Category: 4G Technology

Huawei Honor 7 4G LTE Dual SIM Smartphone Review

Last Friday Huawei has presented the latest smartphone for the European market in London: Huawei Honor 7. The equipment is with fingerprint sensor, metal enclosure, Full HD display and octa-core processor for a very good level. The unit also dual SIM capable and supports all relevant for LTE frequency ranges in Europe, making it once again apart from the competition. I could look at me the Honor 7 spot at the launch event and would like to describe to you my first experience with the device in this article.

Honor 7 in detail 
The Honor 7 is available in the colors white and gray. It will soon be available in the dealers,  but you will not get the phone from the network provider. The operating system is still quite current, the Android 5.0 3.1 surface comes together with Huawei EMUI used. In the first test, the software was smooth and quick, the games run smoothly on the honor 7 based on huawei HiSilicon Kirin 935 octa-core processor.

Honor 7 itself is with dimensions of 143.2 x 71.9 x 8.5 mm, this one has a pretty big 5.2-inch display with full HD resolution, which can display multimedia content well and ideal for photos and videos. The body material is made of metal, the screen is covered with Gorilla Glass. This affects the Honor 7 very valuable and can keep up the build quality better than much more expensive smartphones.


The Honor 7 provide the open version without SIM lock, and it is currently available on www.4gltemall.com . With a budget price, you can get a very well equipped smartphone that offers some features that are otherwise only known from the luxury class. One example is the integrated  sensor on the back, which can be used quickly and reliably to unlock the device. The cameras are very good for the price you wanted, they offer 20-megapixel (rear) and 8 Megapixel (Front cam). The internal memory is 16 gigabytes in size, an extension via microSD card is possible. The memory is 3 GB in size, multitasking is therefore likely to be without any problems and with many apps simultaneously.

Dual SIM with LTE
An absolute unique feature is the dual SIM function with LTE and simultaneous use of both SIM cards, which is not common in Europe. The first SIM card in GSM, UMTS and LTE network can be used during the second SIM card registered in the 2G network and at any time can be achieved. Many other devices you had to actively switch between the two SIM cards.

We has tested Huawei Honor 6 last year, this one should be the best seller in Huawei honor series smartphones. It performed well per the users’ feedback. Now the newer model honor 7 is available. We will see how Honor 7 will perform, but we are sure the honor 7 would be a new star!

 

Huawei B315 4G LTE CPE Review

With the Huawei LTE CPE B310, a new 4G Router Huawei B315 is also now available with LTE Category 4 technology. We had introduced Huawei B310 router and today, we will have a review about Huawei B315 LTE CPE.

Huawei B315 LTE CPE Specifications:

Feature

Data
Manufacturer & Model: Huawei B315s-22
Technologies: LTE (4G), UMTS (3G) GSM (2G)
Frequencies: * LTE FDD: 800/900/1800/2100/2600 MHz* LTE TDD: 2600 MHz UMTS: 900/2100  MHz* GSM: 850/900/1800/1900MHz
Maximum speeds: * LTE: 150 Mbit/s downlink, 50Mbit/s uplink* UMTS: 42.2 Mbit/s downlink, 5.76 Mbit/s uplink (when using DC-HSPA+)* GSM: 384 kbit/s (when using EDGE )
WIFI 802.11b/g/n, support up to 32 devices
Firmware: 21.300.07.00.00
Others: 4x RJ-45 for Gigabit Ethernet, RJ-11 for telephone connection

 

The Huawei B315 is packed in a simple cardboard box with power adapter, Ethernet cable and Quick Start Guide. The router itself is made entirely of matte-white plastic and having dimensions of 186 x 139 x 46 mm. Huawei B315 weights about 275 grams excluding the power adapter. LTE CPE B315 is designed trapezoidal, below it is significantly thicker than the top. Thus, the router could stand safely on the ground.

On the front, you can see the five LED indicators for power, wireless network connection status, Ethernet and reception signal. In addition, a small Huawei logo is below the LED indicators. On the top of the Huawei B315, there is power and WPS button. On the right side, the SIM card slot is covered by a cap. The CPE B315 use standard Mini SIM 2FF form factor, Micro and Nano SIM must go with adapter. All the other ports are listed on the back of the router. There are two connectors for external antennas, four RJ45 ports for Gigabit LAN connect, one RJ11 port for telephone and a USB 2.0 port for SD sharing.

