595 aircard / Linksys router combo not doing so well

mooch

I've been testing sprint REV A for the last several weeks using a sierra 595U and with a signal strength in the -85db to -90db range, my downloads speeds are in the 500 - 700 range and uploads are around 100 kbps. Browsing is pretty snappy and I'm happy with the way things were working.

Since things were going relatively well with that testing, I decided to order a linksys router and a Sierra 595 aircard from the 3Gstore. As usual, the delivery time was super quick and customer service excellent!

Now the bummer part that I cant figure out.

I just received the linksys router with the 595 air card and when I got things setup the router interface indicates I'm getting a "poor" signal. I received the linksys beta firmware on a disk from 3G and I've already flashed the router with the new beta firmware (yes, I did hold in the reset for 30 seconds and then power down and power up the router). I'm also currently just using an ethernet cable to connect the router to the pc and browsing is VERY slow with speeds being something like 40 down and 10 up. If I turn off the router firewall, speeds will go up a bit to around 150 down and 40 up.

IF I then install the aircard directly into a laptop, speeds go up and are almost as good as what I was getting with the 595U (I'm using the same outdoor omni antenna with both). Based on these results it looks like I've got some kind of issue with the router.

Is anyone else having issues with this modem/router combo? Is there some tweak or setting that I'm not aware of to make this combo work? At this point the ultra low speeds make the setup unuseable.

higgi · EVDO Newbie Joined: 15 Jul 2007 Posts: 1

I've been using the Sprint service, Sierra card, and Linksys combo for several months now. I didn't order from 3G as they were supplied from Sprint as evaluation equipment for work. I've since picked up the service myself.

I've seen slight decreases in throughput when in the router, but nothing to be concerned with. I'm on the Sprint fringe, so I had to choose the placement of the router carefully. This may be your issue. You may want to consider where you have the router (near a window or outside wall is best) and what is near it (other electronics can interfere with signal).

I've also seen comments that laying the router on it's flat side (instead of using the base) has improved things as well.

Hope this helps.

mooch · Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 7:21 am Post subject:

higgi, thanks for the feedback on your 595 and linksys router setup.

Placement of the router shouldnt be an issue for me as I'm using the same omni antenna on my roof as I've used with the USB modem that I have, the router is also setting in the same spot as where the USB modem would set if I use it. I've also been having the router laying flat rather than standing up.

I'm beginning to think I have a bad router.

fordrhs41 · EVDO User Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 77

[quote="mooch"]I've been testing sprint REV A for the last several weeks using a sierra 595U and with a signal strength in the -85db to -90db range, my downloads speeds are in the 500 - 700 range and uploads are around 100 kbps. Browsing is pretty snappy and I'm happy with the way things were working.

Am using the same router and S720 card and getting 1100-1300 download from speedtest.net
Transerring the card to the desktop gives me about the same speed
Sprint broadband wireless unlimited service, signal is -67 to -80 dbm

mooch · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 1:09 pm Post subject:

Are people turning off the router firewall and just relying on the PC firewall in order to get decent speeds?

I brought my aircard and router into work where the Sprint EVDO signal is in the -65 to -75dbm range and my speeds are getting cut in half even with the router firewall turned off. If I leave the router firewall on speeds go down another 20 percent from that! The download speed seems to suffer the most.
I did this test at work since there's a better signal at my work location than what I have at home.

I work in IT, while I had it setup at work I had several network guys check it out and they're stumped too.

office teckie · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2008 4:25 pm Post subject:

Mooch-

My company recently bought 5 AC595 for our 5 Linksys WRT54G3G-St routers. The cards work fine on a laptop and are activated. The routers are all updated to the lastest 2.00.9 firmware, yet the cards will not connect with the routers.

Sprint told me to call Linksys. I called Linksys and the tech support said Version 2 of this router will work with the AC595.

What I can't figure out is if Version 2 actually exists. On Linksys's tech support site, Version 2 does not exist for this router. So...your guess is as good as mine.

My guess is that Linksys will not admit they have no idea what to do with this newer type of router and do not have very good communications skills with Sprint. If you check the forums, plenty of people have had problems with multiple kinds of cards. Kind of makes you wonder...

Alex · Site Admin Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Posts: 1754

mooch · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 2:10 pm Post subject:

My 595 is a Sprint card.

I was just about getting ready to return the Linksys router and it suddenly began working better. I didn't change anything on my setup so I'm not sure why it suddenly started working better. I'm keeping my fingers crossed as I'm past my warranty period at this point.