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Eray
Asked: 2011-06-17 05:53:03 +0800 CST

Choosing 3G or EDGE on Mobile Broadband

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I'm using Mobile Broadband with the modem HUAWEI K3765 . I have installed the driver from here : http://www.betavine.net/bvportal/resources/datacards/devices .

In the modem's official management application (supporting only Windows OS, not Linux) there is an option for using either an EDGE or 3G connection, depending on the signal strength.

Using this option, the modem defaults to 3G. Only when the signal is low, it automatically connects via EDGE. You can suppress this behavior by choosing the option "Connect via 3G only".

Now I'm using Ubuntu 11.04. As I said I couldn't install the official application, I just installed the mentioned driver. This modem automatically connects via EDGE when 3G signal is low. I want to connect via 3G always, also when the 3G Signal is low.

So what I should do?

modem

3 Answers

  1. According to the documentation it is possible to force 3G with the parameter network-type:

    Following Options are available for the parameter network-type

    • -1 any connection (Default value)
    • 0 for Only 3G
    • 1 for GPRS/EDGE only
    • 2 prefer 3G
    • 3 prefer 2G

    These changes have to made in /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/your_3g_connection. Put network-type 0 in the section [gsm]

    Option 0 is what you requested, but I would recommend using 2. If your signal is too weak for 3G, you'll have no connection at all with the setting 0. Whereas the option 2 will go down to EDGE/GPRS in that case. Better 2G than nothing at all, isn't it?

    Graphical Way

    You can achieve the same result with the "Network-Connections" dialogue. Look here for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide.

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  2. When you connect using ubuntu network manager aplet i think it's automaticaly switch form 3G to Edge eventhough network will be disconnected for a while.

    if you want such us standalone network manager like sierra wireless watcher or huawei mobile partner you can use application named UMTSMON, you can monitor the signal, choose the network type, even send sms from this application (if supported)

    you can download the source here :

    here is the screenshoot :

    enter image description here

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  3. Some problems are solved better outside of the software, and I believe this might be one. Ive worked in the wireless sector for years, and in my mind the easiest way would be to use the backdoor in the device... for example if this is a android device its http://rwireless.blogspot.com/2009/03/hidden-menus-in-android-phone.html <--documented here.. You can usually then tell the device to choose a specific network, and to only use that network. Without knowing the specifics of the device its hard to say what your code is, but almost all devices have one..

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