How to update three huawei E5830 Mi-Fi firmware

[smoke n mirrors]

How to get more out of your 3 MiFi E5830 or other huawei E58XX this is a software upgrade.

I have done this update on my Three Mobile Broadband MiFi E5830 and it works a treat. Disclaimer: If you wish to under take this software update I accept no responsibility should it fail! DO NOT TRY THIS IF YOU AREN'T CONFIDENT WITH FIRMWARE UPDATES! IT CAN CAUSE THE TOTAL FAILURE OF YOUR UNIT IF THINGS GO WRONG.

There is a possibility that once you do this update you will not be able to alter the APN ID and Password. This update will give you access to the web based admin page via 192.168.1.1 which is blocked with the default firmware settings. You will still have access to the default 3 E5830 WiFi Manager in the usual way. You can access the APN settings there under TOOLS > Options > Profile Manager. I can switch between three.co.uk and 3internet but I already had them created prior to the update. I haven't tested this fully but it seems OK so far.

You only need to do this update if you want to access more advanced features and over come some shortcomings, with your Huawei E5830 MiFi unit default software as shipped by Three Mobile.

What you will need to do first is paste this link into your browser address bar: add [http:w ww.]netvigatoreverywhere.com/download/E5838Update_716.11.17.07.108SP02.exe and download a
30Mb exe file.

Now connect your E5830 to the USB port of your machine with the supplied cable. I'm assuming that you have already followed the original E5830 software installation. Now run the .exe file you downloaded and follow the instructions. A little warning...you will think you have bricked your unit if the update goes the same as mine. The updater will tell you not to power off or disconnect the unit while updating. The problem is it will reset your unit without having done anything! Poo in pants moment. If you had the standard 3 wifi manager open CLOSE IT! Now rerun the .exe and the update will proceed as expected. It takes a few minutes to complete so go and make a coffee.

Don't panic too much when you can't set and save the APN data on your upgraded E5830. All you need to do now is pull the cable out of the unit and do a power off/hard reset of the modem.

NOTE: You can't change the APN when you use the Quick Setup option! This is controlled by the default Three E5830 manager, which you can access when connected via USB in the usual way. After the hard reset the NETVIGATOR web interface will auto detect the settings stored in the default software. Access it again by entering 192.168.1.1 in your browser if you closed the page in the last step.

The major advantages after following this upgrade to your Huawei E5830 are...

You can access the Web admin page of the router/modem via 192.168.1.1 user = admin password = admin. Obviously this has the advantage of allowing you to access the E5830, without it being connected to the USB port of your computer. (its worth it just for that!)

The Web admin interface will allow you to see the status of the battery and signal strength etc. It gets better, you can also gain access to features blocked by the nice guys at Three mobile.



You will notice that you can now see your usage stats on the system info page (something the guys at three thought we could live without ). Unfortunately this is only useful on a uninterrupted connection per session, there is no direct way of seeing previous/accumulated totals etc. You will also see other useful info such as IP and Mac Address blar blar.

The mobile connection option allows you to change the status of your connection, depending on the options you have selected, regarding always on which I will mention later.

Now we get to the fun part...Advanced settings.

Advanced Settings is new: You can Restore Defaults (not sure I will be trying that one), Soft Reboot and Version.

Sim Settings: allows you to change the PIN (don't think I will try that one either). I'm assuming that the default software handles the PIN security.

Mobile Network settings: self explanatory.

Mobile Connection Settings: useful you can select the default connection functionality and idle time. Options available are Always On, Manual, On Demand and the idle time in minutes.

DHCP settings: self explanatory.

WLAN Settings: (here's the good bit)

WLAN status switching.

WLAN Basic Settings: There are some extras here you can select the country which allows access to the relevant wifi channels for each country.

AP isolation: You can allow machines to connect through the router to each other or not.

WiFi Auto Off: A common complaint with the 3 E5830 is that it is set to turn off by default - not any more, now you can force it to stay on. (Three default is fixed to Auto Off.)

WiFi Off Time (mins): depending on the option selected above, allows you to control the time before the unit turns the wifi off, when there is no activity.

WLAN Advanced Settings: WPA settings etc. probably best left to the default software to control.



WLAN MAC Filter: Now you have the option to fix MAC addresses that are allowed to connect to your system (something the Three Mobile crew didn't think we needed). Unfortunately the list only allows for the entry of four mac addresses. For people who need the added security its a real bonus.



Security Settings:

Fire Wall Switch:

Change Admin Password: Change it from the default User = admin PW = admin before some stranger visits your newly accessible web admin settings.

