8-port USB GSM modem pool

The 8-port USB GSM modem pool we tested has 8 Wavecom Q24plus GSM modules that are quad-band and can be used on almost all GSM networks in the world.

In addition to this 8-port modem pool, There are also versions of the device with 16, 32 and 64 GSM modules.

8-port USB modem pool specifications
GSM modems 8
GSM modules Wavecom Q24plus
Connection USB
GSM Frequency bands 850, 900, 1800, 1900
Network protocols GSM, GPRS

Modem modules

Multi-port modem pools use individual modem modules for each port and can be fitted with different modules. The most common choices are the Wavecom Q2303, Q2403 and Q24Plus GSM modules but there are also modem pools with 3G modules on the market.

For GSM networks the Q24Plus is the best choice. This modem module is more expensive than the Q2303 and Q2403 modules but is quad band, and therefore usable on almost all GSM networks in the world. The Q24Plus is of a newer design, more reliable and has fewer incompatibilities with GSM networks.

8-port USB GSM modem

8-port USB GSM modem

Ordering and first impressions

The USB 8-Port GSM/GPRS Modem Pool we tested was bought directly from the manufacturer in China. It was delivered within a week, complete with a driver CD, 8 antenna's, a power cable and a USB cable. It is not necessary to buy directly from the manufacturer, multi-port modem pools can also be found on eBay (search for 'GSM modem pool').

The modem pool is a compact box with 8 GSM modules that can be replaced without opening the whole device. Each GSM module has slots for both a large or a small SIM card, a connection for an external antenna, an audio connection and an individual on/off switch. The USB connection is on the left and the power cable and main on/off switch is located on the right.

Installation and set up

The modem pool lacked documentation but this was not a problem because the installation was straightforward. The CD contained the USB drivers for all modern Windows versions and the installation on the 64-bits version of Windows 7 went without problems. After the installation of the drivers and a reboot of Windows, the 8 Wavecom GSM modules are all found automatically in the full edition of Diafaan SMS Server.

Daily operation

The modem pool worked like a charm during our tests, the modem modules are not the fastest on the market but they are pretty reliable. The on/off switch on every modem module makes it possible to swap the SIM card for a modem without interrupting the other modems.

SMS send speed*

Network Vodafone
Signal quality Average
Time to send 500 messages of 160 characters with 1 modem, delivery confirmation enabled. All messages sent to the same number (concurrent send and receive) 56 minutes 46 seconds
Time to send 4000 messages of 160 characters with all 8 modems, delivery confirmation enabled. All messages sent to the mobile number of the modem (concurrent send and receive) 55 minutes 30 seconds

* SMS throughput varies and depends on the GSM network and signal quality.

Conclusion

The 8-port USB GSM modem pool we tested is an excellent device that is compact and a lot easier to set up and use than multiple single GSM modems. For applications that need even more GSM modules, there are also 16-, 32- and 64-port versions available.