Sprint WRT54G3G-ST w/S720: success? maybe...

nobody_important · EVDO Newbie Joined: 26 Nov 2006 Posts: 6

For what its worth, I just got the Linksys router and S720 today. It was pre-activated by the boosterantenna folks, and it works like a charm. At least as fast as my Pantech PX-500 that is plugged right into my laptop, easy to set up, etc.

However, I am disappointed by the user interface and documentation of the product. Here are some issues:

1. The router itself has a "DATA CARD" button but it doesn't appear to do anything when I press it.

2. The docs clearly instruct you on how to set the router up to connect via both wireless data card and via wired ethernet. However, it doesn't tell you what this actually means. What connection is actually used to pass traffic? How does this affect otehr settings like DDNS, DHCP, IP addresses, etc?

3. It has a "DMZ" light but no instructions on what that light means.

4. The router casing feels cheap and flimsy. I got a horrible crunching sound when I inserted the data card, and the "Reset" switch cover almost broke off when I was removing an instructional "run CD before connecting " sticker that was placed underneath it.

These are obvious problems and I'm not sure why people haven't been discussing this more... has linksys trained us to expect this kind of oddness?

I was worried that the device wouldn't tell me signal strength, but it kinda does (see below). I wish it had a db measurement, though, so that I could compare it with the Sprint Connection Manager numbers..

Network Name : Sprint
Signal Strength : Excellent
Connection Time : 1 Hours 7 Minute 54 Second
Current Session Usage :
RX = 46.15 Mbytes
TX = 9.08 Mbytes

Card Model : MERLIN S720
Card Firmware : m6800A-RAPTOR_SPRINT-134 [OCT 12 2006 14:00:00]
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X60 w/PX500

Oldbull · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Posts: 24

I've also noticed that the Data Card button does absolutly nothing, I just "reboot" the router every morning....other than that I am very pleased with the unit.

gil · EVDO User Joined: 31 Dec 2006 Posts: 82

I also have the s720/linksys combo but am not having problems with the connect button or connecting. When I click on Explorer the unit connects if it already isn't. I was concerned that the signal would be inferior to a directly connected card but my fears have not been realized the combo works better than I hoped it would.

I am actually considering that I might be better off with a router connection because of excess heat concerns the card might add being directly connected. Also the router gives a little more flexibility in connecting my x-box 360, printer another computer etc.

Also since I travel in a big truck the antenna adapter was cumbersome with the card directly connected and the router allows me to keep everything safely out of the way.
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longtimelurker