The remaining options are much the same as default options available via the standard three E5830 control panel. IP Filter, Virtual Server, Special Applications, DMZ Zone, UPnP and Wireless web manager.

Another common complaint is the fact that the status lights on the E5830 power of after a few seconds. Well a nice touch of this update is that the broadband MODE (M) light stays on permanently, so you can see at a glance if you have a HSDPA connection. Nice!

There is no wireless access to the micro SD storage which would have been nice. I'm not sure if there is away to set-up a small ftp service, which could allow use of the SD card on the WLAN.

I know this isn't really the place for a tech type thread, but this is quite a hot topic among users of the E5830. There is very little information about this anywhere on the web that I could find. Hopefully once google sniffs about and indexes this thread, it should attract some additional traffic to the DI forums. If any DI users got one of these for Christmas they may find this useful also.

Credit needs to go to various posters on this thread... http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum...m/1299227.html for the information they provided, as well as the link to the download file.

Enjoy

.

[smoke n mirrors]

If you don't know what an E5830 MiFi is here is a link http://www.which.co.uk/reviews-ns/3-...band/index.jsp



If you are interested in getting one, you need to make sure that you're in a good area for using the three network. It can be a bit of a pain to connect or get good data speeds in some areas. For an idea of coverage use this link http://www.three.co.uk/Help_Support/Coverage . I have been using the three network in SE London, Kent and Hampshire for well over a year now. It has been pretty good with the exception of the more remote locations in Hampshire and Kent. I use the 3Gb pay and go plan @ £15.00 which normally last the month. My machine is connected to the web in excess of 500 hours every month. I support a few websites and remote admin a few locations. I don't download too much or watch too many videos on-line. You also get something in the region of 500 sms txts per month included. Skype VOIP works well, I don't use a cam but I imagine it would be OK. I don't have a fixed land line, so the cost of my Broadband is not much more than one months line rental with BT, plus I can have web access when and where I want for just £15 PM. The current price for the E5830 is £49.99 plus a topup of £10 1Gb £15 3Gb £25 7Gb. It is cheaper on contract but obviously not as flexible. They also offer a One Month contract plan £15 5Gb. Price Plan Link http://threestore.three.co.uk/broadband/

If you're interested in three mobile broadband, I would say that the MiFi connection is the best solution. Its far more flexible than the traditional dongles. You can have up too four devices connected to the internet at any one time - useful if your have iPods, netbooks, IP camera's or multiple machines.

The downside is its not as fast as a fixed line solution (not an issue for normal browsing) - for youtube or download freaks, its very limited due to the data allowance. No fixed IP option, the IP you get is handled through some type of NATS system by three (I haven't had a problem so far due to that). The fix IP can be over come free using something like DynDNS http://dyndns.com.

[flickflack]

Originally Posted by smoke n mirrors

The downside is its not as fast as a fixed line solution (not an issue for normal browsing) - for youtube or download freaks, its very limited due to the data allowance.

Also, there is usually a clear bandwidth limit/quota of how much data you can download/upload on the long run. Exceeding the bandwidth quota could temporary cut down service or higher the cost.

[smoke n mirrors]

Originally Posted by flickflack

Also, there is usually a clear bandwidth limit/quota of how much data you can download/upload on the long run. Exceeding the bandwidth quota could temporary cut down service or higher the cost.

Not on pay as you go...when your 3Gb has gone it's game over, until you top up and start again. I think it cost 10p per meg if you exceed your allowance on a contract. In which case you would really need to log/monitor your usage. The E5830 has no logging for bandwidth which means you have to visit your account at three.co.uk. The problem with that is it doesn't refresh very quickly, the site also goes down regularly at night. You can over come this, by accessing the three site using the slower 3g connection. That forces you on to the web phone service, which is apparently more reliable and refreshes more often. I haven't tried that method yet though.

.

[webguy]

Hi,

Thank you for the firmware update link. I'm in a spot of trouble though with it. I have the Huawei Mi-Fi E5830 and the firmware on it was 666.11.17.07.108SP02. I updated to the 716.11.17.07.108SP02 one. I had trouble updating it as I got unknown errors, but I succeeded in the end. So my problem is, when I go to the web interface and go to advanced settings and go to system, I get the software version as 666.11.17.07.108SP02, but I updated to 716.11.17.07.108SP02. How can I fix this?

The dark blue light is always on now (which is a good thing) but it never changes to the HSDPA cyan light which always changed for me before the update. Why is this?

Can you change the DNS servers to the openDNS servers for faster speed through the web interface?

Thank you so much for your help guys.

[culabula]

Before I attempt this can it be confirmed that it does not re-lock an unlocked unit?

