Netgear Router Sim Card Slot?
Contents
- 1 Can you put a SIM card in a Netgear router?
- 2 Does mobile data go through a router?
- 3 Can I use any SIM in a 5G router?
- 4 Do routers work with SIM cards?
- 5 Does all router have SIM card slot?
Can you put a SIM card in a Netgear router?
Was this article helpful? Yes No | 3 people found this helpful in last 30 days Your NETGEAR Nighthawk M5 Mobile Hotspot uses a nano-SIM (4FF SIM) card. In some cases, your M5 may come with a pre-installed SIM. For example, the AT&T variant of M5 Mobile Hotspot comes with SIM card pre-installed.
- Ensure that you have a nano-SIM (4FF) with an active data plan.
- If the device is brand new out of the box please proceed to step 3. If your device is fully assembled please disassemble the device by removing the battery cover and the battery.
- Turn your device over and locate the SIM slot.
- Make sure your SIM card contacts are facing down towards the SIM contact of the device and gently slide the SIM into the SIM slot as shown below.
Note: The SIM card can only be inserted one way, do not force the SIM card into the device from the other side of the SIM opening as this can damage the SIM contacts on the product.
- Once the SIM card has been inserted, insert the device battery.
- Put the battery cover on your M5.
- Once the M5 has been fully assembled you are ready to complete the setup.
Last Updated:10/04/2022 | Article ID: 000062068
Näytä koko vastaus
Which Netgear routers take a SIM card?
Clearway Wireless – Simply activate the Clearway SIM Card included with your Nighthawk 4G LTE Router. The Nighthawk 4G LTE WiFi Router includes an optional Nano SIM card from Clearway Wireless.
Näytä koko vastaus
Can you put a phone SIM card in a WiFi router?
This Article Applies to: TL-MR6500v, TL-MR6400, M7000, Archer MR200, M7650, M7350, Archer MR500, M7450, Archer MR400, M7010, Archer MR600, TL-MR150, M7310, TL-MR100, M7300 With a 4G Wi-Fi router or Mobile Wi-Fi, you can insert a SIM card to enjoy fast, stable Wi-Fi. Scenario 1: Install a SIM card for a 4G Wi-Fi router
- Find the SIM card slot on the back panel.
- Get a SIM card (Micro or Nano) that fits the slot.
For a Micro SIM card slot:
Tip: With the provided SIM card adapter and sticker, you can convert a Nano SIM card to fit a Micro slot.
For a Nano SIM card slot:
Note: Only a Nano SIM card can fit a Nano slot, therefore no SIM card adapter or sticker is provided.
With the gold contacts facing down, insert the SIM card into the slot until you hear a click.
Cautions:
- When inserting a SIM card, make sure the SIM card is in the correct orientation. Do NOT insert at an angle or use force.
- Do not insert an empty card adapter into the card slot. Otherwise, the card slot may be damaged.
Scenario 2: Install a SIM card for a Mobile Wi-Fi
- Remove the back cover and find the SIM card slot.
- Get a SIM card (Standard or Micro) that fits the slot, then install the card.
Caution: When inserting a SIM card, make sure the SIM card is in the correct orientation. Do NOT insert at an angle or use force.
For a Standard SIM card slot:
Tip: With the provided SIM card adapter and sticker, you can convert a Micro or Nano SIM card to fit a Standard slot.
For a Micro SIM card slot:
Tip: With the provided SIM card adapter and sticker, you can convert a Nano SIM card to fit a Micro slot. If you need more configuration instructions, refer to the product manuals at https://www.tp-link.com/support/download/ Is this faq useful? Your feedback helps improve this site. What’s your concern with this article?
- Dissatisfied with product
- Too Complicated
- Confusing Title
- Does not apply to me
- Too Vague
- Other
We’d love to get your feedback, please let us know how we can improve this content. Thank you We appreciate your feedback. Click here to contact TP-Link technical support.
Näytä koko vastaus
Can you put a 4G SIM in a router?
A Fixed LTE (4G) SIM card can be used in a 5G-approved router.
Näytä koko vastaus
Which router has a SIM card slot?
