Where I can get the router to share my next G usb modem?

You can't, because the USB modem needs driver on a computer to run

New life writes...

Where I can get the router to share my next G usb modem?

Two possibilities

Best : use a linux router box with a PPPoE client on the WAN interface with appropriate drivers for the modem. quozl.linux.org.au/bp3-usb
Worst. : use windows box with ICS.

I find the news. Can it support next G??

Hsinchu, 16 May, 2007
Vigor2910 series router supports 3.5G
DrayTek provides the application of 3.5G USB Modem with Vigor2910 series router to make users’ accessing Internet conveniently anywhere and any time. 3.5G connection can be used as a WAN for load-balance or emergency backup. By WLAN feature combined with 3.5G USB Modem, Vigor2910 series can be treated as Mobile Hot Spot solution. This solution can be installed on different vehicles such as trains or tourist buses to offer services for real-time news, real-time message (by IM, MSN/Skype), online shopping and so on. It can raise life comfort of users largely.

New life writes...

I find the news. Can it support next G??

Email Draytek Australia and ask them - this may be a solution for your problem.

Edit - post back with the result.

Thanks, I got it.

They gave me below address:

www.draytek.com.au/faq/m...adband/index.htm

Hi,

I have just had a Telstra tech install a NextG USB modem attached to a wireless router.

It works with both the desktop modem with the two antennae and the orange USB stick modem.

The router is an ASUS WL-500g Premium.

The modem plugs into one of the two USB ports. Then when you go to the WAN setup in the router you can choose 'telstra NextG modem' from a drop-down list.

Seems to work a treat and has not fallen over yet (up for a week).

Hi, this is interesting news. Did the Telstra tech use any particular driver to get the router to look for the modem on the USB port or did he just plug it in and everything was automatic?

Cheers

fred writes...

I have just had a Telstra tech install a NextG USB modem attached to a wireless router.

It works with both the desktop modem with the two antennae and the orange USB stick modem.

The router is an ASUS WL-500g Premium.

This is great news. The price for that ASUS unit is much better than the Vigor or Ericsson routers that do the same. Sharing a NextG data connection is starting to look more affordable.

On your PC, did you have to load any software or drivers?

Or do you just connect to the unit via a normal ethernet network connection, like any old router/switch?

Hi all,

Has anyone else had success with this one?

fred writes...

The router is an ASUS WL-500g Premium.

Have been offered a 'pre-order' Maxon Ethernet adaptor at $299 + P&H + GST!

Already slugged $550 to self install a yagi on hardware at 15m and the modem I have spent enough on Next G for now, so the ASUS solution looks very promising.

iFix writes...

Has anyone else had success with this one?

Looks like someone has:
forum-replies.cfm?t=776189

I think it's certainly a goer.

Gee, the Maxon 'docking station' seems a bit expensive. I mean, it's just essentially an adapter.

Got the base modem Draytek 2910 from OzTechnolgies yesterday. Install and running in under 5 minutes! very easy to use and admin...

No drivers on PC, just connect direct to router with ethernet or wifi.

You do have to load different firmware into the router I believe though. Telstra tech did this - I will get a screen print of all the settings pages next time I am there.

User has reported a few lock-ups requiring a restart of the router. Have not had a chance to go back and investigate yet.

Will let you know when it is sorted.

fred writes...

You do have to load different firmware into the router I believe though. Telstra tech did this - I will get a screen print of all the settings pages next time I am there.

Cool. That would be great.

I guess it's using the 3rd party firmware from:
www.wl500g.info/forumdisplay.php?f=61

but that's only a guess, so some confirmation of details would be excellent.

The devil is usually in those damn details....

fred writes...

The router is an ASUS WL-500g Premium

Just to clarify, Telstra supplied the router or did you already have the ASUS WL-500g Premium?

If Telstra supplied, was the Firmware already loaded on the device when it wa delivered?

Any idea of a contact for Telstra in your local area? (Local countrywide office knows nothing about this device).

Telstra guy 'loaned' it to one of my customers when he changed their satellite to nextG.

Left instructions for them to get one themselves and then return it to him once they had done it.

We will be supplying the replacement.

