Portable WiFi router: how it works, how much it costs, how to choose? Mobile Router Pocket WiFi Router

04.11.2020

Pocket wifi router- a portable device that provides reception of the Internet network of cellular operators. Today, the de facto dominant technology is LTE. Operators are trying to master the Advanced option. Formally, the fourth generation is distinguished by one speed. In reality, 3G infrastructure upgrades cost money.

A brief overview will teach those who want to use mobile access to work everywhere. Take the trouble to charge the battery and let's get started!

Peculiarities

The traditional router is too big for the pocket. The rectangular body is bulky, rough. Appearance compact modem is much more gentle. The portable version is equipped with rounded shapes, the case is durable, smooth.

Operating principle

A fixed router receives broadcasts via an Ethernet cable. The mobile version is equipped with a SIM card from a mobile operator. Allows motorists to watch movies, play games, surf sites. Hypothetically, the speed is inferior to the wired network. The theoretical maximum is 100 - 150 Mbps. The real numbers are below.

Sometimes we see a traditional label indicating basic information:

IP address of the admin panel.
Login: Password.
Model related information.
Serial number.

Ports

The point distributes the network to gadgets, laptops. Wired ports are limited in number or not available at all. Think about updating the firmware - remember the annoying fact. The microUSB port serves the purpose of recharging the battery. The interface of the admin panel is, of course, compatible with the vast majority of operating systems. Use browsers.

The lithium battery needs to be recharged periodically. The kit is supplemented with an AC adapter 220 V. Parallel operation, recharging are possible.

Buttons, indication

Rollback to factory settings is done by pressing a single Reset button. In addition, available:

Power key.
LED activity indicator.
Battery level.
Network information (SSID).

Compensating for the modest size of the case, the LED indication is extremely complex. Optionally present up to a dozen colors:

Flashing white - the battery is charged, the firmware is fresh. Used by the over-the-air software update policy.
Flashing red - no SIM card, or an error has occurred.
There is no color - the energy is over, the device is turned off.
Yellow - charging, standby.
Green - gradation according to the mode. Blinking - LTE is transmitting data. Steady—Wireless communication established.
Lilac - speed limit (LTE protocol is not available). 3G technologies are used.

A sophisticated mnemonic system complements the LED color indication. Signal strength, remaining battery charge, number of connected subscribers, roaming are displayed.

Generation

Operators vied with each other to call the equipment the fourth generation. In reality, the developer puts forward the following bitrate requirements:

Stationary object - 1 Gbps.
Transport (airplanes, trains) - 100 Mbps.

The moving antenna steadily loses the lion's share of the packets, explaining the softer requirements. Providers jaws grabbed the figure of 100 Mbps, considering the beginning of the fourth generation. Western operators take a compromise - 300 Mbps. Readers guessed: the compliance of this technique with the 4G standard is doubtful. Make your choice based on the obvious.

Real iron, issuing gigabit Internet, is still a rarity. Foreign subscribers rarely need high-speed traffic. There is no demand, explaining the scarcity of supply. An example of proactive marketing was given by Western companies:

MiFi 4510L is a fourth-generation LTE mobile hotspot…

The epithets clearly contradict each other. LTE fits the definition of maximum 3G+. Managers enjoy little known fact: Initially, the developers of the standard recognized LTE as the fourth generation. Later, the point of view was revised, the boastful statements of marketers remained. The speed of the MiFi 5410L model barely reaches ... 100 Mbps. A real failure.

Protocol

Typical models support IEEE 802.11b, g, n. The remaining options are called exotic.

Example

Model MiFi 620L provides support for 15 XLTE devices, maintains autonomous performance for 20 hours. Advanced technology complemented by powerful control features.

The 620L Wireless Router supports USB cable connection. Allows you to choose The best way updates. The LED indicator system is formed by a group of LEDs fixed destination. Color coding displays typical equipment states (see above).

Supports for phone access:

CDMA Rev A, 0, 1XRTT.
UMTS/HSPA.
GPRS/EDGE.

