Modem "Megaphone" 4G - reviews. Antenna for 4G modem "Megaphone"

USB-modem - this is almost the only way to get the Internet where only providers of cellular communications are from providers. The article details the characteristics of modems "Megaphone".

Modem "Megaphone" 4G: Reviews and features

Without the Internet, today is nowhere. However, not everywhere is a Wi-Fi network. And if there is, it is far from free. What to do? And here the mobile Internet comes to our aid. Of course, in some remote corners of our country, its speed leaves much to be desired. And this is to put it mildly. But as they say, on bezrybe and cancer - a fish. Mobile operator "Megaphone" offers unlimited access to the network for reasonable money with the help of its modem.

Reviews about this device from the very first models have always been different: some scolded for unstable speed, others, on the contrary, were happy with compactness and cheapness. The main advantages and disadvantages of this modem, we will discuss a little lower.

Megafon M100-4

The undisputed leader among all modems from this company is Megafon M100-4. The maximum data transfer and reception speed is 100 Mbps. Not bad. However, this speed is difficult to achieve in practice. Is that in the center of Moscow, and then standing in one place. And yet this is the most "smart" modem "Megaphone". That is an undoubted advantage.

Together with the "MegaFon 4G" tariff plan, the M100-4 modem is capable of delivering a good data transfer rate. In addition, it is "stuffed" with a lot of settings that make life much easier for users. To use it, just connect it to the USB output on your computer. Installation of necessary drivers and software is automatic.

The modem supports microSD memory cards up to 32GB. In principle, as in previous versions.

Installation and configuration

How to connect a 4G Megaphone? Very simple. To install and configure the modem on a Windows computer, just connect it to the USB connector. The drivers will be installed automatically. In addition, you will be asked to install an additional "software" for the correct operation of the modem. Agree and install. Everything is ready, now you can start work.

Configuring on Ubuntu

Strangely enough, the product from Megafon successfully works on computers running Linux. True, you need to spend some time tuning. One of the few modems working under Ubuntu is the 4G Megafon modem. Reviews of "ubuntovod" about the quality of this device are mostly positive.

To configure the modem on Ubuntu, the following is required. First of all we connect it to the computer. In the window that opens, select the desired country. From the list of operators choose "Megaphone". Now go to the APN settings. In the access point line, we simply write internet. Everything, the modem is tuned, it is possible to work.

M100-3

Modem "Megaphone" M100-3 is in its filling the Chinese device ZTE MF823. Unlike the M100-4, it is capable of supporting a data transfer rate of only 42 Mbps. Much less than his "brother". And in the rest everything is the same, there are no problems with installation and configuration. This is an average modem "Megaphone" 4G. Reviews about him are somewhat vague. Some people like it, while others complain about frequent "disconnects". Although this can be caused by the quality of the connection itself or problems with the software and the drivers of the computer.

Both models (M100-4 and M100-3) are equipped with a special connector for connecting an external antenna. Antenna for 4G modem "Megaphone" is purchased separately. It serves to improve the reception signal. Thanks to it you can slightly increase the data transfer speed. But still it will not be higher than the maximum available.

Modem "Megaphone" M100-3 works perfectly on computers running Windows. But for Ubuntu users, the news is not very good. Theoretically, M100-3 can be made to work in this OS by means of some "dances with tambourines". But it will not work well. Many "ubuntovody" complain about constant "flights" and "disconnects". For Linux OS, this is not the best option.

M100-1

USB-modem "Megaphone" 4G M100-1 is the very first 4G-modem from this operator. As befits the "first in the genus", the modem has impressive dimensions. Of the features of the case, it should be noted the swivel mechanism of the USB-connector, under which is a slot for the SIM-card format micro-sim. A very unfortunate decision. Since "microshock" from "Megaphone" in the daytime with fire you will not find. The absence of a standard slot for a memory card and a connector for connecting an external antenna hints at us that the model is the "first" one.

The data transfer rate is 24 Mbps. Slabovato, of course. Yes, and regular flights make themselves felt. Without an external antenna, use a modem for one torture. But the whole trouble is that you can not connect an antenna to this "old man"! One hope for a good old reflector. It is not much, but it can improve the reception quality of the signal. This is exactly what the "first" Megafon 4G modem looks like. Reviews about it are simply impregnated with negative. Well, what can I say? The first pancake is always lumpy.

As for the software and drivers, there are no problems for Windows users here. And for users of other operating systems, the news is horrible. This "old man" can not be forced to work under the same Ubuntu no magic. If you have Ubuntu, then this modem is definitely not for you.

Software

The modem software from Megafon includes packages of necessary drivers and the corporate Connect Manager. On the drivers and say nothing, but on the manager should stay in detail.

Of course, the beauty of the interface, it does not shine. However, the functionality and informativity at altitude. A pop-up window displays the current connection speed and the amount remaining on the balance. Very comfortably. In addition, the application has its own test of the speed of the Internet connection. But you should not rely on it. He often lies.

Of the useful features worth noting the possibility of changing the mode 4G-3G on the fly. It's not necessary to break the connection now. The presence of the possibility of sending USSD-commands is also a good plus application. And the menu item "My account" will allow you to track the account balance in real time.

Availability

In general, modems "Megaphone" are available within the company's tariff plans for the Internet, and their cost will be 1 ruble. But in this case it will be blocked to work only with SIM cards from Megafon. If you do not like such an option, you will have to "go broke" to the unlocked version.

For example, M100-1 modem "Megaphone" 4G. The price for it will be generally minimal. But it's worth thinking about whether you need an "old man". If you already buy a modem, then it's better to stay on the M100-4 version. It meets the requirements of a modern Internet user. And the data transfer rate is the highest.

Antennas: self-made and factory

Separately it is worth mentioning about different antennas. Coverage, even in large cities, sometimes leaves much to be desired, and in the countryside the speed drops to a critical level. The reasons for this are the mass - remoteness from the towers of the hundredth connection, the specific relief of the terrain, etc. It can be corrected with the help of external antennas and reflectors. They are available in a wide price category, and if necessary, build such devices can be independently, starting from the elementary, not requiring special knowledge, ending with professional, seriously increasing the signal power.

Conclusion

4G-modems from "Megaphone" differ in their versions. And which one to choose is solely a matter of needs and finances. If you need a modern, modern device with support for all available functions, then you should pay attention to the Megafon M100-4. If you need a modem with average parameters, then this is definitely M100-3. Well, if it's all the same, if only there was an Internet, then you can take the cheapest M100-1. The choice is yours.