Our Picks Best 4G LTE Router with a SIM Card Slot –
KuWFi WE826-EC25-AF KuWFi 300Mbps 3G 4G LTE Car WiFi Wireless Router Extender Strong Signal Car WiFi Routers with USB Port SIM Card Slot with External Antennas for USA/Canada/Mexico SIM Card The KuWFi WE826-EC25-AF is a 4G LTE router that has a SIM Slot along with four antennas. The unit is built to work with T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It has a SIM card slot on the side of the unit that uses an adapter to fit different-sized SIM cards. KuWFi is a company that makes many good 4G routers that work on different frequencies and bands. The WE826-EC25-AF work on the bands, 2, 4, 5, 12, 3, 14, 66, and 71. NETGEAR 4G LTE Modem LB2120 NETGEAR 4G LTE Broadband Modem – Use LTE as Primary Internet Connection (LB1120) The Netgear LB2120 is a 4G LTE modem that also has a SIM card slot. It works in Bands 2, 4, 5, and 12, which is good for T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. the unit also has Ethernet ports for WAN and LAN to connect to an existing network The SIM card goes into the bottom of the unit.
MF279 4G LTE Router Hotspot Router Hotspot 4G LTE Unlocked + Battery MF279 Up to 20 WiFi Users (USA Latin Caribbean) + LAN The MF279 is a 4G LTE Router Hotspot that works with Bands 2, 4, 5, 12, 29, and 30. It also has a SIM slot making it easy to set up and start working.
Best 4G LTE Router with a SIM Card Slot Reference Table
Name | 4G LTE | SIM Card Slot | Carrier | Country |
---|---|---|---|---|
KuWFi WE826-EC25-AF | YES | YES | T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon | USA/Canada/Mexico |
NETGEAR 4G LTE Modem LB2120 | YES | YES | T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon | USA/Canada/Mexico |
MF279 4G LTE Router Hotspot | YES | YES | AT&T | USA |
Summary Using a 4G LTE router has many benefits, from getting rid of a Cable or DSL modem to traveling. Many RV users who travel a lot use 4GL LTE routers and modes to have internet while on the go. A good signal from a carrier will be needed, with most big carriers not having very good 4G LTE networks.
- Most cell networks are now being upgraded to 5G speeds which will is good news for anyone using cell networks for internet access.
- The setup for most 4G LTE routers requires finding a good cell data plan.
- There currently are many good plans.
- For example, T-mobile currently has a Bing-On plan which allows free streaming from Netflix, Amazon, ESPN, and many more without counting toward the Data plan.
This means the basic plan can be used for basic internet browsing, and unlimited streaming of videos can be done at no extra cost. This is only an example, so be sure to check any plans as they are always changing. Do you have a favorite 4G LTE router? Let us know how well it works for you in the comments below.
Näytä koko vastaus
Can any SIM card work with any router?
You can use a normal mobile phone SIM card in other devices like a tablet, 4G router, mobile broadband dongle & other smart devices. Prior to 2018, you had to buy a special mobile broadband SIM card if you wanted to use it inside a tablet, 4G router or mobile broadband dongle. This also used to apply to IoT (internet-of-things) devices such as cameras, alarms and GPS trackers. Nowadays, it’s no longer the case that you’ll need to buy a special type of SIM card.
- You can just use a normal mobile phone SIM card in most devices (with only a couple of exceptions).
- This includes using a regular mobile phone SIM card inside a tablet, 4G router, or mobile broadband dongle.
- In this article, we’ll look at the best value SIM cards for use in a tablet, 4G router or mobile broadband device.
We’ll also look at the legislation around this issue in the UK and the restrictions that still apply when using your SIM card in certain devices.
Compatible SIM Cards: | From £5 per month |
---|---|
Unlimited Data: | £16 per month on Three (exclusive deal with 5G at no extra cost, no speed limits & unlimited hotspot) |
Recommended Network: | Three |
Tablet & iPad SIMs: |
|
Router & Dongle SIMs: |
|
Can I run a router from a SIM card?
Use of mobile router – A mobile router is extremely easy to use. When the SIM card subscription is active, simply insert the SIM card into the router and connect to its network from the device you want. These mobiles are perfect for those who work a lot from different places.
- Even for those who travel a lot, a mobile router is something that can come in handy.
- What is important to consider is that you should have a good price plan for surfing abroad.