 

Unlike the flagship model Huawei E5186, Huawei B315 could support peak download speed to 150mbps and upload speed to 50Mbps. The LTE Category 6 is not supported by B315. On UMTS network with DC-HSPA+ technology, B315 could achieve downlink speed to 42.2Mbps and uplink to 5.76mbps. And the B315 is also backward compatible with GSM and EDGE.

Huawei B315 has four Gigabit Ethernet ports, so user can enjoy the LTE speed at any time. Up to 32 devices could connect B315 at the same time and theoretically up to 300Mbps via 802.11b/g/n. Unfortunately, the router transmits only at the frequency range of 2.4GHz. According to Huawei, the wireless coverage is up to 250 meters, which is very good for an LTE router.

 

User can connect an analogue telephone via the RJ-11 connector, and easily make calls via the SIM card in the GSM or UMTS network. Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is not supported on Huawei B315. And the VoIP is possible in the Web interface, but you can’t find a corresponding menu item for configuration.

The configuration and control of Huawei B315 could be done through a browser web interface (IP: 192.168.8.1). In addition to set options on various topics, there is also the possibility to view statistics on data usage and online time or to deposit appropriate limits. There is also the ability to share data across the network through a connected USB stick or a USB hard drive. If desired, a configuration via Smartphone or Tablet App is possible.

 

The Huawei B315s-22 is a new LTE router for stationary use. The design is attractive and the interfaces are up to date. In daily use, the device has very good reception with convincing wireless coverage range. If you want to get a router with higher speed connection, then Huawei E5186 4G Router may be a good option.

 

Netgear AirCard AC785 LTE Mobile Hotspot

At the IFA in Berlin, Netgear has introduced the new AC785 LTE mobile hotspot (“MiFi Router”). The device looks very similar to its brother models, such as Netgear Aircard 782s and 781s, which can reach up to 150 MBit/s in downlink based on the LTE Category 4 technology. It has a long battery life of up to 10 hours and the ability to connect up to 15 devices via WLAN.


The Modem in the Netgear AC785 supports all major wireless standards, ranging from 2G over 3G to LTE. In the LTE network, the frequency bands are supported on 800/850/900/1800/2100/2600 MHz, the UMTS network can use in the region around 850 and 2100 megahertz. But in Europe, UMTS900 band is commonly used, which is not supported by the AC785 unfortunately.

The maximum speed in the LTE network is 150 Mbit/s for downlink and 50 Mbit/s in the uplink (LTE Cat4). In the UMTS network, up to 42.2Mbit/s in the downlink are possible with the data accelerator DC-HSPA+. Netgear AirCard 785 module operates wireless 802.11n in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band. A maximum of 15 devices can connect wirelessly with the AC785.


The Netgear AC785 has a color screen on the front, which displays important information such as the consumption data, battery status, operator name, the reception quality or the online time. And user can see the SSID and WiFi password on the screen. The exact capacity of the battery is not known, but according to Netgear, online time can last around about 10 hours in the LTE network.


The control of the Netgear AC785 takes place either in any browser or via a smartphone app. The AirCard app is available for Android or iOS. Netgear also offers to the docking station DC113A for the AC785 LTE mobile hotspot. This accessory allows not only the comfortable recharge the AC785 hotspot battery, but also offers a Gigabit LAN port to connect wired devices. Furthermore, there are two TS-9 connectors for external antennas available at the dock, so you can operate as a full-fledged DSL replacement with an external antenna to the AC785.


The Netgear Aircard AC785s will be available in European countries according to the manufacturer in September 2014. The docking station DC113A will be available during the fourth quarter. And we also get to know the new LTE Category 6 Netgear 790s will be also available. The new mobile hotspots are really interesting.

Huawei E5577C 4G Mobile Hotspot Review

We had the news about Huawei E5577 for a long time, and we are lucky to get one unit to test last week. The model number is Huawei E5577C. The E5577C is a very small and lightweight LTE MiFi Hotspot, and it looks like the Huawei E5377. The Huawei E5577C provides speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s in the downlink and 50 Mbit/s in the uplink, and it has a replaceable battery of 1500 mAh and has a display on the front to show connection information. The system can be operated via the browser or via an app on your smartphone or tablet.

