Mobile Broadband Setup Guide

Mobile Broadband accesses the mobile network using a SIM card. These SIM cards can be inserted in to a USB modem to gain access to the network. There are many types of Mobile Broadband Modem like USB stick or dongle, Mi-Fi modem, inbuilt modem, phone as modem etc. Setting up these devices might differ from one another, however all the modems access the network in a similar way.

How to setup a USB Dongle?

usb-modem-setup

USB dongles are available as either USB stick or modem with USB cable. Either of these USB modems will have a slot to insert a 3G SIM card.

  1. Insert the SIM card in to the USB modem.
  2. Connect the modem directly into the USB port of the computer or using a USB cable. USB cables can help to receive better signal strength.
  3. The USB modem does not require any manual software installation; instead the connection manager software is installed automatically.
  4. Follow the on screen instruction to complete the installation.
  5. Once the installation is completed the device is ready to use.
  6. The connection manager can be used to view the signal strength, connection status and download speed of the connection.

How to setup a Built in 3G modem?

Many service providers offer a Notebook computer with built in 3G modems. These notebook computers are featured with a SIM card slot that can be found either in the side or bottom of the notebooks.

  1. Insert the SIM card into the SIM card slot and start the computer.
  2. Insert the connection manager software installation CD and begin auto-installation.
  3. Once the installation is completed the SIM card will be available to access the Internet.
  4. Since it is a built in modem, the drivers for the modem will be available within the operating system.

How to setup a Mi-Fi router?

mifi-setup

3G Mi-Fi routers are used to gain mobile broadband access to multiple computers at the same time. These routers are independent of any power supply and works using a lithium battery.

  1. Insert the SIM card into the SIM card slot of the Mi-Fi device.
  2. Insert the battery and then close the back cover.
  3. Charge the device at least for 12 hours before using it for the first time.
  4. Switch on the device by pressing the power button.
  5. Now press the Wi-Fi button to enable Wi-Fi access.
  6. Now press the Internet button to gain access to the Internet.
  7. Start the computer and open network connections.
  8. Make sure if the wireless card in the computer is enabled.
  9. Under the list of wireless devices identify if the Mi-Fi modem is listed.
  10. Select the modem and click connect.

How to setup a Mobile Broadband wireless Router?

mobile-broadband-router-setup

Users who wish to share their mobile broadband service can use a wireless router to share their Internet connection. These Wireless Mobile Broadband routers are provided by T-mobile and 3-Mobile.

  1. Plug in the power cable and switch on the wireless router.
  2. Insert the SIM card in the USB modem.
  3. Connect the USB modem to the USB port of the wireless router.
  4. The wireless router is capable of providing one Ethernet connection and wireless access to multiple devices.
  5. Start the computer and open the network connections window.
  6. Choose the mobile broadband device from the list of available wireless networks.

How to setup a phone as modem?

tethering

3G mobile broadband service can also accessed using a phone as a modem. There are many phones available in the market which can be used as a 3G modem. Users can purchase or sign up for a SIM only contract and get a 3G SIM card. These SIM cards can be used to access the mobile broadband service by using a 3G mobile phone. All the 3G mobile phones will be provided with a data cable to connect to the computer. This method is called tethering.

  1. Insert the 3G SIM card in the mobile phone.
  2. Connect the mobile phone to the computer using a data cable.
  3. Start the mobile phone and choose the mode as phone modem.
  4. Install the connection manager software in the computer.
  5. Once the software is installed, the user can start accessing the Internet.