I asked about setting it up, and he said that the config was complicated and he would do it if I sent it in to him. I asked if it was an out of box unit with config, or a different firmware. From what I understand the latest firmware means it is just a config job.

I will be down with the customer this week, hopefully I can make a backup file from the router, in which case I will put it on my ftp site (providing I can remove the username and password for the connection from the config!!)

Another note, the WL500 GP Router PREMIUM is the router in question. The WL500 GP (NOT the premium version) is on runout and we can get that for <$100 as opposed to $240 rrp for the premium. (yes, I know you can get it much less than this if you hunt about) I have ordered one of each and will see if both work. Have not had a chance to check specs yet, but I guess the main thing is that the non-premium also has USB.

fred writes...

I have ordered one of each and will see if both work.

Cheers and thanks for the follow on!

The thing I prefer about the Draytek router is that it has hardware accelerated VPN so if connecting back to your office via VPN is what you want then the 2910 does it without any performance hit.

We use several draytek routers all connecting back over VPN's to the main office VOIP server for our multi branch office IP phone system and the Draytek units are rock solid , only had 1 fail in the last 3 years.

The ASUS router sounds interesting but I gave had a good experience with Draytek routers over the last several years.

If things pan out well with the 2910 and NextG then it's most likely what I'll use for remote sites without ADSl to connect them back to the main office. I have had 1 remote site testing the 2910 for VOIP back to the main office VOIP server and the results have been fantastic, I was a little surprised how well VOIP performed.

I have a 2nd site testing one of these units CDM-882 from call-direct.com.au although the unit has limited functionality and VPN is limited to PPTP rather than the 2910's IPSEC , compared to the 2910 it seems like a good robust unit more aimed at industrial type use and again VOIP performance has been outstanding.

The CDM-882 does have a great auto reboot feature if the connection goes down or VPN fails so it's perfect for remote sites but it's 3 times the cost of the 2910.

russell writes...

The CDM-882 does have a great auto reboot feature

Hi all,

Just advised my pre-order purchase of the Maxon External Docking Station for the BP3-EXT modem has been delayed until late July.

Oh well....

I'm using the Draytek 2910 as well with the USB Next G Modem. Works Fantastic as a backup to my Cable Connection.

As mentioned in previous posts, these units are rock solid. I'm constantly holding 3 VPN connections, around 4 hours of VOIP a day, remote desktop connections along with high throughtput FTP connections and the draytek doesnt miss a packet!

The USB Next G modem is very easy to configure.

mmm I'm shocked , Maxon delaying a product release ... no can't be :-)

I agree re the Draytek routers being rock solid .. we have now started to deploy 2910's and NextG usb modems as a standard for remote locations without ADSL. Simple and cost effective .. the router price that is, not the NextG prices.

russell writes...

I agree re the Draytek routers being rock solid .. we have now started to deploy 2910's and NextG usb modems as a standard for remote locations without ADSL.

Just wondering if you're using Telstra or BP modems? And with which firmware? My BP3 worked happily with my Draytek 2910G until I upgraded the BP3 to 1.1.137 to stop the modem hanging.

The hanging is 95% fixed but the 2910G no longer "sees" the modem.

I am using the BP Modems and have held off doing the firmware upgrade

sdae writes...

I'm using the Draytek 2910 as well with the USB Next G Modem. Works Fantastic as a backup to my Cable Connection.

I have a three machine LAN via cables from an old old hub. I have ICS on the gateway machine to Maxcon BP Next-G wireless modem with an external antenna on the roof of the house.

I therefore obviously have to have the gate on whenever any machine needs to be online.

I would also like to use VoIP via a multi handset Panasonic or similar in house telephone connected to both land line and VoIP

Is the 2910 the router for me?

Regards

Mac

I've just received a CDM-885 Router today, put in the SIM, user and password. And it works! Imagine my surprise after being told by no less than 6 different Telstra and Bigpond staff that;
1. It wouldn't work
2. Not approved by telstra
3. They do IMEA checking so the SIM won't work in different hardware.
4. The SIM used is different to in phones or other devices
5. The SIM is not removable from the "Desktop Modem"

And because of each of these reasons, they are unable to sell me the plan without the $249 modem.

All of these reasons are wrong.

It does work.

That is the best news I have heard for some time. I presume the SIM card is the one that I have at the moment in the "Blue Next G Wireless Modem"?