- So you do not bring your router to China and surf as usual, thinking it will not cost extra.
- We who work with telephony for companies advocate a flexible workplace where employees can work from where they wish.
If you have any questions about which broadband packages we offer for mobile broadband, you are welcome to contact us. Fill out the form on our contact page and we will contact you.
Näytä koko vastaus
Do all routers take sim cards?
So you must wondering why the router you bought from the Indian computer stores on Kampala Rd or the one you shipped from Amazon doesn’t have a simcard slot. You’ve probably hooked up to a power supply and you can see the WiFi hotspot name, but the thing can’t access internet! The problem isn’t with the router.
- It’s with your expectations and understanding of mobile data vs network technologies.
- Just because you’ve WiFi doesn’t mean you have internet.
- I’ll explain why in a bit.
- Advertisement – Continue reading below A router does one simple thing – connect two or more devices to the same network.
- That said, routers can hook your devices to all sorts of networks.
It can be your own little home network (Local Area Network in technical jargon) or to your mobile operator’s network. It can do this using cables (wired) or without cables (wireless). The router can simply inter-connect only the devices within your home or office and nothing else.
- For instance if you want to print a photo from your smartphone to your home printer, all you have to do is connect these two devices to the router’s wireless hotspot.
- Then with the right mobile App, you can wirelessly print your Instagram photo for grand ma to see.
- Related post: The updated guide to WiFi wireless network connectivity If you want to play music or watch movies on your smart TV in the living room with everyone, then you can connect both your laptop and smart TV to the same WiFi network created by your router.
That’s if you don’t want to use HDMI cables. That way, your Smart TV will instantly recognize your Laptop’s multimedia files and then play on for everyone in the sitting room. Now with what we have just talked about, your router is simply inter-connecting your devices together so that they can recognize and talk to each other. Linksys MR8300 Mesh WiFi Router These kinds of routers support only WiFi and maybe also have one USB port and some wired Ethernet ports that you can use to hook up to your laptop via an Ethernet data cable. These are the routers majorly found in western markets and on online stores like Amazon.
- They include brands like Cisco Linksys, Netgear, Asus, D-link among others.
- A good example for instance is the Netgear WNDR4500 N900 dual band Gigabit WiFi router or say Linksys WRT AC1900 Dual-band WiFi wireless router.
- These guys here aren’t the usual ordinary WiFi routers you randomly find on the streets.
With support of the WiFi 802.11 ac standard, these bad boys are capable of speeds of up to 1.9Gbps WiFi speeds. Now unless you’re a geek, I wouldn’t recommend you buy these WiFi-only routers especially if you have internet access in mind. I’ve heard of customers walk into mobile telecom service centers asking them where to put the simcard slot or why their routers aren’t picking internet. However, if you’ve expectation of internet access on top having something that hooks all your devices together, then it’s time to think of 3G or 4G routers. Fortunately these are routers that are mostly sold in telecom stores in Uganda. These 3G or 4G LTE routers are also sometimes called MiFis.
It’s the same thing except as I explained in earlier posts, a MiFi is portable, light-weight device that can run on battery unlike a standard router.3G or 4G LTE routers and MiFis not only support WiFi wireless standard, but they also carry mobile wireless technologies. In short, the difference between them and the other standard Wi-Fi only routers is that they have a Simcard slot.
It’s that simple. That means that the router or MiFi has a simcard that hooks your inter-connected home devices to your mobile network’s data network. Your Mobile network can support various mobile data technologies such as EDGE or 2G which is so yesterday.3G, 3G plus or 4G LTE, the latest and the fastest mobile data standard right now.
Related post: Best Two-in-One 4G LTE Modem + WiFi Routers right now The important thing to remember here is that your 3G or 4G router can supply devices connected to its wireless hotspot with internet on one condition – you must have an active data plan or MBS on the simcard inside the router. If your simcard doesn’t have any Mbs, your other connected devices such as smartphone, tablet, smart TV, laptop etc can still connect to the router’s wireless hotspot or WiFi if you like.
