For the impatient:
3 stars for consistently good quality and accessories, and the many opportunities and the compatibility to our stick.
2 star deduction for
First Impression:
The packaging is in Netgear typical style, plain and simple. On the back there is (at least in Austria) a sticker with compatible network operators / modems. Our suppliers (three) and the stick (ZTE MF112) were listed there so I took the router with a clear conscience for 39.99. At home, the good impression continues, the items are securely packaged and clearly sorted in the package stowed. It is striking that neither CD nor a manual are in the package. Only a piece of paper with the warranty terms and a "Folder" with a brief description.
Furthermore, we find the power adapter, a 1 meter long LAN cables and the typical Netgear USB extension with "dock" in the delivery.
Installation and connection:
The router can lie flat or be placed horizontally with the included stand, for wall mounting can be found at the back 2 suspension, much like you would expect it. Screws are not included, but seldom seems to be the case. The antennas are screwed already on the router, so you need only plug in the power cord and turn on the router at the back.
In operation, I noticed that the router at the bottom is relatively warm, you should make absolutely sure that he is on a flat and hard surface, as this could lead to overheating else! With a horizontal orientation, or on the wall, I see no problems as long as it is not hidden in a small closed box, which anyway would not make sense for wireless routers.
Installation and Setup:
The guidance recommends that before ordering the modem again to test the PC whether this also works and is activated if you got to just stick / bought. After that one should connect the router, as shown, via LAN cable to the PC and plug the modem via the USB extension to the router. It is explicitly pointed out to put the stick is not directly to the USB port on the router, presumably to avoid interference between the two radio signals (especially with LTE that yes in a similar frequency moves like WLAN).
A device via Wi-Fi is in my view not recommended (although theoretically possible), I had the problem that the router when setting very often rebooted and therefore the connection is constantly interrupted. Then the configuration page could not be loaded correctly, etc. So in order to avoid problems, you should really perform installation via LAN cable!
Everything is connected, one should be lt. Instructions to connect to the router and navigate to the appropriate website. There, the installation wizard should one during installation help ... In our case, this wizard but did not come, I only saw a message that the modem is not connected or would not react (what a miracle without configuration I thought ...) and I should conduct the configuration, after all, the link to the relevant page on the router was given so I clicked on it and was promptly secured after log-in demand, very good, the router is therefore before the password? The disillusionment came a short time later, I was neither the device nor the meager guidance only an indication of the pre-defined password will find ... a short Internet search brought light into the darkness for happiness: The user name is "admin" and the password is " password ", not very imaginative, of course, but if you do not write in the manual, quite an insurmountable hurdle for people who maybe a little less understanding of such things, or may not reflect the net for the solution can / want.
And here then ends definitely support the enclosed instructions, (via the setup menu manually either via wizard) is on the router's configuration here not a word to be found. But kindly be on the configuration page at least all terms explained (on the right in a column), a single problem, all in English! You want top change the language unfortunately an error message because the voice files to download them from the Internet, however, no connection is (yes, the modem is also still still set ...).
Also look for the router at every log-in on the page Firmware Updates, also possible only if the modem is set up. I tried to bring the PC directly to the Stick online and then download the updates but that really is only when the modem is plugged into the router and connected to the Internet.
Fortunately, I speak and understand English very well and also have enough idea about such devices and settings and was all relatively easy to configure, I wanted to point only to the fact that the router is the way he comes here, is only for people who understand!
We come to the really important point, the installation of Internet sticks on the router. At the beginning here is happening namely times nothing! As the Setup Wizard with me not wanted to show up and I him then (when I was in the setup menu) wanted to start no longer (which from there probably would be possible), I can not judge how good this is. I have set the settings to "manual" in the menu. There you must first select the country and here you have to watch the same times, pre-selected is "Australia" which could be interpreted in a fast inspection as "AUSTRIA". If you still have three as a supplier, it is really common because there is also :-)
At least now it pays off when you are connected via LAN to the router via wireless I have lost touch with each change, very tiring and time consuming. If you have selected the country, you have to select the provider and can then enter the required settings. The APN of the provider was already filled (with me), and the connection type. One had to enter the PIN for the SIM card and select whether the router should dial automatically. I have the PIN code request on the 3 DataManager disabled in order to minimize sources of error. After you save the settings and the router should recognize the modem and connect to the Internet.
Unfortunately, that did not work with me! The modem has been correctly identified (manufacturer, serial number, etc.) and the provider was perfect and the modem lights up green (ie readiness). Error Message Router Broadband menu: No network coverage !? I've searched around and found several solutions such as new firmware etc. My firmware but was already up to date (1.0.0.74) and also a downgrade had with it folded to 1.0.0.72, according to a user with him did not help. The solution came to me then by chance, in the Broadband menu, there was an option "Roaming allow" or so (with me in English), this course I had left disabled as a precaution but then I got something in mind ... Three has at we always the networks of other providers (A1, etc.) operated by a comprehensive offer to get into existence and for that they have fallen in recent months strongly under attack. It happened again and again that devices have logged in a "false three network" and then no internet was available and so I have so unceremoniously activates the roaming function and lo and behold, the modem was able to connect!
So if you have problems, because the modem can not connect, the times should consider whether his party ev. Uses multiple networks, this fall then obviously under "roaming" (because yes a purely technical one dial to a foreign network is) and can only be used when the lock is disabled! The 3Datamanager had this problem, of course not, because there was such a lock yes not even.
Conclusion:
Except for the installation, without knowledge of English and IT experience, hardly likely to be manageable and the quasi non-existent instructions that would help an ev., The MBRN3000 3G / 4G is a consistently good router for its price. Maybe works for other users of the wizard, too, allowing the device then also for lay people !?
In operation, the router has not fulfilled all expectations, the transmission power is sufficient to the entire solid brick house to provide them with reinforced concrete ceiling, the modem is detected easily since the configuration and connect to the router even after Abaschalten again properly to the Internet. A removal of the sticks (eg to take him time for a trip) is not a problem for the router, after plugging this is recognized immediately and combines.
Who have no idea of IT and networks, should look for before buying someone who can help in case of doubt, set up the device, the wizard should not function namely one is otherwise probably stupid there. Those who are familiar with something and has ever set up a wireless router, it will also create with this here.
Thank you for reading, I hope I could give you a good picture of this device.
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