Pocket wifi router how it works. An overview of the types of mobile Wi-Fi routers and help in choosing the best solution for various tasks. What a mobile router can do
With the advent of the Internet All areas of our lives have acquired a higher quality level. This applies to work, leisure, service and other things. Therefore, it is very important to always have access to the network. And constantly developing technologies help us with this. If there are no problems with access at home (it is provided by wired Internet), then, while outside the home (in country house, in nature, in a car, etc.), saves wireless Internet Wi-Fi. It is he who, with the help of a compact universal pocket device, provides an access point to the World Wide Web anywhere and at any time.
This one is kind of or a battery-powered modem that receives a signal from the network is an inexhaustible source of 3G Internet for any gadgets (up to 10 devices): mobile phones, tablets, smartphones, laptops, game consoles, players, cameras with Wi-Fi, as well as computers. Portable device distributes the Internet to them via wireless Wi-Fi connection. Simply put, thanks to a pocket Wi-Fi router, you always have your own local network in your pocket, allowing you to always be connected.
Types of Wi-Fi routers
There are several varieties mobile routers Wi-Fi:
- Stationary or mobile depending on the place of use, power source and type of connection
- CDMA, GSM, HSDPA or dual-standard CDMA + GSM depending on network type
- With or without connectors for an external antenna.
Stationary router It has a large Wi-Fi range, operates from a 220V network (can operate around the clock), and has a USB connector for, which is responsible for receiving the signal. Having received a signal from the modem, the router distributes the Internet to gadgets via Wi-Fi.
Mobile router It has a very compact size, so it easily fits in a pocket, can be transported, and is convenient to use either outdoors or in a car, which gives every reason to call it . A battery-powered mobile device has a built-in modem for receiving signals.
GSM routers receive Internet from GSM operators. Today, 3G is provided only by the operator Trimob, which has poor coverage of the territory of Ukraine.
Maximum coverage CDMA operators Intertelecom and Peoplenet provide, so CDMA routers are more profitable to use. The optimal ones are dual-standard Wi-Fi routers (CDMA + GSM). If there is no coverage, a SIM card is inserted and you can use the services of GSM operators.
Advantages of using pocket Wi-Fi routers
Compact devices easy to use and catch the net at any time and anywhere, because:
- support any communication standards (CDMA, GSM, UMTS, HSDPA, LTE)
- work up to 15 hours without recharging
- have a wide Wi-Fi range of up to 30 meters
- can be connected to a PC via a USB cable.
Having bought a mobile pocket-sized, simple and easy to set up, you can easily create a local network of several (up to 15) gadgets and computers. In addition, wireless ones ensure the security of your network, preventing unauthorized access to your computer, and help you save on Internet bills. Before purchasing a pocket gadget, decide where you will use it (for trips you need a mobile version, and for a summer house, for example, a stationary one is suitable). Also study the operator coverage map. And it is advisable to purchase one with the ability to connect an external antenna to strengthen the signal.
IN modern world A stable Internet connection is a strong sign of a region’s development. Access to a wireless network from a phone from anywhere works only in the largest cities in the world. Pocket Wi-Fi can solve this problem. This modern technology has a number of undeniable advantages. However, it is not without significant drawbacks.
A world without wires
Just 15 years ago, no one could have imagined that the Internet could be wireless. We had to use a phone connection and be content with negligible speeds. Even pages in the browser took a long time to open. Sometimes we had to wait 10 minutes. There is nothing to even talk about the mobile Internet, it simply did not exist. First Cell phones with the ability to connect to the Global Network, they did it so slowly that the picture could take hours to load. Back then, no one could have imagined that one day there would be a pocket Wi-Fi that would make the Internet accessible anywhere and anytime.
We are already accustomed to wireless networks. You always get used to good things quickly, and living without wires is convenient and practical. First, fairly fast mobile Internet came to the market. Networks 2G and then 3G generations. It has become possible to listen to music, use social networks and even view pictures from phones. Then Wi-Fi appeared and literally turned the world upside down.
