Two months ago, Vodafone released its first wireless router that is compatible with the new mobile communications standard 5G. The new 5G wireless router converts the mobile Internet access into a WLAN hotspot, so that several smartphones, tablets and notebooks can connect with an Internet access. Like the predecessors Vodafone GigaCube and Gigacube Cat19, the manufacturer of the 5G router is also Huawei. The model is officially called Huawei 5G CPE Pro but for Vodafone under the name Vodafone GigaCube 5G.
According to Vodafone official sayings, data transmission rates of up to 2Gbps could be achieved in the 5G mobile network. This concerns the LTE access, over which most customers will initially be predominantly online, especially as 5G availability is still severely limited. The network operator does not reveal how fast users can surf via 5G. A footnote simply states that you can “surf faster” in the first 5G radio cells. Within the home network scores the bolide by using the WiFi-6 technology. This achieves data transfer rates of up to 4.8 GBit/s.
At the heart of the Vodafone GigaCube 5G is the Balong 5000 chipset, which is also used in the Huawei Mate 20 X 5G as a multi-mode modem. If the 5G network is not available, customers can also use the LTE, UMTS and GSM network for Internet access with the Vodafone 5G router.
Vodafone offers the 5G router along with the well-known GigaCube tariffs. “With speeds reaching up to 1Gbps,” said Vodafone at launch, “customers are able to access super-fast speeds and reliable Wi-Fi quickly. GigaCube is ideal for those waiting for their home or business broadband, who need a connection for a second home or who have a home office.”
It added: “The GigaCube can connect up to 64 devices at any one time and has a wifi range of 90 meters. Thanks to the low latency of 5G, this solution is perfect for small businesses who have multiple employees streaming or downloading at the same time. It is also particularly useful for businesses that don’t have a fixed location, or students and house shares.”
Here you can see the general Vodafone 5G GigaCube Specs:
Network:5G/LTE
Chipset: HiSilicon Balong 5000
Wi-Fi:11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax; 802.11 n22*2 MIMO for 2.4GHz and 02.11ax4*4MIMO for 5GHz
After connected with Huawei 5G CPE Pro via Ethernet cable or WiFi, then users can log in the web interface through the address: 192.168.8.1
Before you log in, you will see the Huawei 5G CPE Pro Web UI – Guide
But you must insert a SIM card to proceed the settings, otherwise you will see the notice:
If you insert a valid SIM card, the Huawei 5G CPE Pro would automatically recognize the SIM card and get connected with WAN networks. User need to do the Internet settings for WiFi(including the WiFi band, WiFi name SSID, WiFi password, WiFi signal mode). After the WiFi configuration, you will see the “configuration is complete, please reconnect the WiFi manually”.
Then connected with the WiFi, user can log in the home page of Huawei 5G CPE Pro. The log in password is same as the WiFi password:
At the home page, users can see the data rates and WiFi bands available, and the connected the devices.
In the Network Settings column, users can setup the Internet connection for Mobile Network, including Mobile Data, Data roaming, Auto-select network.
And users can setup the Mobile Network Searching for 5G. There are three network modes as options: NSA, SA and SA+NSA. Users can select the preferred network mode:
In the Network Settings column, users can also setup the connection mode. Huawei 5G CPE Pro router provides many connection modes for Ethernet connection, including Auto, LAN only, PPPoE, PPPoE + Dynamic IP, Dynamic IP, Static IP.
Users can check the Ethernet Status here:
Although the WiFi settings was finished at the beginning, users can also change the settings in the “WiFi Settings”. The WiFi 5GHz and 2.4GHz can be disabled, and the WiFi name & password can be changed.
The WiFi signal mode provides three modes: Low, Middle, and Max.
In the WiFi Settings column, the Guest WiFi setting option is available.
Users can see the connected online devices with Huawei 5G CPE Pro in the Device column.
In the “Tools” column, users can see the approximate volume statistics and do the parental control settings.
