak WLAN performance and the comparatively slow LTE modem. You also have to do without comfort functions such as a display, connections for an external antenna or a memory card. If you don’t mind, the Huawei E5576 Mobile WiFi 3s is an LTE hotspot with a good price-performance ratio, which is suitable for normal surfing, checking e-mails and also for occasional video streaming.

Alcatel EE70 LTE Cat7 Mobile WiFi Router Review

Alcatel EE70 is a high-quality pocket 4G/3G WiFi router, primarily designed to work in the network of mobile operators Vodafone, Kyivstar and Lifecell for Ukraine, or other operators around the world. Full support for working in 4G/3G networks, at a maximum data transfer rate of up to 300 Mbps using 4G LTE technology and 43.2 Mbps using HSPA/HSPA+ technology. For work, it is necessary to install a SIM card of any GSM operator in the router, an Internet connection will automatically occur, without additional settings. It’s suitable for home use, trips or foreign travel, as well as for use in the countryside as a home access point.

Design and Management

The 4G Alcatel EE70 router is small, compact, lightweight, fits in your trouser or shirt pocket, and you can take it with you everywhere. The Alcatel EE70 router is made in a yellow-black combined case made of high-quality plastic (in the spirit of the company’s latest developments). On the front panel of the case are LED indicators of the device – the signal strength of the cellular network, battery level, WiFi activity and received messages. Settings are managed via the settings web interface. Above is the power button, below are a slot for charging Micro USB format. Under the back cover there is a battery, under it there is a SIM card slot.

Compatibility

The Alcatel 4G Router is very easy to configure and use. You just need to connect it via WiFi to your phone, computer, or laptop, after a few seconds you will be connected to the Internet. OS Support: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, Mac OS X, Linux. The Alcatel EE70 model with a 2150 mAh battery can last up to 8 hours without recharging. The device is charged from the 220V network using the power supply that comes with the kit. It is also possible to charge the router from a car charger or from a computer’s USB port.

Additional features

The Alcatel EE70 has a dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) Wi-Fi module 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, which provides a reliable wireless WiFi network within a range of 15 meters, which can connect up to 20 devices at the same time. All types of devices with WiFi module are supported: smartphones, tablets, laptops, set-top boxes, TV, etc.

Below you will see the general specifications of Alcatel EE70 MiFi:

* 4G LTE Mobile WiFi hotspot

* Frequencies: 2G 850/900/1800/1900MHz || 3G 900/1800/2100MHz || 4G 800/1800/2600MHz

* LTE download speed up to 300Mbps, upload speed to 50Mbps

* WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)

* Technologies: GSM GPRS / EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSPA, HSPA +, DC-HSPA +, LTE

* WiFi support up to 20 wireless devices

* Removable battery of 2150mAh

Netgear Nighthawk M2 MR2100 VS M1 MR1100

To meet the requirements from 5G network, Netgear presented a new mobile WiFi hotspot Nighthawk M2 for the Australian network provider Telstra and carriers in Europe. Netgear Nighthawk M2 is an ultra-fast portable WiFi router with next-generation Gigabit 4G LTE connectivity with a download speed of up to 2 Gbps. The Netgear Nighthawk M2 5G router is upgraded from the predecessor Nighthawk M1, so you may ask what’s the difference between Netgear Nighthawk M2 and M1?

In the table below, you will see the details specs of Netgear Nighthawk M2 unlocked and Nighthawk M1 unlocked for your reference:

