Huawei CarFi E8377 Archives

Huawei E8377 CarFi VS ZTE VFi MF905

More and more people show great dependence to WiFi, even when they are on the go, especially in a car. The manufacturers in China has notice the demand and provided solution for this. We had introduced Huawei CarFi E8377 many times in the past year. You may get familiar with it. And another Chinese vendor ZTE also provide the similar product ZTE VFi MF905 for the network demand in a car. Here come the questions: What’s the difference between Huawei E8377 and ZTE MF905? Which one is better? In this article, you will find the answer for this.

Appearance

ZTE VFi MF905 comes later than Huawei E8377, but the two mobile WiFi hotspots look alike in shape and color. They are both in black color and used for cigarette cradle in a car. There is a USB port in the body, and of course there is a slot for SIM card in the two hotspots. But the SIM card slot in Huawei E8377 is covered by a small cap. The SIM card slot in MF905 is just above the USB port. On the top side, the logo and LED indicators are shown. The power button is at the center of the top.

Technical Specifications

They are both with LTE Category 4 technology, so they can achieve peak download speed to 150mbps and upload speed to 50mbps. The transmission date rates are very good for daily surfing. But whether the surfing speed could be stable when a car is in high speed driving, it still needs time to test.

As a follower, ZTE MF905 could support up to 8 wireless users to access internet while Huawei E8377 supports only 10 users. But in most cases, they are enough to use in a car. There is no official saying about the WiFi coverage distance, but we suppose there is no any problem for the WiFi to cover a whole car.

Control

If user want to do some setup in the CarFi, they can connect the tablets, smartphones or PCs with WiFi and log in the web interface to setup. But here now, Huawei and ZTE also provide a new option for users. User can download the apps to setup the two CarFi. For Huawei E8377 CarFi, you may use “Huawei Mobile WiFi” app. And for ZTE MF905, the app name ZTE Link could be used for settings.

Frankly speaking, the two Car WiFi hotspots are very similar. We cannot tell which one is better from the specifications and features. Only the real test would tell which would have more stable and better performance. We will take a test next time in real driving situation to see this result.

If you had read some review before, there is also other solution for the Car WiFi. The model number is Huawei E8372 and Alcatel W800. They are in the shape of USB dongle, not like the E8377 and MF905. But with the cigarette plug, it would be also OK to use in a car. If you want to know more details of them, welcome to check on www.4gltemall.com .

Huawei HiLink Carfì E8377

This mobile LTE hotspot Huawei CarFi E8377 is for your car, it’s designed for the network solution in a car. It is simply plugged into the cigarette lighter and provides the mobile devices of the occupant via LTE with fast internet. All the key data and performance values here.

Features and specifications of Huawei Carfì E8377
Manufacturer and model number	Huawei E8377 HiLink Carfì
Chipset:	not known
LTE Category:	CAT4
Download rate	Up to 150 Mbit/s
Upload rate	Up to 50 Mbit/s
Supported LTE bands:	800 MHz/1800 MHz/2600 MHz
Backward compatible with:	DC-HSPA+/UMTS/GSM
Support of LTE-Advanced:	no
MIMO Support:	no
External antenna connector:	yes, 1x TS-9 (Buy Huawei E8377 Antenna)
Network \| LAN & WLAN
LAN Ports:	no
WLAN Standards:	WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
5 GHz WLAN support:	no
Encryption:	WEP, WPA, WPA2
Wireless Internet Hotspot function:	Yes, for up to 10 devices
Others
Battery pack:	none
Dimensions:	59 x 49 x 88 mm at about 150 grams
USB:	Standard USB port
Memory card expansion:	no
Release:	February 2015
available at:	www.4gltemall.com

Technical Features

The Huawei HiLink Carfì is almost 9 centimeters long and a weight of just 150 grams. The manufacturer’s specification of just under 50 grams proved to be false after our test. It is plugged into the cigarette lighter and play for the vehicle and does not require any special installation. Operation is via a browser interface or via the “Mobile WiFi” app from Huawei, which is available both for Apple’s iOS as well as Android smartphones. It’s possible that the data consumption can be monitored via the stick, as well as sending and receiving text messages.

With LTE Cat4 Technology

The Huawei HiLink Carfì E8377 is compatible with LTE category 4 and provides a data connection with inserted micro-SIM card, matching tariff and of course LTE availability during the journey. Up to 150 Mbit/s downstream and 50 Mbit/s upload could be achieved. Besides the usual frequency bands at 800, 1,800 and 2,600 MHz in Europe, the 900 MHz and 2100Mhz are also supported for trips abroad. Where no LTE network is available, the CarFi E8377 reverts to UMTS including DC-HSPA+ with download speeds of up to 42 Mbit/s.

Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices

Subsequently, the mobile hotspot for up to 10 connected mobile devices in the car can be supplied with supported Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n. The data connection is possible via WEP, WPA or WPA2 encryption. In addition, an external antenna can be connected to improve reception on HiLink Carfì. An integrated protective function is to regulate the operating temperature of the sticks and so prevent it overheats.

Useful charging function via USB

the HiLink Carfì is equipped with a standard USB port; smartphones or tablets can also be recharged while driving through the Huawei CarFi. A USB cable is not provided with the CarFi. The stick itself is powered by the cigarette lighter with 12 volts, according to Huawei and it consumes less than 20 watts of power, and it is not intended as the car battery take excessively. In addition, it switches off automatically after two hours of inactivity. The HiLink Carfì also has its own built-in battery with 1,900 mAh capacity, can therefore also perform his duties outside the car.