Appearance
The Huawei E5577C comes in a small white cardboard box and is available in black or white. The battery is not loaded in the device but is separately together with a very short USB charging cable in the package. A power adapter for charging your battery is not supplied, in my opinion, it is also unnecessary because the USB cable can connect to the power adapter for your smartphones or tablets.

The Huawei E5577C is with dimensions of 96.8 x 58 x 13.5 millimeters and weighs 85 grams, which is a very compact and lightweight. This makes the device ideal fits naturally into your pocket, purse or backpack. All parts packed are good and the battery cover can be easily removed for inserting the battery, SIM card, and memory card.

Features Data
Manufacturer & Model: Huawei E5577C
Technologies: LTE (4G), UMTS (3G) GSM (2G)
Frequencies: * LTE FDD: 800/850/900/1800/2100/2600 MHz* UMTS: 850/900/1900/2100  Mhz* GSM: 850/900/1800/1900Mhz
Maximum speed: * LTE: 150 Mbit/s down, 50Mbit/s up* UMTS: 42.2 Mbit/s down, 5.76 Mbit/s up (when using DC-HSPA+)* GSM: 384 kbit/s (when using EDGE )
WIFI 802.11b/g/n to 300 Mbit/s, 2 × 2 MIMO, both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, repeater mode
Software testing: Firmware Version: 21.200.05.00.00
Other: * MicroSD slot up to 32 GB

* 2x External antenna connector type TS-9  (Buy Huawei E5577 external antenna)

* Display 128 × 128 pixels

* Removable Battery 1500 mAh

 

Operation & Software
The configuration of the Huawei E5577C is very simple. Normally, everything is already done with the first launch and the router E5577C configures itself depending on the inserted SIM card. The wireless connection is encrypted from the factory, the password can be found in the battery bay or on the display. Unfortunately, it cannot hide from the display. Some functions, such as the choice of the wireless frequency band can be set directly on the E5577C using the menu button, the power button and the display. For other settings, you need to use the HiLink app for Android or iOS operating systems, or access to the web interface. To do this, you need just simply calls the browser’s address 192.168.8.1.

In the web interface, there are detailed statistics on the internet, you can send and receive SMS and you can share files and folders on the network when inserted MicroSD memory card. There is also a menu item to update the firmware. In the settings menu, there are several configuration options available for WLAN and network. Overall, the web interface of the E5577C is quite extensive and easy to operate!

Network Technology
Huawei E5577C supports LTE by category 4 with up to 150 MBit/s in the downlink and 50 Mbit/s in the uplink. Actually, LTE Cat4 is not the latest new technology. Here now there is LTE Category 6 mobile hotspot Huawei E5786 available. But new technology means user need pay more money to enjoy it. For most users, the LTE Cat4 modem in E5577C will provide sufficient speeds and in testing, it can achieve top speeds of up to 140 Mbit/s. In the UMTS network the data accelerator DC-HSPA+ is of course supported, so here theoretically up to 42.2 Mbit/s can be achieved in the downlink. In practice, you should reach the speed of no more than 32 Mbit/s.

Unfortunately, there is no way for the Huawei E5577C set to a specific network technology. The only option is the use of LTE-on and to turn off. Compared to several other mobile hotspots, this is a big disadvantage.

WLAN and battery
The Huawei E5577 supplies up to 10 devices simultaneously via WLAN with an Internet connection. Extra one unit can also be connected via USB, so the router can also be used on computers without a WLAN. The E5577C will support both 2.4 GHz wireless and the area around 5 GHz. However, the latest wireless standard AC is not integrated with Huawei E5577C. An interesting feature is a wireless repeater, referred to as Huawei WiFi Extender or WiFi Offload. Thus, the E5577C use an existing Internet connection via WLAN as access.

The battery can provide up to 6 hours operating time per the manufacturer instructions. If necessary, the battery can always be replaced, a great advantage to other mobile hotspots with a fixed battery.

