WE 826-GO / Sierra EM7565 CAT-12 and Visible

[GrandPooh-Bah]

Been using Visible with a tethered connection from my android phone for 3 months and nearly a terabyte of downloads. It has been working good. I just ordered the above mentioned router and modem.

I'm hating life without a router. I'm hoping to change that with the soon arriving equipment.

What I have found so far, the following commands need to be sent to the modem.

at!entercnd="A710"
at!usbcomp=1,1,1009
at+cgdcont=1the,"IPV4V6","VSBLINTERNET"

Then the reset command???

at!band=0A,"B2",0,0000000000000002
at!band=0B,"B4",0,0000000000000008
at!band=0C,"B5",0,0000000000000010
at!band=0D,"B13",0,0000000000001000
at!band=0E,"B66",0,000000000000???? [Not sure what numbers should be in place of the ????]
at!band=0F,"VZW (All)",0,000000000000101A [Not sure if this correct 101A]

Not sure how to send the above commands to the modem once it is installed in the WE 826-GO using my Linux Mint desktop.



*************In the end these are the commands that worked for Visible**************

at!entercnd="A710"
at!usbcomp=1,3,1009
at+cgdcont=1,"IPV4V6","VSBLINTERNET"
at!reset

[gscheb]

Hello,
These are the commands needed:

at!entercnd="A710"
at!usbcomp=1,1,1009
at+cgdcont=1the,"IPV4V6","VSBLINTERNET"
at!reset

The other stuff below that is locking bands on the modem. In my experience it is not needed. If you have a good signal the modem will do its thing with LTE and connect to the bands. Just like your phone is already doing.

To learn a little about AT commands can look at this post here.
https://wirelessjoint.com/viewtopic.php?t=33

Personally never done it but it is possible to tether a phone to a router as well. Know this is what BillA does.

[GrandPooh-Bah]

To learn a little about AT commands can look at this post here.
viewtopic.php?t=33

It recommends using Huawei Terminal to locate the COM Port and using Putty to send the AT Commands for the EM7565 Modem. I found Putty for Linux but not Huawei Modem Terminal.

Do I just connect the WE 826-GO to my Linux Desktop via Ethernet cable to send the AT Commands?

[gscheb]

I have a WE826 with MC7455 and just use an Ethernet cable to send the at commands to it.
Go to MODEM > MISCELLANEOUS > AT-COMMAND TERMINAL to send AT commands.
Send them one at a time waiting for response. Will say ok each time when it is successful.

[GrandPooh-Bah]

Go to MODEM > MISCELLANEOUS > AT-COMMAND TERMINAL to send AT commands.

Where do I find "MODEM > MISCELLANEOUS > AT-COMMAND TERMINAL" ?

[gurutedd]

AT- Command is the line before the big window. You just put in your commands in there. The read out will be in the big window.

[GrandPooh-Bah]

Where do I find "Modem" on the computer?
Keep in mind I'm running Linux Mint.

[BillA]

Where do I find "Modem" on the computer?
Keep in mind I'm running Linux Mint.

There are two ways to send AT commands to the modem.
It's probably easier to use method 1.

1. With the modem inside the router, you simply access the terminal by logging into the router's settings, then dig down the menus to Network > Advanced > Diagnostics, etc. till you see Terminal. Make sure you are running GoldenOrb or WiFix firmware on the router.

2. With the modem inside an external mPCIe to usb enclosure which is attached to the computer. Not sure about Linux but for Windows you can download drivers listed in this forum. Then you use a terminal like Putty (https://wirelessjoint.com/viewtopic.php?t=33) to send AT commands.

[GrandPooh-Bah]

Hello,
These are the commands needed:

at!entercnd="A710"
at!usbcomp=1,1,1009
at+cgdcont=1the,"IPV4V6","VSBLINTERNET"
at!reset

Getting -ERROR on the last command before reset

[BillA]

Getting -ERROR on the last command before reset

Well of course you're getting an error, due to a typo. lol
It should be:

at+cgdcont=1,"IPV4V6","VSBLINTERNET"

[gscheb]

Oops!
Nice one BillA

AT! Commands for Visible setup setup:

at!entercnd="A710"
at!usbcomp=1,1,1009
at+cgdcont=1,"IP","VSBLINTERNET"
at+cgdcont=1,"IPV4V6","VSBLINTERNET"
at!reset

