Do you want practical WiFi access anytime, anywhere, regardless of where you are? Then the mobile WiFi router is exactly the right device for you. Connect your PC, tablet or smartphone and take your own WiFi with you on business or leisure trips.
- The mobile WiFi router enables WiFi access on the go.
- It is suitable for use in areas with poor network coverage.
- In contrast to the hotspot that you create with the smartphone, the mobile WiFi router is an independent device.
What is a mobile WiFi router?
Practically everyone knows the WiFi router at home. You connect it to your DSL or cable connection via a cable and you can then access your Internet wirelessly. This is pretty handy, but requires access to an appropriate DSL or cable network. As soon as you leave your house and are outside the transmission range of the stationary router, the signal is lost – this can also happen inside the apartment or house. The transmission range can be increased with additional WiFi repeaters, but mobile WiFi routers are more practical. They are independent of a supply line and can be placed exactly where you need a WiFi connection and not necessarily where the network socket is.
How does mobile WiFi work?
Basically, you are already familiar with mobile WiFi if you use a data-enabled smartphone. Because, just like your mobile WiFi router, this also uses mobile internet . The fastest data connection currently used for on the go is the LTE or 4G network. With a download of up to 500 megabits per second, you can stream videos in HD quality, for example. The 5G network offers even faster speeds in perspective, but the network is still under construction. In rural areas in particular, there is often an inadequate supply of fast, stationary Internet via cable or DSL. LTE or 5G are the alternative for high-speed internet access.
The mobile WiFi router now accesses the wireless data network just like your smartphone. That means: In order to function, it only needs a power supply and of course access to the data network, for example with a data SIM card. The power is supplied in different ways:
- Some models can easily be plugged into a conventional household socket. If you access an LTE network at home instead of DSL or cable, these devices are the right choice for you. You can also use these routers very well when you are out and about, for example at the campsite. However, customers usually have to define fixed surfing areas; Use abroad is also not possible. This solution is therefore suitable for everyone who needs internet access in a fixed location – such as in the garden shed.
- You don’t want to do without WiFi in your car? A mobile WiFi router with a car charger cable is the solution.
- Mobile WiFi routers are particularly flexible in battery operation. They can be used without restriction wherever an LTE network is available, at the bathing lake as well as at the train station.
What does a mobile WiFi router cost?
There are many different wireless wireless routers on the market. The models differ in terms of their battery life, weight, the number of possible devices that can be connected and the download and upload speed. The costs for a mobile WiFi router are usually between 30 and 80 euros. When buying a router, you should definitely consider which connections it should have – there are differences between manufacturers. In addition to the hardware, there are also costs for the SIM card or micro-SIM card.
Other forms of mobile WiFi access
In addition to the mobile WiFi router, you also have other options for connecting your devices to the World Wide Web while on the move. A very common and often used alternative is the mobile hotspot, which you can create with a cell phone. With it you can transform your smartphone into a router with which you can connect your PC, other mobile devices or other smartphones. However, there are two disadvantages:
- The function of the mobile hotspot consumes a lot of battery power. Although this is a good solution for individual cases, it is not practicable as a permanent state. The mobile WiFi router, on the other hand, does not use up your phone’s valuable battery charge.
- The mobile hotspot is also a burden for your data account. You cannot surf the WLAN and provide a hotspot at the same time with your smartphone. Navigating the Internet only works if your cell phone is also accessing the mobile data network. This is quickly noticeable for users with a low data volume.
- Tethering is not possible in some cell phone tariffs. Users can then not use their cell phone as a modem for other devices.
In addition to the mobile hotspot on your smartphone even more mobile data stick, also is offering surf stick , as an option. It is connected to your notebook via USB and only requires a suitable SIM card to access the mobile data network . You can then either surf the web with your notebook or use it as a mobile WLAN router by setting up an appropriate hotspot. This can be used to connect other devices such as tablets, smartphones, e-book readers or wearables.
This is a practical solution for users who always have their notebook with them. However, this form of mobile data access quickly reaches its limits on vacation trips or in leisure time. This is where the small mobile WiFi router that fits in every pocket becomes much more attractive again.
Useful accessories for your mobile WiFi router
A power bank is a great addition to your mobile WiFi router so that you always have enough energy to operate the mobile WiFi. If this provides several connections at the same time, you can still charge your smartphone at the same time while creating a WiFi network.
WiFi is acronym defined on abbreviationfinder.