Users can also check the SMS information and do the SMS settings in the Tools column.
In the “Advanced” column, users can do the WiFi advanced settings, WiFi security settings, WiFi Mac Filter, WiFi WPS. In the WiFi advanced settings, we can see the maximum access number is 32, users can setup the Bandwidth, Channel, Use night settings.
In WiFi security settings, users can disable or activate the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz.
Users can setup the WiFi MAC Filter and WiFi WPS.
In the Advanced > Update column, users can enable the Auto Update or disable it.
In the Advanced > Router column, users can add DDNS list, DHCP, and VPN.
In Advanced > Security column, users can setup the Firewall:
Mac Address Filter:
IP Filter:
Virtual Server:
Special Applications:
DMZ Settings:
SIP ALG Settings:
uPnP Settings:
NAT Settings:
Domain Filter:
Static Routes:
In the Advanced > System column, users can check the device information:
Vodafone is the first operator in Germany to provide 5G service. To help users enjoy 5G service, Vodafone also presented the 5G data tariff with a compatible 5G router, which is named “Gigacube 5G”. We show what the super router can do, what advantages and weaknesses there are in this blog. Of course there is also a comparison to the previous model (Huawei B818 = Vodafone GigaCube Cat19) and saving tips for interested parties.
The Gigacube 5G was the first 5G Router widely available in Germany, although shortly before another network provider in Germany Telekom presented a 5G gateway named HTC 5G Hub.
From a purely visual point of view, it looks similar to the predecessor model called “Gigacube CAT19” at first glance. Instead of the Vodafone logo emblazoned on the front now, the Huawei logo, which is actually atypical for the routers from Vodafone. In addition, the striking big “5G” was stamped on the top. Also, the number of LEDs in the front has been greatly reduced from 8 to 3 pieces.
Data rate, models and 5G SoC
The Vodafone 5G Router is actually the “H112-370” model from Huawei. There is, of course, another version called “H112-372“, which differs in terms of Wifi and 5G/LTE equipment. At the heart of the Gigacube 5G is the Balong 5000 chipset, which was introduced in January 2019, The SoC in itself dominated some features, such as 5G in the mmwave area, but which were obviously disabled in part in the firmware. There are also various specifications for the maximum possible data rate. While Huawei speaks of a 5G transmission rate of 2.33 GBit/s in the download and 1.25 GBit/s in the upload, Vodafone gives 2.8 GBit/s (down) and 150 MBit/s (up).
Frequencies for 4G & 5G
The newest version controls all nationally and internationally relevant bands. Vodafone GigaCube 5G supports LTE FDD Band 700/800/900/1500/1800/2100 and 2600 MHz. In addition, the TDD band 3500 MHz is supported. At 5G, unfortunately, only one band is supported, the so-called n78 band which includes frequencies from 3.3 to 3.8 GHz. So it could be problematic if other bands are released in the future. If you want to use the 5G router supporting more 5G frequency bands, you may check the Huawei CPE 5G PRO H112-372 which supports additional 5G at n41, n77 and n79.
Connections & WLAN
On the back there are two Gigabit LAN ports, as well as a telephone connection. It describes how to connect a telephone anyway. It is also negative that the 5G model no longer has a USB port. The use as a media server is therefore not possible.
The Wifi module, on the other hand, is state of the art and comes with Wifi 6. This refers to the standard 802.11ax, which again promises significantly more data rate than the best ever ac standard. This means a maximum gross data rate of 11 GBit/s. In total, up to 32 users can be supplied with WLAN.
Heavier than the previous models
Conspicuously, the newest router has again increased significantly in weight. While the first model of 2017 still came with a slim 366 grams, the Gigacube CAT19 from the beginning of 2019 already weighed 620 grams. The Gigacube 5G brings it now to stately 765 grams on the scales and has thus more than doubled to the first version.