[BillA]

Oops!
Nice one BillA

AT! Commands for Visible setup setup:

at!entercnd="A710"
at!usbcomp=1,1,1009
at+cgdcont=1,"IP","VSBLINTERNET"
at+cgdcont=1,"IPV4V6","VSBLINTERNET"
at!reset

On most modems the last issued "IP<x>" command for a particular slot takes precedence.
So if you issue both 1,"IP" then 1,"IPV4V6", the last one will takes affect, in this case "IPV4V6" for slot 1.
Usually there are three parameters available: "IP", "IPV6", and "IPV4V6"
If you want to force the modem to IPv4 only, then just send 1,"IP" alone.

[JimHelms]

This is not the correct AT Command for the EM7565:

Code: Select all

at!usbcomp=1,1,1009

That is to place a MC7455 in MBIM composition. If this command is used on an EM7565, it will remove the AT modem port.

The correct command for the EM75XX modems is:

Code: Select all

at!usbcomp=1,3,1009

[GrandPooh-Bah]

So today when I put the first command in I get this
Can't open device /dev/ttyUSB.

[BillA]

So today when I put the first command in I get this
Can't open device /dev/ttyUSB.

Probably an MBIM/QMI mode issue, diag ports are not exposed.
Read Jim's guide on how to switch modes.

[GrandPooh-Bah]

So when I get the mode issue fixed is this the corrected list of commands?

at!entercnd="A710"
at!usbcomp=1,3,1009
at+cgdcont=1,"IP","VSBLINTERNET"
at+cgdcont=1,"IPV4V6","VSBLINTERNET"
at!reset

[GrandPooh-Bah]

Where do I find Jim's guide to fix my mode issue?

[BillA]

Where do I find Jim's guide to fix my mode issue?

Looks about right, but if you're not getting a response from the modem after each command sent, then you may have to put the modem into an external usb adapter/enclosure to change modes or flash it.
https://wirelessjoint.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=223

If you do get a response then here's the post you were looking for.
https://wirelessjoint.com/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=334

AT!USBCOMP=1,3,10d - QMI mode (EM7565)
AT!USBCOMP=1,3,1009 - MBIM mode (EM7565)

Also, sending these APN commands is redundant, just pick one of them for either IPv4 (IP) or IPv4+v6 (IPV4V6)
If both are sent, only the last one will take affect anyway.

at+cgdcont=1,"IP","VSBLINTERNET"
at+cgdcont=1,"IPV4V6","VSBLINTERNET"

[GrandPooh-Bah]

I'm a novice that is getting really frustrated. I'm not sure who or what I should be listening to at this point. I'm getting conflicting advice between the articles posted and the advice I have been given here. All I wanted was a router that I could pop my sim card into. Now I have this expensive brick.

[JimHelms]

I'm a novice that is getting really frustrated. I'm not sure who or what I should be listening to at this point. I'm getting conflicting advice between the articles posted and the advice I have been given here. All I wanted was a router that I could pop my sim card into. Now I have this expensive brick.

Yes, some of the advice you received from members was incorrect but they were only trying to help get you up and running. It is how we all learn.

The building of a router is a rather simple process but can turn into one of frustration. THIS tutorial walks a builder step-by-step though the build process. I encourage you to read the full tutorial so that you understand what AT Commands were needed (if any), their purpose, and the warnings of using the exact commands that you used. Then you will understand where you went wrong.

Fortunately, you have not bricked your modem. You only need to restore your AT Command modem port. THIS post will explain the process.

[GrandPooh-Bah]

One note on programming the EM7565. The Huawei Terminal seems to have a conflict with issuing some commands to the EM7565. I recommend you use the Huawei Terminal to locate the COM Port number assigned to WWAN Modem , then use PuTTY in Serial mode to program the modem.

I'm running Linux Mint and Huawei Terminal is in Windows. How do I access the Modem in Putty without knowing which COM to enter in the "Serial Line"?

[gscheb]

Hello,
I am learning as well. Sorry didn't know that the MC7455 AT commands where different than what you had. Just done that myself and it had worked. Understand being frustrated with this stuff. Always listen to Jim over others when conflicting info. Good Luck

[JimHelms]

I'm running Linux Mint and Huawei Terminal is in Windows. How do I access the Modem in Putty without knowing which COM to enter in the "Serial Line"?