The desire of a modern person to stay in touch and online continues to develop the market of gadgets, the purpose of which is to provide the user with the usual “conveniences” in the form of Internet access and wireless Wi-Fi connection. This is how USB modems for laptops and tablets appeared, which ensure the mobility of Internet users outside the apartment and office. Smartphones have also appeared that can switch to modem mode, distributing the Internet via a Wi-Fi signal. And one of the more modern and convenient options was a new gadget - a pocket Wi-Fi router.

What are the benefits of a pocket WiFi router?

Ability to use anywhere where there is a cellular network.
Compatible with almost any modern smartphones, tablets and other devices.
Autonomy: thanks to the built-in battery, the router can work without an electrical network.
The ability to use the Internet on multiple devices with only one SIM card.

If you want to buy a pocket wifi router, the price may puzzle you: the spread is quite large. So, we choose a pocket wi-fi router, the price will depend on the following points:

battery capacity (on average, it is designed for 5-6 hours, maximum - 12);
the ability to connect an external antenna to amplify the signal;
gadget dimensions;
manufacturer.

In addition, the price of a pocket Wi-Fi is not only the cost of a router, but also the price of the mobile Internet used to connect the gadget to the World Wide Web.

Wifire Mobile - Internet for a pocket Wi-Fi router

If you decide to buy a pocket wifi router, choose a profitable and high speed internet WiFi Mobile. It will work in the country and on a hike, on vacation and for a walk, on the territory of seven Russian regions, in 2G, 3G and 4G LTE networks.

Wifire Mobile - these are four tariffs for any budget and any traffic needs. You can choose a package from 1 GB to 36 GB, depending on how actively you use mobile Internet in life and work. Price mobile internet Wifire starts from 150 rubles. per month. In addition, Wifire Mobile (mobile Internet) and Wifire Home (home Internet) subscribers have special, profitable terms connections digital television WiFi TV.

FAQ

If you have already bought a pocket Wi-Fi router and want to purchase a SIM card for it, send an application through the website. The SIM card will be delivered to you by a courier, or you can pick it up yourself at the Wifire service office. After activating the SIM card, new opportunities will be opened for you with Wifire Mobile.

Tariffs and services of Net By Net Holding LLC may be changed by the operator. Complete actual information about tariffs and services - in the "tariffs" section or by calling the number indicated on the site.

A portable Wi-Fi router is one of the gadgets designed to make it easier for us to use the Internet. It is also called "pocket wi-fi", "portable wi-fi", emphasizing the mobility and compactness of the solution.

A portable wifi router is a device that is a modem and a router at the same time. It allows you to receive a mobile Internet signal and transmit it wirelessly to other devices, such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop. It has a special slot for a SIM card, a built-in battery for autonomous operation and a connector for connecting an antenna that amplifies the signal.

In any place where there is high-speed mobile Internet, you can use a portable Wi-Fi router to access the Internet from devices not connected to mobile network. For example, to send files stored on a laptop. Or in the car - to access the Internet devices of all family members.

How convenient is "portable internet"?

Having one active SIM card with mobile Internet, you will provide a network connection for several devices. This is both convenient and beneficial.
While in international roaming, you can use a SIM card local operator. At the same time, there is no need to change your “native” SIM card in your smartphone, you just need to rearrange the SIM card in the router.

If you decide to buy a portable Wi-Fi, remember: the speed that a portable Wi-Fi router gives depends both on the device itself and on the capabilities of the network and mobile Internet. Therefore, when choosing a tariff for a gadget, pay attention to the following points:

1) maximum speed in the provider's network

2) the cost and volume of included Internet traffic,

3) a map of the provider's network coverage (in case of trips around Russia).

If you need portable Internet for a laptop, the price of such a solution will not be sky-high, but it is important to understand the amount of traffic that will be required to work with documents and choose the right tariff.

Mobile Internet Wifire for a portable Wi-Fi router

Wifire Mobile is a mobile Internet with a speed of up to 20 Mbps in LTE networks.
Wifire Mobile is 4 tariffs to choose from, able to satisfy both active Internet users and economical ones.
Wifire Mobile is a brand of a major Internet provider present in all Russian regions except Crimea and Siberia.

How to connect internet Wifire Mobile

Submit an application for connection to the Wifire Mobile network through the website.
Get a SIM card at the provider's office or by courier delivery.
Activate the SIM card.

Questions on the selection of a tariff or the possibility of connecting Wifire mobile Internet in your region, you can ask consultants by phone or online on the website.

