CTR350/PSH300 2.1.0 Firmware Review

JoeCHecht · EVDO Junkie Joined: 05 Jan 2008 Posts: 278

2.1.0 firmware has been released for the CTR350 and PSH300 as of March 24, 2008.

I must admit, so far, I am very impressed with the 2.1.0 firmware release for the CTR350 and PSH300.

While I was a bit disappointed that there was not an immediate fix released for the "WPA/TKIP bricks your router" issue, I am very pleased that (at first look), it appears that CradlePoint put some real QA into this release, and it may very well be the first firmware release in quite some time that exceeds beta quality.

You will find some impressive new features added, and several issues fixed, and a host of new devices supported.

The "dummy Password" issue remains (it seemed to be fixed in 2.0.1 release), so if you are not careful, it is still possible for the routers password to end up in the browsers history cache. If you get a log in page where the password is aligned to the left of the page (instead of centered), just say "no" and don't log in (its not going to work anyway).

Among the highlights, you will find:

Signal strength indicator now seems to work.

You can turn off the evil bounce pages on the CTR-350 (and PSH-300).

You can configure FailOver for the CTR-350.

GPS is now supported (for the Sprint 727), both though a page on the router, as well as though a wired/wireless connection to the router that can exploited by use of an IP to virtual serial port driver.

Multiple profiles can be used.

Firmware updates are shown for minor versions and patches (previously, only major upgrades where shown).

Firmware can now be downloaded directly to the router via the "one button update".

The reset button no longer reboots the router, but rather returns it to a factory state.

RNDIS (Remote ND IS) support has been added, allowing non-PPP phones like the HTC Mogul to supply a network connection.

You will want to save your settings before performing the firmware update, as the unit will be returned to a factory state during the upgrade. I am very happy to report that both units I tested with had no problems restoring verison 2.0.1 config files, however, the CTR350 did need to be reset after the config restore by cutting power to the unit, as after the config restore, it initially came back with an invalid network address.

I have not yet tried the failover and dyndns (I really have no reason to use these features for a mobile installation), but everything else (so far) seems to work great.

I was also very pleased to see that unlike the MBR-1000, the machine names for the MAC address filter list remained editable in this release.

As many of you know, I am not a easy person to please when it comes to issues with drivers and firmware updates.

I'm going to give CradlePoint 5 stars on this release, and take my hat off as a sign of respect for a job well done.

Joe [I call um like I see um]

deparson · EVDO Junkie Joined: 30 Aug 2006 Posts: 248

I have tested the dynDNS setup on the 300. I use it to allow me to fail over to the 300 if our home cable goes down. I have a profile that matches our main router so the dynDNS updates our easyDNS account and our network cameras, etc work just like normal.

It all works very well.

gregh2000 · EVDO User Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 38

Great write up on the new firmware. It seems to have a lot more features now. Including working with my Nokia phone, lol.

tz1 · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 10:53 am Post subject:

I thought the bricking problem was mentioned as being fixed in the release notes (under the title of the setting). There was no warning I remember of it still being there in the release notes which are quite complete.

The bounce pages are now gone, which was the only show-stopper for me.

I'd agree - 5 stars. I'm still annoyed at the overuse of javascript in the login and such (which slows things down a lot - they download a HUGE library of routines each page), but I can save and restore again and have bounce pages off and it has been otherwise rock solid since the upgrade. I have a UM150 which shows signal strength so I don't need to go through the whole login process and navigate to the page. Though I wish I could easily get to the "change Wifi power" page.

If I don't have to change configurations again for a few months I probably won't notice it.

I'm also curious about the GPS (mainly for indoor GIS where GPS won't go).

JoeCHecht · EVDO Junkie Joined: 05 Jan 2008 Posts: 278

whyzeman · EVDO User Joined: 14 Dec 2007 Posts: 84

I'm sure if it was a snake it would have killed me by now, but where is the signal strength indicator?

skj9063 · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 17 Feb 2008 Posts: 22

Joe,

Rottweiler · Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 6:44 pm Post subject:

whyzeman · EVDO User Joined: 14 Dec 2007 Posts: 84

Found it.

Mine says "100". But, is that in percentage or RSSI?

radparker · EVDO Newbie Joined: 05 May 2008 Posts: 8

Yeah, I don't know what the signal strength actually tells you, either. Mine was at around 50, but now it's at around 55 since I bought an antenna booster. So maybe, unlike dB readings, higher is better.

carsc99 · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 8:17 am Post subject:

FWIW, mine is reading 74. Not sure what this means either. I have always had a pretty good RSSI in the high 60's.

Scott

richlee91 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Posts: 5

Anyone using the new firmware with Cisco VPN IPSEC? The old firmware works great but the new firmware I cannot connect. Is it a personal problem or is anyone else experiencing this? I'm just happy you can easily downgrade firmware and I don't really need any of the new features. Smile

cqaigy · Posted: Fri May 16, 2008 9:27 pm Post subject:

richlee91 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 05 Apr 2008 Posts: 5

Thanks for the reply!!!

Transparent tunnel was already enabled and the office doesn't allow UDP to connect. So you are saying you have seen no difference in your ability to connect since your upgrade to 2.1?