[smoke n mirrors]

Originally Posted by webguy

Hi,

Thank you for the firmware update link. I'm in a spot of trouble though with it. I have the Huawei Mi-Fi E5830 and the firmware on it was 666.11.17.07.108SP02. I updated to the 716.11.17.07.108SP02 one. I had trouble updating it as I got unknown errors, but I succeeded in the end. So my problem is, when I go to the web interface and go to advanced settings and go to system, I get the software version as 666.11.17.07.108SP02, but I updated to 716.11.17.07.108SP02. How can I fix this?

The firmware version is reported incorrectly. This update only allows you to access the unit, via the web interface. The main system firmware stays intact. Many of the settings are still governed by the primary software, while others can be viewed and changed from the web interface. You will need to use trial and error, to determine which SW dictates the changes to a given parameter.

The dark blue light is always on now (which is a good thing) but it never changes to the HSDPA cyan light which always changed for me before the update. Why is this?

I have no idea why the state of the light remains the same. The advantage is that you know you have a connection.

Can you change the DNS servers to the openDNS servers for faster speed through the web interface?

I haven't found away to change the DNS as yet. It's on the todo list, I will post a solution here if I find one.

Thank you so much for your help guys.

Originally Posted by culabula

Before I attempt this can it be confirmed that it does not re-lock an unlocked unit?

To the best of my knowledge, it will not re-lock your unit as it doesn't change the software that controls that. My unit isn't unlocked so I can't say first hand. There should be other threads on the web by now, that have more details about this update. There may even be a different firmware version, from an alternative third party E583x service provider. I haven't looked into it any deeper, as I can achieve what I needed to.

If you find more upto date info please post a link in this thread.

Cheers,

.

[webguy]

Thanks smoke n mirrors. Oh the DNS can't be changed on the unit itself but you can change it if you go to your active wireless properties on your computer and double click TCP/IPv4. All you have to do is click on use the following DNS server addresses and type in 208-67-222-222, next line, 208-67-220-220. This speeds the internet connection alot.

[londonboy]

Hi I followed these instructions and fried a modem! This happened because the update failed mid way through and despite trying several times I was left with a useless piece of plastic. (Message was very helpful: 'An unexpected error has occured'!)

Determined to get the functionality I was after I got another one, and this time I researched the process. Don't follow the instructions above!!!! These seem to have an important stage missing. If you go to a Japanese carrier's site not only can you download the software, but you can also donwload the flashing instructions. In sumnmary, there is a stage where you have to hold the Power and Connect key for two seconds until two lights appear, then hard reset, cancel the update process, then re-start. All seems a bit magical, but I followed this and managed to update a second modem in a few minutes with no problems at all.

The site to go to is netvigatoreverywhere.com.

Good luck!

[smoke n mirrors]

Originally Posted by webguy

Thanks smoke n mirrors. Oh the DNS can't be changed on the unit itself but you can change it if you go to your active wireless properties on your computer and double click TCP/IPv4. All you have to do is click on use the following DNS server addresses and type in 208-67-222-222, next line, 208-67-220-220. This speeds the internet connection alot.

Thanks for mentioning openDNS dns service more info here... http://www.opendns.com/

Originally Posted by londonboy

Hi I followed these instructions and fried a modem! This happened because the update failed mid way through and despite trying several times I was left with a useless piece of plastic. (Message was very helpful: 'An unexpected error has occured'!)

Determined to get the functionality I was after I got another one, and this time I researched the process. Don't follow the instructions above!!!! These seem to have an important stage missing. If you go to a Japanese carrier's site not only can you download the software, but you can also donwload the flashing instructions. In sumnmary, there is a stage where you have to hold the Power and Connect key for two seconds until two lights appear, then hard reset, cancel the update process, then re-start. All seems a bit magical, but I followed this and managed to update a second modem in a few minutes with no problems at all.

The site to go to is netvigatoreverywhere.com.

Good luck!

I have now flashed several using the link and method in the OP. The file in the link maybe an XP update utility. The crash at the mid point, is commonly caused when you try flashing the unit with a different OS. I only discovered the problem myself last night, when I tried it on a friends Vista box, although I have not had that problem on some vista machines which is a little odd.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that the file source, you have directed people to is the same source as the one in the OP. Thanks for the additional instructions and info on the documentation.

Reminder:
If you are worried about damaging your unit don't attempt to flash it! There is always a risk when flashing a device, that it could cause an undesirable out come. It's your choice!

Addendum:

There is an error in the OP the number of mac addresses assignable is 8 not 4 as mentioned.

