In this review, using the E327 model as an example, the Megafon 3G modem family will be considered. A universal procedure for setting them up, the main technical parameters and feedback from the owners will be given. The main tariff plans that the operator offers to use in combination with such an access point will also be considered.
Device assignment
Any modern Megafon 3G modem is essentially a network gateway. On the one hand, it connects wirelessly to a cellular network and with its help sends or receives data and information from the Internet. On the other hand, using a universal USB connector, it is connected to a personal computer or a router.
That is, with the help of such a device, you can create a mobile access point to the “global web” without any problems. Its only significant drawback is the lack of support for the most advanced LTE technology, which, moreover, also provides the highest transmission speed at the moment. That's whythe cost of this solution is very, very democratic for the reason that it has already partially become obsolete.
Design
This Megafon 3G modem comes in a white or black plastic case and looks like a regular flash drive. On one of its side faces there is a special CRC9 socket for switching a remote antenna, which is indispensable in cases where the nearest cell tower is at a distance of 9-12 km. On one side of the solution is a universal USB connector. With its help, this modem is connected to the system unit of the computer system or to a stationary router.
Package
The delivery list for this device is as follows:
- Modem supporting UMTS technology.
- User's manual, complete with warranty card.
Megafon 3G modem drivers, together with diagnostic software, are stored inside the device in a special ROM chip. Therefore, the operator excluded the CD from the delivery list. In addition, such media are gradually becoming a thing of the past and now not every computer is equipped with such a drive. As a result, this approach to storing drivers and related software can be attributed to the advantages of such a network access point.
Key Features
The Megafon 3G modem has the following main technical specifications:
- Speed with appropriate coverage does not exceed 28.8 Mbps.
- Slot forinstalling a 32 GB memory card.
- Possibility to switch external antenna in case of insufficient cellular network signal.
- Connect to a PC using the universal USB interface.
- The internal memory of the device makes the setup process as simple as possible.
Connection to PC. Program setting
Setting up the Megafon 3G modem for a laptop or desktop computer can be done in two ways:
- Using specialized operator software.
- By using the capabilities of the operating system.
In the first case, the order of switching and parameterization of the device is as follows:
- Connect the port of the access point to the PC. Then you need to wait until the end of the process of initializing it.
- After starting the auto-installation process, follow the instructions of the wizard. As a result, the MegaFonInternet utility and control drivers will be installed.
- Then run the MegaFonInternet program and set up Internet access.
In the case of using system software, the algorithm looks like this:
- We perform the modem switching in the previously described way. Using the wizard, we install the device drivers, but there is no need to install the proprietary utility from the operator company.
- Go to the start menu. Next, select the “Control Panel” item and in it we find the “Network Control Center”.
- Creating a new connection.
- Bthe next window, select the item “Dial-up connection”.
- After that, set the dial-up number 99 and the name of the connection. Leave the username and password fields blank. Save all parameters.
- Next, go to the connection parameters and uncheck the “Prompt for a name…” flag. Then go to the “Security” tab and check the box next to the CHAP parameter. Save all changes.
- Now click on the connect button and go to the “global web”.
Be that as it may, the easiest way to set it up is to use the operator's software. Its advantages include the simplest configuration algorithm and the minimum number of actions that the user must perform during the configuration process.
Switching with a router
Now let's figure out how to set up a Megafon 3G modem in combination with a fixed router. In this case, the setup procedure becomes more complicated and consists of the following steps:
- Install this communication equipment in the router connector.
- Force restart the access point to the “global web”.
- After that, the software setting of the latter should be automatically updated and all the necessary software should be automatically installed. If this does not happen, then you need to go to the control panel of the router and forcefully create a 3G connection with the following parameters:
- In the “Access Point Name” field, type internet.
- Phone automaticdialer - 99.
- Leave the fields “Username” and “Password” unchanged.
- Set the name of the connection to be arbitrary.
- Save the settings and exit the setup menu. The router is then ready for use.
Connection speed
After the end of the configuration process, it is necessary to check the operability of the access point to the “global web”. To do this, simply launch the browser and open any page on the Internet.
As noted earlier, the highest Internet speed of the Megafon 3G modem is 28.8 Mbps. Again, such a value can only be obtained in a 3G / UMTS network near the communication tower and provided that no one else is connected to it except for this one subscriber. Therefore, in practice, you can count on a speed of no more than 2-3 Mbps, and this is quite enough not only for receiving text documents, but also for playing video in HD format.
Cost. Fare
Now such a device can be purchased at a promotional price of 1 ruble. Again, it comes with a starter pack with a cost of 699 rubles. That is, in total, it is necessary to lay out 700 rubles for such a decision. This activates the tariff plan “Internet 699”, which includes 8 GB of data.
Be that as it may, such a tariff plan with a promotional price justifies the purchase of such a communication solution. The key disadvantage of this modem is the lack of support at the hardware level for cellular communication of the 4G / LTE standard and, asresult, lower transmission speed. But if there is no need for an unlimited amount of traffic, then buying such a 3G modem and a promotional starter package is quite reasonable and justified.
Owner Reviews
As noted earlier, setting up a Megafon 3G modem is a very, very simple operation. This is a key advantage of this device, which many people have noted in their reviews. Also, its advantages include low cost, acceptable technical specifications, and the ability to install an additional drive, and connect an external antenna. Another advantage of this solution is an internal memory chip with drivers and software written on it. That is, there is no need to use the CD in the process of setting up the access point.
But the list of shortcomings of this modem includes the lack of support for the latest generation of 4G / LTE cellular networks and strict binding to the coverage of the operator company.
In conclusion
The 3G-modem "Megafon" considered within the framework of this material combines good technical specifications and reasonable cost. It has a number of significant advantages, but the only drawbacks include the lack of support for advanced LTE cellular technology and lower data transfer rates. But if the previously given disadvantages are not so significant, then the acquisition of such network equipment is technically and economically justified.