When you use the link I referenced, you are not logging into the modem. You will be using the router's IP address and logging into the router.

[GrandPooh-Bah]

Do I connect to the router via ethernet or wireless?

[JimHelms]

Much like updating the firmware on a router, it should only be done using an Ethernet cable.

[JimHelms]

There are enough people who make this mistake of using the wrong AT Commands on the EM75XX modems, that I have been wanting to tutorial on the process. In fact, it is on my list which seems to grow by the day.

[GrandPooh-Bah]

Okay I think I'm back to stock. Everything gave me an ok in Putty.
I'm ready to try this again.


at!entercnd="A710"
at!usbcomp=1,3,1009
at+cgdcont=1,"IP","VSBLINTERNET"
at+cgdcont=1,"IPV4V6","VSBLINTERNET"
at!reset

[GrandPooh-Bah]

Got all the commands completed.
The Internet light is not coming on and I have no internet when I connect to WiFix.
Powered off then back on, still no internet.

[JimHelms]

Okay I think I'm back to stock. Everything gave me an ok in Putty.
I'm ready to try this again.

Good job. It is not too difficult of a task (in hindsight at least) but can be a little challenging in the beginning.

Lets first examine the AT Commands you used.

at!entercnd="A710"
at!usbcomp=1,3,1009
at+cgdcont=1,"IP","VSBLINTERNET"
at+cgdcont=1,"IPV4V6","VSBLINTERNET"
at!reset

I assume you understand the first two commands, the first used to authorize change, and the second used to place the modem in MBIM mode. This is actually not necessary since the newer GoldenOrb communicates well with the modem in both QMI and MBIM mode.

The at+cgdcont=n defines an APN profile. When you define the first profile slot (i.e., at+cgdcont=1) with one APN and then redefine the same profile slot (i.e., =1) with a different APN, it over writes the previous APN.

To program two APNs and using your examples above, would look like this:

Code: Select all

at+cgdcont=1,"IP","VSBLINTERNET"
at+cgdcont=2,"IPV4V6","VSBLINTERNET"

Why this is important is that GoldenOrb uses only the first APN profile slot where other firmware and/or routers may use a different numbered profile slot. For instance, Cradlepoint routers seem to prefer the third (=3) APN slot.

Manually programming the modem is really not necessary as GoldenOrb does a great job of programming the first slot via the Modem Profile APN settings--which also must be configured, regardless of whether the APN is manually programmed into modem.

That is usually all that is required "unless" your carrier and cellular plan uses an IPv4 ("IP") only APN. Then, since GoldenOrb uses the APN in the Modem Profile slot and sends an IPV4V6 APN to the modem, this can cause issues. We have only seen this a few times and I am not sure if VSBLINTERNET is one of them or not. If so, there is a tutorial on the forum in changing the script necessary to issue an IPV4 APN as opposed to an IPV4V6 address.

[JimHelms]

Got all the commands completed.
The Internet light is not coming on and I have no internet when I connect to WiFix.
Powered off then back on, still no internet.

You might first look at THIS post.

Next, and to see what is happening, it is always a good idea to look at the output of:

Code: Select all

AT!GSTATUS?

[GrandPooh-Bah]

It is kinda working....Super Duper Slow

Ping 109ms
Download 0.39 mbps
Upload 0.00 mbps

A

Code: Select all

T!GSTATUS?
!GSTATUS: 
Current Time:  40243		Temperature: 32
Reset Counter: 2		Mode:        ONLINE         
System mode:   LTE        	PS state:    Attached     
LTE band:      B66    		LTE bw:      10 MHz  
LTE Rx chan:   0		LTE Tx chan: 132622
LTE SSC1 state:NOT ASSIGNED
LTE SSC2 state:NOT ASSIGNED
LTE SSC3 state:NOT ASSIGNED
LTE SSC4 state:NOT ASSIGNED
EMM state:     Registered     	Normal Service 
RRC state:     RRC Idle       
IMS reg state: No Srv  		

PCC RxM RSSI:  -77		PCC RxM RSRP:  -104
PCC RxD RSSI:  -80		PCC RxD RSRP:  -107
Tx Power:      --		TAC:         030b (779)
RSRQ (dB):     -10.2		Cell ID:     000d2110 (860432)
SINR (dB):      6.6