Antenna connections for better reception
Fortunately, Huawei has continued to build two TS-9 ports in the router 5G Huawei, which can be connected to two antennas to improve reception if required for both LTE and 5G reception optimization. Although the internal antennas already do excellent work, but especially in remote regions or in difficult conditions, additional antennas are often absolutely necessary.
Other features and innovations
By the way, the 5G router only holds Nano-SIM cards. The predecessors were all still designed for micro SIMs. By the way, Vodafone has by default disabled the PIN on SIM cards. Optionally, this can be set on the router again. The Gigacube 5G also supports Huawei VPN tunnel/VPN penetration, IP penetration, IPv6 and IPv6 dual stack and multi-APN.
Differences to the predecessor Huawei B818
The following table summarizes again the most important differences to the predecessor model Vodafone GigaCube Cat19.
HTC was one of the first manufacturers to introduce a 5G hub at MWC 2019, which was launched in the second quarter of 2019. It uses the new 5G mobile communication standard for fast data transmission and is primarily suitable for home use, but can also be used on the go. One of the main features on the front of the device is a large display. In addition, the HTC 5G hub will later support a cloud VR mode, in which a local player can be omitted.
Inside the HTC 5G Hub is a Snapdragon 855 Octa-core chipset, a CPU with Octa-core, which is installed in the latest 5G smartphones like the ZTE Axon 10 PRO 5G phone. With the Snapdragon X50 5G modem, the HTC 5G router supports maximum data transfer rates of 2.63 Gbps in the download and up to 287 Mbps in the upload. If no 5G connection prevails, the device can also switch to and work on 4G network. A fallback to older technology such as 3G or 2G can’t be done in the HTC 5G Hub.
Nevertheless, a mobile application is possible. In addition to power from a power outlet, the HTC 5G Hub also has a built-in battery. The capacity of 7,260 mAh should provide enough energy for a whole day. The battery is charged either with the enclosed power supply, via USB Power Delivery on the 9 Volt rail or with Quick Charge 3.0 via USB.
WLAN for up to 20 devices
If the HTC 5G Hub has established a connection to the 5G network, it distributes the signal via WLAN in its environment. Not only the usual IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards are used, but also 802.11ax (WiFi 6). This means that the HTC 5G Hub can span not only the familiar 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies but also a 60 GHz WLAN. However, only a few devices support this new standard so far. Wifi at 60 GHz has very high data transfer rates between the 5G WLAN router and the terminal, provided that there are no obstacles such as walls in the way.
However, the number of maximum connector users is limited. A maximum of 20 clients can connect to the HTC 5G Hub via Wi-Fi. There are four high-speed connections via 802.11ax. This limit can be quickly exceeded today in a household with various technical devices. Other Wifi access points usually support more connections, ie 32 to 64.
Integrated display and speakers
Visually, the HTC 5G Hub is more like a Google smart home hub rather than a traditional router. This is mainly due to the integrated touchscreen on the front of the device. This measures 5 inches and displays the contents in HD resolution with 720 x 1,280 pixels. In addition, two speakers for stereo sound and a microphone that pays constant attention to voice commands, are integrated.
The HTC 5G Hub is in the dimensions of 12.9 x 10 x 4.3 cm and weights 340 g and provides 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of memory. If the internal memory space is insufficient, it can be expanded via microSD card. What exciting are the possibilities that the HTC 5G Hub can stream content to other devices such as a TV and the use of Cloud VR is also planned. A local player can then be omitted in the presentation of VR content. Instead, the data is streamed via cloud computing. This is made possible by the potentially low latencies of 5G. This requires a compatible 5G network that allows mobile edge computing.
Price and availability
The HTC 5G Hub is available for many network providers over the world. Together with the Tariff, you may get cheaper price. If you only get the single HTC 5G Hub, the price would be much higher.
