Owners of USB modems, having installed the necessary software for their PC, resort to the idea of using the device in the form of a portable drive, and diligently search for information on forums. The idea of how to make a flash drive from a modem turns out to be a costly and time-consuming idea. It’s worth first understanding the use, configuration and functions of this USB device.
General configuration algorithm
To connect MTS and Megafon modems in the Unity environment (Ubuntu 12.04 and others), the interface is used Network Manager. Instructions:
- Go to the item to change connections.
- Add to tab mobile transmission new network.
- Select the device to configure.
- Determine the telecom operator, country.
The connection parameters for each operator are different, and they consist of an access point (APN) to which you need to connect, and a login and password. For example, for MTS clients, you need to establish a connection with internet.mts.ru using the mts login and password of the same name. Usually this information is provided with the modem, but if it is missing, you can always contact the operator directly, or their website.
Configuration using AT commands
For a convenient configuration, you will need a terminal program, or a more suitable solution in the form of Huawei Modem Terminal. Once connected to the device, you need to check the connection with the AT command. If the answer is yes, you can continue to configure. In order to find out the list of all available commands, you need to enter: AT^CMDL. The list is different for each device version, but you can use it to quickly configure the default network or assign any other parameters.
Switching modem/flash drive/modem+card reader modes
If the device natively supports the switching function, the process occurs via the AT command AT^U2DIAG=[value]. With its help, you can switch the device to “modem only” mode (0), use it as a flash drive (1), card reader (256), or connect everything together (255).
3G modem from Beeline in the form of a flash drive
In theory, this is possible if the user can create new firmware for a modem, but no one has done anything like this before.
How to make a modem Universal?
Operators cellular communication They lock their modems so that they cannot be used with SIM cards from other operators. To activate this function, you need to flash the device using Huawei programs Modem Unlocker. It requires knowledge of the sewing code, which can be obtained third party programs by IMEI.
Creating a Wi-Fi network from a USB modem
First of all, you need to get a router that supports modem connections. If this option is no longer available, you can use your old router. Instructions:
- Disable modem, Internet.
- Connect network cable router with computer.
- IN network settings The PC needs to access the properties of the telephone connection.
- Allow other network users to use it.
This way the router will distribute the Internet from the computer via a modem.
How to make a bootable flash drive
In order for the operation to be successful, you first need to make sure that the system supports booting from USB. You can check this by going into the BIOS. Afterwards you need to burn the image to the device using UltraISO or another program, and start the PC not with hard drive, but from a bootable flash drive (also via BIOS).
Possible problems and solutions
For stable operation, it is better to assign the USB device modem-only mode using the cutecom program, and go to the /dev/ttyUSB0 port, where you need to enter the appropriate command. If the connection is difficult to establish, you should turn off Deflate, BSD in the PPP parameters. To work without interruptions, you need to monitor the remaining balance.
Dial-up connections and dedicated ADSL lines for Internet access have long since sunk into oblivion. Many people from the younger generation don’t even know what a dial-up modem is, but many older people still have strange boxes that are like a suitcase without an arm: it’s a shame to throw it away and too much to carry. Many enthusiasts find use for outdated modem models, and in this article we’ll try to figure it out what can be done from an old modem.
The first thing that comes to mind is to simply create a universal box for storing all small things or tools. You don't need a lot of intelligence here. It is enough to remove all the internals from the external modem and remove one of the walls. All external modems are designed for wall mounting, which is quite practical. But this is not all that can be done.
With the proper dexterity and appropriate knowledge, you can find an application for almost its intended purpose, but there are many limitations in terms of hardware: what chip is installed, is it possible to reassign ports, availability USB port, is there a built-in WiFi adapter and much more.
Using built-in dial-up modems
As a rule, external and internal PCI or ISA modems with Dial-Up operating mode can only be used as an answering machine, and then only if there is a built-in function voice communication. It's not difficult to do this. You just need to download a program from the Internet that performs the functions of a telephone. There are a huge number of such programs, and they perform the following functions:
- ability to make incoming or outgoing calls via telephone network using a headset (headphones and microphone) connected to the computer;
- can receive and send faxes;
- It is possible to record a telephone conversation;
- using the automatic dialing function allows you to transfer previously recorded voice information to many subscribers;
- built-in autoresponder function.
Having two such modems, you can of course create a peer-to-peer network between two computers, but the connection speed will not meet modern needs. And the distance at which it will work cannot exceed 50-60 meters. It is more convenient to use a long twisted pair cable.
External ADSL modems and routers
With external modems things are much more fun. They often have many more built-in features to use. All modems latest versions have a built-in web server, which is used to edit the configuration, so there is no difference in configuration between such a modem and Ethernet.
Almost all ADSL modems have the ability to reassign ports. Of the 4 built-in LAN ports, one must be configured to work with the Internet provider, i.e. make it WAN. The remaining ports can be used to connect computers or other network devices, for example, network printer. If this modem is a router with WiFi adapter, then it will still work in full-fledged access point mode.
It is worth noting that some necessary functions may not be available on standard firmware, but there are communities of enthusiasts developing alternative firmware options and posting them on open access. Simply enter your existing modem model into the search bar and download the firmware on an open platform.