 

Conclusion: Huawei E5577C
Overall, Huawei E5577C is a good mobile LTE hotspot. The equipment is light and the dimensions are pockets compatible. However, as a new 4g mobile hotspot, the price may be a little high as expected. If you want better power support, you can get a spare battery backup. Here now, there are Huawei E5377, E5377T, E5878 available from the same manufacturer.

 

If you want to know more Huawei Mobile WiFi hotspots, click here: https://www.4gltemall.com/4g-wireless-router/huawei-4g-lte-wifi-router.html

 

 

Huawei E5373 4G Mobile Router Review

The Huawei E5373 is a small cellular router for speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s via LTE. Unlike many other MiFi hotspots, the model does not have a display on the front, but the rest of the equipment is quite good and the price is attractively lower than many comparable devices. We will review more details about Huawei E5373 in this article.

The Huawei E5373 has an integrated cellular modem for speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s in the downlink and 50 Mbit/s in the uplink via LTE. Of course, the slightly older UMTS network is available, then the data accelerator DC-HSPA+ up to 42.2 Mbit/s in the downlink and up to 5.76 Mbit/s in the uplink is possible. Also GSM with EDGE is supported. As for FDD-LTE, the frequency bands are supported on 800/900/1800/2100/2600Mhz. So you are free use the unlocked Huawei E5373 in many countries in Europe. But you will have trouble to use it in North America, because the device will be unable to work in the LTE networks there.

If you want to improve the speed and optimize receive and transmit power, you may need an external LTE MIMO antenna to connect to Huawei E5373. There are two connectors for external antenna, which are hidden at side of the Huawei E5373 under a cover. The connector type is TS-9, you could refer to the 4G antenna: http://www.4gltemall.com/4g-antenna-two-ts-9-connector.html

The connection to terminal equipment is normally done via Wi-Fi, although a use as a USB modem is possible using the MicroUSB interface. The wireless module operates on the 802.11a/b/g/n, ie on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Thus the Huawei E5373 can also be used in environments where the 2.4 GHz band is overloaded. A maximum of 10 devices can be connected simultaneously via wireless to the E5373 router.

The battery is 1500 mAh strong and easily replaceable by the user. It is designed to ensure an operating time of about 6 hours, according to Huawei. On the front of the Huawei E5373, 5 LEDs were integrated, which indicate its operating status. There is also a microSD slot for file sharing in Huawei E5373. If you use a corresponding memory card in the device, so you can share files and folders on the network.

 

The Huawei E5373 is now available on www.4gltemall.com . As a similar model to Huawei E5372, here now we can’t tell what the real difference between them is. But new device is always better than old one. Huawei mobile WiFi is always leading the mainstream in the wireless pocket WiFi. We believe Huawei E5373 will be popular soon.

Huawei B310 LTE CPE Review

Huawei released a new stationary router for the LTE networks. It’s named Huawei B310. The exact model number for the European market is Huawei B310s-22, in this version the B310 could support all important frequency bands for LTE, UMTS and GSM. As a highlight, the maximum speed on LTE is 150 Mbit/s in the downlink (LTE Category 4); there is not only a Gigabit Ethernet port for the connection of an analog telephone, but also a port for quick connection of the router to the local network.


The Huawei B310 is in the entry-level segment both on the price as well as the level of equipment; the top model is the Huawei E5186 with a further significant better equipment, but also a higher price. Here now the Huawei B310 is available in China, we suppose it would be available in many markets worldwide.
A major criticism of many recent LTE router models was the LAN interface, which is limited to 100 Mbps, while the built-in modem could often use up to 150 MBit/s. This of course is complete nonsense, because you have installed an annoying bottleneck in a modern device. On Huawei B310, the problem no longer exists fortunately: there is a Gigabit LAN port on the back of the router, so you can fully utilize the maximum of 150 Mbit/s of the LTE connection. Unfortunately, only one LAN port is installed, if you want to connect more than one device per cable must hang a switch behind the router.

