June 23, 2015 at 10:00Remote work or freelance in the outback. Communication Aspects. Part 1
If freelance is a phenomenon that is less prone to seasonality and simply provides for remote work, then mobile operators perfectly track the seasonality of using their networks to transfer data. Holiday villages and villages begin to transfer gigabytes of data from April to November on 3g and 4g networks. We will sympathize with those who are forced to observe the letters GPRS or EDGE on their modems, and try to correct the situation by various methods. In this article I will tell you my way to achieve a comfortable and stable connection, as well as what choice I made from the available modems / routers and amplifying antennas to provide my home with Internet in the outback.
In order to start choosing communications, you need to determine the requirements for this connection. To begin with, I listed, in descending order of importance, the required services that should work with mobile Internet.
1. RDP, Remote Admin, TeamViewer, Ammyy Admin
2. Mail, sites
3. Skype, IP-phone
4. Entertainment
Most likely, a typical list of tasks for summer residents will be simply inverted, and entertainment will be put first. However, viewing mail and communicating with relatives, friends, and employees is increasingly carried out via Skype. And in order to create the appearance of being at home or in the city, you can simply take an IP-phone with you or install the required program on a laptop / smartphone and redirect your home / work number there. Well, for those whose work involves consulting and configuring IT systems, remote access is extremely important. Each of the services described above has its own peculiarity of using the Internet channel. And if the minimum channel width is sufficient for IP-telephony, but packet transmission speed is important, then for a comfortable viewing of sites the response is less important than the channel width.
Since I am considering the option of working without land lines and do not want to crawl into the jungle of satellite Internet, the option of using cellular networks remains from the budget. I decided to see what ping would be to the popular Yandex search engine from the same mobile network operator when changing the type of connection. Below are the results:
4G 20-60 ms
3G 70-200 ms
2G 150-800 ms
It is logical that in the same place on different days the speed will noticeably vary, but the response time remains approximately the same if the BS is not overloaded. The ideal option, in terms of response speed, is a 4G or LTE network - small pings will allow you to comfortably work with the remote desktop, communicate via Skype or play without lags. In principle, VOIP can also be used on 3G networks, but you need to be prepared for the fact that lags of 150 ms or more can respond with missing phrases or gurgling sound, since SIP traffic, for example, uses the UDP protocol by default.
Huawei E355s-2
TTX :
Antenna: built-in, external connector
Protocol support: HSPA + / UMTS / EDGE / GPRS / GSM
Power: from a USB port
Price: 2500 r.
Quite an interesting “whistle” from the company that flooded the market with data communications over cellular networks - Huawei. This is not just a modem, but a compact router. The device is equipped with a Wi-Fi adapter with support for IEEE 802.11 b / g / n. In addition, there are tons of useful features, such as port forwarding or firewall rules. The device supports installing a microSD card in its bowels and sharing files on it. The speed at the same time is not so hot, but for the exchange of data within the network it will work. The device can work both independently, for which it is enough to connect it to a USB port to provide power, or as a standard modem - just plug it into your computer and install the driver. A common way to connect to a car through an adapter to the cigarette lighter. While the car is always on the Internet. An unpleasant glitch is noticed:
Pros: Connecting multiple devices via Wi-Fi, the ability to work independently of a computer, router functions, the ability to connect an external antenna
Cons: Glitches when overheating
Huawei E586
TTX :
Antenna: built-in, external connector
Protocol support: HSPA + / UMTS / EDGE / GPRS / GSM
Power: from a USB port, battery
Price: 1700 r.