That means your 3G/4G router is now acting like the standard WiFi-only routers I’ve talked about above. Therefore you can still stream movies and music from your latop to your smart TV or tablet without an active Internet connection. This is where it gets confusing, but just take my word for it. We’ve obviously talked about 3G routers and MiFis before showing various products in the market from the various mobile networks. My good old-time buddy is the Huawei B683 3G wireless router from Orange.2 years down the road and this little baby is still holding up quite well.
- It hooks up to more than 30 users which makes it the perfect companion for home use.
- It comes with 4 ethernet ports, one USB port and one simcard slot which picks 3G internet from Africell.
- By today’s standards, I still recommend this router but only for internet access.
- If you want to stream full HD movies or music from your HTPC(Home Theathre PC), Play station, Xbox and any other DLNA/UPnP device to your Smart TV, tablet or smartphone, I definitely recommend any of the above WiFi-only routers I talked about.
But if you’re interested in something only you and a few other people can use to share a single internet data plan, then a 3G or 4G LTE MiFi is your friend. Now we are thoroughly impressed by MTN Uganda’s latest 4G LTE MiFi, the Huawei E5573s-320 4G LTE MiFi. One more thing; WiFi-only routers are ironically most times more expensive than our mobile 3/4G routers/MiFis – another good reason to stay away from them. The Linksys WRT AC1900 Dual-band WiFi router for instance costs a cool $219 on Amazon which is about Ugx 700,000 at the current exchange rate.
Compare that to Huawei B683 3G wireless gateway which is priced at only about Ugx 360,000 from Africell stores. But the geek in me won’t stop dreaming about that Linksys router despite the cost! Alright people, perhaps I’ve confused you a little. But there you have it; the simplest explanation I could give differentiating mobile data technologies from other networking standards.
Have any questions? Please ask at Dignited Answers and you’ll get a helpful response.
Näytä koko vastaus
Do I need a SIM card for my NETGEAR hotspot?
MR1100 (M1) –
- Insert your compatible, pre-activated SIM card into your device. If you are having trouble removing your device’s battery cover, see How do I remove the battery cover on my NETGEAR mobile hotspot?, If you don’t have a compatible, pre-activated SIM card, your mobile hotspot will not connect to the Internet.
- Power on the mobile hotspot by pressing holding the Power button for 3 seconds. The LED lights blue,
- Connect your computer to the mobile hotspot’s default WiFi network. To view the mobile hotspot’s WiFi network name (SSID) and password, press the mobile hotspot Power button to navigate through screens until the WiFi network name and password display.
- Launch a web browser.
- 3. Enter 192.168.1.1 You are prompted to change the password for the admin user name and to change the WiFi name and WiFi password. The default password for the admin user name is admin, We strongly recommend that you change this password to a more secure password.
- Select your carrier from the menu and click Submit,
- (Optional) If your carrier is not listed, select Other from the menu, and click Submit,
- Enter your carrier’s name in the APN Name entry field.
- Enter your carrier’s APN in the APN entry field. If your carrier is AT&T or T-Mobile, their APNs are listed in the APN Settings section in this article.
- Select IPV4V6 from the PDP menu.
- Click the ADD button.
- Select the radio button beside your new APN.
Your MR1100 is set up.
- Power on the mobile hotspot by pressing holding the Power button for 3 seconds. The LED lights blue,
- Connect your computer to the mobile hotspot’s WiFi network.
- Launch a web browser.
- Enter 192.168.1.1
- Enter your admin user name and password.
- Click SETTINGS > Advanced Settings > Cellular,
- Click ADD in the APN section.
- Enter your carrier’s name in the APN Name entry field.
- Enter your carrier’s APN in the APN entry field. If your carrier is AT&T or T-Mobile, their APNs are listed in the APN Settings section in this article.
- Select IPV4V6 from the PDP menu.
- Click the ADD button.
- Select the radio button beside your new APN.
Your APN settings are changed. See the following video for a visual walkthrough of the steps above: Last Updated:10/20/2022 | Article ID: 000064847
Näytä koko vastaus
What does a SIM card do in a router?
What is the Difference Between a 4G WiFi Router and a DSL Modem Router? – 4G WiFi routers and DSL modem routers can both provide network connections and have the same functionality, but there are some differences. Providing internet connection without cable restrictions, 4G routers are convenient and widely popular in the networking market.
- A 4G WiFi router, containing a built-in LTE broadband modem, uses a SIM card to share internet connections.