Model Netgear Nighthawk M2 Netgear Nighthawk M1
Product type 5G Mobile Hotspot 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot
Category LTE Cat.20 LTE Cat.16
Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon X24 Qualcomm MDM9x50
Data rates DL 2Gbps/UL 150Mbps DL 1Gbps/UL 100Mbps
Supported 4G LTE frequency bands — Telstra Nighthawk M2 MR2100-1TLAUS: Band 1/3/7/8/28
— Nighthawk M2 MR2100-100EUS: Band 1/3/7/8/20/28/38/40/41
— Hong Kong Nighthawk M2: LTE Band 1/3/8/20/29/30/38/40/41		 — Telstra Nighthawk M1: Band 1/3/7/8/28
— AT&T Nighthawk M1:  Band 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/29/30/66
— Hong Kong Nighthawk M1: LTE Band 1/3/8/20/29/30/38/40/41
WLAN 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band 2.4GHz & 5GHz 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band 2.4GHz & 5GHz
Max support users 20 users 20 users
MIMO 4 X 4 MIMO 4 X 4 MIMO
Connector for external antenna Two, TS-9 jacks Two, TS-9 jacks
Buy Antenna Netgear Nighthawk M2 Antenna Netgear Nighthawk M1 Antenna
App management Netgear Aircard APP Netgear Aircard APP
SIM type Micro SIM Micro SIM
Battery Removable, 5040 mAh Removable, 5040 mAh
Dimensions 105.5 x 105.5 x 20.35 mm 105.5 x 105.5 x 20.35 mm
Ethernet Port * One port for LAN port(RJ-45)
* One port of USB-A
* One port of USB-C		 * One port for LAN port(RJ-45)
* One port for USB 2.0
Datasheet download Netgear Nighthawk M2 Datasheet Netgear Nighthawk M1 Datasheet
User Manual Netgear Nighthawk M2 Manual Netgear Nighthawk M1 Manual
Other features 3GPP, Rel. 14, 5 band CA, 256QAM DL / 64QAM UL, JumpBoost 3GPP, Rel. 12, 4 band CA, 256QAM DL / 64QAM UL,  JumpBoost
Firmware download Nighthawk M2 Firmware Nighthawk M1 Firmware
Drivers Nighthawk M2 Driver Nighthawk M1 Driver
Reviews Netgear Nighthawk M2 Review Netgear Nighthawk M1 Review
Price 999.00USD 459.00USD

 

Here you can check the general comparison of Nighthawk M2 and M1:

 

Nighthawk M2 Mobile Router (MR2100):

 

– LTE CAT 20, DL support up to 2Gbps speeds

– 3GPP, Rel. 14

– 5CA with 20 simultaneous Downlink layers

– 4×4 MIMO

– 256QAM DL / 64QAM UL CA 3C, 7C

– 11ac Dual band dual concurrent

 

 

 

Nighthawk M1 Mobile Router (MR1100):

 

– LTE CAT 16, DL support up to 1Gbps speeds

– 3GPP, Rel. 12

– 4CA with 10 simultaneous Downlink layers

– 4×4 MIMO

– 256QAM DL / 64QAM UL CA 3C, 7C

– 11ac Dual band dual concurrent

 

We can see that, based on the technology improvement, Netgear Nighthawk M2 is more advanced than M1, M2 can achieve download speed up to 2Gbps while M1 only half of it. And the Nighthawk M2 has larger touch screen to 2.4 inches. Other features are very similar.

 

 

Telit Released Two New LTE Modules ME310G1 and ME910G1

Like its competitors Quectel and Gemalto, the British manufacturer of cellular radio modules Telit will present two LTE module models compatible with LTE-M and NB-IoT based on the Qualcomm 9205 chip, which is an LTE modem announced at the end of 2018 and combines LTE Cat-M1(eMTC or LTE-M), LTE Cat-NB2(NB-IoT) and 2G/E-GPRS connectivity, application processor, satellite geolocation (GPS, Beidou, Glonass , and Galileo) on a single chip.

The two model numbers are ME310G1 and ME910G1, which have an optional 2G fallback mode (in case the NB-IoT and LTE-M networks are not available). They are the first Telit LTE modules compatible with the Release 14 3GPP and target applications at medical devices worn on oneself, sport activity plotters and industrial sensors. The new modules are ideal for battery-powered applications via improved features such as Power Saving Mode (PSM) and extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX), which periodically wakes up the device to transmit only the smallest amounts of data necessary before returning to sleep mode. Both modules also ensure reliable indoor connections, with a maximum coupling loss of up to +15dB/+20dB for superior in-building penetration compared to earlier LTE standards.

 

 

As the latest member of the Telit xE310 family, the Telit ME310G1 is 14.3 x 13.1 mm and can replace 2G, 3G and LTE modules that are compatible with this format in existing devices. The ME310G1 LTE-only variant is less than 200 mm2 and variant with 2G fallback is less than 300mm2 and they enable enterprises to deploy new small footprint designs across many application areas including asset tracking, health-care monitoring, smart metering, portable devices, industrial sensors, home automation, and others that benefit from low-power and low-data rate capabilities. The xE310 family’s flexible perimeter footprint includes pin-to-pin compatible 2G and 4G modules, enabling integrators to design a single PCB layout and deploy a combination of technologies.

 

The Telit ME910G1 module is in dimensions of 28.2 x 28.2 mm. And it is the latest member of Telit’s best-selling xE910 and family. The ME910G1 is also a drop-in replacement in existing devices based on the family’s modules for 2G, 3G and the various categories of LTE. With Telit’s design-once-use-anywhere philosophy, developers can cut costs and development time by simply designing for the xE910 LGA common form factor, giving them the freedom to deploy technologies best suited for the application’s environment.

