Vodafone GigaCube 5G Router H112-370 Review

Vodafone is the first operator in Germany to provide 5G service. To help users enjoy 5G service, Vodafone also presented the 5G data tariff with a compatible 5G router, which is named "Gigacube 5G". We show what the super router can do, what advantages and weaknesses there are in this blog. Of course there is also a comparison to the previous model (Huawei B818 = Vodafone GigaCube Cat19) and saving tips for interested parties.

 

 

 

Vodafone Gigacube 5G Specs and Features
Manufacturer and device name	Huawei CPE 5G Pro (H112-370) = Gigacube 5G
Supported mobile standards	2G, 3G, 4G, 5G
5G network modes	Non standalone & stand alone
chipset	Huawei Balong 5000
Maximum 5G data rate	2.8 GBit/s Down & 150 MBit/s Up according to Vodafone
5G frequencies	5G band n78
mmWave frequencies	no, only the H112-372 still supported n41 / n77 / n79(more about difference between Huawei H112-370 and H112-372)
LTE frequencies	700, 800, 900, 1500, 1800, 2100,  2600, 3500 MHz
External 5G antenna can be connected	yes, 2 x TS9 ports(Buy Vodafone Gigacube 5G External Antenna)
WLAN Features (LAN & WiFi)
WLAN standards	802.11a/b/g/n/ac and ax(up to Wifi 6)
Maximum gross data rate with WLAN	5100 Mbps
Supported WLAN bands	2.4 and 5 GHz, 6 Wifi antennas
WLAN guest access can be installed	Yes
WLAN encryption standards	WPA, WPA2, WPS
Gigabit LAN	yes, 2 ports
WAN port	No
Telephone
Telephone Support	No
Other features
IPv6 support; Dual stack	Yes / Yes
NAS capable	No
SIM form factor	Nano SIM
Power consumption approx.	<24 watts
Suitable for IPTV	Yes
Can be used as a media server	no, no USB
USB ports on the back	No
Battery for self-sufficient operation	No
Dimension and weight	99 mm x 107 mm x 215 mm and 765 grams
Files to download
Datasheet for download (PDF)	not yet available online
Manual for download (PDF)	not yet available online
Available	»https://www.4gltemall.com/

   

 

First 5G router in Germany

 

The Gigacube 5G was the first 5G Router widely available in Germany, although shortly before another network provider in Germany Telekom presented a 5G gateway named HTC 5G Hub.  

 

From a purely visual point of view, it looks similar to the predecessor model called "Gigacube CAT19" at first glance. Instead of the Vodafone logo emblazoned on the front now, the Huawei logo, which is actually atypical for the routers from Vodafone. In addition, the striking big "5G" was stamped on the top. Also, the number of LEDs in the front has been greatly reduced from 8 to 3 pieces.

 

 

 

Data rate, models and 5G SoC

 

The Vodafone 5G Router is actually the "H112-370" model from Huawei. There is, of course, another version called "H112-372", which differs in terms of Wifi and 5G/LTE equipment. At the heart of the Gigacube 5G is the Balong 5000 chipset, which was introduced in January 2019, The SoC in itself dominated some features, such as 5G in the mmwave area, but which were obviously disabled in part in the firmware. There are also various specifications for the maximum possible data rate. While Huawei speaks of a 5G transmission rate of 2.33 GBit/s in the download and 1.25 GBit/s in the upload, Vodafone gives 2.8 GBit/s (down) and 150 MBit/s (up).   Frequencies for 4G & 5G The newest version controls all nationally and internationally relevant bands. Vodafone GigaCube 5G supports LTE FDD Band 700/800/900/1500/1800/2100 and 2600 MHz. In addition, the TDD band 3500 MHz is supported. At 5G, unfortunately, only one band is supported, the so-called n78 band which includes frequencies from 3.3 to 3.8 GHz. So it could be problematic if other bands are released in the future. If you want to use the 5G router supporting more 5G frequency bands, you may check the Huawei CPE 5G PRO H112-372 which supports additional 5G at n41, n77 and n79.

 

 

Connections & WLAN

 

On the back there are two Gigabit LAN ports, as well as a telephone connection. It describes how to connect a telephone anyway. It is also negative that the 5G model no longer has a USB port. The use as a media server is therefore not possible.   The Wifi module, on the other hand, is state of the art and comes with Wifi 6. This refers to the standard 802.11ax, which again promises significantly more data rate than the best ever ac standard. This means a maximum gross data rate of 11 GBit/s. In total, up to 32 users can be supplied with WLAN.

 

 

 

Heavier than the previous models

 

Conspicuously, the newest router has again increased significantly in weight. While the first model of 2017 still came with a slim 366 grams, the Gigacube CAT19 from the beginning of 2019 already weighed 620 grams. The Gigacube 5G brings it now to stately 765 grams on the scales and has thus more than doubled to the first version.  

 

Antenna connections for better reception

 

Fortunately, Huawei has continued to build two TS-9 ports in the router 5G Huawei, which can be connected to two antennas to improve reception if required for both LTE and 5G reception optimization. Although the internal antennas already do excellent work, but especially in remote regions or in difficult conditions, additional antennas are often absolutely necessary.  

 

Other features and innovations

 

By the way, the 5G router only holds Nano-SIM cards. The predecessors were all still designed for micro SIMs. By the way, Vodafone has by default disabled the PIN on SIM cards. Optionally, this can be set on the router again. The Gigacube 5G also supports Huawei VPN tunnel/VPN penetration, IP penetration, IPv6 and IPv6 dual stack and multi-APN.    

 

Differences to the predecessor Huawei B818

 

The following table summarizes again the most important differences to the predecessor model Vodafone GigaCube Cat19.  

 

 

Router comparison	Gigacube 5G	GigaCube CAT19 (2019)
Factory Model	Huawei H112-370	Huawei B818-260
5G support	Yes	no, defies "5G ready" label
Download Speed	2.8 GBit/s	1.6 GBit/s
Upload Speed	150 Mbps	150 Mbps
LTE Category	not spec. but at least CAT19	cat19
Supported LTE Bands	700, 800, 900, 1500, 1800, 2100 and 2600MHz; 3500 TDD MHz	700, 800, 900, 1500, 1800,  2100, 2600, 3500 MHz
supported bands 5G	n78	none
External antenna connectors	yes, TS-9	yes, TS-9
Telephone	no (only via VOIP)	no (only via VOIP)
LAN ports	2 x GBit	2 x GBit
Wireless Internet Access	to WLAN ax (Wifi 6)	to WLAN ac (Wifi 5)
Battery pack	No	No
Price in USD	1299.00	799.00