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    Add a module WWAN to use 3G

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by dyriax, Dec 30, 2010.

  1. dyriax

    dyriax Notebook Enthusiast

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    I missed the opportunity to buy a WWAN when buying a laptop. I can now add this module?

    Thank you.
     
    dyriax, Dec 30, 2010
    #1
  2. flanders

    flanders Notebook Consultant

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    I believe there's an open slot for it, although you'll need to have the antennas set up in the chassis to make it work which you probably don't have if you didn't order the WWAN option.

    Some people do report that they either got the antenna by mistake or by a screen replacement though. Maybe someone who did can comment.
     
    flanders, Dec 30, 2010
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  3. ejohnson

    ejohnson Is that lemon zest?

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    When I got my screen replaced, it came with the antenna for the wwan card (even though I dont have a wwan installed)

    There is a write up on how to install all this stuff on this forum.
     
    ejohnson, Dec 30, 2010
    #3
  4. kent1146

    kent1146 Notebook Prophet

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    Your best bet is to actually just get an external USB WWAN modem.

    1) A USB WWAN modem is cheaper than an internal WWAN card.

    2) A USB WWAN modem can be unplugged when not in use, so it do not drain additional battery power.

    3) A USB WWAN modem can be easily used across multiple computers - an internal WWAN card cannot.

    4) A USB WWAN modem can be easily replaced / upgraded when better WWAN technology becomes available (4G, LTE, WiMax, etc). An internal card cannot (specifically, it is the antennas used by the internal WWAN card that would be difficult to replace, if they are even available for the M11x).
     
    kent1146, Dec 30, 2010
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  5. kfruit

    kfruit Notebook Consultant

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    The Sierra 8775 works great. I'm using it on my m11x R2 right now. Just take one of the antennas out of your WLAN card and put it in or get one off of ebay and put it under the keyboard or behind the screen.
     
    kfruit, Dec 30, 2010
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  6. supermik

    supermik Newbie

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    sir may i ask what software did you use to make your sierra wireless card work?
    and what are the disadvantages of using 1 of your wlan card's antenna? thankyou very much for your help :)
     
    supermik, Aug 10, 2011
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  7. kfruit

    kfruit Notebook Consultant

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    I got the software from someone else on this site also using the Sierra. I can take a look if I still have the installer but you should go search the forum, I'm sure you will come up with it. I think it's potentially slower in high speed transfers, but other then that I'm not sure. It works fine for normal internet for me anyway. I suggest buying WWAN antenna off eBay for a few dollars and installing it under your keyboard though to retain full potential of both cards.

    Edit:

    Found it: http://www.mediafire.com/?vbfdlbdo2yn5rqq

    More discussion about WWAN cards on m11x @ http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m11x/463894-m11x-wwan-card-info-thread.html
     
    kfruit, Aug 10, 2011
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  8. supermik

    supermik Newbie

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    thankyou so much sir! btw do you think this software would also work on other wwan cars such as "option" or "dell" wwan cards? thankyou again :)
     
    supermik, Aug 11, 2011
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  9. kfruit

    kfruit Notebook Consultant

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    Your welcome. I doubt it, seems like it was made for the Sierra cards only. I'm sure you can find the software from other well branded WWAN cards easily enough though.
     
    kfruit, Aug 11, 2011
    #9