Built-in WWAN support

[reebzor]

Today I decided to plug my VZW USB760 3G modem into my Macbook Pro. I installed 10.7DP3 on it, just to play around. So when I plugged the modem in, I noticed a new icon in my menubar. So I went to look into it and it looks like Lion automatically configured my 3G modem and began connecting to it. Previously in 10.6 I had to install VZAccess Manager and connect that way. Now I feel I should mention that although my computer said it was connected I was not able to load a webpage or even ping anything, but I'm going to keep trying.

I have not read or seen about this as a feature. I feel like it could open up the door for Apple to include 3G/4G modems built into their laptops. Is anybody else able to connect to their 3G modems through Lion?

 

[reebzor]

Right after I posted this I attempted to connect again. Once connect I actually did start receiving some ping responses, but there was a significant amount of packet loss. I'm not completely sure if this is Lion's fault, but I use this modem with a Windows laptop via VZaccess manager and I have no connection problems.

Apparently this feature has been in 10.6 for some time now, I may have just been unable to get it working. Either way, it works in 10.7 so thats still a good thing.

 

[Žalgiris]

Lion automatically detected it without you installing drivers first? Yes, WWAN support is there since 10.6.0, but for many devices it doesn't work. I have Huawei E1550 and i actually see it in WWAN.kext plist files, but i am unable to force Snow Leopard or Lion to detect it.