4G Router Question

[Goldie]

I recently bought a 4G router (TP Link MR600) as a wifi hotspot on the boat using local sim cards. First used in Portugal with a Portuguese Vodafone data sim card, all worked perfectly.

Now in Spain (Balearics and with a Vodafone Spain sim), it transmits wifi signal to phones, tablets etc but although it shows good signal strength from the 4G network, there’s no internet connection and the blue light which should indicate internet, is conspicuously absent.

I am in a Vodafone coverage area and I’ve also tried it with a ‘Three - Internet with legs’ mobile data card which we carry in case we can’t get a local card - same result.

The supplier is closed until Monday when I’ll raise it with him but I wonder if anyone here has any practical suggestions please?

Thanks in anticipation.

 

[Caraway]

Does the Spanish Vodafone sim allow tethering?
Can you use your mobile as a hotspot?

 

[Goldie]

Does the Spanish Vodafone sim allow tethering?
Can you use your mobile as a hotspot?

I explained what it was for when I bought the Vodafone card so I hope so and the Three card definitely does. I can use my mobile still as a hotspot so we’re not totally stuck, just data limited.

I confess to being a phone/IT numpty though so any answers suggesting fiddling with settings will be above my level!

 

[paulajayne]

Can you try the sim in you phone and wifi tether with it?

 

[RobbieW]

...so any answers suggesting fiddling with settings will be above my level!

Sorry but you probably need to change the APN in the router from internet.vodafone.pt to airtelwap.es, there may be other changes required. A Google search for 'APN vodafone spain' should help

 

[RobbieW]

Sorry but you probably need to change the APN in the router from internet.vodafone.pt to airtelwap.es, there may be other changes required. A Google search for 'APN vodafone spain' should help

You could also try resetting the router and hope it reconfigures for the Spanish SIM. There's a button on the back apparently

 

[Caraway]

Repeating what Robbie says this from the a website dealing with Spanish sims, but with different addresses.

• APN for smartphones: airtelnet.es
• APN for modems or routers: ac.vodafone.es
• Username and password: vodafone
• VoIP and tethering is allowed on all prepaid plans

I don't know if all data sims are prepaid.
Spain

 

[Graham376]

Years ago, we had problems with a 4G router purchased from Vodafone Portugal not working when roaming Spain. According to Voda Spain, it was locked to Voda Portugal. One we're using now came from Meo and is unlocked for any card. Try taking your router to a phone shop and see if they can unlock it.

 

[Goldie]

Thanks all. In summary, the (UK sourced) router is unlocked and I tried the reset earlier. Changing settings? I don’t even know what an APN is!!!! More Googling required I think. Thanks for the pointers all.

 

[Bilgediver]

Thanks all. In summary, the (UK sourced) router is unlocked and I tried the reset earlier. Changing settings? I don’t even know what an APN is!!!! More Googling required I think. Thanks for the pointers all.

To connect to a data service there are a whole load of settings to set up to suite the new provider. In a phone you can bring them up on the screen to enter the details which are on the web for the different providers some phones come with a selection to choose from . The Route will have to be set up in a similar manner as this video shows. Might be worth taking the router to a local Phone shop and seeing if they can help. The video shows this being done but your router might use a different procedure.

 

[Caraway]

I'm think there is no tethering with the sim.

The TP Link web site says

• Plug a SIM card and play – no configurations needed, compatibility of SIM cards in 100+ countries are assured by years of field tests

Archer MR600 | 4G+ Cat6 AC1200 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router - TP-Link Service Provider

 

[LadyInBed]

Have you logged into your router, if so, what do the settings say?
Are there any relevant sms messages?