| Kyocera KR1 Mobile Router - Wireless router + 4-port switch - EN, Fast EN, 802.11b, 802.11g |
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Model: KR1 Mobile Router
Brand: Kyocera
Manufacturer: KYOCERA
Average Rating: 
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 18
Form factor: External
Hardware platform: PC
Data link protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
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| Features: |
1xEV-DO
802.11b/g compatible
Browser based configuration
Four 10/100 Ethernet ports
Leading industry firewall security |
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| Description: |
| The KR1 Mobile Router allows you to create a wireless broadband network virtually anywhere. It uses 1xEV-DO as its WAN backhaul and functions like an access point supporting multiple computers and devices with high-speed wireless data services. All you need is a 1xEV-DO card or phone. The KR1 Mobile Router is especially useful for mobile work groups such as dispatch teams, consultants, road-warrior sales groups, satellite offices, command posts, and more. It can also be used as a reliable alternative for fixed broadband services in your home. |
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| User Reviews (18 total): |
Page 1 of Total 1 Pages
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Great Router, June 9, 2008
By user (Ohio)
I have been using the Kyocera KR1 Mobile Router with a Sprint Mobile Broadband card (Novatel Merlin 720) for about 1.5 years and it is working great.
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Works as expected -- have a few tips, June 4, 2008
By user (Kansas City, MO)
I installed a KR1 (Dlink ODM) a few months ago for an camp in mid-Missouri. They are using a Sprint S720 EVDO Rev. A Card as the wlan nic. Overall the KR1 works well. The only major issue the camp has had is signal strength now that the trees are full -- expected considering there's no visible towers anywhere on the horizon. I since had to install a YX500-PCS booster (Wireless Extenders Cell Phone Signal Booster - 1900 MHz YX500-PCS).
A few notes about my experience with this router:
-A firmware update was required for additional device support such as U720.
-It has open source (GNU) firmware/OS. (I would probably brick it if I didn't already give it away or could afford another one)
-The 802.11 radio will interfere with the CDMA radio at low signal levels.
-The flash interface is SLOW -- take your time with firmware. I suspect this is like some DLink wireless routers and has a slower serial flash interface.
-You'll have to apply connection card updates using Sprint (or whomever's) utility. That means you may not get a connection or proper speed until you update the PRL and Firmware on the card.
Bottom line, If you're looking for a SOHO or mobile solution the KR1 is a good device. Given its relatively limited adoption and target market it seems Kyocera did a fine job of engineering a device that get's the job done for a fair price. They even throw in a 12 volt vehicle adapter to sweeten the deal for those looking for a mobile network. However, if I had to make this purchase today, I would take a serious look at the Linksys WRT54G3G(WLS-G RTR W/SPRINT MOBILE BBAND 4PT SWCH WPA2 SPI) or go with Kyocera's new model the Kyocera KR2 EVDO Mobile Wireless Router.
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Excellent Mobile Router! Easy setup too., March 19, 2008
By user (Orlando, FL)
I admit that I was a little hesitant to buy this router based on the reviews of this site. I'm in a situation where I can't get cable or DSL internet in my area so it came down to a Verizon Wireless Air Card and router or Satellite. I chose Verizon due to the lower initial startup cost. It became a hassle to constantly share the USB modem from computer to computer so I started my search for a router and found the Kyocera KR1.
Setup is as easy as plugging in the Air Card, turning on the power to the router and entering the setup menu to enable encryption. I was up and running in 5 minutes flat! It works just like any other WiFi and has eliminated the need for me to actually run the Verizon software in order to log onto the net.
Note: The new Verizon plans limit you to 5 Gb of data per month and are no longer unlimited. My plan is a little older and I have unlimited for about 2 more years but since this setup will leave your Air Card "online" 24/7 it could potentially go over your allotted allowance of 5 Gb and cost you a ton of money.
Personally I like the Verizon service but I think they are a bit over priced and like to nickel and dime you death. I wish AT&T offered the same level of service (voice) as Verizon because if they did I would switch in a heartbeat. And before anyone flames me over my AT&T comment I have given them a try in my area and they do in fact drop more calls and sound choppy compared to Verizon so my claims are justified.
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Used for an EVDO system., February 9, 2008
By user (Athens, OH United States)
Living in a rural area without cable or broadband and a pretty slow dial-up we decided to go with EVDO and this was the router that was recommended to my "engineer husband". Our internet connection has been somewhat unreliable and I'm not sure whether it is the router's fault, the cellphone tower's/satellite's fault or a combination of the two. But I do know that when we can't connect we have to unplug the router and plug it back in and search for wireless network. While I wouldn't depend on my review to make a decision on purchasing this router, I would add it to the mix of reviews about this router before making decision.
