USB-modem - this is almost the only way to get the Internet where there are only providers of cellular communications from providers. The article details the characteristics of modems "Megaphone".
Modem "Megaphone" 4G: Reviews and features
Without the Internet today is nowhere.However, not everywhere is a Wi-Fi network. And if there is, it's far from free. What to do? And here the mobile Internet comes to our aid. Of course, in some remote corners of our country, its speed leaves much to be desired. And this is to put it mildly. But as they say, on bezrybe and cancer - fish. Mobile operator "Megaphone" offers unlimited access to the network for reasonable money with the help of its modem.
Reviews about this device from the very first modelshave always been different: some scolded for the unstable speed, others, on the contrary, rejoiced compactness and cheapness. The main pros and cons of this modem, we'll discuss a little lower.
Megafon M100-4
Undisputed leader among all modems from thisThe company is Megafon M100-4. The maximum data transfer and reception speed is 100 Mbps. Not bad. However, such a speed in practice is difficult to achieve. Is that in the center of Moscow, and then standing in one place. And yet this is the most "smart" modem "Megaphone". That is an undoubted advantage.
Together with the tariff plan "MegaFon 4G" modemM100-4 is capable of delivering a good data transfer rate. In addition, it is "stuffed" with a lot of settings that make life much easier for users. To use it, you just need to connect it to the USB output on your computer. Installation of necessary drivers and software is automatic.
The modem supports microSD memory cards up to 32GB. In principle, as in previous versions.
Installation and configuration
How to connect a 4G Megaphone? Very simple.To install and configure the modem on a computer with Windows, just connect it to the USB connector. The drivers will be installed automatically. In addition, you will be asked to install an additional "software" for the correct operation of the modem. Agree and install. Everything is ready, now you can start work.
Configuring on Ubuntu
Strangely enough, the product from "Megaphone" successfullyIt also works on computers running Linux. True, you need to spend some time tuning. One of the few modems working under Ubuntu is the 4G Megafon modem. Reviews "ubuntovod" about the quality of this device in most of its positive.
To configure the modem on Ubuntu it is requiredfollowing. First of all we connect it to the computer. In the window that opens, select the desired country. From the list of operators choose "Megaphone". Now go to the APN settings. In the access point line, just write the internet. Everything, the modem is tuned, it is possible to work.
M100-3
Modem "Megaphone" M100-3 is on its own fillingChinese device ZTE MF823. Unlike the M100-4, it is capable of supporting a data transfer rate of only 42 Mbps. Much less than his "brother". And in the rest everything is the same, there are no problems with installation and configuration. This is a medium modem "Megaphone" 4G. Reviews about him are somewhat vague. Some people like it, while others complain about frequent "disconnects". Although this can be caused by the quality of the connection itself or problems with the software and drivers of the computer.
Both models (M100-4 and M100-3) are equipped with a specialconnector for connecting an external antenna. Antenna for 4G modem "Megaphone" is purchased separately. It serves to improve the reception signal. Thanks to it you can slightly increase the data transfer speed. But still it will not be higher than the maximum available.
Modem "Megaphone" M100-3 works fine forcomputers running Windows. But for Ubuntu users, the news is not very good. Theoretically, M100-3 can be made to work in this OS by means of some "dances with tambourines". But it will not work well. Many "ubuntovody" complain about constant "flights" and "disconnects". For Linux OS, this is not the best option.
M100-1
USB-modem "Megaphone" 4G M100-1 is the mostthe first 4G modem from this operator. As befits the "first in the genus", the modem has impressive dimensions. Of the features of the case, it should be noted the swivel mechanism of the USB-connector, under which is a slot for the SIM-card format micro-sim. A very unfortunate decision. Since "microshock" from "Megaphone" in the daytime with fire you will not find. The absence of a standard slot for a memory card and a connector for connecting an external antenna hints at us that the model is the "first" one.
The data transfer rate is 24 Mbps ingive me a sec. It's weak, of course. Yes, and regular flights make themselves felt. Without an external antenna, use one modulation of the modem. But the trouble is that you can not connect an antenna to this "old man"! One hope for a good old reflector. It is not much, but it can improve the quality of signal reception. This is exactly what the "first" Megafon 4G modem looks like. Reviews about him are simply impregnated with negative. Well, what can I say? The first pancake is always lumpy.
Regarding software anddrivers, there are no problems for Windows users here. And for users of other operating systems, the news is horrible. This "old man" can not be forced to work under the same Ubuntu no magic. If you have Ubuntu, then this modem is definitely not for you.
Software
Software for modems from MegafonIncludes packages of required drivers and branded Connect Manager. On the drivers and say nothing, but on the manager should stay in detail.
Of course, the beauty of the interface, he does not shine.However, the functionality and informativity at altitude. The pop-up window displays the current connection speed and the amount remaining on the balance. Very comfortably. In addition, the application has its own test of the speed of the Internet connection. But you should not rely on it. He often lies.
From useful functions it is worth noting the possibilitychange the 4G-3G on the fly. It's not necessary to disconnect now. The presence of the ability to send USSD-commands is also a good plus application. And the menu item "My account" will allow you to track the account balance in real time.
Availability
In general, modems "Megaphone" are available within the framework oftariff plans of the company for the Internet, and their cost will be 1 ruble. But in this case it will be blocked to work only with SIM cards from Megafon. If you do not like this option, you will have to "go broke" to the unlocked version.
For example, M100-1 modem "Megaphone" 4G.The price for it will be generally minimal. But it's worth thinking about whether you need an "old man". If you already buy a modem, then it's better to stay on the M100-4 version. It meets the requirements of a modern Internet user. And the data transfer rate is the highest.
Antennas: self-made and factory
Separately it is worth mentioning about different antennas.Coverage, even in large cities, sometimes leaves much to be desired, and in the countryside the speed drops completely to critical. The reasons for this are the mass - remoteness from the towers of the hundredth connection, the specific relief of the terrain, etc. It can be corrected with the help of external antennas and reflectors. They are available in a wide price range, and if necessary, build such devices you can yourself, starting from elementary, not requiring special knowledge, ending with professional, seriously increasing the signal power.
Conclusion
4G-modems from "Megaphone" differ in their versions.And which one to choose is solely a matter of needs and finances. If you need a modern, modern device with support for all available functions, then you should pay attention to the Megafon M100-4. If you need a modem with average parameters, then this is definitely M100-3. Well, if it's all the same, if only there was an Internet, then you can take the cheapest M100-1. The choice is yours.
