[General] Better Windows / Mac Software for "e-go" and other USB GSM devices by Huawei

[Burhan Khalid]

Salaam All:

   I was not too impressed with the 'software' (if you can call it that) 
that came with the Huawei modems from MTC. I started researching the 
device to apply a firmware upgrade because at that time MTC was not 
providing upgrades -- and was generally clueless about the device.

   I posted my findings on an internal company mailing list but I 
thought from the response to my earlier post -- that you all might be 
interested :)

   Before I begin -- let me warn you. Updating or modifying the firmware 
on the device will void its warranty (which is serviced by Barrak, the 
SE authorized dealers). They will charge you 5KD to restore the original 
firmware. None of these changes require you to update the firmware on 
the device, but Huawei does release updated 'operator' firmware which 
does improve performance. I have personally updated the firmware on my 
device (if you need firmware update help, just ask. These links are only 
for client software).

   What do you get with updated firmware/client software?

   1. Better connection holding. The device does not drop a connection 
as quickly. You will also get connected to 'MTC-Vodafone KT HSDPA' which 
is the proper identifier for the high speed network.

   2. Updated drivers for Vista 32 and Vista 64. The default drivers for 
Vista 64 are problematic (because they are outdated).

   3. Ability to have custom DNS servers. This helps because the MTC DNS 
servers are ... well, asinine is putting it nicely.

   4. Mac users -- finally get some decent software.


   There are two clients that I researched. One is the official client 
from Huawei called 'Mobile Partner'.

   Screenshots: http://staff.kuwaitnet.net/images/mobile-partner.png
   Features:
       Auto-detection of devices
       Profile support
       Neat graphics
       *Proper* Windows Vista support
   Download: 
http://www.huawei.com/mobileweb/en/file/download.do?f=10804&ctype=1

   Vodafone Mobile Connect *Recommended*. Great software from Vodafone's 
business division (the same company that commissioned the Linux client I 
wrote about earlier).

    Screenshots:
        http://staff.kuwaitnet.net/images/voda-1.png (main window)
        http://staff.kuwaitnet.net/images/voda-2.png (mini mode)
    Features:
        Manage WiFi and modem connections
        VPN Help
        Detailed usage reporting
        Mini-mode
        *Mac* native version
        Works with both PCMCIA and USB devices
    Download: 
http://online.vodafone.co.uk/dispatch/Portal/appmanager/vodafone/wrp?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=template11&pageID=BS_0036&tabIndex=2

    Both programs will manage the 'shared internet' router from Zain.

Hope this helps someone :)
Burhan

-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: smime.p7s
Type: application/x-pkcs7-signature
Size: 3249 bytes
Desc: S/MIME Cryptographic Signature
URL: <http://oskw.org/pipermail/general_oskw.org/attachments/20080311/1556e707/attachment.bin>