This mobile router can often be found on sale under any brand from the big three mobile operators. The device is interesting in that it is equipped with a built-in removable battery for battery life. There is enough charge during active work for several hours. You can work with the connected charger. The standard microUSB port allows you to use charging from a smartphone or connect to a computer. The built-in Wi-Fi adapter supports up to 5 connected devices. In the menu, you can select a 2G or 3G network forcibly, as well as set the automatic connection mode. The built-in display shows the current type of network connection, the number of connected devices, signal strength and battery level. This is quite convenient when you have to look for a place with the best signal level. Sometimes you can even take a good powerbank, connect a router, put it all in a sealed bottle and raise it as high as possible - in special cases, this allows you to get at least some kind of connection when other methods do not help. It is noteworthy that the manufacturer mounted a connector for connecting an external antenna. It is a pity that it is located under the battery and if you pull out the battery and connect external power, the router refuses to turn on until the battery is returned to its place. That is, the ability to use an external antenna is purely nominal. The router refuses to turn on until the battery is replaced. That is, the ability to use an external antenna is purely nominal. The router refuses to turn on until the battery is replaced. That is, the ability to use an external antenna is purely nominal.
Pros: built-in battery, informative display, good reception, connector for microSD
Cons: inability to connect an external antenna
Huawei E5372
TTX :
Antenna: built-in, connector for external
Protocol support: LTE / HSUPA / HSPA + / UMTS / EDGE / GPRS / GSM
Power: from USB ports, battery
Price: 5500 r.
A very successful model, which is often sold under one of the big three brands, but can be unlocked for free - just stick a SIM card of another operator and find the code generation page on the Internet. It has a built-in battery and a fairly informative display. Batteries with moderate use will last for a day, in case of active download the router will last about 3 hours. It works great for a long period with the charger connected. The modem works in 2g, 3g, 4g (LTE) networks, so you will always stay in touch. There is a possibility of forced selection of one or another type of network - this will allow you to comfortably work in a 4G network with a poor signal level, but with a less loaded base station. The Wi-Fi adapter works at a frequency of 2.4 or 5 GHz and you can even select this parameter without going to the device’s web interface. There are two outputs for connecting an external antenna (MIMO) at the end of the device, so you can connect the antenna without any problems. The sensitivity and power of the modem was enough to catch the LTE network at the edge of the reception with the external network.
Pros: Work in 2G / 3G / 4G (LTE) networks, dual-band Wi-Fi adapter, available connectors for connecting an external antenna, sensitive and powerful modem, microSD slot
Cons: Price
Zyxel Keenetic LTE
TTX :
Antenna: built-in, connector for external
Protocol Support: LTE; 791 - 862 MHz (Band 20, FDD), 1800 MHz (Band 3, FDD), 2500 - 2690 MHz (Band 7, FDD)
Power: adapter
Price: ~ 7000 r.
We pass to heavy artillery. For a comfortable and high-speed connection, you need a good router. A small pocket “soap box” is good when you are constantly moving and need communication on the road or in a new place. When there is a possibility of stationary installation, it is better to turn to more powerful, but less mobile routers. Zyxel Keenetic LTE is a full-featured router with a built-in modem working in the LTE network. If there is no support for this network yet, you can insert a regular USB-modem with 2G / 3G support into the USB port and configure the connection. The router is equipped with two connectors for connecting an external antenna with MIMO support. On the rear panel there is even a switch for choosing to use an external or internal antenna. 4 Ethernet LAN ports with a bandwidth of 1 Gbit / s, one WAN port (also 1 Gbit / s), a pair of RJ-11 connectors for connecting ordinary telephone sets. The functionality of the router is such that the connection can be backed up by all available methods: duplication via Wi-Fi, LTE, Ethernet or a USB modem. Moreover, the priorities are set independently, and the built-in ping checker utility will allow switching to the backup one when the signal from one network source is lost. The router has a built-in IP-telephony adapter with support for two SIP-accounts, and you can even connect ordinary analog devices in the amount of two pieces. The device works interestingly, it’s only a pity that the built-in modem works exclusively with the LTE network. and the built-in “ping checker” utility will allow you to switch to the backup when a signal from one network source disappears. The router has a built-in IP-telephony adapter with support for two SIP-accounts, and you can even connect ordinary analog devices in the amount of two pieces. The device works interestingly, it’s only a pity that the built-in modem works exclusively with the LTE network. and the built-in “ping checker” utility will allow you to switch to the backup when a signal from one network source disappears. The router has a built-in IP-telephony adapter with support for two SIP-accounts, and you can even connect ordinary analog devices in the amount of two pieces. The device works interestingly, it’s only a pity that the built-in modem works exclusively with the LTE network.