OK

[GrandPooh-Bah]

I'm using my phone via hot spot with a visible sim to get internet for this post.
Ping 129
download 19.73 mbps
upload 4.82 mbps

[BillA]

I'm using my phone via hot spot with a visible sim to get internet for this post.
Ping 129
download 19.73 mbps
upload 4.82 mbps

That's pretty much normal from all the reports I've seen so far (the highest was 25Mbps down, but it will vary). Unfortunately the high latency makes it unusable for gaming, and nothing can be done about it since it goes though both Visible's then Verizon's servers.

[GrandPooh-Bah]

I ran the commands again with a slight change

at!entercnd="A710"
at!usbcomp=1,3,1009
at+cgdcont=1,"IPV4V6","VSBLINTERNET"
at!reset

Now I'm getting

Ping 110
Download 5.07 mbps
Upload 1.95 mbps

[GrandPooh-Bah]

That's pretty much normal from all the reports I've seen so far (the highest was 25Mbps down, but it will vary). Unfortunately the high latency makes it unusable for gaming, and nothing can be done about it since it goes though both Visible's then Verizon's servers.

Those numbers were not from the router, they were from my phone hotspot.

[BillA]

Those numbers were not from the router, they were from my phone hotspot.

Some forum members have reported lower latency in QMI mode.
You could try it for the EM7565, if no improvement then switch it back to MBIM mode.
AT!USBCOMP=1,3,10d - QMI
AT!USBCOMP=1,3,1009 - MBIM

Looks like your speed is limited to about 5Mbps on the router. You could try playing around with these TTL settings:
64, 65, 66
Reboot after each setting change and run a speed test.

[JimHelms]

Your signals are not all that good, but I have seen a lot worse.

One think pops out, and that is your lack of the secondary carriers that would be used for Carrier Aggregation.

Code: Select all

LTE SSC1 state:NOT ASSIGNED
LTE SSC2 state:NOT ASSIGNED
LTE SSC3 state:NOT ASSIGNED
LTE SSC4 state:NOT ASSIGNED

The second item that pops out is while you are registered on the network, it has the modem in idle.

Code: Select all

EMM state:     Registered     	Normal Service 
RRC state:     RRC Idle

Have you attempted to configure the bands? If so, I would set them to receive all bands until the other issues are worked out:

Code: Select all

AT!BAND=00

[GrandPooh-Bah]

I did it again grrrr.
Trying to see if changing the QMI / MBIM would increase my latency as sugested. I feel like a knuckle dragger right now.

I'm trying to get back to MBIM and this time it's not working.

I returned here https://wirelessjoint.com/viewtopic.php?f=8& ... t=20#p2072

Everything seemed to go okay, then after

Code: Select all

picocom -b 115200 /dev/ttyUSB0

it said terminal ready and I could not add the next command. The keyboard does not respond to add

Code: Select all

At!entercnd="A710"

[BillA]

I did it again grrrr.
Trying to see if changing the QMI / MBIM would increase my latency as sugested. I feel like a knuckle dragger right now.

I'm trying to get back to MBIM and this time it's not working.

I returned here https://wirelessjoint.com/viewtopic.php?f=8& ... t=20#p2072

Hit Ctrl-C to get you out of the terminal jam, or just close the windows then open a new one, and restart the router manually.
Make sure to capitalize the AT since it's a modem ATtention command (or capitalize the entire command).
Try to turn on ECHO in the terminal or just type blindly.
If none of that works, you will need to reflash the modem twice in an external usb adapter.
I've seen it posted that the latest version of GoldenOrb/WiFix is supposed to work in both MBIM or QMI mode.
In any case don't worry, you haven't bricked your modem completely, Jim to the rescue.

[GrandPooh-Bah]

I ended up going into Modem/Miscellaneous/AT-Command Terminal to complete the fix.

Code: Select all

At!entercnd="A710"
At!usbcomp=1,3,1009
At!reset

[GrandPooh-Bah]

Jim,
This is what I'm getting now. What I'm experiencing, besides the slower than phone speed, it that when connected to internet via wifi things are running significantly slower than with the Ethernet connection.

