Posts Tagged ‘GPRS/3G’

Connecting to the Internet thru GPRS / 3G using Linux on a Laptop / Notebook Computer connected to a Mobile Phone (revisited)

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

Some people have been asking me if the posting I did in the past entilted: Setting-up IBM Thinkpad X40 Laptop on Ubuntu Linux to connect to the Internet via 3G/GPRS using Nokia N70 works with newer versions of Linux on other laptops / notebook computers and connected to other mobile phone brands / models.

Yes, it still works with the latest versions of Linux and other laptop computers using different mobile phones. Just to share them to those interested, I will make a listing on what devices it worked and will update this posting once I discover new ones:

Laptop / Notebook Computers:

  • IBM Thinkpad X40
  • Toshiba (forgot the model)
  • Macbook Black
  • Asus EEEPC (701)

Mobile Phones:

  • Nokia N70 (I think this will work on other N series)
  • Nokia E71 & E51 (I think this will work on other E series)
  • Sony Ericsson K700i & K610i

I tried all of them both on Globe, Smart and when I was in Laos, the local network named Tigo. Nowadays I usually use Ubuntu but I’m sure it will work in other Linux distros as well. Aside from the set up I used in the posting: Setting-up IBM Thinkpad X40 Laptop on Ubuntu Linux to connect to the Internet via 3G/GPRS using Nokia N70, I also tried them using GPRSEC (a graphic user interface dialler) and wvdial (command line dialler). I will write on how to do them on gprsec and wvdial next time. GTG. Cheers!

Making Sierra Wireless AirCard 775 work in Ubuntu 7.04 and Connect to the Internet via GPRS/EDGE/3G

Monday, July 30th, 2007

Referred to also by Linux.com July 31, 2007 (3:00:00 PM)

A nephew recently bought a PLDT WeRoam Wireless kit containing among others a Sierra Wireless AirCard 775 pcmcia card with antenna. He asked me to help him in installing it to his WinXP laptop. Later I thought of trying it also on my IBM x40 laptop with Ubuntu 7.04.

The Sierra Wireless AirCard has newer models now but this is the model PLDT WeRoam currently issues for a prepaid kit. The AirCard enables a laptop to connect to the internet using GPRS/EDGE technology. This is the technology used by mobile phones which means wherever there is a cell site it is also possible to connect to the internet. While the connection is quite slow (around plus or minus 225 kbps) compared with a DSL link, it is better than having nothing at all especially if you’re on the move and you need to connect to the internet once in a while.

The PLDT WeRoam kit costs PhP 10,860 (US$231) and includes the Sierra Wireless AirCard 775, CDs for Windows install (plus anti-virus) and a free 3 months unlimited GPRS/EDGE connection plus a 3 month wifi (803.11) connection where there is an Airborne Access. After 3 months you need to “load” your account around PhP 1,700 (US$36) monthly to continue using both types of connection. Not bad compared to a link using Globe or Smart which charges per mb and per 30 minutes respectively which are more expensive in the long run.

Initially, I got some info from the Ubuntu Community Docs: Sierra Wireless AC850 wireless card installation in Ubuntu url: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/AirCard8X0. Since the documentation is about a different model of the AirCard, I decided to revised/customized the steps/configs to suit the AirCard model we have. I also tried a different script to connect to the internet, which I already tried with my Nokia N70 (see earlier related blog). Later, I also tried GPRS Easy Connect, a GUI-based software for internet connection using cellphones and similar wireless pcmcia card.

Here are detailed steps:

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Setting-up IBM Thinkpad X40 Laptop on Ubuntu Linux to connect to the Internet via 3G/GPRS using Nokia N70

Monday, January 29th, 2007

Nokia N70Setting-up Nokia N70 (Mine is a Music Edition but will work on other versions of Nokia 70).

For other Phone Models that are reported to work, see reference/sources below at the end of this article.

1. I am using kernel 2.6.17 provided in stock Ubuntu 6.10 Edgy Eft (Though my set-up were previously upgraded from Ubuntu 5.10 Breezy to Ubuntu 6.06 Dapper then to Edgy Eft). Based on the BitUbique Site Article by Xiao Feng, this works also in kernel 2.6.15 provided in the stock Dapper and should work with other 2.6 kernel. Xiao Feng says he has no idea whether it will work on 2.4 kernel though.

Hardware set-up:

IBM Thinkpad X40
Nokia 70 connected via USB cable

For the complete details,
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At last a new blog site!

Monday, January 15th, 2007

Just installed and have WordPress up and running in just a few minutes (uploading 10 mins + few seconds configuration – That’s how easy it is).
This is a continuation of my old blog.To follow will be:

Working with ThinkPad X40 on Ubuntu Linux

  • Software (Breezy, Drapper, Edgy)
  • (Working) Peripherals: Connecting my JVC Video Cam

Working with Nokia N70

  • Transferring files between Linux laptop and Nokia N70 using bluetooth
  • Linux laptop internet connection GPRS/3G using N70 on USB cable
  • Symbian OS compatible apps installed