At first glance, it might seem that few people need USB modems. However, this is a fallacy. And that's why. Indeed, the vast majority of the network equipment currently on the market uses an Ethernet interface to communicate with a computer.
The reason for this is banal: this standard assumes a cable connection to the provider, which is characterized by high speeds of access to the
global Internet. But various USB-modems, as a rule, use a wireless communication method, which, alas, does not differ in comparable speed. Nevertheless, and they find their consumer.
Internet in the air
So that the article does not turn out to be too abstract, let's look at USB-modems designed to work in networks of CDMA-operators. All of the above is partially applicable to the GSM standard.
Nowadays, various portable devices are especially popular - laptops, netbooks, tablets, etc. That is, all those that can be called mobile. It is understandable that “mobility” and “Internet by wire” are incompatible concepts. To solve this problem, many operators began to offer services of access to the Network via a wireless channel. It is enough to find out what USB-modems are, to purchase the model you like, and then conclude an agreement with the appropriate provider. No cable routing is required. The network is everywhere where the signal of base stations is recorded .
Problem of choice
Of course, you need to choose USB modems not in appearance (although this is also important), but taking into account its capabilities.
So, CDMA modems can work in one of three modes: low speed 1x (up to 153 Kbps); medium-speed 3G (up to 3.1 Mbit) and high-speed (up to 14.7 Mbit). Compatibility is maintained from top to bottom, that is, a device supporting 14 Mbit quite successfully copes with two other standards. Before purchasing a modem, you should find out what standard the selected operator works with.
Sometimes shops offer to buy a USB modem amplifier. This device is needed if you plan to use wireless access in a weak signal area. Being mounted on a modem, it picks up the waves and concentrates them in the area of its built-in antenna, thereby improving communication. Efficiency depends on a number of parameters. For stationary use, it is more rational to purchase a modem with an external antenna connector.
Often manufacturers try to draw attention to their products, offering a solution with the ability to connect a memory card, which turns the modem into a USB flash drive. Such an addition almost does not increase the final cost, so it is in demand by many.
When buying a modem, it is recommended to check it for 10-15 minutes. Unsuccessful models during this time manage to get very hot.
USB modem setup
As mentioned above, the main problem with wireless devices is low speed. Even the claimed 14.7 Mbit is unattainable - providers knowingly indicate "before" before the numbers. This indicator can be partially improved by tuning. First you need to determine the signal level - for this you can use the Axesstell program. If its level is insufficient (more than “- 100dB”), then connect an external antenna or signal amplifier. Only after this can you start the software setup, otherwise it will not bring significant improvement. The easiest way to affect the operation of the device is by installing the latest version of the driver. Other features require certain knowledge in the field of CDMA modems, so they are examined in detail on thematic forums.