Tuesday, 22 February 2011 23:30
Cradlepoint Firmware 1.8.0 for CTR500/MBR900/MBR1000/MBR1200/CBA750/CBA250/MBR800 adds Support for Verizon LTE Modems & More
 
Firmware 1.8.0 provides support for the Verizon Pantech UML290 (left) and LG VL600 (right) modems and more! Firmware 1.8.1, which solves many compatibility issues for UML290 and VL600 users, is now available - read more: Cradlepoint Releases Firmware 1.8.1 for CTR500/MBR/CBA Routers
CradlePoint has released Firmware Version 1.8.0 that provides the MBR1200, MBR1000, MBR900, CTR500, CBA250, CBA750, and MBR800 with official support for more modems (including both of Verizon's 3G/4G modems and two popular AT&T modems), new features, and bug fixes. Firmware 1.8.0 adds support for the following devices: This latest firmware version also provides a few new features: - Added ability to disable USB High Speedmode (Modem->Settings page) for modems that have communication problems at High Speed.
- Added support for TTLS client identity on WiMAX modems. Added ability to configure the Authentication Protocol for WiMAX modems (Modem->Settings page). Supports Sprint's Data Link with Sprint 4G devices.
- Added support for WiMAX idle mode.
- Updated WiMAX modem file (current version is 5.2.226)
- CBA products now support LAN link speed and duplex settings configuration (Basic -> Network page).
- Added WAN PING support to CBA products when running in configuration modem (Basic -> WAN page).
- Added Dynamic DNS support to CBA products when running in configuration modem (Tools -> DynDNS page).
- Updated VNP code on the MBR1200 and MBR800 routers.
There are also a couple of new features: - Added TTLS-CHAP client identity support on WiMAX modems
- Added Sprint’s Data Link configuration interface for 3G devices
- MBR1200, MBR800 only. Enhanced IPSec VPN end-point support: NAT Traversal (NAT-T)
- MBR1200 only: Enhanced 2nd WAN port configuration.
Finally, firmware 1.8.0 has fixed the following bugs: - Blackberry device can now reconnect after the router is rebooted
- IPSec VPN end-point. Fully restores tunnel if tunnel is dropped by external router
- IPSec VPN end-point. Reassembles ESP fragment packets correctly
- Resolved VPN pass-through PPTP issue introduced in 1.7.5.
- CBA250, CBA750 only. Eliminates Windows IP address conflict message.
For full details on what this firmware release provides, view the release notes (PDF)
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Saturday, 19 February 2011 00:17
Ever since Sprint launched their WiMAX network, there has been a lot of speculation that Sprint would eventually make a move over the 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution). In a round table discussion at Mobile World Congress this week, Sprint's Vice President of Networks, Bob Azzi said the carrier will be evaluating customer migration from EVDO (3G) to WiMAX (4G) over the next four to six months. They will then be evaluating the best way to use their existing spectrum before reaching a decision on a potential switch from WiMAX to LTE. While Verizon's 4G LTE network offers building penetration and coverage, Sprint's 4G WiMAX is the only wireless provider that offers unlimited data access on 4G. If they decide to make the transition to LTE, the switch should be as easy as swapping out a new baseband card and issuing a software patch.
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Friday, 18 February 2011 23:51
It appears that AT&T is following in Verizon's footsteps by introducing new pricing for their MiFi 2372 mobile hotspot and 4G-capable USBconnect Adrenaline. These devices are now eligible for a $50/mo price plan, which includes 5GB of data with overage charges of $10 per GB. That plan is identical to one of the plans Verizon offers for their hotspot and 4G-capable devices, but while Verizon also offers an $80/mo plan that includes 10GB of data, AT&T is only offering the 5GB plan at this time. AT&T's other devices are NOT eligible for this new plan - the $60/mo 5GB plan is still the only plan available for those devices. While the pricing of this new plan is attractive, unfortunately neither of the devices that are currently eligible for it are compatible with any routers at this time. The AT&T 4G network will be going live in the second half of 2011 and the Adrenaline is the only device that will be able to use it at launch. They will be pushing a firmware update OTA (over the air), which will update the device for 4G when the network officially goes live.