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Interesting router for niche market, February 5, 2008
By user (Henderson, Texas, USA)
This product was a pain to set up. I discovered that XP would only let me configure the router using only one of the three Ethernet ports my computer has. (This may not be the router's fault.) However, the router arrived "bricked", that is, non-operational. After recovering the firmware, a procedure documented on both D-link's and Kyocera's sites, updating the firmware to the latest available version, and configuring the router to use Verizon's USB720 (Novatel Ovation) EV-DO cell modem (that last, an almost an automatic process), the thing works as advertised. The KR1 is said to be continually updatable as new hardware arrives on the market. Note: It is very important to update the firmware in order to use the router with the USB720. Older firmware versions do not work properly with the USB720.
Also, I replaced the stock antenna with an aftermarket high-gain antenna from Hawking. I need it for my application, but I see no reason why the original antenna wouldn't serve most people's needs.
I now have a reasonably decent high speed shared connection, bandwidth-capped by Verizon to 5 GB a month, but still a nice alternative to dialup or *shudder* satellite. Three stars for being a run-of-the-mill firewalled wireless router, two stars for the relative ease of setup (once you get past the trauma of recovering the unit) and minus one star for the sadly necessary recovery process. Be sure and visit the Kyocera web site early on.
Recommended with up-to-date firmware.
UPDATE:
After owning and using this router for a while, some additional bugs/quirks have become apparent:
First, the router never hangs up. The connection is continuous, unless the airtime provider (Verizon or Sprint, currently) disconnects from their end. Because of this, the router is not being a good citizen.
Second, disconnecting manually can only be done by entering the router setup, using a web browser. Unplugging the modem from the router is not allowed, and of course, powering down the router just to disconnect is not generally a good solution.
Third, once disconnected, the router will not reconnect through the router setup. There is a CONNECT button, but, at least with the Novatel Ovation U720 modem, it doesn't work. The only way to reconnect manually is to reset the router (cycle the power).
It *does* seem that the router will reconnect automatically if disconnected by the ISP, but it isn't clear if that is happening, or that it has never been disconnected by Verizon in the whole time I have used it. I *have* been disconnected by Verizon when the modem is plugged directly into the PC and using the PC's software, several times. This leads me to think that it *does* reconnect automatically, especially since the router connects automatically at power up. But there doesn't seem to be a way to tell for sure.
For these reasons, I am reducing my rating from four stars to two stars. The router may work much better with PC-Card modems, but using it with the Verizon/Novatel USB modem is no longer something I would recommend.
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It really does work!!, January 20, 2008
By user (Knoxville, TN)
I've had the Kyocera router for about 2 months now. I have a Verizon USB720 modem. I haven't had any problems yet (cross your fingers). I was worried about all of the negative reviews, but I took a chance. I live out in the middle of nowhere. I can't get DSL or cable modem and didn't want to buy a $600 dish. Well, I'm happy I took the chance. I carefully read the directions and hooked-up the modem in about 10 minutes. I have a Dell and my wife has a Mac. Neither one of us have had an issue. In 2 months, it has only lost the EDO signal once and I just restarted it with no problem. It also comes with a power adapter for my car...and yes, my wife and I took it on a road trip with some friends. We had one computer in the front seat and one in the back and never lost connection. So far, no negatives!!
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fantastic product, works with verizon pc5750, October 17, 2007
By user (iowa)
I'm using this router with the Verizon pc5750 card. It works great. I've had to reset it a few times, but that may be Verizon's fault. Very happy with this purchase.
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Works well with Sprint U720, August 10, 2007
By user (Chino Hills, CA USA)
Very easy to use and install(window Vista). Take me 5 minutes. Works well with Sprint U720.
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Isn't working with the Novatel U720 Modem with Verizon, July 3, 2007
By user (Escondido, CA United States)
I am writing this review just to inform people with Verizon wireless service, using the Verizon USB720 (Novatel U720) modem to be aware of possibly compatibility problems. The situation is pretty simple. When my modem is plugged directly into my laptop, it works almost 100% of the time. When I plug it into the KR1 router, it freezes up every few minutes. When this happens, there is no connection or IP address listed on the "status" page. This freezing occurs until I unplug the router or sometimes after 5 to 10 minutes it fixes itself. It is just not usable this way. Kyocera replaced the router under warranty and the problem is exactly the same. I did upgrade the firmware on both routers. This matter was escalated to D-Link support and they were unable to fix the problem. They are now looking into getting me a different model of router to resolve this. The U720 modem is new, so hopefully they will work the bugs out, but I wanted to make sure this information was available to other buyers. Both Kyocera and Verizon assured me the two units were compatible before I purchased them. I am now locked into a contract with Verizon without a working router and I wouldn't have done that if I'd known of this situation.
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Faulty & Flawed, April 26, 2007
By user (Shrewsbury, Massachusetts)
I'm using this with a Verizon PC5740 card and the latest (1.008) firmware. The setup and use is easy, but the router periodically drops the connection and reboots. From what I've been able to ascertain by scouring the discussion forums, this might be due to the EVDO card interfering with the wi-fi connection. Someone suggested turning off the wi-fi in the KR-1 and connecting via Ethernet. Bingo. Works fine. Very stable. Unfortunately the KR-1 is not very useful to me without the wi-fi.