 

 

On the back, there are connectors for LAN, telephone, external antenna and SIM card. The design of the B310 is very simple and user can easily identify the functions for the ports. There are two connectors for external antenna like Huawei B593, it could support 2 x 2 MIMO, which could improve the performance for network connection. The connector type is SMA, which are protected by a plastic cover. Even the SIM card slot is protected by a cover. If you want to buy the antenna for Huawei B310, you could check this one: http://www.4gltemall.com/4g-antenna-two-sma-connector.html . Instead of a current wireless ac module, the Huawei B310 installed a WLAN 802.11b/g/n radio module, which operates only on the 2.4 GHz band.


The Huawei B310s-22 has one RJ-11 port for an analog telephone. What kinds of telephone over are possible, but is not yet known. Telephone would be possible either natively over the air or over the internet via VoIP. The latter would have to access a VoIP provider in the web interface of the B310.


The Huawei B310 is available in black or white, as you can see in the pictures here in the article. On the front there are LEDs for reception, Power, data connection, telephone and Wi-Fi. On the top of the unit, there is a power button and a WPS button. Pressing both buttons simultaneously, the previous software version is automatically installed according to Huawei.

The Huawei B310 is now available on www.4gltemall.com , if you are interested in this model, welcome to have a check or inquiry.

 

Huawei E5573 4G Mobile WiFi Hotspot Review

Huawei released many new 4G Pocket WiFi in 2015. They are named at the same former of E5XXX, so use may feel confused about the name. As we know, there is new 4G mobile router Huawei E5577, E5573, E5373, E5377, E5770…It’s good to name them by number, but it’s hard for end users to identify what’s the difference between them, and to choose the best one for use. As a classical series product, Huawei E5 always brings surprise to us. Today, we will introduce a new mobile hotspot E5573.

Like other Huawei E5 mobile WiFi, Huawei E5573 is now available for many network providers worldwide, such as Plus+, Orange, EE, 3, Chine Unicom etc…From the appearance, we can see the power button is on the middle of the front. The Huawei logo is printed on the power button. At the left side the button, it’s the signal strength indicator. On the right side, it’s the battery indicator. User can see the signal and power status from the indicators’ colors.

 

There is a cap beside the USB port. It’s for external antenna. If user uses the E5573 at the location with weak signal, the external antenna may help to get stable and better internet connection. The antenna connector is TS-9, if you want to buy the external antenna for Huawei E5573, you can click here: http://www.4gltemall.com/4g-antenna-two-ts-9-connector.html . The design of Huawei E5573 is very simple and this will help users to operate the device easily.

 

Huawei E5573 is a LTE Category 4 Mobile hotspot. Just like its brother models, Huawei E5573 could also support the peak download speed to 150Mbps and upload speed to 50mbps. The most common version could support 4G FDD LTE 800/900/1800/2100/2600MHz, this make this hotspot could work with most of the network providers. Huawei E5573 also work well with DC-HSPA+/UMTS networks when 4G LTE network is not available. The 3G network connection speed could reach 42Mbps. The device is equipped with Wi-Fi module, which operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, as well as 5 GHz. As a mobile hotspot, E5573 could share the networks for up to 10 wireless devices.

 

Huawei E5573 is equipped with a MicroSD card slot, which allows users to insert extended SD card to 32GB. So users could share the files in the SD with the connected devices. The battery of Huawei E5573 is only 1500mAh, which could keep working for around 6 hours while the standby time up to 300 hours.

Management of the router is extremely simple and intuitive and can be done directly from a web browser or through an application of Huawei Mobile Wi-Fi to your smartphone (downloadable application from Google Play, Apple Store). Currently, we can’t not see the real improvements and difference from its predecessors E5776 and E5372; however, we will take some test in future to find what’s new in the new mobile hotspot.

 

If you are interested in this new hotspot, welcome to check more details on www.4gltemall.com .

Huawei CarFi E8377 Hotspot Test

A Wi-Fi hotspot in the car – this feature is so far available only for a few cars of the upper middle class and upper class. Huawei changed the cigarette lighter connector for new Carfì hotspot for 12V. Users can reach up to 150 MBit/s via LTE through the Huawei Carfì Hotspot, of course, the CarFi can also a fallback to 3G and 2G. But the Carfì wireless router is really as good as the expensive installation solutions from car producer? In this test, we find out the answer.

