Vodafone Gigacube CAT19 (Huawei B818-260) Router Review

To provide significantly faster speeds for users, Vodafone updates its GigaCube and it also comes from Huawei. The current version comes to CAT19 in the LTE network and thus achieves a maximum download of up to 1.6 Gbit/s. The predecessor Vodafone Gigacube B528 ran out of air at 300 Mbit/s. Those looking for maximum performance now have another alternative; the new Vodafone Gigacube Cat19 can provide much better surfing experience. The specific model of Vodafone Gigacube Cat19 is Huawei B818-260. Let’s have a review of what has changed with the GigaCube CAT19.

Features and Specifications of the Huawei B818-260
Manufacturer and type designation: Huawei B818-260 (Gigacube CAT19)
Chipset: HiSilicon Balong V7R65
LTE category: up to LTE CAT19
Download rate to: 1,600 Mbit/s
Upload rate to: 150 Mbit/s
Supported LTE bands: 700, 800, 900, 1500, 1800, 2100, 2600, 3500 MHz
Downward compatible to: GSM, EDGE, HSDPA, DC-HSDPA
Support from LTE-Advanced: Yes
MIMO support: yes, MIMO 3×3
Connection for external antenna: yes, 2x TS-9 connectors(Buy Vodafone Gigacbue Cat19 external antenna)
Network | LAN & WLAN
LAN ports: 2 x Gbit port
WLAN standards: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4 and 5 GHz)
5 GHz WiFi support: Yes
Encryption: WPS / WPA / WPA2
WLAN hotspot function: yes, up to 32 users
Others
Telephone no connection (VOIP only via SIP)
Telephone port No
WAN port Yes
IPv6 dual stack Yes
Battery pack: No
Dimension: 105 x 103 x 225 mm at 700 g
USB: Yes
Memory card expansion: No
Release: 03/18/2019
Price: 399.00USD
available at: »WWW.4GLTEMALL.COM
Information material
Test and experience report » Vodafone Gigacube Cat19 Test
Installation Guide: » Vodafone Gigacube Cat19 User manual

New SoC for more performance

One of the disadvantages of the old GigaCube router(Huawei B528) was that it was limited to 300 Mbit/s in download with LTE-CAT6. This has now been remedied with the new GigaCube CAT19 version. As the name suggests, the new Cube is in the 4G LTE CAT19 and thus achieves a maximum download of up to 1.6 Gbit/s. The new HiSilicon Balong V7R65 SoC (System on a Chip) is responsible for this. The new centerpiece also does a lot more in uploading. Here a clear jump was made from 50 to 150 Mbit/s.

 

Significantly gained weight

The new Cube is now more angular and looks much more modern. The color is still white and is a little reminiscent of the design artists from Apple. While the predecessor only managed 366 grams, the CAT19 version with 620g is almost twice as heavy but a lightweight. However, this should not interfere in daily operation, because it is not intended as a companion for a hiking tour. Furthermore, there is no battery, so you always have to rely on an outlet.

 

Technical Specs

If you want a wide range of connectivity, you will enjoy the new edition. Naturally, WiFi is on board and works at 2.4 and 5 GHz according to 802.11 a/b/g/n and ac. The MIMO capability (multi-antenna technology) has also been improved. So 3 × 3 is used instead of 2 × 2, which significantly increases data throughput. The Gigacube CAT19 also offers more wired options. One the back, there was only one Gigabit Ethernet port before, you now have access to two. The USB port, which is now new and allows the connection of external data carriers, is very pleasing. Last but not least, the new GigaCube also offers connection options for external antennas via two TS9 ports. Internally, however, four antennas are already in service, so that 4 × 4 MIMO via LTE is possible, as specified by CAT19.

 

 

A small downgrade was made on one point. While up to 64 simultaneous devices were previously possible, the number is now reduced to 32. However, this should not play a major role in daily use. It will rarely happen that such a number of devices should be operated. If so, the two Ethernet ports are a good alternative to connect another router. By the way, this additional technology also means a slightly higher power consumption.

 

 

Difference to the predecessor Huawei B528

The new Huawei 4G WiFi router from 2019 primarily offers a more modern LTE modem, which is also well equipped for future upgrades in the 4G network from Vodafone. The first generation Gigacube, on the other hand, is “only” designed up to 300 MBit. In addition, the CAT19 box already supports LTE at 700 MHz. Otherwise, the differences are rather small. Both offer WLAN up to 802.11ac and two TS9 sockets for external antennas. The GigaCube CAT19 also provides an additional gigabit LAN port. Our later test report shows whether the successor can get more out of it in practice.