Huawei 5G CPE Pro Router is now available in many countries and is very popular based on the fantastic performance for internet connection. Actually, Huawei 5G CPE Pro has two variant models now. The two models numbers are H112-372 and H112-370. Somebody may ask what the difference is between the Huawei H112-372 and H112-370 5G CPE. Please check the table below the Huawei H112-372 and H112-370 Specs comparison:
This data is provided for information only, as a guide to current 5G ecosystem market development and trends. Some devices may be produced in different variants according to supported frequency bands, operator customization, etc. and may therefore not be available in all markets. Shipping dates/commercial availability are not indicated. The status is at April 2019.
At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, HTC has presented a new 5G router, not a new 5G smartphone, which is out of our expectation. The 5G router comes with Android user interface and is equipped with a huge screen. The 5G router chipset comes from Qualcomm.
The HTC 5G Hub is equipped with a 5 inch touch screen on the front. The resolution is quite rough with 1280 x 720 pixels, but for a router such a huge screen is still almost oversized anyway. HTC promises that the 5G router is with Android 9 operating system, and can also stream movies. The output can also be made via the built-in USB-C port on the back of a TV, so you do not necessarily rely on the screen on the router. With the microSD card slot, you can also play your own content such as photos and videos on the 5G hub.
The integrated modem comes from Qualcomm, it is the model Snapdragon X50v2. The processor uses a Snapdragon 855 with 4 GB of RAM. The internal memory of the 5G Hub is 32 GB, which is sufficient for the operating system and some apps. In addition to the USB Type C connector, there is also a RJ45 Gigabit LAN connector and a connector for a power supply. However, there is no connector for external antennas, so External antennas cannot be connected.
Wi-Fi is supported on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. In addition to the current WLAN ac standard, the upcoming WLAN ad / WLAN 6 standard is also supported.
The HTC 5G Hub can use 5G both in the mmWave frequency range between 26 and 28 GHz and in the C-band frequency range between 3.4 and 3.8 GHz. The C-band, also known as band n78, will be available in Europe. Whether the HTC 5g router also supports older mobile radio standards such as LTE and UMTS, is so far unclear. Since with the Snapdragon 855 a suitable modem is installed, but can be assumed.
HTC 5G Router Availability Time and Price
HTC brings the 5G Hub in cooperation with various network operators on the market, among other things, the 5G router is also offered in Germany at Telekom. When and at what price is still unknown. Other providers of the HTC 5G Hub are Elisa (Finland), Sunrise (Switzerland), Three (England), Telstra (Australia) and Sprint (USA). At Sprint, the 5G Hub will be available in the second quarter of 2019.
Chinese network equipment giant Huawei unveiled its first commercial 5G router at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. The device is called “5G CPE Pro” and visually resembles the prototype, which Huawei already presented in 2018 for various 5G live shows.
The Huawei 5G CPE Pro Router is based on the HiSilicon Balong 5000 modem, which is Huawei’s first multimode 5G modem. Multimode means that in addition to 5G, 4G/LTE is supported and so a so-called dual-mode operation is possible. If the 5G reception is not strong enough, the unit will automatically switch to 4G mode so that the connection remains.
According to Huawei, the maximum speed in the 5G network is at 3.2 gigabits per second. The Balong 5000 chipset can bundle up to two 100 MHz wide frequency ranges (2CA). The Huawei 5G CPE Pro Router can handle both the frequency range between 3.4 and 3.8 gigahertz (C-band) and the millimeter-wave range between 26 and 28 gigahertz.
On the front, there are three LEDs and a WPS button for fast Wi-Fi encryption. On the back of the Huawei 5G CPE, there is a power adapter, power button, and SIM card slot at the bottom. Two RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet ports for LAN / WAN are also integrated. The WLAN works both on 2.4 GHz and on 5 GHz, in addition to the WLAN ac standard the new WLAN 6 is supported. In addition, there are two connectors for external 5G antennas(Buy Huawei 5G CPE Pro external antenna). The total design looks very similar to the predecessor Huawei B618s-65d router.