Appearance and Technology


Huawei Carfì Hotspot is conducted under the Model Number Huawei E8377 and comes in a nice package for buyers. The scope of supply is tight, next to the hotspot itself there is  a Quick Start Guide, a brochure with safety instructions and an indication of the Huawei HiLink app included. The Huawei Carfì Hotspot is kept in a matt black plastic and the front is equipped with a carbon look, which is likely to look smart in almost any car. On the front there is also the power button, which simultaneously serves as an indicator of the reception strength by the underlying LED. A yellow LED indicates poor UMTS / LTE receiver while a green LED indicates good reception.

Of course, you need a SIM card with the appropriate data plan for the operation of Huawei Carfì. The card must be in micro-SIM format and is inserted under the side cover in the Carfì hotspot. Under the cover you will find also a reset button and a connector for an external antenna. There is a integrated rechargeable battery; so user can operate Huawei router Carfì in the car and can take the CarFi in a meeting or outdoors.


The maximum speed in the LTE network is 150 Mbit/s over LTE Cat4. According to Huawei, the Huawei CarFi supports frequency bands by 800/900/1800/2100/2600 MHz. If no LTE times are available,  you can also use 3G (up to 42.2 Mbit/s) and 2G. In the test of the handover between the different network technologies, Huawei CarFi can work smoothly while driving. The reception is in both LTE and UMTS, but no better than most smartphones. Those who expect a good reception will be disappointed by Huawei Carfì or possibly should directly connect an external antenna. If you want the antenna for Huawei CarFi, click here: http://www.4gltemall.com/external-antenna-for-huawei-4g-lte-usb-modem.html 

The wireless module operates on the 802.11 b/g/n, ie on the frequency band around 2.4 GHz. The area around 5 GHz is not supported. The signal is strong enough to cover larger cars.

 

Control via App
Once you have the Huawei Carfì Hotspot connect it to a cigarette lighter connector, it must be turned on manually before use each time. Before first use you should write down or take a picture of the WLAN key, because as soon as the device is plugged in, it’s different for to read the key. Also, one should previously load the Huawei HiLink app to Android or iOS device, because that is for the establishment and the operation.

Connection parameters like APN or access numbers can’t not be stored. The Huawei Carfì can automatically recognized the SIM card from Vodafone and Orange in the test and the data stored accordingly. Only the PIN code must be entered, if enabled. The Huawei HiLink app allows various settings, for example, you can configure the name and password of the WLAN network. A wireless guest network with a separate name and password can be set up, ideal for guests in the car or for taxi drivers.

Connection information such as data consumption, connected wireless devices and the online time are displayed graphically in the app. The firmware of Huawei Carfì can easily be updated online. A major disadvantage of Huawei HiLink app: the test with Android smartphones, the program fell on extremely high energy consumption. Here Huawei should urgently provide an update for Remedy.
In the test, we can find Huawei Carfì has two major disadvantages: firstly, the device must be turned on every time manually, if you want to use it, a start on some cars are not possible, at least for a VW Golf VI, a Ford Galaxy and a Renault Scenic. Second, only the internal antenna is used in the hot spot, whereas fixed-mounted solutions always use the external antenna, thus naturally have much better reception conditions.
Nevertheless, the Huawei Carfì Hotspot is recommended as a retrofit solution definitely, because all the promised features are well met. Of course, you could also have a mobile wireless router with battery, the Carfì Hotspot is significantly more convenient.

Huawei CarFi E8377 LTE Router Review

In the last few years, it’s the main trend to connect cars. Internet access in the car or camping Mobile is still reserved for the premium class. However, new wireless gadgets provide solution. The Huawei E8377 specially designed for the motor vehicle provides the first use and inexpensive hotspot router with LTE. We have tested the “Huawei Carfì Router” for you and share the details below.

 

With the Carfì E8377 router, user can access internet via the mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. The CarFi could work on 3G or 4G LTE and up to 150 Mbits per second download speed are possible here. The concept is not entirely new. Huawei had brought a car Stick named W5101 for the first time to the market. It’s available for Vodafone contract. But it’s an ordinary USB stick, which was connected via an adapter into the cigarette lighter. The E8377 Carfì could connect to the card through the cigarette power connector, which is a direct solution for wireless network.