 

 

Both versions are finally compatible with GSM voice calls and will eventually be used in VoLTE applications that require the ability to make phone calls (in the area of ​​personal safety for example). Samples of the ME310G1 and ME910G1 modules are already available. Volume production is planned at the end of 2019 or the first quarter of 2020 depending on the version.

 

Huawei B618s-66d (Telstra 4GX Modem) Router Review

The Huawei B618 was available in many countries since 2018 and now becomes one of the best LTE routers in the market. If you are familiar with Huawei B618 router, you may know there are two variant models for Huawei B618 Router: They are B618s-22d and B618s-65d. Here we get a new variant Huawei B618s-66d. Like other Huawei 4G LTE WiFi routers, the Huawei B618s-66d supports different LTE frequency bands from the two brother models.

Huawei B618s-66d Appearance

Huawei B618s-66d is a customized router from Australian network carrier Telstra, who gives it a new name “Telstra 4GX Modem”. The Telstra 4GX Modem router has same shape as the two brother model, but it has Telstra logo on the front instead of Huawei logo. The LED indicators are still there, including three antenna indicators, Power indicator, Status indicator, LAN, WiFi and data usage indicators.

On the back of the Huawei B618 Telstra, the two connectors for external antennas are available and covered by a small tap. The connector type is TS-9. Below are the power button, USB 2.0 Port and two Ethernet ports for LAN. There is no battery in the Huawei B618 router, so the Power plug for adapter is also available. However, unlike the Huawei B618s-22d, the Ethernet ports in Telstra 4GX Modem B618s-66d are both for LAN. In B618s-22d, one is for LAN and the other one is for both LAN and WAN.

The SIM card slot is at the bottom of the Telstra 4GX Modem. The Reset button is at the side of the SIM card slot. And a stick indicates the model B618s-66d, SSID, WiFi Key, IP, user name, password, WPS pin, IMEI number, S/N number, and some certificates etc… The Huawei B618s-66d uses Micro-SIM card.

 

Huawei B618s-66d (Telstra 4GX Modem) Specs Review

 

  • Support 4GX Cat11
  • Support 4G LTE Frequency Band 1/3/5/7/28 700/850/1800/2100/2600MHz
  • Support 4 x 4 MIMO
  • Support up to 20 WiFi-enabled devices simultaneously
  • WLAN IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
  • SIM Type: Micro(3FF)
  • 2 x LAN ports(RJ45), 1 X USB(2.0) port to connect a printer or storage drive
  • Huawei Hilink App. Easy management by smartphone or pad

On the Telstra official site, it doesn’t list the LTE Band 28. We re-checked with Telstra and get confirmation that Huawei B618s-66d Telstra 4GX Modem supports Band 28. The Huawei official site says the Huawei B618 Australia router could support maximum up to 64 users, but the Telstra 4GX Modem supports only 20 devices simultaneously.

Huawei B618s-66d (Telstra 4GX Modem) Price

Due to specs subtraction of the Telstra 4GX Modem, the price is a little cheaper than the original model B618s-22d and B618s-65d. If you want the original functions, you may use the Huawei B618s-65d which could fully replace B618s-66d to use in Australia.

Huawei B818 (Vodafone Gigacube CAT19) Router Test

Vodafone Gigacube CAT19 is a new 4G LTE WiFi router offered since March 2019. The device is manufactured by Huawei and the model name is B818-260. The B818 is by far the newest and fastest LTE router in the Huawei product range, with LTE Cat19 delivering speeds of up to 1.6 gigabits per second. Vodafone sells the router as a Gigacube CAT19 as the successor to the previous “small” Gigacube Huawei B528 and thus offers customers a very powerful alternative to choose from. If you want to know the performance of Huawei B818, you may continue reading.

 

Huawei B818 – First Gigabit LTE router

The Huawei B818 is Huawei’s first stationary LTE router capable of achieving speeds well above 1 Gbps in the LTE network. The device is positioned as a successor to the Huawei B618 and offers not only a very similar design but also comparable good equipment.

In addition to the Huawei B818-260 router, there is also a power adapter and a flat LAN cable. There is also a printed German-language manual and a quick-start sheet. The package contents refer to the version as Gigacube CAT19, other variants of the B818 may be delivered with a modified accessory. Vodafone is currently the only provider in Europe to offer the Huawei B818.

Huawei B818 Interfaces

 

The Huawei B818 has a slot for a Micro-SIM card at the bottom. All other connections are located on the back. There you will find the connection for the power supply and two RJ45 Gigabit LAN ports. One of these LAN ports can also be used as a WAN connection, so that one does not necessarily have to rely on the wireless modem integrated in the router. Furthermore, there is a USB 2.0 port, over this storage media can be shared in the network. Also two connections for an external antenna are present.