Inconvenient routers
Anyone who has encountered self-configuration router, knows that this device does not have the most convenient shape. Yes, if compared to the system unit of a computer, the router will be small. However, you won't be able to carry it in your pocket. The problem lies not only in size, but also in the principle of operation. Large stationary routers require a direct cable connection, which limits transportation options.
Mobility and simplicity
Pocket Wi-Fi is a device similar to a stationary router, but requires the use of a SIM card. What are its advantages? Of course, the main advantage is its miniature size. It even fits in your pocket. Some models may be quite large, but this is because there is no built-in SIM card slot. The advantages of such a device are that you can connect any external modem to it using USB, and, if necessary, an Internet cable. However, such devices are quite expensive.
Pocket Wi-Fi is most often associated with devices from a mobile operator. This is the most affordable option on the market. However, there is no need to delude yourself. You will have to pay for accessibility and simplicity with a number of restrictions. First of all, such routers simply do not provide acceptable speeds. You can sit in in social networks, but don't watch the video. Secondly, internal software involves the use of only SIM cards from one operator. It is possible to insert another one, but the router will not work.
Types of miniature routers
It is customary to distinguish several types of such devices:
- High-speed routers. They are quite expensive, but within large cities they provide the fastest and most convenient Internet. Most often they operate at speeds similar to LTE. There is only one problem - if it is a router from an operator, then the speed will also depend on the selected tariff. If the SIM card only supports 3G network, then you should not count on LTE.
- Powerful routers. Many people will think that power is similar to speed. This is wrong. This type of router cannot boast of speed. However, you can connect an external antenna to them, thereby strengthening the signal. Work in rural areas and even in the forests. The exception is the taiga forest. Even mobile network does not catch, due to the connected external antenna you can access the Internet. The only drawback of such routers is, oddly enough, the antenna. Everything depends on her.
- Budget routers. A striking example is the pocket Wi-Fi of MTS or any other operator. You can't connect an antenna, it doesn't have USB ports, and it boasts a SIM card limit. Contrary to expectations, it shows decent speed. It practically does not work outside of large cities and functions extremely poorly when connecting several devices at the same time.
How to choose the right model?
Before buying a pocket Wi-Fi router, you need to decide on your own needs. You need to clearly understand why you need a router. If you need an Internet access point for several devices within the city, then a simple router from your operator will do. However, if the very fact of accessing the Internet from several devices in any conditions is important, the best option will choose a powerful router and buy a high-quality external antenna.
Once you have determined your needs, you can start making your choice. It is not recommended to buy so-called know-names, devices from unknown manufacturers. The first thing you should really pay attention to is the manufacturer. Then you need to think about whether you need a port for an Internet cable or you can limit yourself to USB. The last thing you should look at is the material. However, it is also important, because the router is pocket-sized, therefore, it should be stronger.
How to use?
How to connect pocket Wi-Fi? Very simple! If this is a device from an operator, then insert a SIM card into it, turn on the router and, having previously activated the search for wireless networks in the phone, connect to the desired one. The default name is the model number.
If this is a powerful router with an antenna or high-speed, then you first need to insert the SIM card into a separate modem, then connect it to the device itself via USB. If necessary, connect an external antenna. Turn on the router, find the network from your phone, and you're done!
Have you heard about Zuckerberg's plans to bring the Internet to underdeveloped countries? What about Elon Musk’s idea to launch 1000+ satellites to create global Wi-Fi?
While some are finishing their ambitious projects, others are releasing real devices, which solve the same problem, but on an individual level. Specialists from GlocalMe are already selling their pocket Wi-Fi routers, capable of distributing 4G Internet almost anywhere in the world. Without SIM cards and any contracts with local operators.
How it works?
Router GlocalMe G3 works on the basis of the so-called CloudSIM technology. In fact, it is a virtual international SIM card that works with popular operators in 108 countries.
The scheme is simple: GlocalMe G3 connects to 4G/3G/2G networks, choosing the fastest one. Then, it distributes the received signal via Wi-Fi. Well, you can already connect any device that understands IEEE802.11 b/g/n to this access point. Plus, the router has slots for two SIM cards, so if you have a SIM card with the Internet lying around, it will work with that too.
