Thread: My experience regarding Prithvi modem

Greetings to all !

This is my first thread. So, here I go . . . I have been using BSNl EVDO in Jamshedpur for the past 2 months and my experience is good.

While purchasing the Prithvi UE-100, it appeared to me as cheap okay-shokay modem. But, now I can say it's a Good modem, not Great though and worth it's price. BSNL provides 1 year warranty on Prithvi UE-100.

The problems I faced ( All were temporary ) :

a) Random dis-connect and re-connect from laptop (NOT internet dis-connect).

Reason behind and Solution : Since, I was using a LONG USB connector, there was a considerable Latency between data travel between modem and laptop causing it to go undetected when the response via LONG Usb connector delayed, making the Laptop think it has been removed !

Also, cheap or worn out USB connectors might create same problem.

Further, the problem may arise because of faulty mother-board ( which is smoothly running the PC) producing in-sufficient voltage on the USB port.

We can use USB connector witha power hub ( though I have not tried it yet)

b ) Speed gradually declined to few kbps (3-20 kbps KiloBIT not BYTE )

Reason and Solution : If you cause shaking or disturb the modem stationary position by moving the laptop or keeping the laptop on bed,sofa etc (then typing causes a bit jerking effect ) then the modem will either recover from signal change or might dip down to nill speed.

Also, I used to keep a copper wire and kept coiling and re-arranging it a lot, around the modem in hunger for more speed. Smtimes, it worked ..n rest of the time speed dipped

It's better to leave the USB stationary after finding a suitable position where signal is good.

c) Modem heating

Reason : When the signal is varying greatly (U might notice frequent changes in Signal bars or flickering on Conncetion manager interface ) or signal is low ( because of Tower) , the modem utilizes more power and thus, heats up.

Otherwise, I have downloaded 10+ Gbs continously a lot and the modem remains moderately warm.

Few observations : When I keep a CD at the EDGE ( on either Lengthy side of modem ) (not completely beneath Modem) speed increases beacause of sgnal enhancement.

Moreover, when I bring my hand in front of the modem same thing happens. but when I keep my head near laptop (thus modem) reverse happens . lol

Also, we can use self made antennas ( check out Youtube using the search keyword - DIY ( do it yourself) or home made modem antennas)

copper wire etc.

So, if you receive good signal ( 3 bars or above ) ( check that while having EVDO demo ) then Prithvi modem is not bad and don't panic or just blame BSNL for any speed/modem related problems before finding the problem from our side.

Else, you can check reviews on Sierra, Huawei, Micromax etc modems on the net.

The above mentioned solutions ( most of it ) I got from International forums related to Modems/ EVDo modems.

Also, anyone from Jamshedpur wondering if BSNL EVDO service is good or not; the service is satisfactory !

BSNL Jamshedpur authorities responds to query and take actions in time . That's a big relief ! So far so good ..cheers !

Nice observations. You should write thesis paper on "variable modifying usb modem activity". BTW does that CD trick really works? I have a BSNL 3G modem connected to router. Any suggestions?

Imagine the USB modem connected to a port on laptop. Now, the CD should be kept under the modem such that the CD edge n modem edge should coincide ( CD n modem are NOT in contact ).

Have this arrangement before connecting to net.