At the end of April 2017, Vodafone launched a new LTE CPE called “GigaCube”. Like Vodafone other 4G router, the new router GigaCube also comes from Huawei and the factory model number is B528. The Huawei B528 has a modern LTE modem with CAT6 with support of WLAN hotspot and Gigabit LAN. Today we will show what the router can do and its specifications.
| Features and characteristics of Vodafone GigaCube | |
| Manufacturer and type: | Huawei B528s-23a |
| Chipset: | HiSilicon Balong 722 |
| LTE category: | LTE CAT6 (300 MBit/s) |
| Download rate up to: | 300 MBit |
| Upload rate up to: | 50 MBit |
| Supported LTE bands | 800, 900, 1500, 1800, 2100, 2600 (FDD), and 2600 MHz(TDD) |
| Downwards compatible with: | GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, DC-HSPA+ |
| Support for LTE-Advanced: | Yes |
| MIMO Support: | Yes, 2×2 MIMO |
| Connection for external antenna: | Yes |
| Network | LAN & WLAN | |
| LAN Ports: | 1 x GBit port |
| WLAN Standards: | 802.11 b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5 GHz) |
| 5 GHz WLAN Support: | Yes |
| Encryption: | WPS/WPA/WPA2 |
| WLAN Hotspot Function: | Yes, up to 64 users |
| Others | |
| Telephony | VOIP via RJ11 port (eg SIP) |
| Others | |
| WAN port | Yes |
| IPv6 Dual Stack | Yes |
| Battery pack: | No |
| Dimension: | 105 x 90 x 181 mm at 366 g |
| USB: | No |
| Memory Card Expansion: | No |
| Release: | April 2017 |
| Price: | From 1 € with Vodafone Cube tariff |
| available at: | »Vodafone and www.4gltemall.com |
| Information | |
| Quick start guide: | » Download (PDF) |
| Detailed manual: | not yet available |
LTE CAT 6 modem
The Vodafone GigaCube router, also named Huawei B528s-23a, internally has a modern HiSilicon modem (Balong 722) which supports LTE category 6. In principle, the wireless connection can reach up to 300 MBit/s fast. In the upload, a maximum of 50 MBit/s can be achieved. The chip also supports the most important LTE bands for use in Europe. In detail, the LTE Bands includes band 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 and 32. If the LTE reception is not given, the GigaCube router can also switch to GMS or UMTS/HSDPA. Abroad, Vodafone excludes the use anyway! So you must get the unlocked Vodafone GigaCube if you want to use it abroad.
WLAN function with the GigaCube router
The GigaCube also provide the WLAN module supporting up to WLAN ac, so that wireless LAN with gigabit speed is also possible. The hotspot can bring up to 64 devices on the Internet simultaneously. On this point, the B528 is really powerful than its predecessor Huawei E5180 and E5170.
Other characteristics
Fortunately, there are two antenna ports on the back of the GigaCube router. According to Vodafone, the focus is on use in the stationary and in remote areas. This means you can use the router both at home as a DSL replacement or just traveling as a mobile Internet connection. Mobile use is officially excluded. Thanks to the antenna connections, the reception strength can also be improved in remote areas via external LTE antenna. The B528 also does not have an information display, but only 4 Info-LEDs on the front. These give the user the most important back-ups, such as signal strength.
The only annoyance with the GigaCube router is that it was dispensed with even a battery. Thus, a permanent, stationary power supply is required. Also the GigaCube missed an SD card slot or USB port. Telephone is not possible by the way.
Conclusion
Based on the Huawei B528, Vodafone offers a powerful, modern router for its GigaCube. The model is practical and comes without much fault. Only the missing battery is annoying. We would do the performance test once we get the GigaCube in hand, keep close eye on www.4gltemall.com if you are interested in Vodafone GigaCube or Huawei B528 LTE Cube.