Who needs 3G/4G modems and routers and in what situations?

Technologies, standards and operators

In Ukraine, operators offer mobile access based on several technologies, which determine the list of necessary equipment and possible options for its use. Usually, when it comes to 3G mobile Internet, UMTS / WCDMA technology access is implied. Using the HSDPA data transfer protocol, the maximum download speed is 42 Mbps, although in fact the actual data transfer rates are much lower.

Prior to the frequency conversion and obtaining 3G licenses by the national operators MTS, life:) and Kyivstar, only one network was functioning - the operator Utel, and later - 3Mob. The aforementioned Big Three operators are just starting to build their own 3G networks, and are currently actively using 3Mob's capacity to provide 3G access to their subscribers. It is expected that the UMTS coverage area will cover district centers no earlier than 2017, that is, at least two years after obtaining licenses. Until that time, full use of UMTS 3G will hardly be possible.

It so happened historically that the most common mobile Internet is through CDMA 2000 standard equipment with support for EV-DO rev. technologies. A (data transfer rate up to 3.1 Mbps) or EV-DO rev. B+ (maximum theoretically possible download speed up to 14.7 Mbps, and upload speed up to 5.4 Mbps). The largest coverage is provided by the Intertelecom network, which covers even small regional centers, resort areas and, which is important when traveling, most highways. Such a solution can be considered truly mobile, you will have access to the Web even behind a bullet or a train.

In Ukraine, high-speed mobile access is available using Mobile WiMAX technology. Both operators - Freshtel and Intellecom (later - Giraffe) positioned themselves as 4G Internet providers, although according to the official classification, their networks belong to the same third generation. And the coverage areas mainly cover large cities and the nearest suburban areas, as well as some regional centers. The maximum throughput is 20 Mbps, and the list of equipment mainly consists of stationary modems. This type of connection is advisable to use where, for one reason or another, it is impossible to get a wired connection, but there is a need to transfer significant amounts of data. For example, in a country cottage, in a country house or in a rented apartment, where the owner does not allow drilling a hole in the wall for laying a network cable.

Briefly summing up, we note that the most universal solution for trips or travel is access using EV-DO technology. In the capital and large cities, and resort areas, you can try out 3G using UMTS technology. In some cases, due to the use of the 3Mob network, the boundaries of the coverage area will expand significantly. Outside the 3G coverage area or in poor reception areas, slow GPRS roaming may be used. In the suburbs and if there is a need for significant traffic consumption, it is worth looking at solutions based on Mobile WiMAX technology. Now it's up to the little things - to decide on the choice of equipment that best suits the possible scenarios for its use.

A modem or router will provide comfortable surfing on those gadgets that do not have a 3G module, even in nature

USB 3G modems

An external modem is one of the simplest and most inexpensive tools for using mobile Internet on a laptop or desktop computer. The simplest models of 3G modems are almost identical in size and design to ordinary USB flash drives. More advanced models have additional features such as a microSD card reader or their own battery. One of the advantages of the modem is the ability to connect an external antenna. In an area of poor or uncertain reception, for example, in the countryside or on a road outside the city, this will significantly improve the quality of communication.

Operator versions of modems are distinguished by a write-protected drive that stores programs and drivers necessary for operation. And for modems freely available in retail chains, the settings must be done by hand. To store additional software, a microSD card slot or built-in memory is useful.

The first and most common way to use an external 3G modem is in conjunction with a computer (usually a laptop). Most modem models come with drivers and software for Windows, but a number of devices also work with MacOS and/or Linux. A laptop with a modem connected to it will help you stay online, for example, during long car trips. It also happens that one of the travelers takes on the role of navigator. And in addition to the data of the GPS navigator, it checks with Google maps or their analogues, which, in the conditions of the "outback", have much more accurate data on parts of unpaved and country roads that may not be known to the navigation programme.

The second option for using a USB modem is to organize a backup connection for your home network. Some models of wireless routers, such as ASUS RT-AC56U, are equipped with USB ports and are equipped with support for 3G modems. To create a backup channel, connect the modem to the router and make the appropriate settings. In the event that a wired connection is temporarily unavailable, the router will automatically switch to 3G Internet. This feature is useful in a home office environment and when working remotely, when it is important to be constantly online.

The third case when a 3G modem with a USB interface can come in handy is getting access to the Network from tablets without a slot for a SIM card and a GSM module. To do this, you need to connect the modem to the tablet using a USB OTG (USB On the Go) cable. In the case of Windows devices, the setup is not very different from the procedure for a desktop PC, but with Android devices it is a little more complicated. In addition to editing the settings manually, you will have to clarify the issue of compatibility for specific models. Of course, the design of a tablet with a "tail" in the form of a modem does not look aesthetically pleasing, but when the Internet is not often required on the device, such a compromise can be made.

And finally, when an external 3G modem is already available, it can come in handy for sharing multiple devices using a universal mobile router. For example, it is enough to connect the modem to the TP-LINK TL-MR3040 portable router, which is equipped with a USB port and a 2000 mAh battery, perform simple settings through a convenient web interface, and the resulting bundle of two devices will be a full and more functional replacement for a portable router. Such a composite device is also convenient to use in a car - for distributing the Internet to passengers. A convenient solution for traveling with a family or a friendly company. And in the case of using a car inverter or charging from a cigarette lighter, the operating time of such a router will not be limited only by the resource of the built-in battery - it will work as long as it takes.

Wi-Fi router will provide Internet to all passengers in the car

Portable routers

A portable router is a compact device that fits in your pocket and works autonomously. The design of such a device includes a slot for a SIM card, a battery, a microUSB connector for connecting a charger, a hidden button for resetting settings, a power button and a small character screen or a set of LED indicators to display the device status. A number of devices, like modems, also have a socket for connecting an external antenna. In the country, or in the countryside, for example, you can place a router with an antenna in the attic, and at the same time sit comfortably with a laptop or tablet on the veranda.

Models "locked" for specific operators will most likely work without additional settings. If necessary, all settings are made through the web interface and do not differ much from the settings of a home wireless router.

The main task of a portable router is to organize the sharing of a 3G connection simultaneously for several devices. As in the case of modems, a portable router acts as a universal solution for accessing the Internet from devices without a 3G module, which is not available in low-cost versions of Apple tablets and many tablets from Chinese manufacturers. A portable router is also useful in conjunction with Apple laptops or in the case of using rare Linux distributions (when it is impossible to find drivers for the modem), there are no free USB ports, or simply there is no desire to fiddle with wires. Among other things, for some gadgets, a Wi-Fi connection with a good signal does not drain the battery as much as EDGE / 3G in an area with poor coverage, and a portable router will allow you to use their battery life more economically.

The router will be useful for a small company or family when traveling by car outside the city, relaxing in the country, having a picnic, etc. Such a device is also useful in business: free Internet access in a cafe located in a green area or in a car during transportation will be a competitive advantage. Modern companies sometimes organize outdoor events in the summer, when employees gather in the park instead of a stuffy office. In this case, it is also difficult to do without a mobile router.

In addition to low-cost models like Huawei E5730 and Novatel MiFi 2200, there are well-equipped and, as a result, more expensive models. Thus, the M7350 model manufactured by TP-LINK complies with the Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n standard and provides a data reception rate of up to 150 Mbps in a wireless network. The device is compatible with 3G/4G networks, supports the latest LTE-Advanced standard. The router is also equipped with a graphic display, supports simultaneous connection of up to 15 devices, is equipped with a microSDHC card slot and a 2550 mAh battery.