Huawei E8278 is a special 4G surfstick released by Chinese manufactory Huawei, E8278 is not only a USB modem but also an in-car mobile WiFi hotspot. This article is talking about Huawei E8278 test and review.
Compared to E392 and other normal LTE surfsticks, Huawei E8278 larger in size, and also in its technology: a standard connector for SIM card regular size, a slot for microSD memory cards and two pigtail connector for an external antenna. Connector is two, because over LTE technology is used coding diversity signal in which data transmission is performed via at least 2 antennas (two antennas in the base station and the two antennas in the modem). All connectors are covered with plugs to insert SIM card, you need to move the front cover of the modem.
The E8278 is painted white plastic, pleasant to hold. USB-plug in the modem, router and turning no-frills - there are only two locking position - 90 and 180 degrees. Under the logo Huawei three LEDs: LED working network WiFi, an indicator of unread SMS indicator and the mobile network. The green indicator light means the last job in the network GSM / EDGE, Blue - 3G / UMTS, if the indicator light is turquoise - and then you network LTE. In general, the standard color palette devices Huawei, familiar from many other modems.
E8278 running in emulation mode network Ethernet-like interface on Windows-based laptops and computers running MacOS X. For the PC version of Windows below "Seven" in memory of the special protection of the modem driver. I do not know about you, but I do not always like the shell operator, especially those that are written in Java. In the case of a network card emulation all modem control is through a web-interface to the address 192.168.1.1, which, in my opinion, eliminates the need to constantly contemplate a pop-up window on the green or red MegaFon MTS. However, if your computer has installed the shell MegaFon Internet or for MTS Connect modem Huawei, the E8278 will be able to use it as a modem operator. Settings made through the web-interface, the same applies for the regime, "modem” and the mode “router." Anyone can set up an access point is a non-standard (APN), for example, if your operator provides you with a static IP- address. Selecting the network is limited to points of "Automatic". It is possible to send and receive SMS, a handy feature for connecting / disconnecting the services.
It is worth noting that the E8278 router mode always works - and when you connect it to USB-port of the computer, and when inserting it into the AC adapter with USB, and when inserting it into USB-port of any other router. Even when you are using the E8278 on the computer as a modem, others may take away the Internet on WiFi.
Speaking of network adapters. The instructions to the E8278 strictly recommended to connect the router to the network only through the company network adapter Huawei Charger, the use of any other instructions the authors believe promises loss guarantees and other catastrophic consequences. Searching the Internet for the specification of this wonderful adapter revealed that the output current of 2.0A adapter will make the voltage standard - 5V. This E8278 works fine through the adapter 220 from the Apple iPad mini (1.0A), and from USB-port of the computer that provides all standard 0.5A. Why do the authors recommend that the instructions supplied to the router is almost 4 times more current, I personally do not really understand?
To connect the E8278 via the cigarette lighter, you can use any USB adapter from 12 to 5 volts. With a total spread of smartphones, tablets, video recorders and navigators certainly have such an accessory 9 out of 10 drivers. Ease of use of the router in the machine will depend on the location of the cigarette lighter socket or USB-ports. As practice has shown the use of several cars, not in each cigarette lighter socket is located optimally.
In my case, 12V outlet was located immediately to the right of the lever gearbox, so while running a hand now and then threatened to touch the device. The Toyota Allex, on the contrary, the place chosen for the outlet is almost perfect - the distance to the large lever arm; only inserted the router will interfere with open bottom drawer for small items. The same applies to the Toyota Camry. Perhaps the best way to accommodate the router will be lighter in the rear shelf next to the trunk - but the possibility is only the owners of wagons, minivans and SUVs, and some not at all.
An alternative way to connect the E8278 - plug it into USB-port on the front of the car. True, there may be some nuances: if the port is too close to the steering wheel, you will hurt him or his hands or knees.
E8278 Pros:
Excellent work mode LTE- modem
Compact size
A single web-based interface for setting device (router / modem)
Presence of connectors for external antennas
Standard SIM card
E8278 Cons:
High price
Ordinary-looking design
E8278 Design & Appearance
Compared to E392 and other normal LTE surfsticks, Huawei E8278 larger in size, and also in its technology: a standard connector for SIM card regular size, a slot for microSD memory cards and two pigtail connector for an external antenna. Connector is two, because over LTE technology is used coding diversity signal in which data transmission is performed via at least 2 antennas (two antennas in the base station and the two antennas in the modem). All connectors are covered with plugs to insert SIM card, you need to move the front cover of the modem.
