Using sprint connection manager W/ mbr 1000

obeyduck · EVDO Newbie Joined: 31 May 2008 Posts: 4

Greetings all- I've just abandoned a local wireless provider because the neighbors trees have grown to where they interfere in the summer. Other broadband options aren't available at home here so I went with Sprint and a compass 597 with a cradlepoint MBR 1000. I'm now in the process of trying to optimize things to get the best connection I can. I have the little Freedom antenna plugged in to the compass and it helps some. My question now is how can I get the Sprint connection manager to work with the router? When I connect the compass directly to a usb port in my computer smart view works fine but when its connected to the router the smart view app cant see it. I would like to use it to monitor signal strength, etc while the router is connected. Anyone know how to fix this?
Thanks
duck

nickjacket · Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2008 6:24 pm Post subject:

Be sure to read the MBR1000 Tip Sheet (pdf) that's on the included disk.

Use your default password to get into the router then go to Status where you can view the EVDO card info from Modem tab. If you're seeing valid info then your card is ready to router.

I used a hard wired LAN to get the router/evdo & pc running, then I went on to WiFi setups.
Making all your devices static DHCP addresses through the reservation feature sure helps to track things down. With just one computer and one EVDO, I had initially allowed router assigned addresses just to watch things work at first. It should be fast and painless for you.

Once your EVDO card is on the router, signal strength is not viewable with the Connection Manager. Follow the instructions about holding the SGNL button down for 5 seconds. I use the USB extension cable for the EVDO card to keep it held away from the router and other objects.
With the latest MBR1000 firmware, you don't have to do the described dance routine to view signal strength that is contained in old documentation.

obeyduck · EVDO Newbie Joined: 31 May 2008 Posts: 4

Yes to all of the above.The mbr gateway info is pretty comprehensive.
I wasn't specific enough in my first post. Signal dbm was what I actually wanted to monitor. The router shows around 40% signal strength and I would like to get that up. I am slightly less than a mile to the tower I believe I am connecting to and with a laptop in the truck I was getting -68 dbm a quarter mile from the tower. In my driveway signal strength averaged in the mid 90's but it was bouncing all over the place from -84 to -105. Thats about the same as I am seeing in the house. I'm trying to learn at this point and then decide on my best options to improve things. I think I should be getting better performance. Speed tests are averaging 300 - 400 down, 30 - 50 up with 220 to 260 pings.
In my younger days I have just jumped in and started tweaking things willy nilly and generally made a hash of it. Trying the more considered approach this time.
Thanks for the reply

Torrey · Site Admin Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 271 Location: USA

obeyduck · EVDO Newbie Joined: 31 May 2008 Posts: 4

It seems to vary quite a bit both at home and the few tests i did down at the corner. best was around 1000 down and 200 up....down to the worst (and much more common) in the range of 200 - 300 down and 20 - 30 up. pings always above 190 to 280.
I did get my stuff at 3G store and received fantastic service. I called first and discussed options with Alex. He was helpful and service on the order was above average.
Trying to do my homework now. Thanks for the replies.
Later today I'll try to jack the kids laptop and go down to the tower and run a few more benchmarks. I'm in the middle of a remodeling project now and cant get away for a bit.
BTW set up and install was a breeze for both the MBR 1000 and the sierra 597. everything started and ran great first try and it all seems to be playing together nicely.
Things are running slow as hell this AM.
277 down 27 up and 311 ping.

obeyduck · EVDO Newbie Joined: 31 May 2008 Posts: 4

OK, what I learned yesterday: I had the wrong tower spotted. I believe I have the right one located now. Its 3.9 miles from house, area is flat as a pancake and there are a moderate amount of trees between me and the tower. Setting under the tower I get a steady signal of -55 dbm.
I ran 4 tests with speedtest - DL between 421 and 906, UL 185 to 272 with pings from 238 to 344.
before I left the house I had rssi of -93 to -95. DL 396 to 192, UL 27 to 50 and pings 408 to 445. (everything from the house is with the freedom antenna attached).
This morning its 150 to 279 down, 23 to 130 up and pings of 428 to 310.

Where do I go from here?