Usage Testing - Connection Manager

Now that everything is setup, installed and ready to go we are all set to test the C100 and see how it actually performs in some real-world testing, starting with the Connection Manager.

We will start off by checking out the Connection Manager (CM) and then move on. We weren't expecting much from the CM but it actually has some useful tools and information presented. On the main start-up screen it tells you which network you are connected to, what connection speed it is currently using (WCDMA or HSDPA and so on), how long you have been connected, how much you have downloaded and uploaded in kilobytes (KB). Near the top there is also a green signal strength bar which is handy for initial setup and making sure the C100 antenna is positioned properly.

It goes deeper than that though. Starting from the bottom icons we have the "Compose" button which takes us to the area that allows us to send and receive SMS messages. It's very simple to send a text message as you can see below.

The next button allows us to switch RF mode to flight mode for takeoff and landing. The next button takes us to the settings area which is full of useful goodies.

We won't provide screenshots for all these options but in this area you can do numerous things such as: enable "auto connect on startup", select CM language, enable or disable new SMS alerts, change SIM PIN codes, select what type of connection mode you want to use (3G/3.5G Only, 3G (including 3.5G) First or 2G Only), select your frequency band which is set to worldwide by default, so you shouldn't need to touch it. The final option is network settings where you can manually pick which network you want to use; this is handy if you are crazy enough to use HSDPA global roaming when you are outside of your country.

Going even further there is a contacts section where you can backup phone numbers stored on your SIM and restore them at a later point. The information section is important as it has an area which provides real-time details about your signal strength which is handy for tweaking and trying to find the most ideal position for the antenna to sit and face.

Finally for the CM is the statistics area which provides real-time information about your active download and upload speeds in graphical format, as you can see from the screenshot above. It's basically got everything covered!