Firmware for Bigpond Aircard 790S

[star96]

I would like to download firmware version NTG9X35C_01.03.28.05 (Build Date 2014/10/16) for my new 790S aircard (ISP is Bigpond). That is the version it currently runs. USB tethering with the IP Passthrough option does not work for me on Win 8.1. It is a desktop PC, no wifi cap. With IP Passthrough disabled connectivity is OK but LTE download speeds (bands B3 & B28) are 40% slower than my old USB Aircard 320U (band B3). I was hoping that enabling IP Passthrough would perform better. The PC gets the public IP OK but there is no internet connectivity. Cannot ping next hop. I see there is a newer (March 2015) firmware release available for the 790S. But I am reluctant to upgrade if I don't have the original firmware to back out and downgrade should something else break. Any help appreciated.

[apac_se]

Hi star96,

I am a Systems Engineer for Netgear AirCard working in Australia. We recommend keeping your firmware upgraded to the latest available on our support site. You should not experience any issues with the firmware upgrade but in any case that the power or battery is removed from the device during the upgrade then you can get the device replaced through our RMA team.

Thanks.

[apac_se]

are you also performing the speed tests over Wi-Fi or tethered?

[star96]

Thanks for responding.

Various tests from Win 8.1. Some via USB tethered and some via ethernet to the Billion router with the 790S tethered to the Billion.

The consistent result either way is 12-15Mbps with the 790S and 17-19Mbps on the 320U. Both devices using same roof antenna and TS-9 patch lead. So on average the 320U is about 20-30% faster download. Still on original shipped firmware.


790s USB Tethered to Windows 8.1 DC HSPA+ WCDMA 2100 RSSI -89

http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/4276011116 14Mbps
http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/4276016227 15Mbps

790s USB Tethered to Windows 8.1 on LTE Band B28 RSRP -115, Quality 24

http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/4276023049 14Mbps
http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/4276025562 13Mbps

790s USB Tethered to Windows 8.1 on LTE Band B3 RSRP -117, Quality 24

http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/4276029105 12Mbps
http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/4276032666 15Mbps


790s USB Tethered to Billion BPAC 7800VDPX on LTE Band 3 (1 bar). RSRP -119, Quality 28. Tested from Win 8.1 1000BaseT connected to Billion.

http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/4259826668 13Mbps
http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/4276044761 13Mbps
http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/4276046598 14Mbps



320U USB Tethered to Billion BPAC 7800VDPX on LTE Band 3 (1 bar). Tested from Win 8.1 1000BaseT connected to Billion.

http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/4259837350 19Mbps
http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/4259839607 17Mbps
http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/4259842208 19Mbps

[apac_se]

Hi Star96,

Try placing the AC790S into IP Passthrough Mode via Settings - Router. Please note that enabling IP Passthrough will disable WiFi capabilities and the only way you can access the AC790S in this mode is via USB cable. Enabling IP Passthrough disables any NAT's and should behave like a USB only modem.