Unless I read you wrong you simply took that out of the Modem and put in in the Router?

Mac

The only URL I could find is www.3g.co.uk/PR/October2006/3721.htm But have not been able find where you purchased from. Please let us in on the secret.

Mac

JarrahBark writes...

I presume the SIM card is the one that I have at the moment in the "Blue Next G Wireless Modem"?

Yep, I just pulled the SIM out of the modem model BP3-EXT.

Put it in the router some simple settings;
APN telstra.bigpond
User username@bigpond.com
& the password

Bought it from www.mobilenetwork.com.au...roductfilter=NEW

I have 2 of the CDM-885 and they do work well , but I now also have 3 of the Draytek 2910 routers and they also work very well and a lot cheaper than the CDM-885.

The CDM-885 seems to me more of an industrial , remote solution ... it does have auto restart if the connection is lost which for an unattended setup is vital.

But in an office or home the Draytek 2910 is a nice solution and has the advanatage of having hardware accelerated VPN , I am using NextG on a 2910 in a mobile setup with VPN's back to both home and work and a Snom VOIP phone connected to both home phone server and work phone server.

This seems to be getting better and easier all the time. Thank you.

But given that I have definitely reached the past seventy doddering stage can you be a bit more explicit please on how I can configure the 2910, the Next G modem a Panasonic type Skype enabled multi handset telephone to work with my three machine Ethernet LAN.

Slight variations on this are very much needed by the getting older and sometimes bedridden to stay in touch, call for help etc.. without having to connect a computer to Wireless Broadband before making a VoIP call via a suitable provider.

Mac

Draytek have a setup page on their site.

Setup is easy

Plug the NExtG modem into the 2910 usb port

Add your bigpond username and pass to the 2910's WAN 2 setting page and your online

Brilliant thanks Russell. I will order a 2910 straight away.

Please excuse silly question following....

I like the sound of the 2910 as it will solve a problem I have been lumbered with.

Can anyone suggest the best way to get the appropriate SIM card to use in the thing?

Thanks

Jack.

Sorry, more looking on the dratek page seems to answer my stupid question...I have to buy the turbo modem or the relocable gizmo and plug it into the USB port of the 2910.

I have just finished configuring my ASUS WL 500g Premium to share my internet from my bigpond external modem.

Not really my fault as I had great help from this post here ->

www.wl500g.info/showthread.php?p=60541

Pretty easy really! Though there is a little command line via telnet stuff and some editing of files using vi *shudder*

Working well enough to post this so far!

I have heard u can use a ethanet cable to do it, cause i know someone who has done it, its possible but i think you need to have the first computer on and connect it to do it

Can someone using the Draytek Vigor tell me if they get speeds over 300k through it? I have tried the ASUS solution and cant get to work faster than 300k. If the Dratek solution works faster I will change over to that router.

Will try run a test for you this week end... IIRC, we got over 500k when i checked it against some speed testers originally... made no difference between USB direct or USB via Draytek

After alot of research I have found a solution to the slow connection speeds using Oleg's firmware on the WL500gp. Using this firmware and following the instructions on the following thread will enable you to share your telstra nextg connection from either the BP3-ext or the usbstick model.

www.wl500g.info/showthread.php?t=10249

The only good broadband USB modem is the one you've binned.
USB modems are a wart on the face of networking.
Attaching any usb modem to a Draytek router is as appropriate as a wrestling match between a crocodile and a frog.

"There was movement at the station
for the word had passed around
that the G to solve our probs was on its way..."

NextG is a great principle for country peeps like me. It saves on infrastructure for the data carriers and I get the bandwidth. Less maintainence to the network, less cost to me. We all win.

But then again, NextG is just a colt. And to state the obvious, it's jockey has been crapping on the saddle, the strappers have been overloving it a tad, and the owners have been overacing it in the press.

The elegant solution is about two years away, if the owner ever takes the bit between his teeth.