Pros: High sensitivity and modem power, connectors for connecting an external antenna, high firmware functionality, 2 built-in SIP clients, 4 Ethernet ports, communication redundancy
Minus: only LTE network support
Zyxel LTE 6101
TTX :
Antenna: external unit with modem
Protocol support : LTE; Band7 (2,500 - 2,690 GHz) FDD
Power: adapter
Price: 25000 r.
If you are on the border of a 4G network or around a mass of high-voltage power lines that disrupt any connection with their interference, then the Zyxel LTE 6101 is the salvation. There are two sets of Zyxel LTE 6100 and Zyxel LTE 6101. The differences are in the availability of the latest Wi-Fi adapter on board. I took just that and started to master it. The huge external unit inside has an antenna and modem located nearby to avoid signal loss in the cables. This modem is powered by POE, so only an Ethernet cable goes to the external unit. The second block is an almost ordinary Zyxel router with all the chips and settings. I was somewhat surprised to see the ability to configure 5 different Wi-Fi networks, and you can switch them from a button on the case. The directional antenna is sealed with rubber plugs and has a separate ground connector, like the indoor unit, this is done rather for our own safety, in order to avoid interference and static accumulation during a thunderstorm. The indoor unit has a pair of Ethernet ports and a separate port for connecting an external unit. When installing the antenna, you need to orient it to the base station, and the signal strength indication is available both through the web interface and on the unit itself, next to the sim card, in the form of three LEDs. Despite the fact that the LTE signal level was extremely weak, and there was no direct visibility to the base station (trees with foliage blocked the view), this router managed to squeeze fantastic 12 Mbit / s for reception and 2.5 Mbit / s for return. With this Internet you can live and work quite comfortably. The indoor unit has a pair of Ethernet ports and a separate port for connecting an external unit. When installing the antenna, you need to orient it to the base station, and the signal strength indication is available both through the web interface and on the unit itself, next to the sim card, in the form of three LEDs. Despite the fact that the LTE signal level was extremely weak, and there was no direct visibility to the base station (trees with foliage blocked the view), this router managed to squeeze fantastic 12 Mbit / s for reception and 2.5 Mbit / s for return. With this Internet you can live and work quite comfortably. The indoor unit has a pair of Ethernet ports and a separate port for connecting an external unit. When installing the antenna, you need to orient it to the base station, and the signal strength indication is available both through the web interface and on the unit itself, next to the sim card, in the form of three LEDs. Despite the fact that the LTE signal level was extremely weak, and there was no direct visibility to the base station (trees with foliage blocked the view), this router managed to squeeze fantastic 12 Mbit / s for reception and 2.5 Mbit / s for return. With this Internet you can live and work quite comfortably. that the LTE signal level was extremely weak, and there was no direct visibility of the base station (trees with foliage blocked the view) with this router we managed to squeeze fantastic 12 Mbit / s for reception and 2.5 Mbit / s for return. With this Internet you can live and work quite comfortably. that the LTE signal level was extremely weak, and there was no direct visibility of the base station (trees with foliage blocked the view) with this router we managed to squeeze fantastic 12 Mbit / s for reception and 2.5 Mbit / s for return. With this Internet you can live and work quite comfortably.
Pros: An external unit with a built-in modem, a single cable connection, an excellent reception level, Broad router settings
Cons: Price
Conclusions
Each device is suitable for working on the Internet to a greater or lesser extent. To work in the car, a USB router or a router with a built-in battery is suitable. For work in the house, it is better to choose the stationary option Zyxel Keenetic LTE. Well, if you can see on the cellular network coverage map that LTE is somewhere nearby, then you should take a closer look at the Zyxel LTE 6101. the latter is a ready-made kit that can only be mounted, but you can experiment with Zyxel Keenetic LTE.
Announcement
I decided to check how economically feasible and efficient to use various external antennas with the indicated routers, so I got different antennas and tested them all under extremely difficult conditions. For example, Huawei E5372 without an antenna did not see the LTE network, but with an external antenna it could register and even transmit something, but the signal indicator was at zero. I will write how to choose and mount the antenna correctly in the following material, because to make the right choice you will need to understand the principles of radio communications, types of antennas and their functioning.