There is a stage where you have to hold the Power and Connect key for two seconds until two lights appear, then hard reset, cancel the update process, then re-start. (Thanks to Londonboy)

Factory reset:
If you need to reset your unit to the defaults, press and hold Wi-Fi/WPS buttons for 5 seconds. If you have successfully flashed the unit with the instructions above, the reset will reset the default passwords etc. not the firmware. There is no way at this point, to revert back to the original firmware.

Links/Downloads:
Flash Instructions English .pdf http://www.netvigatoreverywhere.com/...guide_eng.html
Flash Utility E583x http://www.netvigatoreverywhere.com/..._wifi_eng.html
Site http://www.netvigatoreverywhere.com/ Switch for English top right.

Attention:
If your update fails try using WinXP, when you use the file linked in the OP!



Hope that helps.

.

[smoke n mirrors]

Update (alternative FW)

There is a new (alternative) software update for the Huawei E5830 - E583x.

Hardware Version: WLC2GCPU
Software Version: 666.11.00.20.112sp05
Available from http://blog.brightpointuk.co.uk/ article and FW link http://blog.brightpointuk.co.uk/Huaw...irmware-update



It now gives you access to the Web admin page @ http://192.168.1.1



The update reported errors but seems to be working OK for me! I haven't spent any time testing the functionality...my MAC filter info was retained in the update.

brightpoint.co.uk

"A firmware update is available for the Huawei E5, aka the iMo, also known as the E5830 / E5832.

The update is a self-contained executable that needs to be run on a Windows host, and is only intended for unlocked units. Compatibility with network-branded equipment is not guaranteed."

Information only:
The unit I have done this on is a three.co.uk locked device! The device was running the firmware version 716.11.17.07.108SP02 from netvigatoreverywhere.com.

Original Version: 666.11.17.07.108SP02 No access to web admin.
Alternative Ver: 666.11.00.20.112sp05 Access to web admin but old version.
*netvigatoreverywhere: 716.11.17.07.108SP02 Access to web admin with a battery state indicator in browser and later version.

The netvigatoreverywhere web admin has a battery state indicator, plus it's a newer version. I will be going back to it, as there seems to be no advantage with the new alternative, apart from better graphic presentation. The Alternative may help some people, who have had the netvigator update fail at the mid point.

If you have an unlocked unit the alternative version is a nice solution, it will give you enhanced functionality even though it's an older version.

Three UK are supposed to be releasing a firmware update, that will allow mac filtering as well as access to web admin page. It is pending approval by three apparently.

E583x FAQ's http://www.huaweidevice.com/worldwid...Id=50&pId=3185

.

[adlorenz]

Originally Posted by smoke n mirrors

Update (alternative FW)

There is a new (alternative) software update for the Huawei E5830 - E583x.

Hardware Version: WLC2GCPU
Software Version: 666.11.00.20.112sp05
Available from http://blog.brightpointuk.co.uk/ article and FW link http://blog.brightpointuk.co.uk/Huaw...irmware-update



It now gives you access to the Web admin page @ http://192.168.1.1

Quick and simple question - does that firmware allow to change APN profile settings via 192.168.1.1 web-admin panel? Say I want to swap SIM card in my router to use different network, hence I must change APN profile too - can I do it via web-admin panel or do I still need to use Windows-based software manager to do that?

Many thanks in advance,
Dawid Lorenz

[welshpaul]

Originally Posted by adlorenz

does that firmware allow to change APN profile settings via 192.168.1.1 web-admin panel?

I have registered and waited 24 hours just to answer your question as nobody else has bothered to let you know...

I can confirm that you can change the APN profile via the 192.168.1.1 web-admin panel.

[adlorenz]

Originally Posted by welshpaul

I have registered and waited 24 hours just to answer your question as nobody else has bothered to let you know...

I can confirm that you can change the APN profile via the 192.168.1.1 web-admin panel.

Many thanks. I have figured that out by myself already, once I upgraded firmware in my device. Although I have to admit that changing APN profile via web-admin panel isn't that straightforward as you could think.

Thanks again for making the effort to register, wait 24hrs and reply to my question. Much appreciated!

[nickb]

Originally Posted by smoke n mirrors

[B][SIZE=6][COLOR=Red]Information only:
The unit I have done this on is a three.co.uk locked device! The device was running the firmware version 716.11.17.07.108SP02 from netvigatoreverywhere.com.

Did you update the device to the alternative brightpointuk.co.uk firmware from the netvigatoreverywhere.com firmware or from the original three.co.uk firmware? If you did the former, did you first follow the 2-button procedure described on the netvigatoreverywhere site or this isn't necessary?

Originally Posted by smoke n mirrors

[B][SIZE=6][COLOR=Red]
The netvigatoreverywhere web admin has a battery state indicator, plus it's a newer version. I will be going back to it, as there seems to be no advantage with the new alternative, apart from better graphic presentation.

