Internet slowdown thru 3G router

Hi. I tried my way to google out of this problem but I could't find any solution. I believe some of you guys may be able to advise me regarding my issue here.

My means of connecting to the internet is thru my 3G USB dongle. My internet speed is supposedly up to 7.2 Mbps. Usually I get 4 Mbps in actual if my dongle is connected directly to my notebook's USB port.

Now eventually I got more toys that needs to go online (1 dsi, 1 3ds, another notebook), so I got myself a 3g router (TP-Link). However, for some reason I don't know, my internet is always slowed down to around 0.2Mbps (on bad days, I get dial-up speed). If I disconnect and plug my dongle directly to my notebook, I get the normal fast speeds. So that eliminates by ISP being the culprit.

I have tried the following;
- re-position the router
- upgrade router firmware
- upgrade usb dongle firmware
- disable (temporarily for testing) my firewall

Because I cannot solve my problem, I thought of changing my router. I bought an Aztech 3g router, and I got the same problem. Now I am using a prolink 3.75g router (as the box says), but I still encounter the same issue.

My internet slows down even though I am the only one using it (no other device).

Are all 3g routers flawed? Is there really no way to get the same speed from my dongle when I connect directly?

Thank you in advance.

 

You did not state what dongle you are using. By the speed you say you are supposed to get I am inclined to believe you have a 3g/4g dongle. The routers you are stating you use I have never used. I researched evdo routers prior to purchasing and found cradlepoint to be the main one serious users purchase. I have been using a Cradlepoint MBR1000 for several years without any problems. I also have one of ther portable ones that will operate off of a rechargeable battery. My dongle has better speeds hooked to the router than the laptop. Some of the newer dongles have problems so it might not be your router. So again more info would help us to help you.

 

It is a Huawei E1750 HSPA stick provided by my ISP. Unfortunately for 3G routers, I have a limited selection here in Singapore. Brands I have seen so far were: Aztech, Pro-link, TP-link, Linksys, D-link. So basically 3 down, 2 to go, but I don't want to go that way.

 

There is a 3g/4g wireless specific forum called the EVDO forum. I am posting a link to it. There is a better chance of finding someone who uses the same equipment and has solved these issues. EVDO Forums - EV-DO Discussion, Support, Coverage, Compatibility, Tips, Verizon, Sprint, Alltel, Cradlepoint CTR350, PHS300, MBR1000, CTR500, CBA250 and MiFi : EVDOforums.com

 

Okay, let me try to go through their forums. Thanks for the link!

 

Does your 3G provider guarantee 7.2 mbps 24/7 or is that just the advertised max potential speed?

 

It is max potential speed. Normal speed I get if I connect directly is 3-4 Mbps which is okay. However, the slowdown to 0.2 Mbps when I go through the 3g router is what I cannot accept.

 

could be that your ISP is sensing that you are 'sharing' your 3G dongle and then downgrade your speed.

Have you asked them?

 

Hmm, I never thought of that, since its almost instantaneous that when I plug my 3g dongle to the router, I get the slowdown, and when I unplug it to connect directly to my notebook, I get the normal speed.

I will drop them a call about sharing if it is an issue. Thanks.