Mobile Hotspot & Broadband Terms
Common Terms for Mobile Broadband
and Mobile Hotspot Technology
In the ever changing world of mobile broadband, it’s more important then ever to have a basic understanding of industry terms and standards if you hope to make confident decisions on what mobile broadband products and technology to invest your time and money in.
Whether shopping for a new product, or simply trying to understand the technology used devices you already own, the editors of MobileHotspot.com have compiled a list of common terms you will likely come across when shopping for mobile broadband and mobile hotspot products. Some might come in handy in your effort to be an educated and informed consumer.
1xRTT: The second generation (2G) mobile broadband technology used by Alltel, Sprint, and Verizon. Upload and download speeds average about 40Kbps - 120Kbps with bursts speeds of up to 140kbps. In today’s mobile communications landscape, 1xRTT speed is considered very slow, not that much faster than old-fashioned 56K dial-up. 1xRTT 2G is still relevant because in areas where 3G EVDO is not available, EVDO-enabled devices will connect to the 1xRTT network. Think of it as “coverage of last resort” – dramatically slower than newer protocols, but still data coverage nonetheless. In terms of overall performance, 1xRTT is most closely compared to AT&T and T-Mobile’s EDGE data network.
2G: A broad, somewhat abstract term meaning the "second generation" of standards for mobile networking. 2G signified the first generation of “all digital” communications, and was a major advance from the prior analog telecom networks. Virtually all 3G-Enabled devices like cell phones, broadband modems and mobile hotspots will fall back to 2G connectivity when a 3G signal is not available or strong enough. 3G is on average is three to six times faster than 2G for downloads and uploads. EDGE (AT&T) and 1xRTT (Verizon and Sprint) and two common 2G networks in North America.
3G: A mobile telecom industry term meaning the “3rd generation” of standards for mobile telecommunications and broadband. The nationwide rollout of 3G networks were one of the most significant milestones in mobile communications and broadband history, in that it finally allowed a wide range of mobile services that could be enjoyed by millions of users at "reasonable" monthly costs – this included streaming video, near-real time multiplayer gaming, VOIP and quick download of large files, songs, and videos. The greater mobile bandwidth capability that quickly became commonplace for millions, most famously on the iPhone 3G, gave birth to entire new marketplaces, like the Apple App Store and Android Marketplace. Two of the most common 3G networks are EVDO are Wireless Wide Area Networking (WWAN).
3G Router/4G Router: A portable networking device, usually powered by a high capacity rechargeable battery that lasts for several hours. The 3G Router has a UBS port, where a USB broadband modem , also known as Dongle or AirCard, can be plugged into. The 3G router then distributes, or shares the internet connection to several connected people or devices at the same time within a radius of up to 300 feet. The 3G mobile broadband router was the predecessor to today’s Mobile Hotspots. Their main advantage over mobile hotspots is that the data provider can be freely changed by swapping the dongle, as well as the possibility of easily upgrading from 3G to 4G service. Mobile broadband routers are also generally more suited for high availability business use than mobile hotspots in that they can usually accept signal boosters, add-on auxiliary batteries, and more powerful external antenna that can effectively increase the range and signal strength several-fold. 3G and 4G routers are typically more difficult to work with and setup than mobile hotspots, and usually require at least two separate component to be connected together, often requiring some setup and configuration. Today’s mobile broadband routers are as robust as their stationary counterparts that you would find in your home or office, supporting WPA2 security, MAC filtering and ultra-fast Wi-Fi N connectivity.
4G: The term adopted by the wireless industry to describe the “4th Generation” of mobile connectivity. As of 2011, 4G has begun to replace 3G is hundreds of metro areas. Confusingly for consumers, there is no formal guideline for what exactly defines and constitutes 4G. The FCC has somewhat vaguely ruled that any service that “significantly enhances” the speed and user experience as compared to 3G networks can be labeled a “4G Network” .Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile have 4G available to a large percentage of their customers. WiMax is the current 4G standard from Sprint and its partner company Clearwire. Verizon and AT&T are rolling out LTE (Long Term Evolution). Both AT&T and T-Mobile are currently promoting and selling their current 4G solution called HSPA+, which is sort of a bridge between 3G and 4G (some people call it “3.5G”). HSPA+ is slower than LTE, but due to some strong fundamental technology and dense coverage of existing HSPA based cell towers, a large percentage of users will indeed experience speeds upward of 8 Mbps – which is more than fast enough for just a very large majority of users. Performance specs for 4G devices listed in advertisements or product brochure do not necessarily equate to the performance user will experience in the “real world”. Nonetheless, now is a great time to invest in a 4G Smartphone or Mobile Hotspot, because it’s like a driving on a brand new 6 line freeway that is reserved for designated drivers only (4G owners) which has a 120 MPH speed limit with very little traffic congestion . Meanwhile, the dense, congested, and slow moving traffic is crawling along at 20 MPH on the 2 lane “Highway 3G”.