PS The text is written and sent from the very backwoods, where even an ordinary cell phone often loses touch.
Remote work or freelance in the outback. Communication Aspects. Part 2
In order to start choosing communications, you need to determine the requirements for this connection. To begin with, I listed, in descending order of importance, the required services that should work with mobile Internet.
1. RDP, Remote Admin, TeamViewer, Ammyy Admin
2. Mail, sites
3. Skype, IP-phone
4. Entertainment
Most likely, a typical list of tasks for summer residents will be simply inverted, and entertainment will be put first. However, viewing mail and communicating with relatives, friends, and employees is increasingly carried out via Skype. And in order to create the appearance of being at home or in the city, you can simply take an IP-phone with you or install the required program on a laptop / smartphone and redirect your home / work number there. Well, for those whose work involves consulting and configuring IT systems, remote access is extremely important. Each of the services described above has its own peculiarity of using the Internet channel. And if the minimum channel width is sufficient for IP-telephony, but packet transmission speed is important, then for a comfortable viewing of sites the response is less important than the channel width.
Since I am considering the option of working without land lines and do not want to crawl into the jungle of satellite Internet, the option of using cellular networks remains from the budget. I decided to see what ping would be to the popular Yandex search engine from the same mobile network operator when changing the type of connection. Below are the results:
4G 20-60 ms
3G 70-200 ms
2G 150-800 ms
It is logical that in the same place on different days the speed will noticeably vary, but the response time remains approximately the same if the BS is not overloaded. The ideal option, in terms of response speed, is a 4G or LTE network - small pings will allow you to comfortably work with the remote desktop, communicate via Skype or play without lags. In principle, VOIP can also be used on 3G networks, but you need to be prepared for the fact that lags of 150 ms or more can respond with missing phrases or gurgling sound, since SIP traffic, for example, uses the UDP protocol by default.
Huawei E355s-2
TTX :
Antenna: built-in, external connector
Protocol support: HSPA + / UMTS / EDGE / GPRS / GSM
Power: from a USB port
Price: 2500 r.
Quite an interesting “whistle” from the company that flooded the market with data communications over cellular networks - Huawei. This is not just a modem, but a compact router. The device is equipped with a Wi-Fi adapter with support for IEEE 802.11 b / g / n. In addition, there are tons of useful features, such as port forwarding or firewall rules. The device supports installing a microSD card in its bowels and sharing files on it. The speed at the same time is not so hot, but for the exchange of data within the network it will work. The device can work both independently, for which it is enough to connect it to a USB port to provide power, or as a standard modem - just plug it into your computer and install the driver. A common way to connect to a car through an adapter to the cigarette lighter. While the car is always on the Internet. An unpleasant glitch is noticed:
Pros: Connecting multiple devices via Wi-Fi, the ability to work independently of a computer, router functions, the ability to connect an external antenna
Cons: Glitches when overheating
Huawei E586
TTX :
Antenna: built-in, external connector
Protocol support: HSPA + / UMTS / EDGE / GPRS / GSM
Power: from a USB port, battery
Price: 1700 r.
This mobile router can often be found on sale under any brand from the big three mobile operators. The device is interesting in that it is equipped with a built-in removable battery for battery life. There is enough charge during active work for several hours. You can work with the connected charger. The standard microUSB port allows you to use charging from a smartphone or connect to a computer. The built-in Wi-Fi adapter supports up to 5 connected devices. In the menu, you can select a 2G or 3G network forcibly, as well as set the automatic connection mode. The built-in display shows the current type of network connection, the number of connected devices, signal strength and battery level. This is quite convenient when you have to look for a place with the best signal level. Sometimes you can even take a good powerbank, connect a router, put it all in a sealed bottle and raise it as high as possible - in special cases, this allows you to get at least some kind of connection when other methods do not help. It is noteworthy that the manufacturer mounted a connector for connecting an external antenna. It is a pity that it is located under the battery and if you pull out the battery and connect external power, the router refuses to turn on until the battery is returned to its place. That is, the ability to use an external antenna is purely nominal. The router refuses to turn on until the battery is replaced. That is, the ability to use an external antenna is purely nominal. The router refuses to turn on until the battery is replaced. That is, the ability to use an external antenna is purely nominal.