- You can use a 4G WiFi router for internet sharing anywhere, as long as it is within the network range of the network service provided by your mobile operator.
- A DSL modem router is a router with a built-in DSL modem.
It can provide internet connections using a telephone line. Connect the cables and subscribe to broadband services from DSL service providers, then you can enjoy a stable and reliable network. When using a 4G router, you are charged based on your cellular data usage plan, while for a DSL modem router, the fee is for the broadband service.
Näytä koko vastaus
Does mobile data go through a router?
Wi-Fi connects to a router, cellular data does not. – Wi-Fi is basically just another frequency of radio we use to wirelessly connect devices. To use it for Internet access, your tablet or smartphone connects (over Wi-Fi) to a wireless router—like the one you access at home or at your favorite coffee shop. When you use data through a Verizon Wireless plan, you don’t need a router or a Wi-Fi connection. You can access movies, games, email, websites and more on your phone or tablet using Verizon’s network so long as you’re in the coverage area.
Näytä koko vastaus
Can I use any SIM in a 5G router?
5G on 3 Network for home Hoping someone can help me. I have tried a 5G sim in my phone for 3 network, which works fine with 5G, so I thought I’d try home broadband. However when I check coverage on line it tells me 5g for home broadband is not available in my area.
- I asked why I can get 5G through phone if it’s not in my area, and 3 network support just said because it’s not the same.
- However if I put my 5G sim in my 4G router it works fine (only receiving 4G obviously).
- So my question is this, why can I receive 5G on phone but not for home broadband.
- I’ve seen some attractive deals on phonesltd.co.uk (anyone used them), which would give me much faster speed than my fibre broadband You can definitely use that SIM in a 5G router and it’ll work.
However, do note “mobile” experience can vary a lot, depending on certain things such as number of users in the area, weather (sometimes), backhaul and others. A proper FTTC connection should be much more reliable and also have lower latency, think twice before migrating.
- The “home broadband” thing is more of a “soft” distinction rather than what’s possible in reality.
- They treat the “home broadband” differently from a marketing and organisational perspective, because it targets a different audience compared to their usual mobile client base and it also leads to much higher data usage.
Also, when you are using the “home broadband” product, you get a public IP assigned which may help with certain things, like port forwarding to some services (eg CCTV cameras) or can help with certain games. Can’t stop the signal, Mal!. You can definitely use that SIM in a 5G router and it’ll work.
However, do note “mobile” experience can vary a lot, depending on certain things such as number of users in the area, weather (sometimes), backhaul and others. A proper FTTC connection should be much more reliable and also have lower latency, think twice before migrating. The “home broadband” thing is more of a “soft” distinction rather than what’s possible in reality.
They treat the “home broadband” differently from a marketing and organisational perspective, because it targets a different audience compared to their usual mobile client base and it also leads to much higher data usage. Also, when you are using the “home broadband” product, you get a public IP assigned which may help with certain things, like port forwarding to some services (eg CCTV cameras) or can help with certain games.
- That’s what I thought will use phone for tethering until 5G routers become cheaper.
- Many thanks.
- Tony Three are (or were) applying a stop-sell of ‘home broadband’ products to areas/postcodes where their network capacity doesn’t meet their criteria.
- In the case of 5G I believe that was where they haven’t (yet) enabled their full 100mhz bandwidth (it’s usually limited to 40mhz until sufficient backhaul capacity is installed, and often they don’t show it on their coverage maps either) so while you may receive it on your phone in your area they won’t sell 5G to you for home-broadband purposes.
As above, that doesn’t mean you couldn’t “DIY it” and use your own 5G enabled SIM with a bring-your-own 5G router. The article talks about 4G, but it’s a 5G issue too, except we didn’t really notice that earlier due to the limited coverage of their network in Feb 2021.
- Nevertheless, a lot of 4G and 5G areas still cannot order their home broadband product, even if you can get it on your mobile.
- It’s a bit silly really.
- Mark Jackson Editor-in-Chief – ISPreview.co.uk It does, but I’m actually happy they’ve done it – for once they’ve put the network/engineering before sales/marketing – I can only assume it’s the new(ish) top level management that’s come into the business.
