mini-PCIe LTE for laptop

This is a logical continuation of the topic about the miniPCIe controller WiMax .

Some time ago, WiMax networks became history, and LTE triumphantly set foot in their place. However, the idea of ​​using an integrated module, instead of sticking a whistle of wireless communication, did not seem to me less attractive.

The choice of such devices is quite poor, and I stayed on the Sierra MC7710, as there were messages on the forums about the success of its use with Russian LTE operators. The adjustment process turned out to be not at all a trivial matter, and in addition it has not been described anywhere from beginning to end. Therefore, I am sure that this topic should take place in the cache of search engines.

Sierra Wireless AirPrime MC7710 LTE / HSPA +

• LTE 800/900/1800/2100/2600 * MHz
• WCDMA 900/2100 MHz
• EDGE / GPRS / GSM 900/1800/1900

full specifications



* LTE 2600 FDD, Band 7 (2500-2530 MHz / 2620-2650 MHz) is used by Yota and virtual operators MegaFon and MTS



I ordered my module on ebay for $ 260. Please note that these modules are often locked to a specific operator. As I understand it, DC-unlocker is not yet trained on unlocking these models, so look for the unlocked version.

A little less than a month after the order, he was on my desk:

')





Three U.FL outputs are designed to connect three antennas: Internal 3G / LTE, GPS and external 3G / LTE.



Without putting things on the back burner, put the module where it should be and connect the antennas:







In the photo, the disassembled Samsung Q1UP UMPC, an internal 3G antenna is glued to the module, and the latter is ready to take its place in the miniPCIe connector.



C GPS while things are difficult. I was planning to connect a MMCX-f pigtail on IPX U.FL to this connector in order to bring the MMCX connector to the case and connect an external GPS antenna that I have to it.

But unfortunately these pigtails have not reached me yet. So I plugged in a film Wi-Fi antenna that you see in the image on the left (just to try).

Looking ahead, I will say that GPS did not predictably work for me. Therefore, I will tell you about GPS on this module another time, when I have everything I need.

I connected the U.FL RP-SMA-f pigtail to the AUX connector to which Wi-Fi / WiMax antennas will traditionally be connected in the future.



Then the fun begins.

The Sierra Wireless website cannot download drivers and AirCard Watcher for this model. Utility Sierra Watcher allows you to configure the device, manually select the network, select the preferred range (2G / 3G / LTE), include GPS and much more. SierraWatcher also contains the necessary drivers. To find the right version of Watcher, I had to sweat a lot. To make it easier for followers, I post the Sierra Watcher file for MC7710 in convenient access.

To connect to Megafonovsky LTE, I had to go through a small quest.

What you really need to do to connect to Megafon LTE *

1. You need to get a special SIM card called U-SIM. Your SIM card should be changed for free on a U-SIM at any subscriber service office.
2. You need to ask you to connect the Internet L 4G, Internet XL 4G or Internet XXL 4G tariff option. more about tariffs
3. And turn on LTE .

* If you already have a working LTE device with a Megaphone SIM card, this does not concern you

Grunt

Theoretically, this can be done independently, through the Service Guide . But in practice, LTE will not work, because there is some option that allows you to register on the Megafon LTE network, but only Megaphone employees at the service office or call center operators can turn it on. Practice has shown that few people understand this issue in the subscriber service. As a result, after I received a U-SIM and connected the Internet XXL tariff option through a service guide, I was assured in the call center that 4G should work for me, and I fought with drivers, Watchers and AT for a whole day without success. -commands. In the evening, when I arrived at the service office, I shared my problem and asked me to demonstrate that my SIM card can connect to LTE with at least some device. But an employee of the operator took my passport, went into the settings of my account in a megaphone, sighed sadly, said that I had not turned on that very magic option of LTE, which I myself could not turn on. After that, everything worked fine for me.

What you need to do to connect to Yota

1. You need to flash the modem with this thing: Yota firmware for MC7710 .
2. Go to where they sell the equipment Yota (suitable stand in the mall), and get a Yota SIM card.
3. To persuade Yota employees to make the initial registration of a SIM card on the Yota network. (for this you need to go to the Internet through this sim card from the official Yota device)

Outer Antenna

LTE without an external antenna is either not caught at all, or is caught barely. Obviously my built-in 3G antenna is not at all suitable for the 2600 range, but the Planet 5dbi Wi-Fi antenna provides excellent speed.

Because, as drunken said , “Wafer antennas ... have low efficiency, but work in a wide range.” And 2.6 GHz from 2.4 GHz is not that far :)

Personally, I like the fact that I can experiment with antennas in the presence of a convenient coaxial connector and pleases my umpc's trumpet view .

For those who don’t want such a thing sticking out of his laptop, a suitable solution would be to connect an aerial Wi-Fi antenna to the aux connector, such as the one I connected to the GPS.

I will not give tests with an external antenna and without it, because the difference looks like “it doesn’t work at all / how it works!”

Testing*

Carrier	Megaphone 3G (HSPA +)	Megaphone 4G (LTE)	Yota 4G (LTE)
Ping	78ms	36ms	35ms
Download	5.41Mbit	13.95Mbit	15.18Mbit
Upload	0.70Mbit	1.77Mbit	1.22Mbit

* was carried out with the help of the site speedtest.net on Monday February 11, at about 22.00 in the 5th district of Zelenograd.

Windows Mobile Broadband

Excellent technology that allows you to use this modem without running a native application, which in my opinion is not very aesthetic. I am generally impressed when the hardware is controlled by the operating system, and not bells and whistles from its developers.

This technology is supported in Windows 7 and Windows 8. On the CCDT in the post header is a fragment of the Networks panel in Windows 8 that appears when you click on the wireless connection icon from the notification area:

Thanks

Everyone who contributed to the appropriate 50-page forum forum.ixbt.com , and especially vvevvevve , which prepared the firmware for Yota and helped me in a difficult situation.



UP.

With questions about installing LTE adapter specifically on the Samsung Q1 Ultra (or if you have questions, but do not have an account on Habré), please contact the relevant topic on forum.pasokon.ru.