Whether and when the Huawei 5G CPE Pro Router will be launched to the market is unknown. At the MWC, Huawei also shows the 5G CPE Window Router, which uses an outdoor antenna and module, so that a good 5G connection can be guaranteed even in regions with poorer reception conditions.
Not only the first 5G smartphone and the first 5G router were presented at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona this year, but also the first mobile 5G router was also shown. Huawei, known for many years for mobile hotspots, has already introduced the second mobile 5G WiFi router after the world’s first one Netgear Nighthawk M2 5G mobile router.
HUAWEI 5G Mobile WiFi Hotspot
The “5G Mobile WiFi“, as Huawei calls its first mobile 5G hotspot, does not seem to have a model number yet, but visitors to the MWC can already view the device at the Huawei stand. Visually, the model looks very similar to the predecessor 4G mobile hotspot Huawei E5788, but the 5G Mobile WiFi is significantly larger. This is probably due to the integrated 8,000 mAh strong battery – the battery of the E5788 is not as strong as even half. The battery is charged via USB Type C, it is also possible to connect to the computer. Optionally, the large battery is also suitable as a power bank, devices such as smartphones can even be charged via wireless charging with the Huawei 5G Mobile WiFi.
The Huawei 5G Mobile WiFi is operated either via touch screen or via an app on the smartphone. As a 5G modem, a HiSilicon Balong 5000 chipset is used, an in-house development by Huawei. The Balong 5000 can also use 4G/LTE in addition to 5G. So the mobile hotspot is backwards compatible with older mobile networks, so that the connection does not break off when you change from the 5G radio cell into an LTE cell.
The Huawei 5G WiFi Router can use Wi-Fi at 2.4 and 5 gigahertz and supports not only the current WLAN 802.11ac standard (WLAN 5) but also the new WiFi 6 standard. How many devices can be supplied with Internet at the same time is not yet known. Huawei advertises that it is sufficient to scan a QR code to connect to the WLAN. If required, the QR code will be shown in the display of the device.
Further technical specifications about the Huawei 5G Mobile WiFi are not yet available. Also information about the price and availability of the mobile 5G router are not yet known. The first 5G networks are expected to go into operation in mid-2019, and we suppose then the Huawei 5G mobile WiFi would be available to use.
At the World Mobile Congress 2019 in Barcelona, HUAWEI unveiled a number of new products, including the updated flagship laptop HUAWEI MateBook X Pro, new laptops of HUAWEI MateBook 13 and HUAWEI MateBook 14, folding 5G-smartphone HUAWEI Mate X, Huawei 5G mobile WiFi and Huawei 5G CPE Pro based on the first serial multi-mode chipset Balong 5000.
At MWC 2018, HUAWEI unveiled the HUAWEI MateBook X Pro, the first laptop with a FullView screen. Today at the MWC 2019, HUAWEI presents the new improved HUAWEI MateBook X Pro. It has all the characteristics of the flagship: modern design, innovation and smart technology, high performance and versatile communications that raise the bar for the flagship laptop to a new height.
HUAWEI MateBook X Pro is equipped with a 13.9-inch FullView screen with a resolution of 3K Ultra and a 91% ratio of screen area and laptop case. In addition, the touch layer with the recognition of 10 simultaneous touches and the world’s first technology screenshots finger gestures provide users with a new, intuitive way to interact with your computer.
High performance HUAWEI MateBook X Pro is provided by an 8th generation Intel® Core ™ i7-8565 processor, a discrete NVIDIA® GeForce® MX250 GPU with 2 GB of GDDR5 memory. The laptop is also equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity modules, Thunderbolt ™ 3 high-speed port and Dolby Atmos audio system with surround sound technology.
