Newbie: queries re router/broadband/Verizon USB 727 compat.

sonavogel · EVDO Newbie Joined: 06 Oct 2008 Posts: 7

Hello, I'm new to this forum, but a search of the posts in this category hasn't helped me with my puzzle. Perhaps someone can offer advice?

When at our current home, my husband and I are TimeWarner Cable RoadRunner broadband customers, with a Linksys WRT54G router hooked up to my desktop and the cable modem to allow connectivity to my laptop and to my husband's laptop.

But within the next six months, we expect to be having to travel to two different locations for four months each--and to be doing that over the next several years. We don't want to have three broadband accounts in three separate places, so I was hoping to try out a Verizon wireless plan using a USB 727 modem, with the hope that if it works well in all three places, we might be able to cancel our TimeWarner Road Runner account and use just the Verizon plan, which we would upgrade if needed to accommodate more GB usage.

Question is, for now, keeping the RoadRunner broadband, is there a way to open just a single Verizon account, with one USB 727 modem, and share it among a desktop and two (actually three, with my ASUS Eee PC) laptops--and if so, can it be done with our current Linksys WRT54G router?

If not, how can it be done--ideally so both the Verizon USB 727 modem AND the RoadRunner broadband cable modem will also be able to be shared, until such time as we decide no longer to have the RoadRunner? Will I have to buy a Cradlepoint and establish new connections all around--which seems a shame, given the $$$ previously lavished on the Linksys and compatible cards/USB adapters, etc.

Sorry if this is confusing! Any advice would be greatly appreciated~

SonaVogel

Jim_in_VA · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 5:31 am Post subject:

SonaVogel,

Yes, you can use your Linksys with a EVDO modem. This would require Windows ICS (Internet connection Sharing) which is included with Windows. Although it works, configuring it and getting everything online can be a real challenge, unless you are technically inclined. The drawback is the computer running it (host) must stay powered on at all times and there is a significant security risk unless you have it properly setup. Sharing files among other computers (clients) also requires proper configuration.

That being said, using a router that is specifically designed for EVDO is a much easier, safer, and efficient route. A Cradlepoint MBR1000 will allow you to connect both your cable modem and EVDO modem at the same time and you can use the built-in fallover capability to select which one has priority. Plus, all files can be shared and no computer has to stay on.

I highly recommend a router, like the MBR1000, to accomplish what you want to do with its simple plug and play setup. Cradlepoint makes excellent products with superior support and regular firmware updates. If you purchase it from the 3gstore folks their support staff is also there to assist you. It is just the no-hassle way to go.

Regards,

Jim_in_VA
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sonavogel · EVDO Newbie Joined: 06 Oct 2008 Posts: 7

Thank you so much for your reply, Jim_in_VA; your answer is clear and I understand that my better (best) option would be to segue from my Linksys router to a Cradlepoint.

Therefore, my next question would be: Since we would have to replicate this setup each time we leave place #1 (NYC) for place #2 (North Carolina, say) and then place #3 (upstate New York)--and do this each year--would a Cradlepoint CTR500 (which I was told was a more portable model) be better for portable purposes than the MBR1000? Or is the CRT500 not the right model for the cable modem/Verizon EVDO modem compatibility/connectivity issue I brought up in my first post?

I haven't actually held or seen either router, so I can't know whether they are both approximately the same size and same weight. While we're traveling, it would help to have a router with us, even before we set it up when we reach "base camp," so to speak--so portability would be a plus. If the two models would work equally well for the main task, the next "wish list" quality would be portability.

What do you think?

Best, SonaVogel

Jim_in_VA · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 5:57 am Post subject:

Yes, the CTR500 would also be an excellent choice. It is smaller and more portable as you noted. The only limitation is it does not have as many Ethernet/Lan ports (for additional wired computers) and not as many form factor connections. But it would also work with your cable modem and aircard easily.

Jim_in_VA
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Alex · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 6:47 am Post subject:

sonavogel · EVDO Newbie Joined: 06 Oct 2008 Posts: 7

Alex · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2008 8:49 am Post subject:

sonavogel · EVDO Newbie Joined: 06 Oct 2008 Posts: 7

Today's query, as I continue to take time (when I can) to familiarize myself with this forum and the various modem models, is this:

On one post, I believe I read that the CRT500, although the more portable model, is not battery rechargeable...? Does it run on batteries at all? If so, what batteries does it take? If not, I assume this means it must always be plugged into a power source in order to operate?

If that last part is correct, would the PHS300 (?) be comparable in performance to the CRT500 but be capable of battery-operated performance where required?

Sorry for so many newbie questions!

Best, Sonavogel

Alex · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 8:00 am Post subject:

CTR500 has no rechargeable batteries.

PHS300 does have built-in rechargeable battery, good for up to two hours use at a time, before you need to plug it in and recharge.

So long as you do not need ethernet port, the PHS300 rocks!
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sonavogel · EVDO Newbie Joined: 06 Oct 2008 Posts: 7

Thank you so much for your patience! I read the review of the PHS300, and it does seem to be more suited to what I’d imagined we’d need, although the lack of an ethernet port is unfortunate.