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Wednesday, 16 February 2011 23:43
 80% of Market’s Population Covered by Fastest 4G LTE Network SOUTHFIELD, MI — Verizon Wireless announced today it is expanding the nation’s fastest and most advanced 4G LTE network on Feb. 17 to cover more than 80 percent of the population in the metropolitan Detroit area, including the following cities and towns: - Allen Park
- Birmingham
- Bloomfield Hills
- Bloomfield Township
- Canton
- Centerline
- Clarkston
- Clawson
- Clinton Township
- Dearborn
- Dearborn Heights
- Detroit
- Drayton Plains
- Eastpointe
- Ecorse
- Farmington
- Farmington Hills
- Ferndale
- Franklin
- Fraser
- Garden City
- Grosse Pointe
- Grosse Pointe Farms
- Grosse Pointe Park
- Grosse Pointe Shores
- Grosse Pointe Woods
- Hamtramck
- Harper Woods
- Hazel Park
- Highland Park
- Huntington Woods
- Inkster
- Keego Harbor
- Lathrup Village
- Lincoln Park
- Livonia
- Macomb
- Milford at the GM Proving Grounds
- Mount Clemens
- Melvindale
- Northville
- Novi
- Oak Park
- Pleasant Ridge
- Pontiac
- Redford
- River Rouge
- Riverview
- Rochester
- Rochester Hills
- Romulus
- Roseville
- Royal Oak
- Saint Clair Shores
- Shelby Township
- Southfield
- Southgate
- Sterling Heights
- Taylor
- Troy
- Walled Lake
- Warren
- Washington
- Wayne
- West Bloomfield
- Westland
- Wyandotte
The expansion – the first since the company’s initial 4G LTE launch in December 2010 – means businesses and consumers may experience speeds up to 10 times faster than the company’s industry-leading 3G network. In real-world, fully-loaded network environments, laptop users experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink. “Metro Detroit: Welcome to the future,” said John Granby, president –Michigan/Indiana/Kentucky Region, Verizon Wireless. “Our advanced technology is changing the way we all work and play. Today, it gives us the ability to move large files faster and soon enjoy smooth mobile video conferencing. But, this is only the beginning. It’s not about what 4G can do for you. Rather, it’s about what do you want or need it to do?” Since 2007, when Verizon Wireless jump-started the global 4G LTE ecosystem with its selection of LTE for its 4G technology, the company has developed deep partnerships to spearhead a broad LTE ecosystem, including the LTE Innovation Center in Waltham, Mass., and an Application Innovation Center, soon to open in San Francisco. In December 2010, Verizon Wireless launched its 4G LTE network in 38 major metropolitan markets and 60 commercial airports across the country as well as in parts of north Oakland and Macomb counties. Much of metro Detroit has been impacted by spectrum interference with a Canadian TV station that has since been resolved, allowing the company to make this significant early expansion. The company’s 4G LTE network will cover two-thirds of the U.S. population by mid-2012, and by the end of 2013 the company will offer its 4G LTE network from coast to coast – everywhere it offers 3G today.
Thursday, 10 February 2011 18:56
When Verizon launched their 4G LTE network in December, neither the Pantech UML290 or LG VL600 offered Mac support out of the gate. In the end of January, Verizon added Mac support for the UML290, but the LG VL600 still wasn't supported. It was announced today that the LG VL600 now has software support via VZAccess Manager for Mac OSX ( 10.4.x/10.5.x) and ( 10.6.x) operating systems in 32 bit mode. Despite the addition of Mac support for the VL600, at this time we still recommend the Pantech UML290 for 3G/4G users because this device is compatible with several 3G/4G routers and also offers the ability to add either a 3G or 4G antenna to improve Verizon signal (the VL600 is not currently compatible with any routers and there is no compatible antenna adapter cable at this time).
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Wednesday, 09 February 2011 00:37
Sprint's two year old "Sprint Premier" program, which provides special benefits for customers whose accounts meet certain criteria, has now grown large enough that they've decided to update it as a two-tiered program with silver and gold levels. This change will go into effect on 4/1/2011 and customers can qualify for either gold or silver tiers based on their monthly bills and time with Sprint. Premier account status allows customers to save money on on accessories, earn free tickets and trips under Sprint's "random acts of kindness", and enjoy the option to buy new Sprint products early and more! As of April 1st, to qualify for a Sprint premier account you must meet the following critera: Premier Gold Customers:- Maintain a 3-month average of at least $89.99 for individual plans, or
- Maintain a 3-month average of at least $169.99 for shared plans, or
- Have been a Sprint customer for 10 years or more.
- Maintain a 3-month average of at least $69.99 - $89.98 for individual plans, or
- Maintain a 3-month average of at least $99.99 - $169.98 for shared plans
- Customers that have been a Sprint customer for 10 years or more will automatically be upgraded to gold
The difference between the two tiers is that gold members will receive an annual upgrade benefit while silver members will have to wait for additional upgrade discounts; the other benefits are identical between gold/silver members. You can find all the details here - Click to read Sprint Premier FAQ
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Wednesday, 02 February 2011 22:54
Sprint has announced they'll be the first US carrier to offer an international 4G roaming option. This will allow Sprint customers traveling to Jamaica or Taiwan to get online by connecting to Digicel or Global Mobile's 4G WiMAX networks, while using their existing Sprint 3G/4G device. This international plan will be available for $15 per day and allow customers access to unlimited 4G data. The service will not cover voice and will be primarily designed for devices like the Sierra 250U and Franklin U600 wireless data modems. More companies are anticipated to join the international roaming agreements in the future, although Sprint hasn't given a specific time frame.
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