 

Huawei 4G Router 3 Prime B818 Review

Huawei B818 was introduced two years ago but recently, Huawei supplied this new 4G wireless router to the market and some network providers. Huawei B818 4G router Prime has two variant models now: Huawei B818-260 and B818-263. The Huawei B818-263 is also named Huawei 4G Router 3 Prime.

The Huawei B818 is a 5G ready router (LTE Cat. 19). The Huawei 4G WiFi router is unlocked – works without any problems with any network with a maximum download speed of up to 1600 Mbit/s, and sending up to 150 Mbit/s. The router has many languages available for web interface settings and is easy to use. The full package content includes: Huawei B818 router, power supply, RJ-45 cable, user manual, warranty card and white box.

 

Huawei B818 is a stationary router that can support up to 64 devices (32 on 2.4 and 5.0 GHz). It has a built-in Ethernet socket; you can connect two external antennas (3G and LTE) to it. You can conveniently manage the router using the HiLink application (available on Android and iOS platforms). The Huawei B818 router has a WPS button that makes it easy to pair devices with the router. Huawei B818 is the successor to the well-known Huawei B618s.

The main Specifications of the Huawei 4G Router 3 Prime:

  • SIM unlocked for global use
  • Download speed up to 1600 Mbit/s (LTE category 19)
  • WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless network
  • Support up to 64 connected devices
  • Support for every network in Poland (and Europe)
  • 2 x LAN 10/100/1000 Mbit/s
  • 1 x WAN 10/100/1000 Mbit/s
  • LTE download speed up to 150 Mbit/s
  • Management option via the Huawei HiLink application

Huawei B818-263 Applications:

  • Huawei 4G Router 3 Prime is a very fast LTE cat. 19 router. It can support up to 64 users at the same time, so it’s perfect for both home and office. Thanks to 4×4 MIMO technology that increases the throughput of your local network several times, you will get a fantastic speed of up to 1.6 Gbit/s. The device is equipped with 4 internal antennas that extend the data transmission range by 40% and guarantee you a strong and stable signal also in large, multi-level rooms.
  • Huawei 4G Router 3 Prime is very easy to use thanks to the Huawei application. It will help you find the best location for the router, and will also allow you to independently manage network traffic, parental control, network protection or guest accounts. What’s more, the router will provide you with several levels of security: encryption, network security against unauthorized persons and quick logout of unauthorized users.

Smooth operation

  • HUAWEI B818 gives you uninterrupted Internet access thanks to the combination of a mobile network and an Ethernet connection. Get access to fast internet using Wi-Fi or a network cable. You can also create your own local network.

Powerful antenna

Support up to 64 users

  • HUAWEI B818 sensationally meets the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises supporting use by up to 64 people via a Wi-Fi connection.

 

 

Here is the general Specification of Huawei 4G Router 3 Prime B818:

Supported bands: LTE Cat19 / HSPA+ / HSDPA / HSUPA / HSDPA / HSPA / UMTS / WCDMA / EDGE / GSM

Data download: up to 1600 Mbps

Data upload: up to 150 Mbps

Connectors:

  • SIM card slot
  • 2 LAN (RJ45) inputs,
  • WAN / LAN port (RJ45),
  • Entry to the telephone port (RJ11),
  • Two switches on the external antenna.

WLAN: WiFi 802.11 a / b / g / n / ac 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

LED diodes:

  • Cellular network signal strength indicators,
  • Power indicator
  • Status indicator
  • LAN indicator
  • Wi-Fi indicator
  • Mode indicator.

Functions:

  • Administrative website, full router management using a web browser from a computer or mobile device (also using the Huawei HiLink App mobile application),
  • 2 SSID,
  • WPS
  • Limit on the number of Wi-Fi devices (up to 64),
  • Choice of Wi-Fi channel width and number,
  • SMS support,
  • DHCP
  • Remembering the SIM card PIN,
  • Counter and data limit
  • List of blocked Wi-Fi devices,
  • Login Manager.

Dimensions: 102 x 103 x 225 mm

Weight: 620 g

Huawei B818 VS Huawei B618

Huawei B818 WiFi router was introduced for a long time but was recently available in the market. Perhaps because the 5G network development is delayed in many countries, the LTE advanced Pro network is still the main development trend. As the top equipment supplier, Huawei presented the Huawei B818 4G Router two years ago but until recently, the Huawei B818 is available to buy. The processor Huawei B618 was the best seller of 4G Wireless Routers in past years. The two Huawei 4G Wireless Routers looks similar, many customers want to know what the difference is between the Huawei B818 and B618 router. Today we will have a check the comparison of the two routers.