Actually there *is* a big advantage with the new alternative, the fact that you can change APN through the web admin panel, as discussed on the later posts. For people who use multiple providers, that is an essential issue.

Originally Posted by adlorenz

Although I have to admit that changing APN profile via web-admin panel isn't that straightforward as you could think.

Could you give a little more info about that? Is it tricky to change APN profile or just impossible? I'll be visiting another country for a short stay soon, and I would appreciate if you could tell me if it's possible to change or create APN profiles through the web-admin *without* a computer (I'll be using the iPhone and Windows Mobile browsers instead).

Thanks all in advance.

[adlorenz]

Originally Posted by nickb

Could you give a little more info about that? Is it tricky to change APN profile or just impossible? I'll be visiting another country for a short stay soon, and I would appreciate if you could tell me if it's possible to change or create APN profiles through the web-admin *without* a computer (I'll be using the iPhone and Windows Mobile browsers instead).

Yes, you can amend APN profiles without a computer - just connect to your E5830 via WiFi from any device, then go to 192.168.1.1 address in that device's browser, which will take you to web-admin panel, obviously.

Now, the tricky bit is that there's no straight "Create new APN profile" functionality, as you could expect. At first I was just about to surrender and just assume lack of such feature is somehow locked by 3UK-specific branding of the device. However, I have accidentally discovered the way of creating a new profile - and it works. :) Here's how:

1) Login to web-admin panel.
2) Go to Advanced Settings menu from left-hand side menu.
3) Click through Dial Up Settings -> Profile Settings.
4) You'll find a dropdown box with existing APN profiles listed (most likely just "3UK(D)" - D stands for Default profile), but no "Create new"-alike button anywhere, which is very misleading at first. Trick is that you need to change a value in "Profile Name" field, which is the only one enabled at first. This will enable all input boxes below, making it possible to enter new APN settings appropriate for network you want to use. Once you enter all APN profile settings in these boxes, just click "Save" button and that's it - new APN profile is now created!
5) To set new profile as Default, so it would be used as default mobile broadband connection, go back to previous screen and click on "Connection Settings" icon. On that screen select your new profile from dropdown box and then set "Connection" field to Auto. All done. :)

From that point, whenever I swap SIM cards in my MiFi, I just switch profiles by logging into web-admin panel, click through Advanced Settings -> Dial-up Settings -> Connection Settings and select a new default profile from that screen, and I'm done. Perhaps not the most convenient and easiest solutions ever, but works perfectly for me. :)

[nickb]

Thanks a million for the prompt and very detailed reply adlorenz! Looks a little tricky but with your instructions I don't think I'll have any problem. :-)

Now I have to wait the reply of smoke'n'mirrors before I update to this alternate firmware. I got my Huawei (3 branded), unlocked from eBay with the firmware from netvigatoreverywhere.com so I'm not sure about the steps required to update to the brightpointuk.co.uk firmware.

Did you update yours from the 3-"original" firmware straight to the brightpointuk.co.uk one? If you did, could you tell me if you've updated straight away, or you first followed the procedure described on netvigatoreverywhere.com and on the 1st page here? I mean the one where you have to press the connect and power buttons first, wait for two red lights to appear and so on.

[adlorenz]

Originally Posted by nickb

Did you update yours from the 3-"original" firmware straight to the brightpointuk.co.uk one? If you did, could you tell me if you've updated straight away, or you first followed the procedure described on netvigatoreverywhere.com and on the 1st page here? I mean the one where you have to press the connect and power buttons first, wait for two red lights to appear and so on.

Yep, I've updated straight from original firmware to brightpoint's and I haven't followed netvigator instructions, just plugged device and started update. After about 10 minutes it was done. Simple as that.

[narkoman]

Originally Posted by webguy

The dark blue light is always on now (which is a good thing) but it never changes to the HSDPA cyan light which always changed for me before the update. Why is this?

This feature work on original 3UK firmware only. Good point is that modem work in HSPA, but don't show You when.

I wait for firmware update from 3UK - options from software from first post and working light blue icon, that all I want ;-)

btw - updated device on Windows 7 x64 - only double-click and wait some time. No any problems.

[adlorenz]

Originally Posted by narkoman

This feature work on original 3UK firmware only. Good point is that modem work in HSPA, but don't show You when.

I've noticed same thing, but I'm not bothered about that at all, really. My device is usually plugged into charged somewhere well away from my laptop or I simply keep it in my bag or pocket, so I don't see these lights much anyway. They do turn off by itself after few seconds too.