[COLUG] Sierra Aircard 875 with Kubuntu

[charles morrison]

Just a note to update all, on the Sierra Aircard 875 install under 
Kubuntu using Kppp.
First, thanks for all the info from various users from previous posts.
Second, I have subjectively decided that Linux runs the aircard better 
that Windows. It just seems to have fewer problems, such as fewer 
disconnects during a session.
Third, no matter what Cingular says, their service sucks. (not sure it's 
any worse than anyone else's service) As long as you are in their 
network, (3g) it seems to work well. Also, the Cingular software doesn't 
work as well as the  Sierra software under  Windows system.If you use 
Windows, use the Sierra software, free from their site.  The ping thing 
(previous e-mail) seems to work according to my son using Windows, but 
doesn't seem to help under Linux. (some pings using Linux in London area 
2g network took 56 seconds to ping Google!!!! Bad even compared to a dialup)

In Columbus, my building is adjacent to a Cingular tower (100 foot max) 
and I still don't get very good service, all the time. Sometimes I get 
1.6 meg bit transfers, and sometimes only 200 K bit. If I use Cingular 
software, I get 0 and then switch to Sierra software I get 1.6 meg, by 
only stopping the Cingular and starting the Sierra. I didn't move or 
shutdown the computer and all was done withing 1-2 minutes, 3 times in a 
row, using 2wire.com speed test.

Cingular 2g aircard service in the London,OH area is helped tremendously 
by using an external antenna purchased only off Ebay. I can't find the 
antennas anyplace else, including Cingular. When my cell phone shows a 5 
bar signal strength, the aircard may not connect. Adding the antenna 
allows it to work almost as good as dialup.

Example: while in Indiana at a hotel, I looked out my window and saw 2 
(not 1), 2 cell phone towers within 1 mile and yet had 0 signal and 
could never connect even with an external antenna. My cell phone had 2 
bars of signal, Sierra Aircard 875 with 9 db external antenna; no signal.

Conclusions:
If you are shopping for an aircard, get one that is unlocked to the 
network and then get the service.
If you are shopping for service, then get the service and make sure it 
works where you do.
Get an external antenna if your reason to use it involves travel.
Use Linux. If using Windows, use the manufacturer's software not the ISP's.

Charlie Morrison
American LED-gible, Inc
1776 Lone Eagle Street
Columbus, OH  43228
614-851-1100