Another option for using an old modem is to turn it into a server. You can read about this in the article “How to make a server from a router”. A special advantage will be if it is possible to connect external USB, then the server’s capabilities will be significantly expanded.
USB modems that are used to access the Internet via a network mobile operator, also sometimes become obsolete. Operator communication standards, coverage areas, etc. are changing. However, you should not immediately throw away such modems. If you don’t want to redo or configure anything, then such a modem can be used very well as a “flash drive”: each of the modems has support for microSD cards.
If you want to tinker, you can configure such a modem as a point WiFi access, but for this you need, for example, for Yota modem Egg, connect and bring out an external Wi-Fi antenna. Quite a lot of material has been written on the Internet about how this is done.
The purpose of the article was not to provide clear instructions on how, and what can be done from a modem, which is just collecting dust on the shelf. I tried to simply collect information from forums where interesting ideas are posted and summarize it.
As a rule, a USB (USB) 3G modem is purchased due to the lack of wired Internet and for mobility - so that the Internet is always at hand, for example in a laptop.
When purchasing, the happy owner of a 3g modem is faced with such a task as a small or low speed 3g on the Internet (for example: slow page loading speed).
Cellular communication technology belonging to the 3G generation, the network is not built in all cities. In other cities it is UMTS, EDGE or GPRS. And in some villages and hamlets of our vast Motherland, cellular communications leave much to be desired.
But there are several ways to improve the quality of communication.
USB extension cable.
When buying a wireless modem, some models are given an additional extension cord 30 cm long. This is of course not enough, preferably you need 2-3 meters. For those who live in remote parts of the city, this will be just the thing. Having connected the cord to the computer, we take it in the direction where the radio antenna should approximately be located. mobile operator. This method works in many cases and is also very simple and does not require much effort or skill.
You can purchase a ready-made extension cord (3 or 5 m), or make it yourself. Good USB extension cable obtained from USB cable for the printer. I have an extension cord made from a coaxial TV cable. 2 pieces of 12 m each.
Speeding up a 3G modem using a program.
There are a lot of programs on the RuNet to speed up a 3G modem. You can download this program from the manufacturer's website. Of course, it’s up to you, but before you download and don’t waste your time, read.
I will briefly describe to you how this program works. Using software data compression, the Internet is accelerated. That is, the Internet accelerator, before loading a page or downloading any information, passes it through a special server, where it is all compressed. There is also manual mode Internet settings. To be honest, I don’t know; I’ve never tried to work with such programs.
Diagram and production of an external antenna.
Here I agree that the quality of amplification can be improved, no matter whether it is the operators: Megafon, Beeline, and other cellular operators. Of course you can buy an antenna, but we will assemble it homemade antenna for a 3G modem with your own hands. Carefully open the modem, prying the edges with a small flat-head screwdriver. At the same time, remember that you will already lose the warranty of your modem. But whoever does not take risks will not achieve a good connection to the Internet. And so, the modem was opened, albeit with little effort. Remember, there must be accuracy in everything!
Next we take silver-plated wire (copper can also be used), approximately 1mm thick, length at your discretion, approximately 0.6m.
The figure shows (written in small red font) that you can clamp our wire antenna where the main antenna of the modem is pressed (written in large red font). At the same time, on rear housing make a small hole for the wire antenna to exit. This 3g modem already has an antenna connector, all of which can be seen in the figure below.
Perhaps the antenna is attached to this socket in some other way, but my method will not work. Having stuck the same wire there, it can fly off at any moment; we leave this option and do not touch it.
Next, having done as in Fig. 1, we assemble the modem back. By the way, assembling the modem is much easier than disassembling it, just slam the lid and tighten the screws. We wind the remaining wire antenna onto the body of our modem. To prevent the antenna from unwinding back as in Fig. 3, we thread it through the ears (in the lower side).
Changing network settings for a 3G modem.
The data transfer speed depends on the settings. A parameter such as MTU - maximum size block that receives and sends information. By Windows default is the default value (usually 1500). There are probably programs - tests that can be used to determine the mtu parameter. But I haven't heard of them yet.
RESULT
The operation of the modem primarily depends on the level of the received signal. If it is lost, the modem simply turns off.
When using an extension cord, do not forget that what longer cable, the greater the resistance. Accordingly, the loss drove away; no one has yet canceled the laws of physics.
About antennas. When making your own, be sure to follow the dimensions! Don't forget about antenna polarization. It can be either vertical or horizontal.
About programs. I doubt that this method will give any positive results.
There are many different sites and forums on this topic on the Internet. Below are the links that in my opinion are the most interesting:
Which of the listed methods to choose is a matter of taste. Personally, I used a homemade extension cord to raise the modem 10 meters.
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You shouldn't expect a 3G modem to be as fast as satellite or wired Internet. A 3G modem is a moped. Having bought a moped, we are not offended that it moves slowly and has a small carrying capacity. To drive faster and with more comfort (and take away more) you need to buy a car. A moped (3G modem) has its advantages: mobility and low cost. That's what he thought. Expecting anything more from a 3G modem is a waste of nerves. A 3G modem is for checking email, viewing a website, downloading small items.
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