I've been testing this concept since inception.
It's a classic case of people at the top, who understand nothing about the technicalities of their business, when their business is all about being technical, offerring a solution to the public, with the public knowing as little as the people at the top, meaning nobody knows anything.
That is excepting the people whose advice they called upon in the first place to design the system,who were told to listen to the bosses who were paying them, such paid people having said "this is the way to design nextG IN Australia", whereupon the bosses have said "but this is the economic reality; its not in the
budget.
Bosses who retire with million dollar packages should be made to sit eligibility I.Q. Tests.
Bigpond has produced
1. (Its best work) A bus Pcmcia card that just works on a home network.
2. A pci Express card with software that requires a 2 hour implementation onto any server 2003/2008 network if the IT guy can bother to figure it out.
quote "install as administrator and all others will be able to use the service"----NOT
3. The "piece de resistance," a USB modem as your only network solution.
This external modem is the only true fulltime networked possibility.
The offering of a USB modem, with no static IPs, and all inbound ports being blocked; it takes us back to the end of the last century.
It's a cheap way of satisfying some political terms of reference as to what is "seen to be" a data solution that may one day fit all. And I'm not saying it wont. Radio stations have been around for a hundred years.
NextG is a good concept if developed whilst accepting the losses with the wins.

"'Ello 'Ello 'Ello. What's this? NextG. I could make a dollar outa you? You are a very very good looking girl. It's not the money mind you; You, my dear NextG, could bring a lot of depthy satisfaction to a load of desperate people, well at least untill they find true love.

I've just spent the last 4 days trying to find out why it is that all inbound ports to my clients expensive Telstra nextG data connection cannot work.
A thousand dollar router with their highest plans with 3 assigned case mangers from Testra (I cant throw any more money at it) coming into the latest Microsoft servers (7 servers for various roles) and they cannot definitively answer whether all inbound ports on NextG are all blocked. Who are these idiots?????
Four days to 3 telstra case managers and no one can answer this one question, but someone designed this system. Who was this idiot team leader,who knows so little about the networks that run rural Australia.
I'm not sure that they have intentionally blocked all incoming ports on NextG. It's more a case of the lunatics running the asylym. I think these geese haven't even thought about the possibility of network server centres in Australia that can't get ADSL.

mickohara writes...

"There was movement at the station
for the word had passed around
that the G to solve our probs was on its way..........and on and on and on....

Well, what a rant. I think you should have stayed in bed a little longer or actually went to bed. Your brain may have been in gear with some sleep and the words you wrote might have actually been more precise to actually get a sensible message across that we all could understand.

mickohara writes...

I'm not sure that they have intentionally blocked all incoming ports on NextG.

Rather than rant, why don't you do some research on what NAT is?
There is NO port blocking for wireless services. Since you have an INTRANET address rather than an internet address external packets can't be routed to you. It's a routing issue, NOT a port blocking issue.
If you want to run servers then you'll need to get a BigPond Wireless product that does provide routeable internet addresses that DON'T go through a NAT router.

Thanks for the rant! Just saved me a huge amount of frustration!

Telstra has 2 totally separate next g offerings the "mobile" and the "modem". The mobile plans all have private NON ROUTEABLE addresses (you can't ping them from the net) To get a routeable address you need to get a modem plan. However these plans don't come with the Ericsson hence the need for the draytec or Asus.

There are rumors of more plans to come including static IPs.

Once again thanks for reminding me! I was just about to order a plan for one of our customers!

Cowgoesmoo writes...

Telstra has 2 totally separate next g offerings the "mobile" and the "modem". The mobile plans all have private NON ROUTEABLE addresses (you can't ping them from the net) To get a routeable address you need to get a modem plan. However these plans don't come with the Ericsson hence the need for the draytec or Asus.

You sound like you're completely confused with the different services available. The 'mobile' and 'modem' plans are BIGPOND plans. ALL BigPond Wireless plans provide a static IP from the IP pool of the BigPond network when you connect to the telstra.bigpond APN.
If you have a Telstra Mobile Broadband service then you normally connect to the telstra.internet APN which only allocates your device an intranet IP which is routed through a NAT.
As just described in another forum there is another APN - telstra.extranet which is available to business customers through Telstra Mobile to provide a routeable internet address for use with VPN's. That APN, and not telstra.internet is the one to use for your equipment to receive new inbound connections.

mickohara writes...

Four days to 3 telstra case managers and no one can answer this one question, but someone designed this system.
Was a network consultant involved, or just an account rep and a mobile consultant?