 

Huawei B818 Specifications

 

The Huawei B818-260 LTE Router supports 4 × 4 MIMO antenna technology as well as carrier aggregation (channel bundling). The following LTE frequency bands are available: B1, B3, B7, B8, B20, B28, B32, B38, B42. In the downlink, the maximum theoretical data rate could reach 1.6 GBit/s and up to 150 MBit/s in the uplink is possible.

In practice, the speeds were rarely over 300 MBit/s. Vodafone theoretically promises up to 500 MBit/s in the Gigacube tariff, but many sites offer only lower data rates. Nevertheless, the B818 was often slightly faster than other devices in the test, especially when several frequency ranges could be bundled by means of carrier aggregation. The latencies (ping) were usually between 20 and 25 milliseconds in the test.

 

 

Huawei B818 Test

 

The Huawei B818 comes with built-in cellular antennas in the device. These offer a very good reception in the LTE network, especially in comparison with many smartphones. Even with poor reception, fast speeds are still achievable. For example, in the test, a stable connection could still be established in a basement room, even though the smartphones in the room already showed no reception.

 

The Huawei B818 allows the connection of up to two external antennas or a MIMO antenna. For this purpose, two TS-9 connectors are available on the back. If the external antenna is not detected automatically by the router, then you can manually switch to the operation with an external antenna in the web interface.

 

The WLAN module of the Huawei B818 transmits by default in dual-band mode to 2.4 and 5 gigahertz. Up to 32 devices can be supported with WLAN at the same time. The maximum speed was tested by using 3 × 3 MIMO antenna technology at 1300 MBit/s, which is also the highest data rate supported by the WLAN module. The speed is at a high level compared to other Huawei 4G LTE Wireless router models. The WLAN range was also convincing in the test, a large apartment or a small family home can be supplied without additional repeaters.

 

The Huawei B818 provides a separate guest Wi-Fi network upon request. This can be equipped with a separate password. Unfortunately there is no timer function for the WLAN module.

 

 

Huawei B818 Software: Web Interface & App

 

The operation and configuration of the Huawei B818 or Gigacube CAT19 takes place either via web interface in the browser or via an app. The web interface is designed in red Vodafone design, the app comes in the original Huawei design therefore. The web interface offers significantly more options than the app, so there about the desired network technology (eg LTE-only) can be set. Overall, the web interface has left a good impression in the test.

 

Conclusion: Huawei B818 / Vodafone Gigacube CAT19

 

The Huawei B818, or Vodafone Gigacube CAT19, left a very good impression in the test. In particular, the new LTE wireless router was convincing, this offers above-average speeds and is extremely future-proof. Currently, the speed advantage of the Huawei B818 is still manageable compared to many other LTE router models. The operation and configuration was very easy in the test and if necessary, any other SIM card can be used in addition to the Vodafone SIM card.

 

The Vodafone Gigacube CAT19 or Huawei B818 is worthwhile for anyone who would like to have a particularly good LTE modem and would like to spend a little more. Even the Huawei B818 can provide high LTE and WLAN speeds for daily use, but probably only for the fewest users. Currently, a cheaper device such as the Vodafone Gigacube CAT6 (Huawei B528) is quite sufficient.

 

How to restore the factory default settings for the Vodafone GigaCube CAT19?

There are two ways to reset the GigaCube to its factory settings.
Good to know: You delete all your personal modem settings, such as: Passwords, Wi-Fi names (SSID) and the Wi-Fi password.

That’s how it’s done:

Hold down the reset button on the underside of the Vodafone GigaCube CAT19 with a pointed object until the power indicator turns off.
You will restore all default settings. Then simply start and configure your GigaCube again.

Or open Settings > System via the GigaCube web interface. 
Click on Factory Settings > Restore. 

You will now see the information “All configurations will be reset to factory settings. Continue?”
Click on OK. The factory settings are restored …

 

Click to check more about Vodafone GigaCube Cat19 FAQs and User Manual

How to update the firmware of Vodafone GigaCube CAT19

  1. Enter http: //giga.cube in the address field of your internet browser and open the  GigaCube web interface.
  2. Select Settings >  Updates.
  3. Click on  Automatic update to activate the function. Good to know: If Automatic Update is turned on, your device will automatically update between 3:00 am and 5:00 am when it’s not in use.

 

Click to check more about Vodafone GigaCube Cat19 FAQs and User Manual