The maximum Wi-Fi distribution speed with an LTE source is 150 Mbit/s download and 50 Mbit/s upload. You can connect up to five devices at the same time.
What's the catch?
When purchasing a router, give 1 GB of traffic, then you will have to pay for communication. The price tag is valid for all countries € 0,05 per megabyte, but there are delicious regional packages that will cost much less. For example, 1 GB in Turkey will cost € 16. For avid travelers, there are annual packages.
The router itself is somewhat reminiscent of the legendary iPhone 4, although thicker and heavier. There is a touch screen and a built-in 5350 mAh powerbank. The device will work for 15 hours on one charge.
Why is it needed?
GlocalMe G3 is an indispensable thing for those who travel frequently. The outrageous tariffs of our operators completely discourage the desire to go online, and local SIM cards are not always profitable. It's easier to pay for a universal device and not worry about connecting to the network.
Of course, on vacation it’s better to forget about the existence of the Internet, but on business trips you can’t live without the Internet.
The device can be ordered from Aliexpress and will be delivered quickly from a warehouse in Russia. There is a U2 version, without a screen, without external battery functions and with a less capacious battery.
Prices:
GlocalMe G3(+1GB of traffic) - 11,187 rubles
GlocalMe U2(+1GB of traffic) - 9,390 rubles
Hello everyone! Today we will talk about a mini 3G router with Wi-Fi support.
In short, this device will come in handy if you want to provide access to high-speed Internet anywhere (let’s say on the road, or in nature). Moreover, the device from which you plan to access the Internet does not need 3G support! It is enough to have a Wi-Fi module on such a device.
Further details.
Having a sad experience in the past when the link to the store opened incorrectly, I provide an alternative link in advance:
To be precise, this gadget itself does not provide Internet access; to work, you will also need a regular USB 3G modem. I suppose this is not such a problem, many already have this modem.
Here the question arises: if we already have a 3G modem, then what’s stopping us from inserting it directly into the device from which we plan to access the Internet? Here we must take into account that even if you have a gadget with a USB port, it is not at all necessary that you can connect a 3G modem to it. Here is a striking example: I recently reviewed a tablet (), where everything is fine with USB ports, but it does not support any external USB modems. In any case, I didn’t succeed, and by the way, on the store’s website it was directly stated that there was no support for such modems.
Or another example - my old man, the Samsung S5620 phone has Wi-Fi, but as you understand, there is no talk of any modems. In general, such an autonomous 3G router is a very useful thing in the household.
Externally, this router looks very much like a regular computer mouse :)
On top there is a USB connector (for connecting a modem), as well as operation indicators. Surface glossy:
Below, under the cover there is a battery:
On the side surface there is an RJ-45 connector, as well as a mini-USB connector for charging the battery:
The delivery set includes the bare minimum necessary: USB-mini USB cable, 1500 mAh battery, manual in English. In my opinion, it would be possible to attach a charger, but since charging occurs via a standard mini-USB, there are no problems at all; almost everyone has such chargers in their household:
Instructions in English:
Let's go through the characteristics.
Access mode:
3G Wireless access (WCDMA/EVDO/TD-WCDMA)
WIFI wireless access
WAN port wired access
WIFI hotspot:
Support 802.11b/g/n
WIFI connect max broadband 150Mbps
Support over 30 WiFi clients port connection
Router function:
Support NAT/NATP function
Support DHCP Server/Client
Support virtual server and DMZ function
Support VPN pass-through (IPSec/PPTP) function
External port:
One share Ethernet port with 10/100Mbps LAN/WAN
One USB 3G network card port
One mini USB charger port
Battery: 3.7V, 1500mAh; endurance is 3-6 hours (Included)
Color:White
Package dimensions: 136 x 95 x 51 mm
Weight: 173 gr
There is no list of supported modems on the seller’s website, but after digging around on the Internet, I was able to find this list:
View supported modems
EVDO network
1) Huawei-EC1260
2) Huawei-EC169
3) ZTE-AC560
4) Sim-Evdo
5) Weiweng-U900d
6) Huawei-EC122
7) Huawei-EC1261
8) Huawei-EC189
9)ZTE-AC580
10) ZTE-AC581
11) ZTE-AC2726
12) ZTE-AC2736
13) ZTE-AC2746
14) ZTE-AC2766
15) Verizon-MC760
16) Vtion-E1916
17) 05c7:1000/6000
18) DLink-05c6:2001/ce16
19) SIM-1e0e:cefe
20) SRT-1d09:1000/aef4
21) 05c6:8008
22) StrongRising-21f5:1000/2008
23) 20a6:1000/1105
24) Tenda-3G189C???