The E8278 is painted white plastic, pleasant to hold. USB-plug in the modem, router and turning no-frills - there are only two locking position - 90 and 180 degrees. Under the logo Huawei three LEDs: LED working network WiFi, an indicator of unread SMS indicator and the mobile network. The green indicator light means the last job in the network GSM / EDGE, Blue - 3G / UMTS, if the indicator light is turquoise - and then you network LTE. In general, the standard color palette devices Huawei, familiar from many other modems.
E8278 as a modem and control software
This modem router supports data networks EDGE, 3G (DC-HSPA + up to 42.2 Mbit / s) and LTE (up to 100 Mbit / s) - in a word, universal. By connecting the laptop to the E8278 as the USB-modem at 2 am, the network of "Megaphone" I was able to accelerate to 92 (!) Mbit / s, although my previous record was 80 Mbit / s on the modem E392. It is necessary to mention that I was lucky - the nearest base station LTE is next door, but the fact that the device can digest such speeds, says a good chip inside.
E8278 running in emulation mode network Ethernet-like interface on Windows-based laptops and computers running MacOS X. For the PC version of Windows below "Seven" in memory of the special protection of the modem driver. I do not know about you, but I do not always like the shell operator, especially those that are written in Java. In the case of a network card emulation all modem control is through a web-interface to the address 192.168.1.1, which, in my opinion, eliminates the need to constantly contemplate a pop-up window on the green or red MegaFon MTS. However, if your computer has installed the shell MegaFon Internet or for MTS Connect modem Huawei, the E8278 will be able to use it as a modem operator. Settings made through the web-interface, the same applies for the regime, "modem” and the mode “router." Anyone can set up an access point is a non-standard (APN), for example, if your operator provides you with a static IP- address. Selecting the network is limited to points of "Automatic". It is possible to send and receive SMS, a handy feature for connecting / disconnecting the services.
E8278 as a router
Do not just believe that the housing modem engineers were able to fit more and WiFi router, but it is a fact. The formal characteristics of the device claimed to support up to 10 connected Wi-Fi users. In practice, this could not be verified, scraped together only three devices - tablet, laptop and smartphone. The first testing cast doubt on the power WiFi- module: the measurements by hand speedtest.net periodically twitched and crashed. Therefore, in the case of a router in the car when the Internet needs of 2-3 passengers (for example, a wife, two children), opportunity Huawei E8278 is more than enough.It is worth noting that the E8278 router mode always works - and when you connect it to USB-port of the computer, and when inserting it into the AC adapter with USB, and when inserting it into USB-port of any other router. Even when you are using the E8278 on the computer as a modem, others may take away the Internet on WiFi.
E8278 Power
The modem router can obtain power from any device equipped with port USB. These devices can be a laptop computer, a desktop monitor with USB- hub network adapter or laptop battery. In the latter case, the E8278 is able battery life even away from the wall.Speaking of network adapters. The instructions to the E8278 strictly recommended to connect the router to the network only through the company network adapter Huawei Charger, the use of any other instructions the authors believe promises loss guarantees and other catastrophic consequences. Searching the Internet for the specification of this wonderful adapter revealed that the output current of 2.0A adapter will make the voltage standard - 5V. This E8278 works fine through the adapter 220 from the Apple iPad mini (1.0A), and from USB-port of the computer that provides all standard 0.5A. Why do the authors recommend that the instructions supplied to the router is almost 4 times more current, I personally do not really understand?
E8278 in the car
Finally the time has come to discuss the main thing - the life of E8278 in the car. As I said at the beginning , the task simple layman to get WiFi in the car through a network of LTE, while spending a minimum of effort and leaving intact the appearance of the cabin. Ie opening casing, additional wiring harness and mounting screws or gadgets on the adhesive is not allowed.To connect the E8278 via the cigarette lighter, you can use any USB adapter from 12 to 5 volts. With a total spread of smartphones, tablets, video recorders and navigators certainly have such an accessory 9 out of 10 drivers. Ease of use of the router in the machine will depend on the location of the cigarette lighter socket or USB-ports. As practice has shown the use of several cars, not in each cigarette lighter socket is located optimally.
An alternative way to connect the E8278 - plug it into USB-port on the front of the car. True, there may be some nuances: if the port is too close to the steering wheel, you will hurt him or his hands or knees.
Conclusion
Compact WiFi router in the form of USB-modem - a rare guest on the shelves of mobile shops and electronics stores, but for most motorists this gadget would come in handy. He sat in the car , stuck in the cigarette lighter worked , pulled out of the cigarette lighter , slipped back into his pocket - a simple and straightforward scenario for equipping machines Wi-Fi access , especially for family travelers. In this regard, the router - whistle on the order of convenient conventional mobile routers, which would connect the cable. Now unlocked E8278 is on sale on Smart4GWiFi.com.E8278 Pros:
Click here to get more 4G modems such as E3276, E392, etc.