With mobile there is nothing stopping you going wherever you want to (except, for example, during a lockdown), so they can’t really prevent that, but with FWA they can because they have a high level of certainty of where the load would be added to and if they can prevent an already loaded site from being under more pressure.
- Reactions: How can you tell if the mast has the full 100MHz, I don’t have any 5G devices and just want to know out of interest Network Signal Info is the best (perhaps only?) way to know for sure.
- However dropping a nearby postcode into the Three broadband availability checker and being offered the 5G hub is probably a good indication.
: 5G on 3 Network for home
Näytä koko vastaus
Can I use a 5G SIM in a router?
How does 5G broadband work? – 5G broadband works in much the same way as 5G smartphones, in that you connect to the internet via a device that has a 5G SIM card. However, rather than a mobile phone, the 5G SIM card is in a home Wi-Fi router, which then sends out a Wi-Fi signal for all of your devices to connect to at once.5G essentially works on the same airwaves as 4G internet but on much higher frequencies.
- This means it can transmit more data in a shorter period of time, and it can provide a much faster internet connection as a result.
- For example, 4G in the UK has an average speed of 24Mbps, while the fastest 5G speeds in the UK are currently around 12 times faster at 300Mbps.
- To put that into perspective, 300Mbps would download all ten seasons of Friends in just nine minutes, versus almost two hours on a 24Mbps 4G connection.5G stands for the fifth generation technology of mobile networks, which is why it’s so much faster than 4G and 3G.
Where 3G technology enabled the age of the smartphone and 4G allowed faster browsing and better video quality, 5G can be relied upon for a variety of high-intensity tasks. Which is why it’s proving to be a good option for home broadband.
Näytä koko vastaus
Are SIM card routers good?
SIM + router combination pros and cons: The best bits about a SIM router are the freedom to move it anywhere, with no physical infrastructure installation needed in your home. It’s fast and in some cases can be as fast or even faster than broadband.
Näytä koko vastaus
Do routers work with SIM cards?
What is a 4G WiFi Router? – Compared to a WiFi-only router, which only supports wireless standards, a 4G WiFi router supports mobile technology via a 4G wireless module. Once you plug in a micro SIM card with a data plan, the router can communicate with the carrier’s surrounding cell towers to access the internet and generate a reliable WiFi signal.
Näytä koko vastaus
Can I run a router from a SIM card?
Use of mobile router – A mobile router is extremely easy to use. When the SIM card subscription is active, simply insert the SIM card into the router and connect to its network from the device you want. These mobiles are perfect for those who work a lot from different places.
Even for those who travel a lot, a mobile router is something that can come in handy. What is important to consider is that you should have a good price plan for surfing abroad. So you do not bring your router to China and surf as usual, thinking it will not cost extra. We who work with telephony for companies advocate a flexible workplace where employees can work from where they wish.
If you have any questions about which broadband packages we offer for mobile broadband, you are welcome to contact us. Fill out the form on our contact page and we will contact you.
Näytä koko vastaus
Does all router have SIM card slot?
So you must wondering why the router you bought from the Indian computer stores on Kampala Rd or the one you shipped from Amazon doesn’t have a simcard slot. You’ve probably hooked up to a power supply and you can see the WiFi hotspot name, but the thing can’t access internet! The problem isn’t with the router.
- It’s with your expectations and understanding of mobile data vs network technologies.
- Just because you’ve WiFi doesn’t mean you have internet.
- I’ll explain why in a bit.
- Advertisement – Continue reading below A router does one simple thing – connect two or more devices to the same network.
- That said, routers can hook your devices to all sorts of networks.
It can be your own little home network (Local Area Network in technical jargon) or to your mobile operator’s network. It can do this using cables (wired) or without cables (wireless). The router can simply inter-connect only the devices within your home or office and nothing else.
For instance if you want to print a photo from your smartphone to your home printer, all you have to do is connect these two devices to the router’s wireless hotspot. Then with the right mobile App, you can wirelessly print your Instagram photo for grand ma to see. Related post: The updated guide to WiFi wireless network connectivity If you want to play music or watch movies on your smart TV in the living room with everyone, then you can connect both your laptop and smart TV to the same WiFi network created by your router.
