upgrade replacement to Telstra BP3 EXT USB 3G modem

perkinma on 03/07/2012 - 08:35

Hi, I have never really had much to do with 3G mobile broadband modems. But my folks have a Telstra BP3-EXT which while it is working fine appears to need the USB connection to work and only really works well with one computer. Looking to upgrade it to something a little more robust but in particular that can share the internet connection by ethernet as well as WiFi.

Specs that need to be retained in common with the current BP3 EXT are:
- takes the Telstra SIM from the current BP3-EXT and slots straight into the new modem
- that small coax connector option for external antenna (my folks are in a very low reception area, ie rural, and have a roof mounted antenna for reception).

New features I am looking for:
- WiFi N
- 4 port gigabit ethernet

I don't have a particular budget in mind yet although cheaper is better. But feature set will take precedence over price. Would also prefer something available in local stores (Adelaide) as I would like to pickup before close of business wednesday.

Any and all suggestions greatly appreciated.

Computing

Comments

  • ESEMCE on 03/07/2012 - 10:20

    Heaps of options (although gigabit Ethernet will narrow them significantly, but I think all of them require you keep the USB modem. http://www.staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=3g+router&s…

    If the Telstra USB modem is faulty, Coles regularly have them 50% off. I bought one purely for the included 1Gb data only a few weeks ago for $25. The modem itself has a connection point for a booster antenna.

    This one sounds pretty cool for its battery backup
    http://www.scorptec.com.au/computer/36396-3g-6210n

  • tassie Pete on 03/07/2012 - 10:27
    +1

    That BP3 Maxon modem has a great reputation, so hang on to it, but use it with a TP-Link MR3420 router (about $45 new). Here's a cut & paste from whirlpool forum:

    http://whrl.pl/Rdca0H
    User #309497
    In a rural area your Maxon EXT modem is probably the best out there = especially if you have doggy reception. As a older model, you will have no trouble finding a router that is compatable.

    Basically any router will be compatable. I used a dovado umr router and that worked fine, BUT any newer device will work with it.

    http://whrl.pl/RdcaPk
    posted 2012-May-24, 6am AEST
    User #179461

    I second the above posts. if you are happy with your present modem – stick with it. Some of the newer modems may be faster – but none will be more reliable. the BP3_ext will hold onto a signal and connection under the most difficult reception conditions.

    A cheap reliable router for this modem is the TP-Link mr3420. available from many online sources for about $50. I have used this router with a BP3-ext for 10 months now , and it has been a rock solid combination.

    I haven't used one myself, but if you want to go upmarket – the Dovado Tiny router, is getting rave reviews on this forum. probably overkill for your purposes, considering the price difference and having to order from the UK.

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