Option iCON XY 3G modem

The Option iCON XY is a 3G USB modem with a built-in slot for an SD memory card. The modem has a nice design with a USB swivel that disappears in the casing when it is not used.

For this review I tested the Option iCON XY with Diafaan SMS Server on the 64-bit version of Windows 8.

Option iCON XY specifications
Connection USB 2.0
GSM Frequency bands 850, 900, 1800, 1900
UMTS Frequency bands 900/2100
Network protocols GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSUPA, HSDPA
Option iCON XY

Option iCON XY

Installation

when the iCON XY is connected for the first time, the modem installs as a USB drive with on-board device drivers and connection management software. The drivers for the USB modem are automatically installed from this USB drive and the installation was done without a hitch.

After the drivers are installed, the Option iCON XY uses two virtual serial ports that are automatically found with the Search button in the GSM Modem Gateway setup wizard of Diafaan SMS Server, both ports work in Diafaan SMS Server but not at the same time.

Initially, I had some problems with the Option iCON XY. The modem did not work reliably on a USB hub, a common problem with USB modems, and delivery reports were not received consistently with the Vodafone SIM card I used. I also had a problem with a received SMS message that the modem could removed from the SIM card. After removing all the messages manually from the SIM card with a normal mobile phone the problems with the Option iCON XY disappeared and I saw no further problems with the modem.

Daily operation

The iCON XY supports all SMS options, including delivery reports and full modem reboot capabilities in case something goes wrong. I found no more problems after the initial issue with the delivery reports and the stuck SMS message was solved.

SMS send speed

Network Vodafone
Signal quality Average
Time to send 500 messages of 160 characters, delivery confirmation enabled. All messages sent to the same number (concurrent send and receive) 23 minutes 17 seconds

Conclusion

If you look for a USB 3G modem to use with Diafaan SMS Server, the Option iCON XY is a good choice. The modem supports all normal SMS operations plus USSD and is reasonable fast in sending the messages.