Huawei B535-333 router and unlimited data SIM problem

[SamMcM]

I’ve got a 5G GigaCube and unlimited data plan. It works OK, but I’m not getting great throughput, and it swings about a lot. There’s no 5G where I live, and it seems I’m on the margin with 4G. To try to improve things, I had planned to add a pair of external antennae. However it seems that the external connectors only connect to the 5G hardware. Instead, I got hold of an unlocked Huawei B535-333 4G wireless router (though it’s unbranded) and a pair of antennae. Inserted the Vodafone SIM, powered up, and all the right lights came on to show that the router was connected and receiving a strong 4G signal. However, there’s zero internet connectivity. The router status shows that it’s registered to Vodafone and connected. I checked the APN settings and they’re the same as the GigaCube (APN wap.vodafone.co.uk, user name and password both “web”, authentication PAP).

I switched the router to manual network search, which showed (among others) Vodafone 4G, and Vodafone 3G. If I select Vodafone 3G I get a connection, though at best around 12 or 13 mbps as it’s 3G. If I select Vodafone 4G I get zero. In both cases the router shows as being connected to Vodafone.

So either I’m missing something, or the hardware is faulty. Can anyone suggest what else I can try to figure out what’s wrong, and hopefully fix it.

My starting assumption is that the SIM card should work in any unlocked wireless router, so long as the correct network APN etc. are used. Maybe that’s not the case.

[SamMcM]

I've already returned the router. Over the years I've spent countless hours getting things working that should "just work", and frankly I don't have the energy or enthusiasm to plug away at this with no guaranteed outcome, especially when the supposed wireless broadband specialist just goes through the script and washes their hands of the problem because it's not a Vodafone router. I realise that the T's & C's bit about only working with GigaCube is just boiler plate, but life's too s short.

Many thanks to everyone who's replied with helpful suggestions. It's appreciated.

[Pluginz]

Are they going to send you another router?

Im pretty sure with some tweaking on any device, the Sim card should work.

Ive seen how difficult and complicated a normal router is, when trying to connect it to a vodafone mobile sim with a 4g tethered connection, and then LAN the connection to a PC. 

Its just not so straight forward, let me tell you.  Its actually a damn nightmare as a manual setup, but you can get it working.
By not so easy, i mean, i wouldnt expect any normal user to get a complete connection consistent, by using the default settings, on any device. 

Instructions have to be detailed and very explanatory.  I dont think vodafone are upto the task.
As an automatic setup, im surprised any of these setups and things sent to users, work out of the box.

Its abit like Vauxhall.  They use the technology, by copying somebody else. But when it goes wrong theyre screwed.  The help isnt there and you feel right like a right nonce on the phone for hours trying to sort things out.

Give support for all users who have bled sweat and tears trying to get a decent mobile connection with Vodafone.
I know i have and im slowly giving up. Ive been with Vodafone since 1995 and things are about to change.

Sad isnt it ??