Was it made clear to all relevant Telstra staff that you needed to serve from the wireless connection, and were multiple servers mentioned?

I've just purchased the Draytek 2910g router (connected to a Mac) to use with the blue Big Pond wireless modem. My speeds are now terrible - have I missed doing something as responses here seem to suggest that there shouldn't be any difference?

Help/advice would be appreciated.

Chandler writes...

My speeds are now terrible - have I missed doing something
Are you using an external antenna? If not, the position of the card having moved could be the issue.

I'm not using an external antenna. When the BP modem was attached without the router, it all worked and speeds were reasonable. Using the latest firmware, it all slowed down so I spoke to Draytek who told me that I needed to use a different firmware version for use with the BP modem. I installed that firmware and now the BP modem doesn't work with the router at all. I've been in touch with Draytek for most of the afternoon and they aren't able to pinpoint the issue, especially as they don't have a Macintosh in the lab. I'm in the process of trying it on my Vista machine to see if the problem is a Mac one or not.

If the card is in a router, it shouldn't matter whether it's Mac, Vista, Win98, Linux, whatever. It's all about the router and the card.
Once you get it working again, try positioning the router in different places to see if it affects performance - the antenna is in the end of the card.

By card, do you mean the SIM card in the modem itself (the blue box one made by Maxon - 12cm x 10cm - not flash drive size? The Draytek doesn't have a place to insert a SIM. Draytek support also told me that the latest firmware version does slow everything down for the Mac and that is why I needed to revert to a previous version of firmware for the router which I did. I keep thinking that it must be something that I haven't done in terms of network access setup but am not sure what.

OK Team.

I want to hook up my ASUS A8js laptop with my desktop PC which has the NextG USB modem so I can use the internet on my Laptop.

I will buy the ASUS WL-500g Premium.

What else do I need to acquire?

Cam

You would probably be better off getting the new Netcomm N3G002W 4 port wireless router, which directly handles the NextG USB modem and is available for under $200:

http://www.netcomm.com.au/products/3g/n3g002w

The Asus WL-500g Premium doesn't work out of the box with the BP NextG USB modem whereas the Netcomm router does.

The modded 3rd party Asus firmware you'd need to load in order to get the Asus router working with the BP USB modem also has a few rough edges.

if you go on the maxon website depending on what device u have the is a maxon mini hub basically it plugs into your computer and then the wireless device recieves a signel from it only just been released bigpond still dont support troubleshooting yet with it

As a result of this thread, I bought the Netcomm N3G002W and installed it today. Works a treat and was foolproof and dead easy to set up.

TORB writes...

As a result of this thread, I bought the Netcomm N3G002W and installed it today. Works a treat and was foolproof and dead easy to set up.

Good to hear. It took me lots of futzing to get my Asus working, and just when I finished downloading various 3rd party firmwares to get it working, prowling various web forums for config info, and generally trial-and-erroring my way to getting it working I noticed that Netcomm had released their nifty new device. Oh well.

How much did it cost you?

C-Man,

$190 including delivery. I used http://www.techbuy.com.au/default.asp They are not the very cheapest, but close to the bottom, keep stock and deliver quickly. (No association with them, just a satisfied customer.)

I no this is slightly off topic but i am about to buy the asus wl500g Premium but iam hesitant because the set-up sounds sketchy. Reading the explanations it was hard to make sense, im not real good with this sort of networking etc.

basically, i just want some sort of confirmation that i will be able to set it up before i purchase...

thanks to everyone who has pursued this subject , i had almost given up

Dyl, personally I'd just get the Netcomm, and spare yourself a degree of futzing about that is required to get the Asus working. Unless you want to use some of the other features of it or just like tinkering with Linux, I guess.

Netcomm hardware is usually OK and their support is also pretty good.

But if you do decide to use the Asus, if it helps I can let you know what I did to it in order to get it working with my BP3-EXT.

I've put in 3 of the Netgears,and my clients have been very happy with them.
They are very easy to install as well.