Tariffs and services of Net By Net Holding LLC may be changed by the operator. Full up-to-date information about tariffs and services - in the "tariffs" section or by phone indicated on the site.

Pocket Wi-Fi Router - Everything you need to know about solving the problem of portable Wi-Fi

Not so long ago, in our travels, we had to spend a lot of time looking for Internet cafes or bars with Wi-Fi. But that is in the past. Now, for a modern person, it is no longer an option to stay without the Internet for a long time, and having reliable and fast access is simply necessary. In recent years, an ideal solution to the problem has appeared - a portable Wi-Fi router. In this article, we'll answer all your questions about this handy new product to help you decide whether such a device will be useful for you.

Travelers Wifi pocket router in Thailand

What is a pocket wifi router?

A "Pocket Wi-Fi Router" can be defined as a personal portable Wi-Fi router that converts 3G and 4G signals into a personal Wi-Fi signal. You can connect many devices to this signal - just like you connect to Wi-Fi at home.

The pocket router itself is quite small, and fits easily in the palm of your hand or in your pocket – hence the name. Since the device is small and light, it is convenient to carry it with you when traveling. For example, you can put the router in your backpack, and then you will get Internet access within a radius of 10-15 meters from it.

How does a pocket wifi router work?

As we already mentioned, the pocket router converts 3G or 4G into a Wi-Fi signal, meaning you get your own private and secure Wi-Fi hotspot. No cables need to be connected, and setup is as easy as connecting to a regular Wi-Fi network. All you need to do is turn on your pocket router and log in with your devices that you would like to use.

Why do I need Pocket Wi-Fi?

A portable router has several unique advantages over traditional ways to stay connected while traveling. If you'd like to stay online while traveling (and who doesn't? 🙂), then you should take a closer look at the option of pocket Wi-Fi.

Many of us know the feeling when we need Wi-Fi somewhere away from home. You can spend hours wandering around an unfamiliar city in search of a cafe with Wi-Fi. And when you find it, the connection quality can be so bad that you can hardly manage to just send a message via WhatsApp, let alone make a call. Even if you find a place with decent internet, you won't know who else is on that network - after all, using public WiFi networks not safe by default.

If you are familiar with this scenario and would not like to repeat it in the future, then a pocket router may be the solution that suits you best.

Or maybe you spend a lot of time on business trips, and you need a stable Internet connection to communicate with the office? You may be used to relying on hotel Wi-Fi, but then again, are you really sure that such a connection will be reliable? Even in some five star hotels the Wi-Fi is still terrible. If you prefer not to play roulette with hotel Wi-Fi before an important video conference, then you should choose a pocket router, and quality Internet will be guaranteed.

Of course, there is another option - just use data roaming. Unfortunately, this is usually incredibly expensive. And in order not to receive space bills for communication when you return home, you should consider portable Wi-Fi as a more economical solution.

Travelers Wifi Pocket Router

What are the benefits?

Pocket Wi-Fi has a number of obvious advantages:

Access high speed Wi-Fi wherever you are
Reliable and fast connection
No need to waste time looking for unreliable public Wi-Fi
Significant $ savings on travel compared to internet roaming charges
A secure way to access the Internet, unlike public Wi-Fi in cafes, bars, etc.
You can connect multiple devices (usually up to 5-10 pieces)
Guaranteed wifi connection when you need it most
You will be able to make Internet calls even if there is no connection with a mobile operator
Compact and lightweight router ideal for travel

BUTlimitationsare there any?

It's hard to imagine real flaws pocket wifi router. Of course, this device needs to be recharged, and its battery can “sit down”. However, the best of them are able to work without interruption for up to 10 hours or more without recharging.

In the case of a rental, you will also have to take care of returning the device (read more below). However, this inconvenience is very minor. Travelers Wifi goes out of its way to make returning your pocket routers quick and easy. Agree, this is a small price to pay for the opportunity to have unlimited Internet in travel?

How can I get one of them?

There are two ways to get a pocket router: rent or buy one.

Buying this device makes sense if you travel frequently. After buying a router, you will have to regularly replenish the balance in order to use it every day. Various tariff plans, depending on where you're going.