25) 19f5:9909
26) STWTech 1a94:0001
27) HTW D002
28) 201e:3000
29) 05c6:1000/6000
30) 0eab:c893
31) Bellmann-S6151U
WCDMA network
1) Huawei-E1750
2) Promate-eGo5
3) ZTE-MF636
4) ZTE-MF110
5) ZTE-MF637U
6) Huawei-E176G
7) Huawei-E160
8) Huawei-E220
9) Huawei-E182E
10) Huawei-E180
11) Huawei-E169G
12) Huawei-E160G
13) Huawei-E261
14) Huawei-D32HW
15) 05c6:1000/6280
16) 0685:7000
17) 05c6:0018
18) 1c9e:6061
19) 1c9e:6000
20) Desay-mywave
21) 05c6:9002
22) Huawei(SOFTBANK)-D12LC
23) LongSung-U6100
24) 028a:1006
25) 1e89:f000/f001
26) Huawei E261
27) SAMSUNG EC122
28) Huawei E1550
29) 05c6:0018/0018:0018
30) 1c9e:1001/6061
31) 1d09:1010
32) TGW
33) ZTE-MF627
34) Huawei-E122
Of course, I won’t say for everything. But in reality, in practice, the popular megaphone USB whistle (E-160) works. Like this:
For those interested, here is a summary table of indicator operating modes:
Well, let's sum it up.
I was pleased with the performance of the router. Now I have the opportunity to connect to the Internet from a tablet outside the home. The operating time of the gadget is just over 4 hours (the website states up to 6 hours).
I'm thinking of choosing a suitable size battery with a higher capacity to increase battery life.
In fact, in addition to such uses as distribution by Wi-Fi internet with a 3G modem, this device has some other application patterns, this can be seen from the description of operating modes, but! I didn’t delve into this matter because I needed Mobile Internet 3G, which is what I actually got.
With your permission, I’ll end here.
Being tightly tied to the provider's cable, we consciously or forcibly limit our freedom. Mobile devices for using WiFi technology are the present and future of the Internet.
What situation will the user find himself in if the cord length is too short to carry a PC or gadget a greater distance from the router? In an apartment this problem is partially solved. You can increase the cable length. In all other situations, an alternative cannot be avoided. And there is such an alternative - you need to purchase a portable Wi-Fi router that supports all the latest generation technologies. The capabilities of such devices will be discussed further.
I suggest you immediately watch the video, where the answers to the questions are accessible and understandable, in your favorite format: what is a mobile router and how it works:
What can a mobile router do?
The not-completely outdated idea of the unsatisfactory characteristics of mobile modems no longer coincides with reality. To see this, let's take a look at the latest advances in this area.
A portable (pocket) router is a device with comprehensive functionality. This means that it can operate in four different modes: router mode, repeater mode, access point mode and as a SIM card receiver. Let us list the differences between these modes:
- Functioning in router mode, the device is no different from its stationary equivalent. That is, it is connected to the provider’s cord and distributes the Internet on its local network. To implement this feature, a connector for a network cable is mounted on the back wall of the router.
- Access point mode (another name is “client mode”) involves operating the device as a transmission link between a client (for example, a computer or laptop) and a stationary Internet source. An RJ-45 connector is also used here, but it is used not as a connector for the provider cable, but as a connector for the patch cord between the router and the PC.