Pros: built-in battery, informative display, good reception, connector for microSD
Cons: inability to connect an external antenna
Huawei E5372
TTX :
Antenna: built-in, connector for external
Protocol support: LTE / HSUPA / HSPA + / UMTS / EDGE / GPRS / GSM
Power: from USB ports, battery
Price: 5500 r.
A very successful model, which is often sold under one of the big three brands, but can be unlocked for free - just stick a SIM card of another operator and find the code generation page on the Internet. It has a built-in battery and a fairly informative display. Batteries with moderate use will last for a day, in case of active download the router will last about 3 hours. It works great for a long period with the charger connected. The modem works in 2g, 3g, 4g (LTE) networks, so you will always stay in touch. There is a possibility of forced selection of one or another type of network - this will allow you to comfortably work in a 4G network with a poor signal level, but with a less loaded base station. The Wi-Fi adapter works at a frequency of 2.4 or 5 GHz and you can even select this parameter without going to the device’s web interface. There are two outputs for connecting an external antenna (MIMO) at the end of the device, so you can connect the antenna without any problems. The sensitivity and power of the modem was enough to catch the LTE network at the edge of the reception with the external network.
Pros: Work in 2G / 3G / 4G (LTE) networks, dual-band Wi-Fi adapter, available connectors for connecting an external antenna, sensitive and powerful modem, microSD slot
Cons: Price
Zyxel Keenetic LTE
TTX :
Antenna: built-in, connector for external
Protocol Support: LTE; 791 - 862 MHz (Band 20, FDD), 1800 MHz (Band 3, FDD), 2500 - 2690 MHz (Band 7, FDD)
Power: adapter
Price: ~ 7000 r.
We pass to heavy artillery. For a comfortable and high-speed connection, you need a good router. A small pocket “soap box” is good when you are constantly moving and need communication on the road or in a new place. When there is a possibility of stationary installation, it is better to turn to more powerful, but less mobile routers. Zyxel Keenetic LTE is a full-featured router with a built-in modem working in the LTE network. If there is no support for this network yet, you can insert a regular USB-modem with 2G / 3G support into the USB port and configure the connection. The router is equipped with two connectors for connecting an external antenna with MIMO support. On the rear panel there is even a switch for choosing to use an external or internal antenna. 4 Ethernet LAN ports with a bandwidth of 1 Gbit / s, one WAN port (also 1 Gbit / s), a pair of RJ-11 connectors for connecting ordinary telephone sets. The functionality of the router is such that the connection can be backed up by all available methods: duplication via Wi-Fi, LTE, Ethernet or a USB modem. Moreover, the priorities are set independently, and the built-in ping checker utility will allow switching to the backup one when the signal from one network source is lost. The router has a built-in IP-telephony adapter with support for two SIP-accounts, and you can even connect ordinary analog devices in the amount of two pieces. The device works interestingly, it’s only a pity that the built-in modem works exclusively with the LTE network. and the built-in “ping checker” utility will allow you to switch to the backup when a signal from one network source disappears. The router has a built-in IP-telephony adapter with support for two SIP-accounts, and you can even connect ordinary analog devices in the amount of two pieces. The device works interestingly, it’s only a pity that the built-in modem works exclusively with the LTE network. and the built-in “ping checker” utility will allow you to switch to the backup when a signal from one network source disappears. The router has a built-in IP-telephony adapter with support for two SIP-accounts, and you can even connect ordinary analog devices in the amount of two pieces. The device works interestingly, it’s only a pity that the built-in modem works exclusively with the LTE network.
Pros: High sensitivity and modem power, connectors for connecting an external antenna, high firmware functionality, 2 built-in SIP clients, 4 Ethernet ports, communication redundancy
Minus: only LTE network support
Zyxel LTE 6101
TTX :
Antenna: external unit with modem
Protocol support : LTE; Band7 (2,500 - 2,690 GHz) FDD
Power: adapter
Price: 25000 r.