Renting a pocket wifi is probably a better option for most people. You just need to pick up the router at the designated location, use prepaid traffic, and then return the device at the end of the trip.

For example, a router site can be picked up at a variety of locations throughout Switzerland, including post offices and major train stations. It can be sent to your hotel, to a work address in Switzerland or to another country. You can return the router either in the same place where you took it, or simply by sending it by mail in a special envelope that you will be given.

As we have already noted, the site does its best to make receiving / returning as easy as possible. All you need is to use unlimited high speed internet to your pleasure.

Rent a pocket Wi-Fi router

Stay connected wherever you go

Like the idea of pocket Wi-Fi to help you stay connected while you travel? Click to learn more about our device that provides unlimited and high speed internet anywhere.

This article is for those who need the ability to "deploy" their own WiFi network in field conditions. To implement this idea, you will need a portable wifi router.

This device has a compact size, and is capable of creating in a matter of minutes wireless network almost anywhere. Let's look at the main features and configuration options of this device.

Using a portable router

There are many ways to use this device. But as the name suggests, the main feature is the possibility of convenient transportation - put it in your pocket and forget it. Arrived at any destination, needed WiFi Internet, took the router out of the bag, pressed one button and that's it wireless access ready.

Modern portable routers are equipped with a 3G modem, a built-in battery, a memory card slot and various connectors for connecting to a computer. All this makes these devices indispensable assistants in "marching" conditions. They can work in different modes: access point, repeater, bridge, client, and, of course, the router itself.

Let's go directly to the consideration of a portable router and take the Alcatel Y580D router, branded by the MTS provider with the new name MTS 411D, as a basis.

Working with a router

Before starting work, write down the number located on the battery sticker, this is the access code for the wireless network (you can change it later).

To work with the router, you should press the power button, and it will automatically create a wireless network, to which it is possible to connect with a pre-recorded key. If your 3G card has Internet access, then it can be used by all devices connected via WiFi. This router has a settings web interface, let's look at its capabilities. On the device connected to the router, launch the browser and write the standard address - 192.168.1.1, the start page opens. For full access, enter the password - admin in the field, click - Login. Now let's look at each tab separately.

start page

Connection tab

In this tab, you can find out the amount of received traffic, connection time, etc. You can also turn off Internet access, view usage statistics, and see devices connected to the router.

Connection statistics

Quick setup tab

This paragraph implements the ability to change the administrator password from admin to your own. You can also change the SSID of the router (the name under which it is seen by connected devices).

password change

SMS tab

This is an interface designed to work with SMS. In this tab, you can write and send a message, view incoming SMS, it is possible to change the parameters for sending and receiving messages.

Sending SMS

USSD tab

In this interface, you can see your balance, see the amount of remaining traffic. Also here is the registered number of your SIM card - you can peep if you forgot it.

Balance check

Portable router settings

This tab consists of five sub-tabs: Wi-Fi, WPS, Router, Language, System.

WiFi

Here we enter the following values:

802.11 mode - this router works with d\g\n modes. To be sure, set it to automatic.
Broadcast SSID - if you turn it off, the network name will not be displayed when searching for wireless devices.
Wi-Fi channel - usually set to automatic. In case of conflicts between routers, you can set a free channel.
maximum number of users - set the value that determines the maximum number of simultaneously connected wireless devices.
Access Point Isolation - Enabled in in public places to minimize the possibility of unauthorized access.

WiFi settings

WPS

It stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup, a standard for semi-automatic creation of a wireless network. If you are not familiar with the router settings, you can activate it, and WPS will create a wireless network by itself.

WPS activation

Automatic DHCP network address assignment

IP address setting:

The IP address of the router is the address of the connection to the web interface.
subnet mask - leave it as it is.
DHCP server - automatic mode of assigning IP addresses.
range of DHCP IP addresses – you can set the range of assigned IP addresses.
lease period for IP addresses - to be sure, set the maximum value.

DHCP settings

MAC filter

An additional security measure - you can assign access to the MAC addresses of devices you know, and then no other devices will be able to connect to your router.

MAC filtering

Settings interface language, system

Here we select the interface language.

Language selection

This subparagraph summarizes all information about the software version and hardware stuffing of the router. You can also save the entered settings, or you can restore from a previously saved file.