The packaging looks quite classy and looks like a clock-bell. After opening the box, there is only a mini-manual next to the device. In addition, a tiny leaflet-list is available for installation. The user manual (sweet 6.5 x 5 cm) available in several languages and there are short Tips for settings.

The egg-shaped head of CarFi E8377 gives only a start switch, a notification LED and laterally a SIM card slot (Micro SIM) together with the reset button. Directly to the head connects to the cigarette 12-volt port. From a processing perspective, the device is “appropriate”. The specially adapted to use in the car shape design, the E8377 hardly looks like a foreign body in any case.

Now, let’s consider technical data. The mobile module initially supports LTE in all major bands at 800, 900, 1800, 2100 and 2600 MHz. Thus, the Car-stick can easily use in Europe. Based on the LTE Cat4 modem, it can reach up to 150 Mbps for download and up to 50 MBit for upload in connection with a matching LTE tariff. In addition to LTE/4G, the CarFi still has support for more mobile phone standards. Among them are as UMTS 900 and 2100 MHz 3G Turbo DC-HSPA+ (up to 42 Mbps) and 2G (GSM, EDGE, GPRS). So even in very poor regions with weak signal, user can still have the chance of a slow connection. The WLAN module supports 802.11 b/g/n and thus can provides data rates up to 300 Mbps.

 

The router Carfì measures 5.9 x 4.9 x 8.8 inches and weighs only 50 grams according to the manufacturer. However, our weight measurement yielded 146 grams. Huawei will also indicate that the E8377 has an integrated battery, which has a capacity of 1900 mAh. However, we were able to connect Carstick for long hours of use on the current port, without connecting the CarFi to the cigarette slots. Thus, we believe that the battery only serves to maintain the operation as soon as the energy source is gone suddenly.

 

A USB port is located on the side. This port is not a data interface, but as a kind of adapter. Huawei has considered that many people use the car’s cigarette lighter as a charging station for mobile phones and other devices, when the cigarette port is used. No more space will be available without adapter for third-party devices. Through the USB port on the side, you can now connect there and load it. Beside the SIM slot, there is a TS9 connector for connecting an external antenna. However, only 1 port, users have to give up 2×2 MIMO. But at least there is a possibility! It is precisely when traveling, for example with a camper, the reception is weak and need external antenna.

To make user understand well about the color shining in Huawei CarFi, here are some codes about the colors:

  • * Flashes red: Indicates that the Carfì is started. Takes about 20 seconds;
  • * a steady red light: Indicates that no wireless network is found, or the connection was not possible (eg missing SIM);
  • * lights up yellow: Indicates that the signal strength for 3G or LTE is very weak;
  • * green: reception strength is optimal;
  • * Flashing cyan: There is just a firmware update;
  • * White: Indicates unread SMS exist.

Installation and Settings

Theoretically, the installation of the E8377 is easy and should be done in less than 3 minutes. First, the SIM card must be inserted. The slot is located under a cover with SIM icon. Then plug the Carfì directly into the cigarette lighter of your car. Turn the ignition so that a power supply is present and press the “Huawei” button on the top for a good 3 seconds. Now the border should first turn red – the CarFi router will start and automatically connects to the wireless network. This takes about 20 seconds. Now you can search the wireless SSID of CarFi E8377 in a laptop, tablet or smartphone. This begins with “Huawei CarFi-“. Both SSID and the wifi key are listed at the foot of the plug. Enter this key or scan the QR code on request with your smartphone. The WLAN connection to Carstick should now be finished. If there is a cellular connection via 2G / 3G or 4G, surfing internet is possible in the way. And up to 10 devices in and around the car could access to the internet.

Huawei-CarFi-E8377-SIDE

Huawei provides a special HiLink App for smartphone and tablet users. This can (if no network) are downloaded directly to the internal memory as required from the PlayStore or AppStore. The app provides information about the connection status, for example, the signal strength, currently used wireless standard and data usage.

Practice test

We have tested the car stick several hours on the road. The installation went really smoothly. Before setup, user must know the color code, otherwise you do not initially know what that mean the color feedback. In mobile reception there is nothing to complain about. This is comparable with other sticks. You should wonder the connection speed in remote areas. Frankly speaking, the speed is just decent, but this problem can be solved by an antenna that is mounted with enough cable on the roof through the window.