 

 

Huawei B818 VS Huawei B618 Specifications and Features

 

Model Huawei B818 Huawei B618
Product type LTE WiFi Router LTE WiFi Router
Category LTE Cat.19 LTE Cat.9/ Cat.11
Chipset HiSilicon Balong V7R65 HiSilicon Balong 750
LTE Data rates DL 1.6Gbps/UL 150Mbps DL 600Mbps/UL 100Mbps
Supported 4G LTE frequency bands Huawei B818-260: Band 1/3/7/8/20/28/32/38/42
Huawei B818-263: 1/3/5/7/8/20/26/28/32/38/40/41/42/43
B618s-22d: Band 1/3/7/8/20/38
B618s-65d: 1/3/5/7/8/28/40
WLAN 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band 2.4GHz & 5GHz 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band 2.4GHz & 5GHz
Max supported users 64 users 64 users
MIMO 8 X 8 MIMO 4 X 4 MIMO
Antenna Two, TS-9 jacks Two, TS-9 jacks
Buy Antenna Huawei B818 External Antenna Huawei B618 Antenna
App management Huawei Hilink APP Huawei Hilink APP
SIM Size Micro SIM Micro SIM
Battery NO NO
Dimensions 103 x 103 x 225mm 95 × 95 × 208mm
Interfaces * 1 x LAN port(45)
* 1 x LAN/WAN port (45)
* 1 x telephone port(RJ11)
* 1 x USB 2.0 port
* 2 x external LTE antenna ports
* 1 x LAN port(45)
* 1 x LAN/WAN port (45)
* 1 x telephone port(RJ11)
* 1 x USB 2.0 port
* 2 x external LTE antenna ports
Datasheet Huawei B818 Datasheet Huawei B618 Datasheet
User Manual Huawei B818 User Manual Huawei B618 User Manual
Other features DHCP Server, DNS RELAY and NAT, VoLTE, IPv4 /IPv6 dual stack DHCP Server, DNS RELAY and NAT, VoLTE, IPv4 /IPv6 dual stack
Firmware download Huawei B818 firmware Huawei B618 firmware
Driver Huawei B818 driver Huawei B618 driver
Reviews Huawei B818 Review Huawei B618s-22d Review
Price/USD 499.00USD 449.00USD

 

 

From the table, we can see the upgrade model Huawei B818 supports fast LTE download speeds and it supports more LTE frequency bands. Other features are very similar on the two Huawei LTE routers. The body of Huawei B818 is larger than Huawei B618 router. Of course the latest Huawei B818 price is higher than Huawei B618 price.

 

Huawei B618s-66d (Telstra 4GX Modem) Router Review

The Huawei B618 was available in many countries since 2018 and now becomes one of the best LTE routers in the market. If you are familiar with Huawei B618 router, you may know there are two variant models for Huawei B618 Router: They are B618s-22d and B618s-65d. Here we get a new variant Huawei B618s-66d. Like other Huawei 4G LTE WiFi routers, the Huawei B618s-66d supports different LTE frequency bands from the two brother models.

Huawei B618s-66d Appearance

Huawei B618s-66d is a customized router from Australian network carrier Telstra, who gives it a new name “Telstra 4GX Modem”. The Telstra 4GX Modem router has same shape as the two brother model, but it has Telstra logo on the front instead of Huawei logo. The LED indicators are still there, including three antenna indicators, Power indicator, Status indicator, LAN, WiFi and data usage indicators.

On the back of the Huawei B618 Telstra, the two connectors for external antennas are available and covered by a small tap. The connector type is TS-9. Below are the power button, USB 2.0 Port and two Ethernet ports for LAN. There is no battery in the Huawei B618 router, so the Power plug for adapter is also available. However, unlike the Huawei B618s-22d, the Ethernet ports in Telstra 4GX Modem B618s-66d are both for LAN. In B618s-22d, one is for LAN and the other one is for both LAN and WAN.

The SIM card slot is at the bottom of the Telstra 4GX Modem. The Reset button is at the side of the SIM card slot. And a stick indicates the model B618s-66d, SSID, WiFi Key, IP, user name, password, WPS pin, IMEI number, S/N number, and some certificates etc… The Huawei B618s-66d uses Micro-SIM card.

 

Huawei B618s-66d (Telstra 4GX Modem) Specs Review

 

  • Support 4GX Cat11
  • Support 4G LTE Frequency Band 1/3/5/7/28 700/850/1800/2100/2600MHz
  • Support 4 x 4 MIMO
  • Support up to 20 WiFi-enabled devices simultaneously
  • WLAN IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4GHz and 5GHz
  • SIM Type: Micro(3FF)
  • 2 x LAN ports(RJ45), 1 X USB(2.0) port to connect a printer or storage drive
  • Huawei Hilink App. Easy management by smartphone or pad

On the Telstra official site, it doesn’t list the LTE Band 28. We re-checked with Telstra and get confirmation that Huawei B618s-66d Telstra 4GX Modem supports Band 28. The Huawei official site says the Huawei B618 Australia router could support maximum up to 64 users, but the Telstra 4GX Modem supports only 20 devices simultaneously.

