evdo and cross over cable questions.

[Lemon law]

My first comment is that 3G evdo is decidedly inferior to dsl, but when my only broadband options are evdo and satellite based internet, evdo options seem superior to satellite because of less up front equipment to buy. And for that matter, when true 4G wireless broadband comes, who knows when, it may becomes about the fastest internet available.

Which is why I am considering going with evdo. And I am at the information gathering stage now. Any comments from current or former evdo users would be appreciated.

Right now, I network two XP desktop computers connected by a crossover cable, using windows ICS and a 56K modem. I am told, and I am not too sure how reliability, that I could duplicate the ICS set up using a evdo usb type modem instead of the 56K modem.

Or I could finally join the router crowd, but then the question becomes, can I reuse the existing crossover cable, or would I have to use a patch cable? And I should alos ask, do they make some cable joining attachment that uncrosses the cross made by a crossover cable? Sadly all the routers I have seen for EVDO seem very expensive compared to routers made for DSL and cable modems.

As it is, it looks like I am only 2 miles from the nearest verizon tower, so I am hoping to avoid needing an extra antenna, but like I say I am still at the information gathering stages and am asking for comments.

 

[tonyyy]

It is fairly easy to do ICS. Just tell the computer which connection you would like to share with. So sharing your EVDO usb connection will work just as fine and faster then sharing your 56k dialup connection.

Or I could finally join the router crowd, but then the question becomes, can I reuse the existing crossover cable, or would I have to use a patch cable? And I should alos ask, do they make some cable joining attachment that uncrosses the cross made by a crossover cable? Sadly all the routers I have seen for EVDO seem very expensive compared to routers made for DSL and cable modems.

You can reuse the cross over cable if your computer or router is able supports changing from cross over to straight through. A lot of new computers/laptops have this ability now.

How strong of a signal do you get now with ur evdo usb modem? If it is weak then a antenna would help otherwise it will be fine if you get a good range. Just remember if you got a bandwidth hogging up then you will experience latency or slow browsing if you are using a lot of bandwidth to download stuff like music/movies.

 

[Lemon law]

Thank you for your reply Tonyyy, but as I said, I am at the information gathering stage now, and have not yet purchased any kind of a EVDO modem yet.

I do have a verizon type tracfone and get a fairly strong signal from a verizon tower 2 miles away.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Take a look at the Mifi, it acts like a router for your EVDO signal. We use a few with Verizon....acts as the gateway for up to 5 devices if I recall.

Your PC's will need wireless cards though. (basic 802.11a/b/g would suffice)

 

[CptCrunch]

They do sell some routers with built in pcmcia slots that can support a verizon/at&t/sprint data card

 

[ViviTheMage]

They do sell some routers with built in pcmcia slots that can support a verizon/at&t/sprint data card

Mifi can go anywhere there is a net connection 🙂

But yeah, they make routers like that too. I THINK the DIR-655 takes a USB wireless device and does it.

 

[Lemon law]

I would prefer to avoid any speed hits associated with wireless along with the security problems. My application need is in the area of stationary and not mobile broadband.

I do have one lap top computer with USB ports that will not be a part of my two desk top networks, but if I need internet access for the laptop, I can either take it to a public library where it can wireless join their net work, or simply borrow the USB EVDO modem from my network to take EVDO networking on the road.

 

[Blazer]

i dont think the cable matters as auto select should be on by default.

as for EVDO and ICS you should not have any problems, i used it before i got dsl, then at&t stuck up a tower closer to me and i had trouble staying locked onto the verizon evdo tower, i was @ 7 miles from the evdo tower, if you are within 2-3 miles you'll be ok.