- In repeater mode, we have a device that broadcasts and amplifies the signal of another router. It can be useful as an amplifier, for example, in the country. In those corners where the signal from the main transmitter loses power.
- The true purpose of the device is a pocket Wi-Fi router from a cellular operator. Using it in this way, you cease to feel dependent on anything other than the coverage area of your telecom operator and the top-up account.
A specific model does not have to meet all of these points. It can function either as a router for a phone that receives a signal from a telecom operator (a specific example is the MiFi 4510L modem).
Either as a repeater that supports the functions of a repeater, router and access point (LB-Link BL-MP01), or in some other variants.
The main wireless protocols supported by pocket routers are the well-known 802.11X family of protocols. Low-speed 802.11a (2 Mbit/s), more advanced 802.11b and 802.11g - with data transfer rates of up to 20 Mbit/s and the new 802.11n standard with data transfer speeds of up to 150 Mbit/s.
Network security is ensured by the WEP encryption protocol (based on the RC4 algorithm), originally compatible with 802.11X, as well as other, more modern security mechanisms, such as EAP, TLS, RADIUS server support protocol and dynamic key generation technology (TKIP) . Virtual private networks (VPNs) are also not ignored.
Classification
Over time, a certain classification of portable Wi-Fi routers has been developed that more or less corresponds to users’ ideas about them. Conventionally, these devices can be classified into one of the following categories:
- Devices that provide the highest speed Wi-Fi connection through a pocket router. Consumers of “heavy” content need them (however, almost all of it is like that today).
- Modems with ultra-high reception range. Such “toys” are equipped with additional external antennas. Residents of remote regions of Russia purchase just such routers.
- Routers supporting a wide variety of network protocols, of which, apparently, there are even more than necessary. They are needed by those who regularly switch between networks.
- Ordinary, not too expensive and not too “sophisticated” devices, which we use more often than others.
- Huawei E5330 is a very easy to use and inexpensive router (costs about 2,500 rubles).
Review of the device in the following video:
- A more expensive, but also more powerful TP-LINK M7350 modem (its price already reaches 5 thousand rubles).
- NETGEAR AC785 with support for all modern technologies and a liquid crystal display on the lid (far from a budget option at a price of about 10 thousand rubles).
Which option suits you best, decide for yourself, based on your circumstances, needs and the thickness of your wallet. But I will give you a couple of tips:
- If you need a mobile Wi-Fi router, first decide on a telecom operator, find out about the cost of tariffs and the coverage area that this provider provides.
- If you don't just need portable router, but also powerful, pay attention to the possibility of connecting additional antennas.
- Of course, pay attention to the weight and dimensions of the device, and keep in mind that sometimes you will put it in your pocket or bag.
- Check the instructions to see if you have any difficulty using it.
Settings workshop
See video review of LB-Link BL-MP01 here:
We will focus on the LB-Link BL-MP01 model, with three modes. On other devices, the setup process may differ in detail, but the principle remains the same.
In order to switch the BL-MP01 to repeater mode, you need to switch its toggle switch to client mode, connect it to the PC network card with a patch cord, and assign the IP address indicated on the modem sticker.
We go to the page with the device address and get access to the settings. We select a network for which we know the password and connect.
To switch to access point mode, move the toggle switch to the “AP” position, connect the provider’s cable to the device and again select the network in the settings (this time the provider’s network). If desired, you can edit the distribution parameters in the “Advanced Settings” section.
In the standard mode of the router, we will need to go to the modem settings page and set the WAN parameters specified in the operator's instructions.
A mobile Wi-Fi router (with a SIM card) is an excellent solution for those who often travel, where it is not always possible to connect a PC or laptop to a wireless network. The main thing here is that the communication signal is stable. And of course, it’s also quite a suitable option for a summer cottage or trips to nature.
Well, in the meantime, winter reigns over most of Russia and we can only dream about trips into nature, let's discuss all these mobile and portable routers)