Huawei B618s-66d (Telstra 4GX Modem) Price

Due to specs subtraction of the Telstra 4GX Modem, the price is a little cheaper than the original model B618s-22d and B618s-65d. If you want the original functions, you may use the Huawei B618s-65d which could fully replace B618s-66d to use in Australia.

Vodafone GigaCube Cat19 FAQs and User Manual

As the latest Vodafone 4G LTE router, Vodafone GigaCube Cat19 is not only new in the LTE technology, but also the appearance and design. Some users may have some questions about this new LTE Advanced pro router or don’t know how to setup and use the new Huawei router. Today, we will list the FAQs and the user manual for basic functions and installation & settings.

 

  1. FAQs for Vodafone GigaCube Cat19
  2. How to set up your Vodafone Gigacube Cat19?
  3. Vodafone Gigacube Cat19 LED indicators lights and flashes means
  4. How to insert my SIM card into the Vodafone GigaCube CAT19?
  5. How to manage your Vodafone GigaCube CAT19 via the Huawei SmartHome app?
  6. How to change the reception area (radio channel) on the Vodafone GigaCube CAT19?
  7. How to connect with Vodafone Gigacube Cat19 by WPS?
  8. How to change the network type on Vodafone Gigacube Cat19?
  9. How to set up guest Wi-Fi on the Vodafone GigaCube CAT19?
  10. How to turn on or off mobile data on the Vodafone GigaCube CAT19?
  11. How to switch on or off the data roaming on the Vodafone GigaCube Cat19?
  12. How to turn on or off the PIN use on the Vodafone GigaCube CAT19?
  13. How to change the PIN on the Vodafone GigaCube CAT19?
  14. How to change the WLAN name (SSID) and the WLAN password?
  15. How to update the firmware of Vodafone GigaCube CAT19?
  16. How to restore the factory default settings for the Vodafone GigaCube CAT19?

How to restore the factory default settings for the Vodafone GigaCube CAT19?

There are two ways to reset the GigaCube to its factory settings.
Good to know: You delete all your personal modem settings, such as: Passwords, Wi-Fi names (SSID) and the Wi-Fi password.

That’s how it’s done:

Hold down the reset button on the underside of the Vodafone GigaCube CAT19 with a pointed object until the power indicator turns off.
You will restore all default settings. Then simply start and configure your GigaCube again.

Or open Settings > System via the GigaCube web interface
Click on Factory Settings > Restore. 

You will now see the information “All configurations will be reset to factory settings. Continue?”
Click on OK. The factory settings are restored …

 

Click to check more about Vodafone GigaCube Cat19 FAQs and User Manual

How to update the firmware of Vodafone GigaCube CAT19

  1. Enter http: //giga.cube in the address field of your internet browser and open the  GigaCube web interface.
  2. Select Settings >  Updates.
  3. Click on  Automatic update to activate the function. Good to know: If Automatic Update is turned on, your device will automatically update between 3:00 am and 5:00 am when it’s not in use.

 

Click to check more about Vodafone GigaCube Cat19 FAQs and User Manual

How to change the WLAN name (SSID) and the WLAN password at the Vodafone GigaCube CAT19?

Change Wi-Fi name (SSID)

First, connect your PC, smartphone or tablet to your Vodafone GigaCube CAT19 via Wi-Fi.

  1. Enter http: //giga.cube or 192.168.8.1 in the address bar of the browser.
  2. Enter the router login password .
  3. Click on Login.
  4. Dial from the GigaCube web interface > WLAN WLAN Security Settings.
  5. For WLAN name (SSID) gigacube-F2CE click on the pen under the Options.
  6. Enter a new name under WLAN Name (SSID). This name can have up to 32 characters.
  7. Click Save.
  8. Restart your GigaCube Cat19.

 

Change Wi-Fi password

  1. Dial from the GigaCube web interface > WLAN WLAN Security Settings.
  2. Select the desired SSID for the 2.4GHz or 5GHz work band for editing.
  3. Enter your personal Wi-Fi password if you have a Wi-Fi password.
    Tip: For your safety, we recommend combining letters and numbers. The Wi-Fi password must be at least 16 characters long.
  4. Click Save.
  5. You will see the following info: Your settings will be saved. Configuration completed, the system restarts WLAN.

 

Click to check more about Vodafone GigaCube Cat19 FAQs and User Manual

How to turn on or off the PIN use on the Vodafone GigaCube CAT19?

  1. Select Settings >  System via the GigaCube web interface .
  2. Dial PIN code management.
  3. Switch on PIN code management via the indicator.
  4. Enter your PIN code.
  5. Click Save.

Click to check more about Vodafone GigaCube Cat19 FAQs and User Manual