Tag: LTE Category 4 Router

Vodafone B3000 LTE Router Test

From the beginning of 2014, Vodafone has launched a new LTE Router Vodafone B3000 on the market, the successor to the B2000 LTE router, which had been tested last year. The biggest new feature is the improved speed of 150 megabits per second (LTE Category 4), which function is not available in the Vodafone B2000. I could look at the Vodafone B3000 router at CeBIT 2014 in more detail; you will find some photos of the B3000 in this article. The experience regarding reception quality and data rates based on the Huawei B593 4G Router, as the two devices are almost identical.

Scope of supply and technical data
The Vodafone B3000 LTE router is manufactured by Huawei and the corresponding model is B593s-22. As already talking about, extensive branding is used on the Vodafone B2000 and Vodafone B1000, which could be also clearly recognized on the B3000 as Vodafone device. For the user that has really no disadvantages, the functions are more or less unchanged. The Vodafone B3000 comes in a fancy box in the new Vodafone-design and the router can be found with a power cable and a short Ethernet cable. In addition, of course, there is still a quick-start guide and a safety instruction included.

 

On the back of Vodafone B3000 you will find various connections: there are 4 LAN ports, each operating at a maximum of 100 Mbit/s. In addition, there are two RJ-11 ports for analog phones and a USB 2.0 port. On the right side, a separate power switch is still attached to the left two buttons for WLAN / WPS circuit. The two telephone connections are available but only for VoIP telephone; telephone support through the mobile network (CS or VoLTE) is not available in the B3000 LTE Router.
Vodafone B3000’s internal WLAN module only works on 2.4 GHz and supports 802.11 b/g/n. The speed is depending on the distance to the router at about 90 Mbit/s, so that the full speed of LTE cannot be achieved here as well. The range of the wireless network is certainly absolutely sufficient for most users, on request, up to four separate SSIDs (network name) will be awarded.

 

Reception and data rates
With support for LTE Category 4, data rates up to 150 Mbit/s downlink and 50 Mbit/s in the uplink are theoretically possible with the Vodafone B3000. However, Vodafone is providing these data rates over LTE2600 currently available only in cities and at sites with very high data volumes, on widespread LTE800, Vodafone has so far only about 50 – 60 MBit/s in downlink. In general, the B3000 can also achieve these data rates, and allows quick and easy browsing, but a little “design flaw”. Unfortunately, there is neither over the WLAN module nor the LAN ports, the maximum speed of 150 Mbit/s is available. Of course, this is hardly relevant to a user.

 

The reception quality is good when measured. Even in regions with weak reception, good data rates are possible. Since the Vodafone B3000 router supported (LTE800, LTE1800 and LTE2600) all frequency bands used in Germany, the device is also quite future proof. Upon request, the receiving means of external antenna can be improved. For this purpose, two SMA connectors are located under a cover on the back of the router.

 

Conclusion
The Vodafone B3000 LTE is undoubtedly a good router, with which most users are likely very satisfied. However, there are also some weaknesses: the LAN ports only work with a maximum of 100 Mbit/s and the internet is not very fast. The consequence: it is impossible, the theoretical maximum speed of 150 Mbit/s to use them. If only for this reason, it is difficult to understand why Vodafone has brought the B3000 LTE Router at all on the market, while the Vodafone B4000 is already a much more powerful successor waiting in the wings. If you appreciate Gigabit LAN and WLAN radio technology, future-proof, should wait a little longer for the sequel, we will see Vodafone B4000 Later. .

 

Huawei B880 4G LTE Router at A1 Austria

Followed Huawei E5170 Speedbox, a new LTE Router Huawei B880 offered by A1 Austria and is available now. Huawei B880 is a LTE Category 4 WiFi Router and support maximum of 150 Mbit/s downlink and 50 Mbit/s in the uplink. A1 offers these speeds currently in major cities. The router is technically quite similar to the Huawei B593s-22, which does not have a LAN connection and it’s regarded as a older version. The biggest criticism of Huawei B593 also unfortunately exists in Huawei B880: either the LAN terminal or the wireless module will be capable of the full speed of 150 Mbit/s when transfer to a terminal. So Huawei continues only on Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n and the LAN port can operate with a maximum of 100 Mbit/s.

 

Ports and Wireless Technology
On the back of the Huawei B880, we can found there is a RJ11 telephone connector next to the LAN port, so you can use the B880 as a full telephone system. Furthermore, a WAN connection is available; here you can connect the router as needed without mobile to the internet. A USB port also allows the use of a printer or USB storage device on the network. Like many other routers, the Huawei B880 has two SMA connectors for external antennas. The 4G External antenna for Huawei B880 is available on 4GLTEMall.com , and there are 35 dBi, which will help users get much better signal strength and network connection.

The chipset is manufactured by Huawei and belongs to subsidiary HiSilicon series. This chipset can be found in various modems, such as the Huawei B593u-12 (Telekom Speedbox LTE II ). By supporting LTE Category 4, and associated downlink speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s, Huawei B880 could be a top 4G wireless router now. Faster devices are expected until the second half of 2014. In addition to LTE, GSM and UMTS network modes are aslo supported, in the UMTS network via DC-HSPA+, the peak link speed could reach up to 42.2 Mbit/s.

Here now there is unlocked Huawei B880 for sale at 4gltemall.com and if you want the 4G Antenna for Huawei B880, it’s also available. The Unlocked Huawei B880 would work with all the 4G operators in Europe, and most operators in Asia.

Vodafone Launch LTE Category 4 Stick

Vodafone offers LTE network now speeds up to 150 megabits per second (LTE Category 4). The speeds are initially available in the cities of Dusseldorf, Munich, Dortmund and Dresden, but are offered in the coming weeks in other cities. It is important to note that the 150 Mbit/s can be achieved only through LTE2600, in the well-developed network LTE800 only about 50 Mbit/s are possible. The smartphone tariffs and data tariff through Vodafone Mobile Internet Flat 50.0 can use the higher speed at no extra charge.

 

The hardware for Vodafone is from Chinese manufacturer Huawei. As the first smartphone with LTE Category 4 is the Huawei Ascend P2 in the Vodafone shops, the first USB surf stick with LTE Category 4 is the Vodafone K5150H, which is also manufactured by Huawei. Might come in the next few weeks to other smart phones and modems, it is speculated, that the iPhone 5S (or whatever it is called) already support LTE Category 4.

Many of the customers may of course ask the meaning of 150 Mbit/s whom you look at the availability and the rates. My opinion: on the one hand, it is for Vodafone a great marketing tool for some users, it is certainly important to be able, at least theoretically reach 150 Mbit/s. On the other hand, the total capacity will be increased so that more people get good data rates simultaneously. And since I see the true sense: in places where currently LTE2600 is used, is expected anyway with a heavy load of networks.

 

In the coming days and weeks, the Huawei E3276 4G LTE Category 4 Surfstick will come available, and we will take a few tests on the Vodafone 4G network, so that data rates are achievable in reality. And we will have a clear review about the 4G LTE Category 4 network from Vodafone.