Conclusion

Huawei E8377 Hilink CarFi can connect into the LTE network during driving and provides the occupants “Free WiFi” for their smartphones and tablets, sounds practical. To continuously ensure the maximum surfing speed, the LTE network still needs to be better developed well. After all, as well as UMTS is supported, the Huawei HiLink Carfì is easily supplied via the cigarette lighter power, can charge other mobile devices via its USB port and even has its own battery, are further plus points.

The Huawei HiLink Carfì is in the color black and commercially available on www.4gltemall.com. If you like it, welcome to check.

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 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.

Huawei CarFi Hilink E8377 4G Hotspot for Car

Penetration of WiFi in vehicle infotainment system is set to become an important trend. To address this trend and tap the large potentials and opportunities, the company Huawei has cooperated with France network provider Orange to provide a wireless solution for vehicle passengers to connect 4G networks when moving. The device is named Huawei CarFi E8377 and is designed to cover up to 10 users.

The Huawei CarFi E8377 device, in compact size, gets 12 volt power from vehicle, which is designed specifically for use in these environments, either for personal use or for family members to provide connectivity while traveling, or for fleets of taxis and passenger vehicles.

Huawei emphasize that the essence of CARFI is the simplicity of use, because once connected to power in the vehicle, user just need press the single button for ignition and commissioning. The CarFi E8377 has a card slot to insert the SIM card from operator.

User can download the appropriate application for iOS and Android to manage the device, so you can modify the parameters of the wireless network name SSID and security key. Those who do not want to be complicate have these screen printed data on-device so that they can implement it without having to install any application. However, the application allows user to know the devices are connected, consumption data and other set of interesting parameters. The Huawei CARFI ensures LTE Category 4 connectivity with speeds up to 150 Mbps in the best conditions.

Huawei CarFi will automatically turn off when no WiFi-compatible device is identified, and can still be used to charge other electronic devices even when turned off as long as car is in use. Huawei CarFi does not contain a battery which provides protection against overheating in hot climates, and has a built-in self-regulating temperature protection function that automatically lowers the temperature of the device when necessary.

Michael Faure, director of residential mobile marketing for Orange Spain stated that it is an interesting product because more than 90 percent of tablets sold are sold with Wifi connectivity mode without 4G options. So Huawei CarFi would provide reliable wireless support for these tablets. And for more vehicles, the wireless network may be a perfect solution for the passengers, Huawei E8377 carFi is slim and easily meet the network requirement.

And the USB port in the Huawei E8377 would provide the channel to charge other electronics such as smartphone, tablets. With an elegant and refined look, Huawei CarFi features detailed craftsmanship incorporating superior-grade wood and carbon fiber materials for increased durability during everyday use. It comes in three color variations, fashion elite black and warm family wood, and dynamic speed red, to complement the interior of most vehicles. It’s a perfect solution for vehicle!

Huawei Hilink CarFi E8377 4G WiFi Hotspot

We had introduced the Huawei E8278 USB WiFi dongle last year, which could work as a mobile WiFi hotspot but looks like a USB Dongle. However, it seems E8278 is not a perfect solution for users because many cars don’t have a USB port for Huawei E8178. The good news is that Huawei reveals a new model Huawei E8377, also named Huawei CarFi.

Many people want access Internet in the car, but integrated hotspot solutions are usually reserved for luxury-class models. Huawei has recognized this problem and is now launching the new mobile LTE router HiLink Carfì for the 12V cigarette lighter connector on the market. The small CarFi could support up to 10 devices wirelessly via Wi-Fi and up to 150 Mbit/s high-speed could be achieved when surfing internet via LTE. With dimensions of 59 x 49 millimeters, the Huawei HiLink Carfì Hotspot is compact and easy to take without occupying much space in car.
Once you have inserted the micro-SIM card and plugged Huawei HiLink Carfì into the cigarette lighter port, the hotspot can power on for operation. The management of Huawei Hilink CarFi could be done from web interface in the browser or on the Huawei HiLink app. Then the CarFi could work like other Huawei mobile hotspots such as Huawei E5377.

The maximum speed in the LTE network is around 150 Mbit/s for downlink and 50 Mbit/s for uplink with the category 4. The frequency ranges around 800/900/1800/2100/2600 MHz are supported. If the Internet connection outside the LTE network coverage is lost, the HiLink Carfì can also use the older wireless technologies UMTS and GSM. In the UMTS network, the downlink speed with up to 42.2 Mbit/s is possible in the frequency ranges 900/2100 MHz.
The Huawei HiLink Carfì router has an automatic shut-off function. If the device is not used for 2 hours, it turns off automatically and must be restarted by pressing the power button on the front. The time to shut-off could be personalized in the web interface. If you want to use the router without power supply in the car, you can use the built-in battery. According to Huawei official saying, the capacity of the capacity is 1900 mAh. The built wireless antenna in many cars cannot be used with Huawei HiLink Carfì. On the other hand, The hotspot solutions from Audi, BMW, Mercedes and so. on use the external antenna for the car and therefore have significantly improved reception properties.

Tag: Huawei CarFi E8377