Code: Select all

Sat Jan 18 06:34:44 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB1 AT+CSQ;+CESQ
+CSQ: 17,99
+CESQ: 99,99,255,255,15,31
OK
AT*CNTI=0
*CNTI: 0,LTE
OK
AT!SELRAT?
!SELRAT: 00, Automatic
OK
AT+ECIO?
+ECIO: NOT IMPLEMENTED
OK
AT+RSCP?
+RSCP: 
OK
AT!UMTSCHAN?
!UMTSCHAN: NOT IMPLEMENTED
OK
AT!GSTATUS?
!GSTATUS: 
Current Time:  755		Temperature: 47
Reset Counter: 2		Mode:        ONLINE         
System mode:   LTE        	PS state:    Attached     
LTE band:      B66    		LTE bw:      10 MHz  
LTE Rx chan:   0		LTE Tx chan: 132622
LTE SSC1 state:INACTIVE    	LTE SSC1 band: B1     
LTE SSC1 bw  : 5 MHz   		LTE SSC1 chan: 775
LTE SSC2 state:INACTIVE    	LTE SSC2 band: No band
LTE SSC2 bw  : 10 MHz  		LTE SSC2 chan: 0
LTE SSC3 state:NOT ASSIGNED
LTE SSC4 state:NOT ASSIGNED
EMM state:     Registered     	Normal Service 
RRC state:     RRC Connected  
IMS reg state: No Srv  		
PCC RxM RSSI:  -78		PCC RxM RSRP:  -114
PCC RxD RSSI:  -80		PCC RxD RSRP:  -109
SCC1 RxM RSSI: -68		SCC1 RxM RSRP: -87
SCC1 RxD RSSI: -71		       SCC1 RxD RSRP: -89
SCC2 RxM RSSI: -69		SCC2 RxM RSRP: -88
SCC2 RxD RSSI: -69		SCC2 RxD RSRP: -88
Tx Power:      --		TAC:         030b (779)
RSRQ (dB):     -12.4		Cell ID:     000d2110 (860432)
SINR (dB):      2.6
OK
AT!PCTEMP?
Temp state: Normal
Temperature: 47.00 C

Still running slow
Ping 110
Download 5.49 MBPS
Upload 1.40 MBPS

My Phone is getting
Ping 91
Download 21.2 MBPS
Upload 1.61 MBPS

[JimHelms]

They do look better and are showing the secondary carriers for CA which appear to get a lot better signals than the Band 66 the modem is camped out on.

What band is your phone using?

You may also want to create a set of custom bands that does not include Band 66 and try them.

[GrandPooh-Bah]

Phone is on band 2 right now.
I purchased this modem because it had band 66 and when I checked my phone to see what band it was using prior to ordering the modem it was on band 66.
Here is current modem

Code: Select all

  
Sat Jan 18 09:27:17 2020 : /dev/ttyUSB1 AT+CSQ;+CESQ
+CSQ: 31,99
+CESQ: 99,99,255,255,18,61
OK
AT*CNTI=0
*CNTI: 0,LTE
OK
AT!SELRAT?
!SELRAT: 00, Automatic
OK
AT+ECIO?
+ECIO: NOT IMPLEMENTED
OK
AT+RSCP?
+RSCP: 
OK
AT!UMTSCHAN?
!UMTSCHAN: NOT IMPLEMENTED
OK
AT!GSTATUS?
!GSTATUS: 
Current Time:  11109		Temperature: 48
Reset Counter: 2		Mode:        ONLINE         
System mode:   LTE        	PS state:    Attached     
LTE band:      B13    		LTE bw:      10 MHz  
LTE Rx chan:   5230		LTE Tx chan: 23230
LTE SSC1 state:INACTIVE    	LTE SSC1 band: No band
LTE SSC1 bw  : 10 MHz  		LTE SSC1 chan: 0
LTE SSC2 state:INACTIVE    	LTE SSC2 band: No band
LTE SSC2 bw  : 10 MHz  		LTE SSC2 chan: 0
LTE SSC3 state:NOT ASSIGNED
LTE SSC4 state:NOT ASSIGNED
EMM state:     Registered     	Normal Service 
RRC state:     RRC Connected  
IMS reg state: No Srv  		
PCC RxM RSSI:  -53		PCC RxM RSRP:  -79
PCC RxD RSSI:  -53		PCC RxD RSRP:  -80
SCC1 RxM RSSI: -82		SCC1 RxM RSRP: -110
SCC1 RxD RSSI: -79		SCC1 RxD RSRP: -104
SCC2 RxM RSSI: -66		SCC2 RxM RSRP: -84
SCC2 RxD RSSI: -67		SCC2 RxD RSRP: -85
Tx Power:      --		TAC:         030b (779)
RSRQ (dB):     -13.2		Cell ID:     000d2101 (860417)
SINR (dB):      4.6
OK
AT!PCTEMP?
Temp state: Normal
Temperature: 48.00 C
OK

