First Looks: D-Link DWM-152 And DIR-412 – Liberating 3G

First Looks: D-Link DWM-152 And DIR-412 – Liberating 3G

D-Link DWM-152 3.5G HSDPA USB Adapter

The D-Link DWM-152 offers the same functionality of today’s popular USB 3G Internet plug-it solutions in the market like the Globe Tattoo and the Smart Bro. But unlike the two mentioned, the DWM-152 is network independent, which means it can work with any 3G SIM cards in the Philippines and in abroad. The DWM-152 can operate on GSM (850/900/1800/1900MHz) and UMTS/HSDPA (850/900/1800/2100MHz) bands.

With a size a bit larger than that of a regular thumb drive, the DWM-152 USB adapter is light and pocket-friendly, making it an ideal companion for frequent travelers. The device does not come with a separate software disc, but instead its driver and application software are pre-loaded in its built-in memory. Whether you are a PC or a Mac user, you do not have to worry about OS compatibility: the adapter works with Windows (at least XP) and Mac OS X (at least version 10.4). Hosting a microSD slot that can support up to 32GB, the DWM-152 effectively doubles as a microSD card reader and a handy external storage device.

The DWM-152’s software interface shares some similarities with that of the Globe Tattoo. Apart from connecting you to the Internet, D-Link’s software application also allows you to send SMS and monitor the status of your 3G connection.

D-Link DIR-412 Mobile Wireless Router

Dissimilar to the typical constitution of a router, the D-Link DIR-412 is much smaller and comes with a more limited set of physical connectors. It only has one Ethernet port at the back, intended for hosting a live DSL or broadband cable, and one USB terminal on top, meant for accommodating a 3G USB adapter such as the D-Link DWM-152. Aside from the said adapter, the DIR-412 is compatible with an extensive list of adapters, including those from Huawei and ZTE. The DIR-412 does not have the usual set of four Ethernet ports for wired LAN connection.

Essentially, the key function of the DIR-412 is to share your existing Wi-Fi or 3G connection. The router supports IEEE 802.11 b, g, and n standards, and can operate on EV-DO, CDMA, HSUPA, HSDPA, and UMTS networks. Although being labeled as a mobile wireless router, we can say that it is not absolutely mobile in the sense that it still requires a power outlet so it can operate (the router has a DC in connector and a power adapter). We were hoping that it was at least USB-powered, just like the Globe Tattoo MyFi router.

More advanced features of the DIR-412 can be discovered through its user interface that is accessible when you go to http://192.168.0.1 through your Internet browser. This D-Link router offers a host of features that include Network Address Translation (NAT), Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), MAC Address Filtering, and Website Filtering. In addition to these security options, the DIR-412 has Auto WAN Failover and QoS Management features as well.

Final Thoughts

D-Link’s DWM-152 3.5G HSDPA USB adapter and DIR-412 mobile wireless router open the possibility for consumers to have 3G connection without heavily relying on the service provider’s hardware. These devices allow you to save money at the same time, in the sense that you would no longer have to purchase a separate adapter for each service provider. If you are a frequent traveler or an employee who’s usually out of the office but demands constant connectivity, D-Link’s DWM-152 and DIR-412 mobile wireless router are handy solutions to bring with you. Checking out our online sources, we found out that each product sells for the price of PhP 1,500.