DGN3500 and AT&T 3G Microcell

[eddyg]

Greetings,

I have tried for the past 10 days to configure my DGN3500 router/modem with a Cisco 3G Microcell with no success. AT&T sent me the device because I have very little cell service in my home after the tornadoes of 2011 in Huntsville area. They had to relocate cell towers and for the past 10 months cell service is non-existent. We have 3 AT&T cell (smart) phones and each of us experience problems. My oldest daughter has Verizon and has no problem. Because of my health, AT&T sent the device at no charge. I appreciate their willingness to help. I am 100% disabled and imagine the fear my wife/daughters have when they try calling/texting and cannot contact me? My phone has other issues in that it rarely acknowledges incoming calls--no call history, phone does not ring, flash or vibrate. It makes outgoing calls (when I have service). I purchased a burner phone, but it is too costly to maintain.

Regardless, after trying for 3 days, changing LAN ports, Ethernet cables, turning off/on devices the device will not complete activation. I spoke with 2 AT&T representatives but because my router/modem is not one I purchased from AT&T they will not assist me any further. I then contacted Netgear and although my device is greater than 90 days (purchased last MAR) they have tried to help via emails. So far--no joy

I must admit I am out of my league with router/modems. I understand their basic function but do not understand port forwarding, MAC addresses, TCP/UDP etc. I need help in clear and concise instructions.

(1) Does anyone know if DGN3500 is compatible with 3G Microcell?

(2) Has anyone been able to configure the two devices?

(3) Please provide step by step instructions to configure the two devices.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Eddy

[Otto Pylot ACE - Czar]

Have you seen this page: http://support.netgear.com/product/DGN3500

If AT&T had to move your cell towers further away from you then that may be part of the problem. If I understand you correctly, the MicroCell won't activate. Meaning that all lights are solid green (Power, Ethernet, GPS) and only the 3G light is blinking green? Is your internet service ok, what kind of service do you have, and what are your speeds?

[eddyg]

Otto,

You are correct: Power, Ethernet and GPS are steady state Green and the 3G is blinking green. The AT&T rep said "a port is not open and that is why it will not activate". GPS locks on and location for device matches with address.

I have DSL. Download/Upload speeds average 1.44 Mbps/.29 Mbps with normal loads. When I first attempted activation, I did so at 0230 in an attempt to eliminate competing bandwidth with users.

I have seen the referenced page and have tried digesting all the information in it the past week or so. I am trying my best to educate myself on Port Forwarding and all aspects of modem/routers.

The only other device physically attached to router/modem is Seagate GoFlex 2 TB. I have moved it to different LAN ports and removed completely, so I do not think it is preventing activation.

Any advice is appreciated.

Congrats on ACE of month.

[Otto Pylot ACE - Czar]

Hmmm, 1.44Mbps/0.29Mbps is not very good. Any amount of heavy traffic on your LAN or a slowdown by the ISP and the MicroCell will have difficulty in staying connected to the AT&T servers. It wouldn't hurt to ask your ISP if they are blocking any ports, especially 4500. I doubt that they are but it doesn't hurt to ask. Is there anyway you can get increased speeds? You're really at the lower end of acceptable speeds.