New to EVDO and need router help!

bozzchem · Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2007 6:57 pm Post subject: New to EVDO and need router help!

I've done a bit of reading as well as a few searches on this site (awesome site BTW and is now bookmarked) but like a typical newbie I'm going to just ask straight up and hope I don't get beat down.

I've been on a cable modem for the past 7 years but recently moved to the "sticks". Sadly, I didn't discover this website prior to my initial purchase of the Sierra 595U but am well within my 30 day trial period (2 days) and have no problems returning it.

Apparently the USB ports on my laptop were installed upside down so I have no choice but to use the holder that accompanied the 595U. The UL/DL speeds pale in comparison to what I'm used to but beat the living hell out of dial-up so I am not complaining.

First and foremost in my mind are issues regarding a router. In my old house, on a cable modem, I used a Linksys WRT54GX router with accompanying cards for my laptop and home theater computer (office computer was directly connected to the router via ethernet). I'm guessing that router will not work with my new mobile broadband situation and must move towards a router that will support the new mobile broadband modem.

I'm starting to think that opting for a USB modem wasn't my best choice since it seems the available mobile broadband routers (that I've seen) utilize a PCMCIA type card.

Although my address shows bright orange in the Sprint broadband map, I get two bars tops on the signal strength meter regardless of where I am in the house. I plan to get a signal booster to help with both internet and cell phone signal strength.

I humbly ask for your assistance with my decisions regarding the aforementioned matters. Since I only have 30 days to potentially rectify my error(s) in judgement, I hope to do so.

I would like to be able to utilize the wireless G networking aspects of my three Linksys enabled computers whilst sharing the connection available from a mobile broadband router accompanied by a signal booster (preferably a Linksys router but not mandatory as long as they are compatible).

BTW, anyone want to buy a WRT54GX router? Wink

jeffg369 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 09 Oct 2007 Posts: 5

If you are willing to leave one computer on all of the time and give up the added security of the hardware firewall built into the router just enable ICS (I'm assuming you are a windows user) and use the router as a wireless access point and switch. there are many posts here on setting this up. 1)enable ICS on the sprint connection 2) disable DHCP on the router and finally connect the computer to the LAN port (NOT the normal WAN port ) on the router. My Linksys WRT54G works great in this config. and so do most other routers.
regards

fordrhs41 · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 100

I humbly ask for your assistance with my decisions regarding the aforementioned matters. Since I only have 30 days to potentially rectify my error(s) in judgement, I hope to do so.

I would like to be able to utilize the wireless G networking aspects of my three Linksys enabled computers whilst sharing the connection available from a mobile broadband router accompanied by a signal booster (preferably a Linksys router but not mandatory as long as they are compatible).

I suggest you decide whether you want to run a computer or a router all the time. with the WRT543G-ST router you can turn off your computers and the router will still be ready in case you decide to go to the internet. Once you know how you want to operate, go to the 3G store link at the top of this forum and ask either Michael or Alex for help as they will advise, sell and support the products they sell you. and I believe they offer a trial period also.
My setup
S-720 card
WRT543G-ST router
wireless card in each computer (2)