Smart connections and cross-platform interactions between devices are the mainstream universal user experience. The new HUAWEI MateBook X Pro supports HUAWEI Share 3.0 technology with OneHop function, which not only provides a quick exchange of photos and videos between laptops and smartphones, but also recognizes characters in images, transforming them into text. Screen recording has become as simple as ever. It is enough to shake the smartphone, and on the computer screen print HUAWEI PC Share, so that the image from the laptop screen starts to be transmitted to the mobile device. HUAWEI has also developed the unique Clipboard Sharing feature that allows you to copy content on one device and paste it on another one nearby. Thus, both devices can work with one synchronized memory buffer.
HUAWEI MateBook 13 and HUAWEI MateBook 14 laptops make advanced technologies accessible to middle-income users. They combine all the qualities of a new generation of products: FullView screens, high performance, mobility, high workmanship and modern design. The devices also offer users the latest smart communication tools between their computer and mobile devices.
HUAWEI MateBook 14 has all the main features of the MateBook series: FullView screen, high workmanship, sophisticated design, and good performance.
HUAWEI MateBook 13 and HUAWEI MateBook 14 are equipped with FullView screens with a convenient 3: 2 aspect ratio, thin frames and a touch layer that recognizes up to 10 simultaneous touches. Both laptops support new handy features, such as a screenshot with finger gestures that highlight the user’s personality.
HUAWEI MateBook 14 is equipped with high-performance components: Intel® Core ™ i7-8565U 8th generation processor and a discrete NVIDIA® GeForce® MX250 video card, but it does not heat up due to an efficient cooling system with special design coolers. A battery with a capacity of 57.4 W * h and energy-saving software features HUAWEI provide long battery life.
HUAWEI MateBook 13, in turn, is improving standards in screen, performance, and cross-platform connectivity among 13-inch mid-price laptops. It is also equipped with an 8th generation Intel® Core ™ i7-8565U processor, a NVIDIA® GeForce® MX150 GPU discrete graphics card, and a cooling system based on HUAWEI Shark Fin Fans 2.0 coolers, which, even under heavy loads, efficiently removes heat and still work silently.
HUAWEI MateBook 13 is equipped with a FullView screen with a 3: 2 aspect ratio and a 88% screen-to-area ratio, and also with a touch layer that recognizes up to 10 simultaneous touches.
To enhance the capabilities of HUAWEI computers, developers have proposed smart means of interacting with mobile devices: HUAWEI Share 3.0 technology, which, thanks to the OneHop and Clipboard Sharing features, provides smart, fast and simple, cross-platform interaction between laptops and smartphones. Other features include finger gestures screenshot, power button with integrated fingerprint scanner, Dolby Atmos ®technology. All of them are for those who need instant connection and universal interaction of all devices, including laptops and smartphones.
HUAWEI 5G CPE Pro brings 5G to smart homes
Balong 5000 supports a range of 5G devices, including 5G smartphones, home broadband devices, car systems and 5G modules. Thus, it provides users with 5G communication in a variety of situations.
The HUAWEI 5G CPE Pro Router, equipped with the Balong 5000 chipset, supports 4G and 5G connections and sets new standards for wireless modems. For example, a 1 GB video clip can be downloaded in just three seconds, and 8K video is broadcast continuously, without any delay. The HUAWEI 5G CPE Pro modem can be used for super-speed broadband access not only in homes, but also in the offices of companies.
dav
Using the new Wi-Fi 6 technology, the HUAWEI 5G CPE Pro modem provides data rates of up to 4.8 Gbps. In addition, it is the world’s smallest consumer telecommunications device (CPE) and the world’s first 5G CPE device that supports HUAWEI HiLink protocols and translates smart homes into a 5G era.
In the coming 5G era, HUAWEI has the leading position and capabilities to implement its universal strategy. Now HUAWEI is the only manufacturer of the full range of 5G products, including chipsets, Edge-class networks and cloud services. Huawei intends to expand the capabilities of 5G communication in order to provide users with all the benefits of a truly universal “smart” life.