I have purchased the Netcomm N3G002W router to use with my Bigpond BP3 EXT Blue modem.
I live in an area that does not have a good signal so I have a high gain aerial connected to the modem. The high-gain aerial is a directional one positioned on the roof of my house and was installed by Telstra.
Operating system on the Mac desktop is OS10.4.11 and the Mac laptop OS 10.5.1 (Leopard). Both computers hooked direct to the modem connect with 4 bars the average and a good percentage of the time on 5 bars. So signal, with the high gain aerial is good.
Problem – I cannot get a connection via the Netcomm router. Is this because of the need for the high gain aerial? And if so is there anyway around this problem i.e. an adapter to fir the aerial to the router. if not – then any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Jen

Rural life writes...

Problem – I cannot get a connection via the Netcomm router. Is this because of the need for the high gain aerial? And if so is there anyway around this problem i.e. an adapter to fir the aerial to the router. if not – then any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Jen

I just purchased a N3G002W about a week ago, and it actually works a little better than it did when I was using ICS with the BP3-EXT.

How are you connecting to the N3G002W? Lan or WiFi, have you set up your network correctly, also have you setup your DNS.

Bruce :)

Rural life writes...

Problem – I cannot get a connection via the Netcomm router.

Does the router produce any logs or syslogs, is there a way to receive these on your PC? Look in the manual, or ask around in forums, for ideas on how to gain access to the logs so you can find out why the connections are failing.

Is this because of the need for the high gain aerial?

I doubt it. If you are getting connected with the PC client, then it's not a problem with the modem and antenna. (btw – I use a yagi with the bp3-ext, but to a draytek, if I want to diagnose problems, I look to the draytek syslog functions).

And if so is there anyway around this problem i.e. an adapter to fir the aerial to the router.

Well the BP3-ext is USB, so don't go changing antenna stuff. Check on the netcomm for the USB NextG connection settings, and check what the logs are saying.

Rural life writes...

Problem – I cannot get a connection via the Netcomm router.

Tell us how you have set things up so far.

It should be something like:

- plug BP USB modem > Netcomm router
- plug Mac/PC into a spare Ethernet LAN port on the Netcomm router
- logon to router from your Mac over Ethernet cable using address and password to the router supplied in the manual (usually something like http://192.168.0.1) with a login usually something like admin;
- once you've logged into the router, go through setup process described in the router manual
- you'll probably be required setup something that may be called 'Internet Connection Type' or something. The one that works for me (using Asus router) is 'Cable or Dynamic IP User' (ie where the IP address is allocated by the ISP etc)
- then since you will be connecting to BP via the USB modem, not a cable or other connection, look for a section in the manual for how to setup a USB modem, and follow the steps there, or call Netcomm and ask for a walk-though.
- try and connect to BP via the router. Look at the logs/status window to see what is happening, or not.

On the Asus router, you have to tell the router to basically get the USB modem to call a certain BP wireless number, and input other settings, before it will work. I don't know if the Netcomm router has those settings pre-programmed or not, but I suspect it may.

c-man writes...

logon to router from your Mac over Ethernet cable using address and password to the router supplied in the manual (usually something like http://192.168.0.1) with a login usually something like admin;

The login to router is http://192.168.123.254

Hi Guys,

Went through al the procedure and then to verify connection which came up with a log in screen that listed all the data – this is where we stalled it could not get a connection.
I am not at home at the moment so cannot get the screen up to go through all the settings it lists. Will do so when I am.
Thanks for your assistance.

hey,
unfortunately before anyone had replyed earlier i purchased the WL500GP V2.

I found the specific firmware for the V2 version and it has updated successfully.

Iam follow lead off this page: http://wl500g.info/showthread.php?t=10249.

Can anyone tell me how he is telneting? Is it using 'putty'? another was the 'ppp' but i cant install it because i run vista not linux.

Also if anyone has the V2 version where is the USB Modem > Dial-Up page to hard-code the USB settings?(as stated on the website.

lastly lol, if i havent already asked enough questions...

where to find these lines to replace? quote eg. Find this line (doing this from memory, so I'm not sure exactly of the regex on the first line – use whatever is there for you):

Is that using system command on the router interface (internet browser) by any chance?

thanks heaps for your help already, i no im not very good at computers lol

help would be very much appreciated

Dyl122 writes...

Can anyone tell me how he is telneting? Is it using 'putty'? another was the 'ppp' but i cant install it because i run vista not linux.

