3GStore CTR350 EVDO Router firmware enables ethernet as LAN

hotrod · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 24

Thanks for the reply.

Since my post, I have removed the the Linksys router from the setup. I am using only a switch. However, even if I remove the LAN connection from the 350 (using only the modem, 350, and wireless laptop) I get the same results.

I just installed the latest firmware for the 595U. I'm going to connect it to the 350 and try again. I'll post results.

Thanks!

The Sparrow · EVDO Newbie Joined: 06 Jan 2008 Posts: 4

I am considering purchasing the CTR350 from 3GStore, especially now that the firmware allows connection to a desktop computer via ethernet cable.

We will also want to feed internet to a Dell Inspiron 1520 laptop at the same time. (That's what the router is for, right??)

*Sierra Wireless 595U Aircard will be plugged into the CTR350.

My questions are:

1. We are very happy with the connection speed when the 595U is plugged directly into the Dell laptop. Can we expect the same good speed when the laptop is getting its signal wirelessly from the CTR350?

2. Also, looking at the spec sheet for the laptop, I see that it came with a "Dell Wireless Mini Card" installed. Is that all that should be needed for the laptop to detect and receive signal? Or will the laptop need something more specifically compatible with the CTR350? If so, would that be an internal installation, or something that is plugged into an external slot/port???

3. When both the desktop and the laptop are using the internet, will that make the connection speed a lot slower / just a little bit slower / or not at all slower?

Thanks!
Sparrow

Jim_in_VA · Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 5:41 pm Post subject:

Sparrow:

1) The speed will be as good or better using the router. Certainly no speed loss at all.

2) The built in wireless that comes with the Dell is all you need to connect to the router. No other equipment is needed.

3) You will not see any speed degradation with both computers "surfing". You will likely see a speed drop if one or both are downloading at the same time. Its not dramatic but does slow it down. that is what I have observed.

Its a great router. I run two wireless laptops and two desktops off if (using the WAN as LAN, with another router used as a hub added).

The Sparrow · EVDO Newbie Joined: 06 Jan 2008 Posts: 4

Thanks a lot, Jim. Sounds like a great solution for us!

turkeyhill00 · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 28 Nov 2007 Posts: 13

Just received my cradlepoint ctr-350 today. I have the sprint 595u data card. My question is I have my data card pluged into the router and my eithernet cable plugged into computer. All is powered up, all solid green lights, but my connection manager says no device connected. I know I have to install the software to get this to work. With the modem plugged into the usb on the computer I can access the internet but not the cradlepoint site to install the software. So my question is how can I get this software downloaded so I can use the eithernet for my desktop.

Jim_in_VA · Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 3:32 pm Post subject:

Are you trying to upgrade the firmware?

turkeyhill00 · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 28 Nov 2007 Posts: 13

Yes, I want to upgrade the 1.7.3 software so I can use my desktop connected by the ethernet cable and my laptop by wifi connection. The laptop will connect fine when I have the 595u modem connected to the cradlepoint router by the usb port. But the connection manager says no device when the 595u modem is plugged in.

Jim_in_VA · Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 4:48 pm Post subject:

ok, did you follow the instruction sheet that came with the router to upgrade firmware? Do that first, if you need help with that part let us know. You cannot use the connection manager software if you have the modem in the router. It is either one or the other, use the router or use the modem directly in the computer. Since you want to have a wireless/wired network you need to upgrade the firmware first and configure it to use the ethernet port by going to the router setup page and selecting BASIC>WAN>and turn on "PPP". in the BASIC>DHCP section turn on "enable DHCP Server" This will get the ethernet working so you can connect to it.

SCRich · EVDO User Joined: 04 Jun 2007 Posts: 28

Way cool... finally cleaning up the network. I got my CTR350 a couple of weeks ago but had to wait for my UM150. It arrived today and about 10 minutes after getting home from work I had the CTR set up and working. After dinner I went back and redid my switch, router, access point to use the .0.xxx network the CTR DHCP server and all worked flawlessly.

Now I got to see if I can get my Eye-Fi card working without the cludge of ICS and another computer in the loop.

turkeyhill00 · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 28 Nov 2007 Posts: 13

OK got it going with help from cradlepoint tech. Works great.

Thanks

Alex · Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 9:10 pm Post subject:

turkeyhill, did you get the CTR350 from 3gstore?

you could have just called them for tech support.

The Sparrow · EVDO Newbie Joined: 06 Jan 2008 Posts: 4

I rec'd the CTR-350 today. No problems accessing the internet from our laptop when the 595U is plugged into the CTR-350. However, I don't understand how to upgrade to the latest firmware on our desktop (in order to be able to connect to the router via ethernet cable) if having the desktop connected to the internet via the router is what is required in order to upgrade to the latest firmware!

I am following the upgrade directions precisely. Of course, I have to be connected to the internet on my desktop in order to do Step 2: Go to your device's firmware page. I have tried this two different ways:

1. By using our existing Dial-Up Connection
2. By using the 595U plugged directly into the USB port

In both cases, i cannot access the firmware page - I assume because I am not connected to the internet via the router. Am I right about this? (Or is it possible that the firmware page is just "down" tonight?)

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Sparrow

The Sparrow · EVDO Newbie Joined: 06 Jan 2008 Posts: 4

woops... just realized i could do the firmware upgrade using our laptop since it's the router that's being upgraded, not the desktop. duh.

after upgrading to latest firmware version (provided on CD-ROM that came with CTR-350), we were able to get the desktop working via ethernet connection by following the settings suggestions a few posts above. thanks.

minchin · EVDO Newbie Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 4

I have just purchased the Sprint U727 with CTR-350 with Firmware 1.7.1 from your store. I have setup the router and connect fine with Wireless clients.

However, I cannot get a laptop to Cat5e wire to connect to the CTR-350. I have set the WAN Mode to PPP. I have connected with several cables to test. I have use another router and connect the WAN port of that Router (Linksys) to the LAN port on the CTR-350 with no success.

Each time, the laptop will be unable to get an IP from the DHCP server. Manual setting of the laptop network adaptor to 192.168.0.x and try to connect to 192.168.0.1 (CTR-350) also does not work. Any other suggestions?

(Same question posted to the support@3gstore).

p.s. According the the invoice, the router was updated to the latest before shipping (Must say, good service)

Alex · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 9:18 pm Post subject:

support is not likely to respond until tomorrow morning.

your router should have been upgraded to 1.7.3 before it left our warehouse.

if it hasn't been, you should upgrade to that firmware (check CD that should have come with your order)

in case you did not get the CD, i've emailed instructions and a link to you.