If you are on the border of a 4G network or around a mass of high-voltage power lines that disrupt any connection with their interference, then the Zyxel LTE 6101 is the salvation. There are two sets of Zyxel LTE 6100 and Zyxel LTE 6101. The differences are in the availability of the latest Wi-Fi adapter on board. I took just that and started to master it. The huge external unit inside has an antenna and modem located nearby to avoid signal loss in the cables. This modem is powered by POE, so only an Ethernet cable goes to the external unit. The second block is an almost ordinary Zyxel router with all the chips and settings. I was somewhat surprised to see the ability to configure 5 different Wi-Fi networks, and you can switch them from a button on the case. The directional antenna is sealed with rubber plugs and has a separate ground connector, like the indoor unit, this is done rather for our own safety, in order to avoid interference and static accumulation during a thunderstorm. The indoor unit has a pair of Ethernet ports and a separate port for connecting an external unit. When installing the antenna, you need to orient it to the base station, and the signal strength indication is available both through the web interface and on the unit itself, next to the sim card, in the form of three LEDs. Despite the fact that the LTE signal level was extremely weak, and there was no direct visibility to the base station (trees with foliage blocked the view), this router managed to squeeze fantastic 12 Mbit / s for reception and 2.5 Mbit / s for return. With this Internet you can live and work quite comfortably. The indoor unit has a pair of Ethernet ports and a separate port for connecting an external unit. When installing the antenna, you need to orient it to the base station, and the signal strength indication is available both through the web interface and on the unit itself, next to the sim card, in the form of three LEDs. Despite the fact that the LTE signal level was extremely weak, and there was no direct visibility to the base station (trees with foliage blocked the view), this router managed to squeeze fantastic 12 Mbit / s for reception and 2.5 Mbit / s for return. With this Internet you can live and work quite comfortably. The indoor unit has a pair of Ethernet ports and a separate port for connecting an external unit. When installing the antenna, you need to orient it to the base station, and the signal strength indication is available both through the web interface and on the unit itself, next to the sim card, in the form of three LEDs. Despite the fact that the LTE signal level was extremely weak, and there was no direct visibility to the base station (trees with foliage blocked the view), this router managed to squeeze fantastic 12 Mbit / s for reception and 2.5 Mbit / s for return. With this Internet you can live and work quite comfortably. that the LTE signal level was extremely weak, and there was no direct visibility of the base station (trees with foliage blocked the view) with this router we managed to squeeze fantastic 12 Mbit / s for reception and 2.5 Mbit / s for return. With this Internet you can live and work quite comfortably. that the LTE signal level was extremely weak, and there was no direct visibility of the base station (trees with foliage blocked the view) with this router we managed to squeeze fantastic 12 Mbit / s for reception and 2.5 Mbit / s for return. With this Internet you can live and work quite comfortably.
Pros: An external unit with a built-in modem, a single cable connection, an excellent reception level, Broad router settings
Cons: Price
Conclusions
Each device is suitable for working on the Internet to a greater or lesser extent. To work in the car, a USB router or a router with a built-in battery is suitable. For work in the house, it is better to choose the stationary option Zyxel Keenetic LTE. Well, if you can see on the cellular network coverage map that LTE is somewhere nearby, then you should take a closer look at the Zyxel LTE 6101. the latter is a ready-made kit that can only be mounted, but you can experiment with Zyxel Keenetic LTE.
Announcement
I decided to check how economically feasible and efficient to use various external antennas with the indicated routers, so I got different antennas and tested them all under extremely difficult conditions. For example, Huawei E5372 without an antenna did not see the LTE network, but with an external antenna it could register and even transmit something, but the signal indicator was at zero. I will write how to choose and mount the antenna correctly in the following material, because to make the right choice you will need to understand the principles of radio communications, types of antennas and their functioning.
PS The text is written and sent from the very backwoods, where even an ordinary cell phone often loses touch.
Remote work or freelance in the outback. Communication Aspects. Part 2