You can under Windows (at least Win2K) just call up a command prompt and type 'telnet' and you will have a telnet session up and running. Try typing 'telnet 192.168.1.1' at the command line under Vista and see if you get a login prompt. Using Putty is also a nice option – get it as part of WinSCP, which is just very handy to have anyhow – http://winscp.net/eng/download.php

But you don't need to use telnet to configure your WL500GP at all. You can do everything through the router web admin interface.

Also if anyone has the V2 version where is the USB Modem > Dial-Up page to hard-code the USB settings?(as stated on the website.

I don't have a V2 WL500GP – I have a WL500GP with Firmware 1.9.2.7-10-USB-1.69, so the following may or may not be useful...

With my setup, once you log in to the admin web page, the settings I have are on the left hand side menu under the 'IP Config > WAN & LAN setting' where I have specified 'USB Modem' as the 'WAN connection type'.

Then under the left hand side menu under 'USB Connection' > 'Connection mode' I have 'Dial Up' selected.

Then under the 'USB Connection ' > 'Dial Up Config' I have the following settings (which are the ones I think your post was referring to as needing to be hard-coded into the config files, but which you can just enter into the web pages here):

Username: myusername@bigpond.com
Password: mypassword
Modem init AT Command: [left blank]
Dial Number: *99***1#
[The next setting is important – the default value of 0 didn't work]
USB device id (/dev/usb/tts/ usually 0): 1

Custom USB device parameters
USB device Vendor ID (0xabcd): 0x16d8
USB device Product ID (0xefgh): 0x6280

That's it in terms of the USB Modem config.

It works for me. Reboot router, restart USB modem, connect.

Of course as well as these changes you will also have to make config choices about stuff like your operating mode etc (I have it as 'Home Gateway') and firewall on/off etc.

NetComm today announced some new gear for NextG.

<snip>
NetComm Limited reported today the Official Launch of the Telstra Turbo 7 Series Wireless Gateway and BigPond 7.2 Wireless Broadband Network Gateway, exclusively for Telstra and Telstra BigPond ...
<snip>
http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20080724/pdf/31b9x1cl2vsyzp.pdf

New life writes...

Where I can get the router to share my next G usb modem?

http://www.netcomm.com.au/products/3g/n3g002w

Bout time I reckon.

i'm using an Ericsson W25 router with the latest firmware to enable 7.2mbps downstream. Has built in print server and a phone and fax jack so you can plug in a normal analogue phone and not need a separate phone line.

works great.....expensive though.........

Chris Burns writes...

NetComm Limited reported today the Official Launch of the Telstra Turbo 7 Series Wireless Gateway and BigPond 7.2 Wireless Broadband Network Gateway, exclusively for Telstra and Telstra BigPond ...

The BigPond one is going to be $300. Apparently we will be getting new plans soon to go with them. I've had some hands on time with it and it looks very good. No more dodgy USB.

Az84 writes...

The BigPond one is going to be $300.

Will it be free I wonder on their 3 year contract as their USB models are now?

bigdish writes...

Will it be free I wonder on their 3 year contract as their USB models are now?

No doubt. I'd only ever go on a 3 year contract If they brought out plans like Vodafone/Optus, maybe better plans to beat the other telco's

Az84 writes...

The BigPond one is going to be $300. Apparently we will be getting new plans soon to go with them. I've had some hands on time with it and it looks very good. No more dodgy USB.

$300 for the free 24/7 basic tech support to come along with it. But for advanced users out there, best off buying the priced N3G002W Mobile 3G Data Router for RRP (incl GST)$ 228.80.

bigdish writes...

Will it be free I wonder on their 3 year contract as their USB models are now?

Yes it will be.

Silversurfer07 writes...

But for advanced users out there, best off buying the priced N3G002W Mobile 3G Data Router for RRP (incl GST)$ 228.80.

Why would that be better? I'd rather the single piece device than the existing USB modems.

Az84 writes...

bigdish writes...

Will it be free I wonder on their 3 year contract as their USB models are now?

Yes it will be.

Thanks for confirming this. Would you have any news on the rumoured new plans also? I'd imagine they will be introduced at the same time as this new hardware.

bigdish writes...

Would you have any news on the rumoured new plans also?

Nope, nothing more than it's in the works.