From: "Ed Durrant" <os2-wireless_users@2rosenthals.com>
Message-ID: <4BC993FA.6000204@durrant.mine.nu>
Date: Sat, 17 Apr 2010 20:56:58 +1000
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To: OS/2 Wireless Users Mailing List <os2-wireless_users@2rosenthals.com>
Subject: OT: 3G to Wifi B/G/N hardware device
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For a while there's been the MyFi and similar devices from Verizon (US),=20
Vodafone (UK & AUS) and Virgin Mobile(AUS) which connect to the 3G=20
mobile phone network and then act as a Wifi router to allow connection=20
of a few devices.

These devices are locked to one particular  cellular provider and only=20
provide 3G-WiFi connectivity (i.e. not 3G or ADSL to Wifi etc.).

I've just ordered a device - the Netcomm t1 mini-router which may of=20
interest to some people on this list.

It a small battery powered device (but comes with a mains adapter), that=20
you plug your 3G USB modem into from which ever cellular company you are=20
with (enabling you to have different keys for different mobile phone=20
companies if you travel a lot and coverage varies - even GSM or CDMA USB=20
modems could be used). The unit then acts as a WiFi-N access point, but=20
it also has an RJ-45 Ethernet connection, so you can use it as a=20
"normal" Wifi access point as well. It will even fail over between your=20
ADSL/Cable/Satellite and 3G connection if required. If not running in=20
this mode, the Ethernet port can be used to connect to cabled systems to=20
access the 3G data network.

A really flexible device I'm sure you will agree.

If you have a device that has only WiFi connectivity (e.g. the Apple=20
iPOD Touch or the new base model of the iPAD),  this device can provide=20
connectivity to that device on the go. If you use 3G data access at home=20
and it is only possible at the other end of the building to where you=20
have your systems, putting this in place enables connectivity without=20
having to move your PCs (or run lossy USB cables).

How does this help OS/2 specifically?  Well it's a web browser=20
configured hardware device, not needing OS/2 drivers itself to add 3G=20
connectivity to your OS/2 - eCS system (either via cable or Wifi) and if=20
you have a system as I do (the ASUS 900HA Netbook),  whose WiFi card but=20
not the cabled connection works using GenMAC drivers, that get's around=20
that connection problem.
Of course many people may have the reverse problem - that the RJ45=20
adapter has an OS/2 or GenMAC driver but not a working WiFi one.=20
Connecting to the Netcomm t1 could give that system WiFi and 3G=20
connectivity as required (please check the WiFi bit of this if you're=20
thinking of buying one as the Wifi part would then need to run as a=20
client rather than an access point).

RRP for this device is AUS$199 but I managed to find a retailer here=20
selling it at AUS$156.

NOTE: I have nothing to do with Netcomm or any of it's agents, partners=20
etc. I just thought this is a useful little box that others may not have=20
come across yet. I expect there are other companies creating similar=20
products or soon will be.

--=20
Cheers/2

Ed

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--=20
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