That’s if you don’t want to use HDMI cables. That way, your Smart TV will instantly recognize your Laptop’s multimedia files and then play on for everyone in the sitting room. Now with what we have just talked about, your router is simply inter-connecting your devices together so that they can recognize and talk to each other. Linksys MR8300 Mesh WiFi Router These kinds of routers support only WiFi and maybe also have one USB port and some wired Ethernet ports that you can use to hook up to your laptop via an Ethernet data cable. These are the routers majorly found in western markets and on online stores like Amazon.
They include brands like Cisco Linksys, Netgear, Asus, D-link among others. A good example for instance is the Netgear WNDR4500 N900 dual band Gigabit WiFi router or say Linksys WRT AC1900 Dual-band WiFi wireless router. These guys here aren’t the usual ordinary WiFi routers you randomly find on the streets.
With support of the WiFi 802.11 ac standard, these bad boys are capable of speeds of up to 1.9Gbps WiFi speeds. Now unless you’re a geek, I wouldn’t recommend you buy these WiFi-only routers especially if you have internet access in mind. I’ve heard of customers walk into mobile telecom service centers asking them where to put the simcard slot or why their routers aren’t picking internet. However, if you’ve expectation of internet access on top having something that hooks all your devices together, then it’s time to think of 3G or 4G routers. Fortunately these are routers that are mostly sold in telecom stores in Uganda. These 3G or 4G LTE routers are also sometimes called MiFis.
It’s the same thing except as I explained in earlier posts, a MiFi is portable, light-weight device that can run on battery unlike a standard router.3G or 4G LTE routers and MiFis not only support WiFi wireless standard, but they also carry mobile wireless technologies. In short, the difference between them and the other standard Wi-Fi only routers is that they have a Simcard slot.
It’s that simple. That means that the router or MiFi has a simcard that hooks your inter-connected home devices to your mobile network’s data network. Your Mobile network can support various mobile data technologies such as EDGE or 2G which is so yesterday.3G, 3G plus or 4G LTE, the latest and the fastest mobile data standard right now.
Related post: Best Two-in-One 4G LTE Modem + WiFi Routers right now The important thing to remember here is that your 3G or 4G router can supply devices connected to its wireless hotspot with internet on one condition – you must have an active data plan or MBS on the simcard inside the router. If your simcard doesn’t have any Mbs, your other connected devices such as smartphone, tablet, smart TV, laptop etc can still connect to the router’s wireless hotspot or WiFi if you like.
That means your 3G/4G router is now acting like the standard WiFi-only routers I’ve talked about above. Therefore you can still stream movies and music from your latop to your smart TV or tablet without an active Internet connection. This is where it gets confusing, but just take my word for it. We’ve obviously talked about 3G routers and MiFis before showing various products in the market from the various mobile networks. My good old-time buddy is the Huawei B683 3G wireless router from Orange.2 years down the road and this little baby is still holding up quite well.
It hooks up to more than 30 users which makes it the perfect companion for home use. It comes with 4 ethernet ports, one USB port and one simcard slot which picks 3G internet from Africell. By today’s standards, I still recommend this router but only for internet access. If you want to stream full HD movies or music from your HTPC(Home Theathre PC), Play station, Xbox and any other DLNA/UPnP device to your Smart TV, tablet or smartphone, I definitely recommend any of the above WiFi-only routers I talked about.
But if you’re interested in something only you and a few other people can use to share a single internet data plan, then a 3G or 4G LTE MiFi is your friend. Now we are thoroughly impressed by MTN Uganda’s latest 4G LTE MiFi, the Huawei E5573s-320 4G LTE MiFi. One more thing; WiFi-only routers are ironically most times more expensive than our mobile 3/4G routers/MiFis – another good reason to stay away from them. The Linksys WRT AC1900 Dual-band WiFi router for instance costs a cool $219 on Amazon which is about Ugx 700,000 at the current exchange rate.
Compare that to Huawei B683 3G wireless gateway which is priced at only about Ugx 360,000 from Africell stores. But the geek in me won’t stop dreaming about that Linksys router despite the cost! Alright people, perhaps I’ve confused you a little. But there you have it; the simplest explanation I could give differentiating mobile data technologies from other networking standards.
Have any questions? Please ask at Dignited Answers and you’ll get a helpful response.
Näytä koko vastaus