[gscheb]

Hello.
If you read visible website it says hotspot capped at 5 down. Are you sure this isn't a TTL issue? Heard in the past that Verizon needed TTL of 117. This is technically Verizon. And I think high pings are just par for the course with Visible.

[GrandPooh-Bah]

Isn't there a way to use the regular Data vs capped Hotspot Data?

[BillA]

Isn't there a way to use the regular Data vs capped Hotspot Data?

If only the hotspot is capped, then play around with the TTL settings (64, 65, 117).
There's not much more that can be done, other than maybe tethering your phone to the router via usb.
What kind of speeds do you get with the Visible sim card inside your phone?

[GrandPooh-Bah]

I will play with the TTL later to see if that speeds things up.

Discovered a new problem, which I'm not sure if it is with the router or the modem. I have the router connected to my desktop via Ethernet and it works fine.

If I switch to Wifi when I try to go to a web page that is not cached it "times out".

I did a speed test connected to the Ethernet and it was similar to what I have been getting.

Then I switch to WiFi and I get

Ping 115 ms
Download 0.00 MBPS
Upload 0.00 MBPS

[JimHelms]

This is what I would try. Go to SYSTEM > BACKUP/FLASH FIRMWARE RESTORE > RESET TO DEFAULTS.

Once it came back on line, I would set the APN and the Time Zone.

I would then test the WiFi as it is before making any changes.

The WiFi on these units are far from optimal, and can be a little finicky--especially when over tinkering with the settings.

[BillA]

I will play with the TTL later to see if that speeds things up.

Discovered a new problem, which I'm not sure if it is with the router or the modem. I have the router connected to my desktop via Ethernet and it works fine.

If I switch to Wifi when I try to go to a web page that is not cached it "times out".

I did a speed test connected to the Ethernet and it was similar to what I have been getting.

Then I switch to WiFi and I get

Ping 115 ms
Download 0.00 MBPS
Upload 0.00 MBPS

Definitely try Jim's suggestions above, and I would run one more simple test before or after the settings reset. Try connecting to your router's WiFi from a phone, just to eliminate a possible fault with your pc's WiFi card/settings.

I remember having a similar issue a while ago, where only cached websites would come up. I wrote a Quick_Network_Reset script which resets the ARP/DNS cache and restart Explorer on a Windows pc. If you want, give it a go, it can't hurt.

Quick_Network_Reset.ZIP

[GrandPooh-Bah]

I don't do windows.

[GrandPooh-Bah]

Okay-- everything was taken back to original.
I installed a new wifi card today and a new sim from another visible phone.
I'm getting the following

Ping 119
Download 16.79
Upload 2.26

*************In the end these are the commands that worked for Visible**************

at!entercnd="A710"
at!usbcomp=1,3,1009
at+cgdcont=1,"IPV4V6","VSBLINTERNET"
at!reset

Now to tackle setting up my VPN on the router so Visible won't have a cow with me using a router with more than one device connected.

[gscheb]

Hello,
Have a few questions.

1. Was wanting to know if you used a TTL setting to get the faster speeds now.

Ping 119
Download 16.79
Upload 2.26

2. Also was wondering would a VPN block that it is used in a router? Don't know much about VPN.

3. Would a VPN cause even higher pings since it is another server to go thru?

[GrandPooh-Bah]

1. Haven't played with the TTL yet.
2. My understanding is that using the VPN will block everyone from seeing what I'm doing.
3. I have the VPN running on my desktop currently. I have tested with the VPN and without and haven't seen much difference.

[BillA]

Hello,
Have a few questions.

