Mobile
GBM How-To Series #15 : Creating a Mobile WLAN with EVDO
After two long week’s at MCSA/MCSE boot camp, the How-To’s continue…
I just love my Verizon EVDO card. I borrowed Dennis’s card so much be made me go and get my own. The problem is that as I get to test and own (new OQO-Model 02 in da house!- Yeah!) more systems, I cannot afford to activate the WWAN on each. To compound my misery, I find that for testing units and working mobile, I cannot be without it. I believe I have found a solution. Create a mobile, wireless access point. It’s really a lot easier than you might think, works really well, and is affordable. Check this out…
GBM How-To Series #15 : Creating a Mobile WLAN with EVDO
The solution to this problem revolves around a wireless access point that supports EVDO. There are several on the market, each with it’s own strengths and weaknesses. I did a bit of research on the available models and decided on the Kyocera KR1 Mobile EVDO WiFi Router from the guys at 3GStore.com. With the KR1, I am able to use my single EVDO card on multiple systems AND it allows me to take my own WiFi network (secured of course) with me everywhere. Simply provide a supported (and activated) EVDO card and you pretty much have instant mobile WiFi access. Think of the possibilities…. anywhere you would have EVDO access for one system, you can have it for multiple systems.
Kyocera KR1 Broadband EVDO Router Features:
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Built In WiFi – rebroadcast EVDO over WiFi (using 802.11b/g)
- 4 Port Ethernet Hub 10/100 – great to attach desktops
- 1 USB port for tethering an EVDO Phone
- Works with just about ANY EVDO Card
- Port Forwarding
- Filtering
- Domain blocking
- WEP / WPA / Mac address filtering
- Compatible with 1xEVDO and 1xRTT and REV-A!
- Provides DHCP and auto-reconnect services
- Includes power supplies for home and vehicle
- Supports latest EVDO cards with firmware update
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On with the How-To:
Step 1: Un-Box the unit
This unit is for the setup challenged. Pretty much all you have to do (aside from taking it out of the box) is to determine if you are going to plug it into the wall or take it out to your vehicle. OK, maybe it is a bit more complex than that. Read on…
Attach the antenna, insert your activated EVDO card (WITH THE POWER OFF), select your power option (WALL or DC), plug the included ethernet patch cable into one of the 4 available ethernet ports.
Step 2: Plug it in
Come on…. Need I say more?
Step 3: Configure your WiFi and router options
Using the included ethernet cable, and perhaps the most difficult for anyone who has not done anything like this, is configuring the options. 1st option to set is the Router password. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS change the default password. I can’t tell you how many times I find un-secured access points with the default password still in place. How do I know, I look. I mean, if the ID of the access point is still “Linksys”, then it amuses me that 9 times out of 10, the password is gonna be the default. I mean I have less of a problem with sharing than I do with someone being able to re-tool my router. So, if you do nothing else, please secure your router configuration with a password. Next, setup the SSID of your KR1 if you are going to enable WiFi access. You can also configure the router for advanced features like a virtual server and Dynamic Domain Name Servers like TZO and MyDNS.org. The KR1 includes a comprehensive wizard for guided setup.
Step 4: Connect and enjoy!
Fire up the WiFi on your system(s) and you are off. Remember you are sharing the bandwidth of the EVDO channel, so don’t try to over due it. I easily attached my X60, the Samsung Q1 Ultra, a Toshiba M200, and my OQO Model 02 to the KR1 at the same time with no noticeable degradation of my ability to surf and email normally. Admittedly there was a slight lag when I tried to download several files at once which I did expect. However, it was still a great experience considering the KR1 was sitting in the back of my Yukon in my driveway! So think about it, if you need high speed access for multiple users that is as mobile as your EVDO card then this is a great solution. Some of the uses I have discovered are using it for high speed group access for offsite meetings where no traditional service is available, access while on vacation or traveling, backup access for your home systems if your high speed DSL or Cable fail, the list goes on. If you are like me and have a limited budget for cellular based high speed access, the KR1 may be right for you.
Tips and Notes:
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Remember that you are sharing the EVDO access. It’s not gonna be like your DSL experience. Shared or not.
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The EVDO card can be removed from the unit quickly and with no loss of setup information
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If installing your KR1 in a vehicle, don’t enclose the unit in your trunk
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Mobile EVDO router not enough? Add GPS to your KR1!
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Check out EVDOInfo.com for everything you could want to know about EVDO
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For more information on the mobile EVDO solutions, check out the guys at 3GStore.com
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The KR1 can be purchased for $199.00 from 3GStore.com
