The market appeared an interesting new modem / router Huawei E5170s-22. It is interesting in that it can be used on both fixed and mobile internet connections and in all 2G, 3G and 4G LTE networks. The Huawei E5170 Cube consists of two parts. The lower part of the docking connector for wired LAN. The upper part of the battery serves as a WiFi hotspot for up to 32 devices.
After unpacking Huawei E5170, we can see the simple shape with blue backlight which looks really nice. The front parts are LED indication to display 2G, 3G, 4G signal, wifi, battery charging, SMS messages. On the side of the main body and behind the upper part, there is its own power supply (for battery charging) and two CRC9 connectors for external antenna connection. The lower part of the docking connector includes RJ-45 (Ethernet port) to connect a LAN and power connector.
Inserting the SIM card and then power on the LTE Cube E5170, it then starts working. Huawei E5170 is SIM unlocked for any operators, it is therefore possible to use any sim cards. (The battery cover has the password for wifi and battery reset button next to the entire router). After inserting the card (tested with Vodafone, T-Mobile), the Huawei E5170 connected very quickly to the network and be able to use the Internet for available networks. It was unnecessary to set anything (APN) or to download new software, as sometimes happens with other manufacturers.
When you start, I had attached a small wideband external antenna with the E5170 Cube. (I’m in the area where no external antenna to get a LTE signal). Huawei E5170 automatically connects to the Vodafone LTE network although the signal is weaker than a 2G network. After disconnecting the external antenna, the cube switches to unusable 2G networks. Just to test the SIM card from another operator, I put the T-Mobile card and to my surprise, E5170 modem with external antenna connected to LTE network from T-Mobile.
To setup the Huawei E5170, user can access the interface by entering http://192.168.1.1 and entering the username (admin) and the password is the same (also admin). You can do the personal settings for the network such as wifi network.
In conclusion, we can say that Huawei E5170 very elegant (compact) resolved a combination of fixed and mobile 4G router. You can simply take the upper part (hotspot) on you trips and use over WiFi for up to 32 devices. Huawei E5170 performs better than my favorite set of ZTE 4G USB modem + router. And the LAN option and built-in antenna for mobile use, the LTE Cube E5170 provide the most possibility for users to connect with network conveniently. It’s recommend in our opinion!