I called Kyocera tech support twice before they decided the unit was defective. I've upgraded and downgraded the firmware to to avail. Changed all sorts of settings. This thing just won't work, at least not with my PC5740. I hear that the D-Link DIR-450 is a pretty good device. I think I'll return my KR-1 and get one.
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Kyocera KR1, March 15, 2007
By user (Rochester,NY)
Greatest thing since sliced bread. Works with a PC5740 Verizonwireless card even though the spec. only says Sprint service. Could NOT get the VPN tunnel to work with this unit, so if you absolutely need this don't buy this unit. All other aspects of the unit worked out great with a remote network, both wireless and hard wired, setup within 10 minutes of receiving the unit.
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Think you can't receive broadband internet connection?, March 14, 2007
By user (Fenton, MO)
The Kyocera KR1 Mobile Router and a wireless phone service is your answer. It communicates with wireless telephone towers exactly like your cell phone. It's as fast as a land line connection. Maybe faster. I am impressed.
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Not the routers fault, March 9, 2007
By user (USA)
Router didn't work for my application. Spent 46 hours on the phone with programers, cellular companies and the router company before they would all stop blaming each other. Finally understood that this rounter could not be set to accept the right 'port?' VERY FRUSTRATING.
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Did Not Meet Expectations, March 8, 2007
By user (Chattanooga, Tennessee)
I purchased this in order to use it with my Verizon Wireless card to provide wireless internet access to several PC's in my home. The first one arrived in a timely manner but was DOA based on the Kyocera Tech Support personnel. I ordered a replacement which worked better than the first but even after contacting the Kyocera support team I consistently lose the signal after successfully connecting to the internet. I'm confident that it's not a weak signal to the card based on the problem only occurring when it's plugged into the router and never happens when the card is plugged exclusively into my laptop. I've only spoken with one of the support personnel that I felt like had an indepth knowledge of the router and although we could get it connected fairly easily it will drop the signal without any apparent cause in usually less than 15 minutes. I have the latest firmware installed so I have to accept that the technology in this unit is just not where they need to be in comparison with my wireless router I have connected to my broadband cable modem. I was really hoping to dump the cable connection in place of the wireless card but so much for that idea. As they say "Buyer Be Ware"!
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This product damages Kyocera's reputation, January 31, 2007
By user
Our team is on the road a lot and our business depends on the mobile routers. We bought the KR1 when it first came out, we had lots of problem with it. It drops calls and drops WiFi signal, and we have to reboot it frequently. When we found another product 3G Phoebus from Top Global, we bought one and it works flawlessly ! We now have two routers, we are using Verizon AC580 with the KR1 and the new super fast Sprint EVDO Rev.A AC595 with the 3G Phoebus. When there is no Sprint coverage, then we turn on the KR1 with Verizon as a back up.
I would NOT recommand KR1 for business use.
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When it works it works good, January 10, 2007
By user (Florida)
We have a KR1 with a Kyocera 650 aircard with remote antenna. We use the wireless portion to talk to two laptops and one printer. When we bought it, it was the only wireless router. When it works, it works great, but it will not stay connected via the aircard for more than 20 minutes. Then you have to unplug it and restart.
The dropping of the line is signal independent. Some areas the dropping is every 1-2 minutes others 15-20 minutes but it never stays connected. It also sometimes broadcasts its ssid and other times it doesn't.
Based on input from others the problems we've encountered with the KR1 are inherent in the design. Software upgrades don't seem to work. We have just ordered a new D-Link DIR-450. We know D-Link collaborated with Kyocera on the KR1, and some folks speculate the DIR-450 will be just as bad. But we have talked to users that say the DIR-450 doesn't drop the line.
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A moveable Hot Spot!!!, October 6, 2006
By user (Morganville, NJ United States)
What a great product. I am responsible for over 40 locations that all have broadband access. When broadband goes down, the site cannot function. With this product, all I have to do is replace the site's router with this one and we are back in business until the site comes online again.
We had a site that had their service turned off because someone connected their laptop to the network and the laptop was a ZOMBIE mass emailer. With the KR1, I was able to connect each machine to the router one at a time, update the AVG anti-virus, Adaware and Spybot software and then check the machine. When we found the ZOMBIE, I was able to isolate it and then get the broadband vendor to turn the service back on.
The speed of the connection is amazing. We use Verizon's PCMCIA 5740 with great results. The speed is even faster than when the card is installed in my laptop.
Would HIGHLY recommend this product to anyone who needs a versatile high speed connection to the internet.
One thing...Be careful as to how long you keep the connection active. I have heard of user's service being turned off after a week of constant KR1 use. Even though most vendors have unlimited use for a monthly fee, most state it needs to be used by only one computer at a time.
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