Changing the WiMAX Realm on Cradlepoint Routers for 4G Modems

The Problem: We received a call from a customer trying to use a CLEAR 4G WiMAX modem with his Cradlepoint MBR1000 router. The customer had upgraded the firmware and installed the necessary WiMAX modem driver for the router, but the router still would not connect to the CLEAR network. The customer had confirmed that the modem was working perfectly in his computer with CLEAR's connection manager, and the router was functioning properly when used with other modems, but they were not "playing nice" together.
3Gstore's Solution: When using a 4G-capable Cradlepoint router, you have to install a WiMAX modem driver in order to use a 4G modem. HOWEVER, that is not the last step you need to take! There is a setting within the router for the specific "WiMAX Realm" (the provider for your WiMAX service), and this setting always defaults to Sprint. If you are using a WiMAX modem from a different carrier (CLEAR, Time Warner, etc) you need to change that setting first before the modem will work. We were quickly able to determine that this customer had missed this step. Upon selecting the appropriate realm (see instructions below), he was able to get connected.
INSTRUCTIONS TO SET THE REALM:

1. Connect your computer to the router either wirelessly or via ethernet cable depending on your options.

2. Navigate your browser to 192.168.0.1 and log in to your router's admin page.

3. Click on the "Modem" tab, then select the "Settings" link on the left.

4. At the bottom of this page there is a section called "Modem Specific Settings". In the bottom of this section there is a field for "WiMAX Realm Select". If you are using Sprint, Clear or Xohm you can set this easily by using the dropdown menu on the right and selecting your carrier (see picture below). If your carrier is not listed in the dropdown menu you will need to type it into the blank manually.

5. Once your realm has been selected, scroll up to the top of the page and click "Save Settings". Once the settings have been successfully saved, reboot the router. Once the router re-boots, you'll be able to connect!
Our Advice: Before using a WiMAX modem with a Cradlepoint router, in addition to updating the firmware and installing the modem driver, make sure the realm is selected correctly (see instructions above). If you're ordering your router from 3Gstore, we can do all of this for you before shipping your router for a $15 fee so that you don't have to worry about this when you get your router!

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Sprint 4G Routers Support Up To 32 Simultaneous Wi-Fi Connections

By Mark Wilson

While Sprint takes its time unrolling its 4G data network, they’d like the public to know that some cool tech will be ready to exploit the system’s speed. Two newly announced routers bridge 4G data to Wi-Fi.

We’ve already had great experiences with the systems like Sprint’s Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200. But up next?

The Sprint Personal Hotspot PHS300S and the Cradlepoint MBR-1000 Broadband Router are both essentially Wi-Fi routers that accept both 3G and 4G USB wireless dongles. Plug the dongle into the router and you have a Wi-Fi network that runs without a hard line.

The Sprint Personal Hotspot PHS300S ($US160) will support up to four simultaneous Wi-Fi connections while the Cradelpoint model ($US250), aimed at business users, will handle up to 32 simultaneous Wi-Fi connections. Both models are available now(ish) at select Sprint stores and through their website.

Sprint adds 4G to Mobile Broadband Router Portfolio as it Prepares to Launch 4G in More Markets

Any Wi-Fi-enabled device becomes a 4G device with new Sprint 4G Mobile Broadband Routers

Users can create Wi-Fi hotspots by connecting multiple Wi-Fi devices, such as smartphones, laptops and cameras to Sprint 3G/4G networks

Overland Park, Kan. – August 5, 2009 –The search for the elusive Wi-Fi hotspot is a thing of the past for Sprint mobile broadband customers. Instead of hunting for a coffee shop or other fixed hotspot, Sprint’s new Mobile Broadband Router products connect multiple Wi-Fi-enabled devices at 3G or 4G mobile broadband speeds where Sprint 3G and 4G networks are available.

On the heels of launching the Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 intelligent mobile hotspot – which allows customers to simultaneously bridge several Wi-Fi devices to America’s most dependable 3G network1 – Sprint now adds two 3G/4G Mobile Broadband Routers to its mobile broadband arsenal: Sprint Personal Hotspot PHS300S and Cradlepoint MBR-1000 Broadband Router for business, each featuring both 3G and 4G connectivity. These devices are available for use with any Sprint 3G or 4G data plan ranging from $US39.99 to $US79.99 per month (excluding taxes and surcharges).

Used in combination with Sprint mobile broadband devices, like the 3G/4G USB Modem U300, these Mobile Broadband Routers can simultaneously connect Wi-Fi-enabled smartphones, laptops, MP3 players, cameras, gaming devices and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices to the Sprint 3G and 4G networks. Used with a broadband device, The routers provide access to the turbo-charged Sprint 4G network as it continues to roll out and access to America’s most dependable 3G network virtually everywhere else. Users can enjoy secure, high-speed connections from virtually any location, whether on a family outing at the beach or doing business at a remote job site.

Sprint Personal Hotspot PHS300S supports up to four simultaneous Wi-Fi connections and Cradlepoint MBR-1000 Broadband Router for business supports up to 32 simultaneous Wi-Fi connections. Both routers will support all of Sprint 3G and Sprint 4G mobile broadband USB devices.
“These mobile broadband routers provide an unprecedented bridge to high-speed network performance for multiple Wi-Fi devices or multiple users,” said Todd Rowley, vice president, Sprint 4G. “The addition of these mobile hotspot products offers even faster connectivity speeds to Wi-Fi users without the need to find a Wi-Fi hotspot. These two new products can potentially connect the Sprint 3G and 4G networks to the hundreds of millions of Wi-Fi-enabled devices in the U.S. today.”

The ability of these Mobile Broadband Routers to be used with both 3G and 4G networks will offer added advantages for a growing number of Wi-Fi users across the country. The Sprint Now Network already features 3G speeds that are faster in more places than the AT&T network.2 As the turbo-charged Sprint 4G network continues to roll out in markets across the country, customers will be able to further optimise the performance of their Wi-Fi devices, using them to connect them with the industry’s fastest available network speeds.

Sprint Personal Hot Spot PHS300S is priced at $US159.99 and available in select Sprint retail stores within Sprint 4G markets, telesales, business sales and at www.sprint.com. Cradlepoint MBR1000 broadband router is priced at $US249.99 and is available via business sales, telesales and online at www.sprint.com (all prices exclude taxes).

The first and only national carrier to offer 4G wireless services, Sprint currently offers 4G in Baltimore and will launch 4G in Portland, Atlanta and Las Vegas in August. Sprint 4G provides average downlink speeds of 3-6 Mbps and peak downlink speeds of over 10 Mbps, three to five times faster than today’s 3G service from any carrier (based on average download speeds).

The following markets are included on the list to experience Sprint 4G in 2009: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Portland and Seattle. Also available for customers nationwide is the Sprint 3G/4G USB Modem U300, which provides the best of both worlds – the fast 3G speeds and lightning-fast 4G speeds wherever 4G is available.

For additional information on Sprint 4G mobile broadband products and plans, visit www.sprint.com/4G.