Buy mobile WiFi hotspot - tips
A mobile WiFi hotspot is incredibly practical, especially when traveling, but is hardly known. In our tips, we show what you should consider when buying a mobile WiFi hotspot.
Why mobile WiFi hotspots at all?
A mobile WLAN hotspot is a small, battery-powered router with a UMTS modem. In other words, a mobile mini router that can share its Internet connection with multiple devices via tethering, similar to a smartphone. Most models offer space for a SIM card, which you can then use to surf on the go. This is very practical not only on vacation, but also when surfing in the park or driving a car if you want to go online with a tablet and smartphone using the same SIM card. That's why the mobile hotspot is worth it:
- With mobile WiFi hotspots, you can surf safely on the go and are not dependent on public WiFi networks.
- With the purchase of a mobile WiFi hotspot, you can also save future costs if you only buy your next iPad or Kindle in the cheaper version with wifi (without a SIM card slot).
- Most routers are small - smartphone-sized - and very light at around 100 grams.
- Tip: With a connected external power connector on your micro USB port, mobile WiFi hotspots are even more powerful and offer you a slightly increased range.
- You can also increase the range of your mini WiFi network with an additional, external TS-9 antenna. And with a micro SD card in mobile hotspots, your photos can be easily shared.
Buy a mobile WiFi hotspot - there are some things to consider
- Fast Internet is rare: So far, only a few mobile hotspots like the Huawei E5776 can use the fast LTE and offer your devices a fast WiFi network with up to 150 Mbit / s. To do this, you must of course have booked an LTE connection with the largest possible data volume and pay around 150 euros for the router.
- WLAN & battery: With the WLAN standard, the manufacturers mostly rely on 802.11g, so that you receive gross data rates of up to 54 Mbit / s - passable. Only a few mobile hotspot routers like the MF91D from ZTE already support 802.11n, but even with 72 MBit / s these remain far below the maximum performance of 600 MBit / s (this saves electricity). The battery performance is relatively weak and limited to a few hours.
- Pay attention to the number of devices: Depending on the performance of the mobile WLAN hotspot, you can surf with numerous devices at the same time. The Huawei E5776 has up to ten devices; with the Huawei E5331, which is cheaper at around 50 euros, at least eight devices. For comparison: The mobile USB surfstick Huawei E355 serves five devices with its internet connection for about 59 euros.
- Differences in operation: Most mobile hotspots can be set up and controlled like a "normal" router via web interface on the PC. The only exception is the top device Huawei E5776, which you can also operate with your own app. This is particularly practical when traveling.
- Where buy? Currently, two manufacturers - Huawei and ZTE - offer mobile hotspots. However, it is usually difficult to find them even in large electronics stores. In combination with SIM card contracts for the hotspots, there are always offers from Vodafone, Base and Eplus.
In the next CHIP practical tip, you will learn how you can alternatively set up a mobile hotspot with your iPhone.
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