Conclusion

Huawei E8377 Carfì is ideal for those who spend hours on the car and where several inmates want to access the Internet.  The installation and handling is simple and straightforward. However, there is currently no better alternative for the car. If you want to have wireless network around in camp or have activities in a car, Huawei E8377 would be a perfect partner.

 

Vodafone R226 4G Mobile WiFi Hotspot Review

The Vodafone R226 Mobile Wi-Fi hotspot is the first LTE router from Vodafone, which could support LTE Category 6 with up to 300 Mbit/s for downlink. Up to 10 devices can be connected wirelessly via Wi-Fi with fast Internet. A display on the front of the Vodafone R226 shows all status information such as the used data volume reliably. The built-in rechargeable battery provides an operating time of approximately 10 hours.

LTE features and characteristics of Vodafone R226
Manufacturer and type designation Huawei E5786 = Vodafone R226
Download to rate 300 Mbit/s
Upload to rate 50 Mbit/s
Compatible LTE bands 800, 850, 900, 1800, 2100, 2600 MHz
backward compatible with LTE CAT 3 & 4, DC-HSPA+, HSPA+, HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE, GPRS, GSM
Support for LTE-Advanced Yes
MIMO Support: MIMO 2×2
Connector for external antenna Yes; 2 antenna connectors TS-9 available(Buy Vodafone R226 Antenna)
LTE Category LTE Category 6 (CAT6) modem
Chipset Hisilicon | HPM Coretx A9 processor
Wi-Fi standards 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (866 Mbit/s)
Wireless Internet Hotspot function yes – for up to 10 devices
Others  
Accumulator 3000 mAh – not changeable (surfing to 10 hours)
Dimensions (WxHxD) 106 x 66 x 15.9 mm 145 grams
USB standard USB 2.0
Memory card expansion Yes; MicroSD up to 32 GB
Manual PDF Refer to user manual for Huawei E5786
Test Report
Release December 2014
available at www.4gltemall.com

 

 

LTE-Advanced with 300 Mbit/s

The Vodafone R226 Router is made by the Chinese manufacturer Huawei E5786,which is the first devices for LTE Category 6 (LTE-Advanced), so that when the appropriate network available, the matching data rate speeds of up to 300 Mbit/s in the downlink and 50 Mbit/s Uplink are possible. Of course, the router is also backward compatible with older LTE expansion stages such as CAT3 (100 Mbps) and CAT4 (150 Mbps). The network technologies GSM and UMTS are supported, and in the UMTS network, up to 42.2 Mbit/s in the downlink is possible. LTE-Advanced will probably introduced from the first quarter of 2015 from Vodafone.

 

Wi Fi ac and powerful battery

Up to 10 devices can be simultaneously connected via Wi-Fi with the Vodafone R226, an eleventh device can be connected via microUSB. From the microUSB connector, the 3,000 mAh strong battery could be charged, which allows an operating time of up to 10 hours. An AC adapter and a USB cable are included, but the battery is unreplaceable. The WLAN module of the Vodafone R226 transmits both on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz on (dual band). With a maximum speed of 866 Mbit/s (WLAN ac), the WLAN of the Vodafone R226 is very fast compared to other devices of this type, up to 300 Mbit/s high-speed Internet connection can thus be easily transferred to the terminal.

 

 

 

The Vodafone R226 looks absolutely identical to “Speedport Mini II “by Telekom, just carries the Vodafone logo. On the front of the Vodafone R226 is a large display that clearly displays a variety of information in black and white format. Thus, for example, we can see about the used data volume, online time or the battery level. The operation of the Vodafone R226 is done via the smartphone app “Vodafone Mobile Wi-Fi Monitor” or a web interface. User can enter the address 192.168.8.1 in the browser. If user want to improve reception,  to connect an external antenna is possible. In addition, the Vodafone R226 provides a slot for a MicroSD memory card, so you can share files between multiple devices. The SIM card must be in micro-SIM format and is inserted under the cover on the back.

 

 

From the feedback of users, Vodafone R226 improves much than previous model such as R215 and R208. With the latest technology, Vodafone R226 would be reliable partner for travel.