From: "Mike O'Connor" <os2-wireless_users@2rosenthals.com>
Message-ID: <4BC9A139.8040901@austarnet.com.au>
Date: Sat, 17 Apr 2010 21:53:29 +1000
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To: OS/2 Wireless Users Mailing List <os2-wireless_users@2rosenthals.com>
Subject: Re: [OS2Wireless] OT: 3G to Wifi B/G/N hardware device
References: <list-2374785@2rosenthals.com>
In-Reply-To: <list-2374785@2rosenthals.com>
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On 2010-04-17 20:56 (AEST), Ed Durrant wrote:
> For a while there's been the MyFi and similar devices from Verizon 
> (US), Vodafone (UK & AUS) and Virgin Mobile(AUS) which connect to the 
> 3G mobile phone network and then act as a Wifi router to allow 
> connection of a few devices.
>
> These devices are locked to one particular  cellular provider and only 
> provide 3G-WiFi connectivity (i.e. not 3G or ADSL to Wifi etc.).
>
> I've just ordered a device - the Netcomm t1 mini-router which may of 
> interest to some people on this list.
>
> It a small battery powered device (but comes with a mains adapter), 
> that you plug your 3G USB modem into from which ever cellular company 
> you are with (enabling you to have different keys for different mobile 
> phone companies if you travel a lot and coverage varies - even GSM or 
> CDMA USB modems could be used). The unit then acts as a WiFi-N access 
> point, but it also has an RJ-45 Ethernet connection, so you can use it 
> as a "normal" Wifi access point as well. It will even fail over 
> between your ADSL/Cable/Satellite and 3G connection if required. If 
> not running in this mode, the Ethernet port can be used to connect to 
> cabled systems to access the 3G data network.
>
> A really flexible device I'm sure you will agree.
>
> If you have a device that has only WiFi connectivity (e.g. the Apple 
> iPOD Touch or the new base model of the iPAD),  this device can 
> provide connectivity to that device on the go. If you use 3G data 
> access at home and it is only possible at the other end of the 
> building to where you have your systems, putting this in place enables 
> connectivity without having to move your PCs (or run lossy USB cables).
>
> How does this help OS/2 specifically?  Well it's a web browser 
> configured hardware device, not needing OS/2 drivers itself to add 3G 
> connectivity to your OS/2 - eCS system (either via cable or Wifi) and 
> if you have a system as I do (the ASUS 900HA Netbook),  whose WiFi 
> card but not the cabled connection works using GenMAC drivers, that 
> get's around that connection problem.
> Of course many people may have the reverse problem - that the RJ45 
> adapter has an OS/2 or GenMAC driver but not a working WiFi one. 
> Connecting to the Netcomm t1 could give that system WiFi and 3G 
> connectivity as required (please check the WiFi bit of this if you're 
> thinking of buying one as the Wifi part would then need to run as a 
> client rather than an access point).
>
> RRP for this device is AUS$199 but I managed to find a retailer here 
> selling it at AUS$156.
>
> NOTE: I have nothing to do with Netcomm or any of it's agents, 
> partners etc. I just thought this is a useful little box that others 
> may not have come across yet. I expect there are other companies 
> creating similar products or soon will be.
>

Hi Ed,

That sounds like an excellent device! I may even fork out the pennies to 
get one of them!

Regards,
Mike

-- 
Failed the exam for
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MCSE - Minesweeper Consultant and Solitaire Expert
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