1. Was wanting to know if you used a TTL setting to get the faster speeds now.


2. Also was wondering would a VPN block that it is used in a router? Don't know much about VPN.

3. Would a VPN cause even higher pings since it is another server to go thru?

I can tell you from my experience, that using a VPN or even a simple proxy to a lesser degree, introduces an additional 20-200ms latency on top of your mobile carrier which is already over 30ms. There's just no way around it, when your data bounces through multiple servers around the world (even if it's a close one), it's simply inevitable to have a latency increase. Even with a high quality paid VPN/proxy your mileage may vary, but you will definitely notice it especially when playing real-time online games, VoIP telephony (delays and stutters above 100ms), and any other application which requires near instant response.

On top of the latency, again in my experience, I've also noticed a speed decrease too, which seems to be caused by the encryption/decryption overhead which can vary by the processor power in the router. On low to mid-range Android devices this can decrease your speed to below 10Mbps regardless how fast your raw connection is.

On a side note, most websites nowadays are encrypted anyway by HTTPS, so using a VPN for security purposes is pretty redundant. Of course it's still useful to hide your page requests and usage from your mobile carrier, for which one could use a TLS encrypted DNS server.
Also, I have discovered by pure chance that in order to unblock Tmobile's throttling of video streaming services such as YouTube, you don't need a full a blown VPN, a simple proxy (preferably a high quality paid one) will do the job. I use a proxy service by BestProxyAndVPN for only 5 bucks/month (VPN's are 8 bucks), via a Chrome plugin called SwitchyOmega, and interestingly only need to put "GoogleVideo.com" into the rules to unblock YouTube. Your results with other carriers may vary (gotta sneak in the mandatory disclaimer, ya know;)

I'm interested in hearing other's experiences using VPN's.

[GrandPooh-Bah]

Visible only allows one device connected at a time. I'm willing to suffer from a bit slower connection to protect my activity from prying eyes. I want it on the router so it has me covered at the access point.

[BillA]

Visible only allows one device connected at a time. I'm willing to suffer from a bit slower connection to protect my activity from prying eyes. I want it on the router so it has me covered at the access point.

So even a TTL setting or double NAT-ing won't bypass Visible's one device limit? Hmmm...
I wonder how are they able to limit your number of connections, maybe they count the number of concurrent SOCKS (TCP/UDP) connections through their own piggybacked server, which can only be masked by a VPN. With their already high latency, slow speeds, plus a VPN, it's not gonna pretty. By the time you factor in a $10 monthly cost for a high quality VPN (a high speed, low latency), you could just get the Verizon based PagePlus $50 (with auto-pay) service with no speed or device restrictions, and low latency since they don't piggyback their server onto Verizon's. Maybe something to consider.

[GrandPooh-Bah]

I get true unlimited data from Visible. Verizon cant touch that for $25 per month (per phone) on visible with 4 phones. My quality VPN is only $30 per year with my discount. Been using the VPN with my hotspot phone with no issues.

[gscheb]

According to this video Apple phones can hot spot more than this. Says apple wouldn't agree to change so will connect 5 devices at once.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGSzjEf0LXA
Start listening at about 5:40 into video for that part of it.
Don't know if this helps or not but just passing it along.

[SPDurkee]

Is there any reason this wouldn't work with a Sierra Wireless MC7750 CAT3?
https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/modems/sierra-w ... ss-mc7750/

Thank in advance for your help!

[Didneywhorl]

Is there any reason this wouldn't work with a Sierra Wireless MC7750 CAT3?
https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/modems/sierra-w ... ss-mc7750/

Thank in advance for your help!

I dont see why not

[eseck]

Thank you guys for all this. This information helped me get mine setup and working perfect.

[vallkor]

Hi All,

I have a Visible + latest GoldenOrb + EC25 wireless modem. AT commands from Sierra doesn't work, I tried everything from this thread and Visible doesn't even connect.

Did anyone succeed to configure Visible on EC25 modem instead of Sierra?

[Didneywhorl]

Hi All,

I have a Visible + latest GoldenOrb + EC25 wireless modem. AT commands from Sierra doesn't work, I tried everything from this thread and Visible doesn't even connect.

Did anyone succeed to configure Visible on EC25 modem instead of Sierra?

The EC25AF modem is a Quectel modem. You can get the AT command manual direct from the Quectel.com website.