If you can, it will help me to finalize my decisions if you could educate me on the following points, which bear on our particular needs. I’ll try to be clear in my wording, but it’s not easy, I’m afraid:

1. In the one “headquarters” location where we would have access to both cable broadband AND broadband via a Verizon USB 727 modem, we would likely opt for the cable broadband while we’re there. However, our computers—the laptops and the desktop—would have to have software for both the Cradlepoint PHS300 and the Linksys WRT54G (currently on there now) installed on them, since when we’re away from headquarters we’d be using the Verizon 727. For the times the Cradlepoint is not needed, will the Linksys work as it normally does, or will the Cradlepoint software interfere somehow, even if we don’t have the box turned on?
This is important to me, since I don’t want to have to jump through hoops to enable the Linksys if/when it’s needed.

2. For traveling and for use in the places we will be where only the Verizon 727 will be used, I suspect being able to have a working router en route—meaning, without having to plug it in—will be helpful. That makes the PHS300 sound good. So my next question is how it works with a Verizon USB 727 and, say, two laptops.

In other words, say I buy one USB 727 modem and sign a contract with Verizon (or go with their month-to-month) for service. They send me the VZaccess software and whatever else I need to access their signal. I install the software and plug the USB 727 into laptop #1, make sure I get a signal and that it works; then I take out the modem and go through the same process on laptop #2 (the netbook). So both laptops have the software and I know they recognize the modem and get the signal.
Then, I move to the Cradlepoint PHS300: I install the Cradlepoint software onto both laptops and make sure the router is recognized on both laptops. Then I plug the USB 727 into the router and ask the laptops to receive the signal from the router—and at this point, am I to expect that either/both laptops will be available for broadband service?

Is that the way it works? Or am I making things way too difficult?

Again, thanks for your patience!

Alex · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 3:42 pm Post subject:

i'd still recommend the PHS300 for you... and its far less complex than you imagine.

first off, let me point out that we are verizon agents and are more than willing to set you up with a verizon usb727 and will even discount the PHS300 by $20 when you sign up for 2yr contract. more importantly, you'll have access to superior customer and tech support by EVDO Experts for your entire solution. (imagine asking a verizon store clerk these same questions. deer in headlights!)

OK, so more about the solution. When bought from 3Gstore, your USB727 will come "pre-activated" and loaded with latest firmware/PRL. That process actually tests the device on your account, and ensures less chance of difficulty during activation/use on your end, or for a DOA device.

That means you do not really have to install VZ software on anything, in order to enjoy the use of EVDO. You could pop the USB727 onto your PHS300, and connect your laptops via wifi connection manager that is already built into your operating system.

The only time you will need VZ software installed on computers, is if you plan on using the USB727 directly attached, and not through a router.

At HQ, you already have what you need installed on your computers to take advantage of Linksys via wifi... Nothing changes. If you want to use cablemodem via linksys, you change wifi hotspot from the PHS300, to the linksys. If you want to use EVDO at HQ, again, just change the hotspot you connect to from linksys, to PHS300.

While traveling, anything with wifi can be set up to connect to EVDO through the PHS300. When my family travels, my son is using any variety of wifi enabled devices like his Nintendo DS or Archos 605, and my wife will use either the MacBook Pro or an iPod Touch. (i'm just the driver, i don't get to play)

Allowing your two laptops to surf through PHS300 will not be a problem anywhere you go, so long as you have EVDO coverage.

Hope this helps you understand better?

We look forward to serving you as a 3gstore customer!
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sonavogel · EVDO Newbie Joined: 06 Oct 2008 Posts: 7

Alex, I don't think you could have made it any clearer for me. I am going to print out your post to show to my husband, so he can understand concepts that to this point have driven him mad.

My last two questions:

When we reach base #2, and one laptop is upstairs and one is downstairs, with the router in either area, how far will its reach extend to cover both laptops?

And two--what is the best way to contact you to discuss the purchase process, along with the (inevitable) rehash of how all this will work in real life, what I'd need to be prepared for (in the way of SNAFUs), which Verizon service plan would be best for me, and so on? My intention is to get all the info I can, be as knowledgeable as I can be, and then present it to my husband for final discussion and purchase.

Best, SonaVogel

Alex · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2008 4:24 pm Post subject:

first i want to let you in on a secret (though, many women have figured this out). your husband is not "driven mad". we fake that, and use madness as an excuse to have to buy more toys. additionally, we often fake the madness forcing our wives to do the research for us, and then begrudgingly give in to all the research. either way, we get toys! Wink

OK so the PHS300 should have no issue providing wireless range from one floor to next, especially if both users are more or less directly above/below. Only way you may have problem is if the "floor" between you is not standard wood/beam constrution and/or if there was a lot of interference from competing electronics.

Typically, we tell customers the PHS300 (and CTR series) will provide 30-75ft wireless range, but many customers have seen more than that. it all depends on construction and interference.

Feel free to call any of us at 866-3GSTORE (866-347-8673) or send email to sales@ 3gstore.com -- either way, you probably want to mention this forum thread and tell them to search for "SonaVogel"
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sonavogel · EVDO Newbie Joined: 06 Oct 2008 Posts: 7

Thanks, Alex--I will be sure to have them access "SonaVogel"--and Laughing

re my husband's madness. It's true!

Best, Sona