Aircard (Connect Card): This is most often associated with the generic terms for a wireless broadband modem. The name “AirCard” is actually a trademarked term of Sierra Wireless. Today’s broadband modems are almost always USB or ExpressCard format, but some PCMCIA card can still be found, even though the PCMCIA format is obsolete. Aircards and their generic equivalents have the advantage of usually being less expensive than mobile hotspots, and like mobile hotspots, are universally compatible to any laptop, PC, or portable router, but cannot be used with the ever growing number of smartphones, tables, eBook Readers, and game systems.
Amplifier (or Signal Booster; Repeater): These devices are intended to boost the signal strength of cellular or Wi-Fi signals. A signal amplifier will usually offer a much greater increase in signal strength and call reliability than a high-gain external antenna alone. Some add-on antennas have built in, powered external amplifiers for added benefit. A Wireless Repeater is a type of amplifier that is designed to bridge the gap between two weakened signal sources. For example, if you have your Wi-Fi router installed in the basement of your home and notice you can’t pickup a signal in the 3rd floor attic, a repeater-amplifier placed on the second floor would receive the signal from the basement, then “retransmit” the signal with a big boost of signal power. Another popular amplifier is known as a Pico-Cell repeater. The pico-cell acts as a tiny cell phone tower that can be placed right in your office or living room. It specializes in tuning into the faint-weak cell phone signal and boosting it to a level that will assure excellent signal strength and call reliability all throughout your home or office. The amount of “boost” delivered by a signal amplifier is known as gain, and is expressed in dB’s (decibels) and sometimes milliwatts. Passive Signal boosters are specially designed for boosting the signal of devices that do not have an external antenna connection, such as the MiFi Mobile Hotspot.
Bandwidth: A measure of data expressed in bytes that is available,. or used over an agreed period of time, typically one month. Bandwidth that is delivered by mobile providers can be though of like water being piped into your home by the water company. For a given month, the water company will know the volume (how much) water you used by reading the water meter. Today’s bandwidth usage is metered in a similar manner, but instead of gallons-per-month, you are billed on gigabytes-per-month. Most providers set a limit on the monthly bandwidth. Sprint. AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile have all generally standardized around the 5GB per month billing model. All providers, except Sprint 4G will either turn off your high speed bandwidth or change extra if the agreed monthly bandwidth limit is surpassed.
Benchmark Test (Speed Test): A software tool or application used to test the upload and download speed as well as the responsiveness of an online connection. A number of online sites, such as SpeedTest.net offer free benchmark test tools and mobile apps also exist that will measure the overall speed and performance of wireless broadband connections. Several benchmark tests have become more standardized in their measures, which helps consumers compare apple-to-apples in a variety of locations and conditions. The three common benchmarked attributes for all tests are Download and Upload Speeds (in kilobytes per second), as well as Network Latency (in milliseconds) which measures how long a network takes to respond to an action - for example - how long it takes for the browser to start refreshing the web page after you press the refresh-button.
EDGE: A older second generation (2G) technology used by T-Mobile and AT&T. Typical upload and download speeds range from 40Kbps - 120Kbps, which is only slightly faster than an old fashioned 56K dial-up modem service. In areas where HDPA is not available, HSPA enabled devices will fallback to 2G mode and attempt to connect to the EDGE networks. (HDPA is a 3G technology found on AT&T phones and mobile broadband) EDGE is comparable to Verizon and Sprint's 1xRTT network. With the advent and rapid implementation of 4G, EDGE is quickly becoming extinct.
EVDO (EV-DO): “Evolution-Data Optimized” is the 3G mobile broadband technology used by Verizon and Sprint. The current version of EDVO known as EVDO Rev-A, has average speeds of 600-1400kbps download and 500-800kbps upload. EVDO generally has superior ability to achieve strong signals, even when there is an obstructed line-of-sight to the cell tower, however EVDO is particularly sensitive to network congestion, which can result in drastically wide “real world” download speeds decreased by 80%. Being a non-standard GSM 3G protocol, EVDO is not used outside of North America, Korea and Japan. EVDO-A is downwardly compatible with the original, slower version known as EVDO-REV 0 (400-100Kbps download)
HSPA: (Evolved High Speed Packet Access). The current 3G standard offered by AT&T and T-Mobile. HSPA offers average download speeds of 800kbps to 1800kbps, but actual speeds can vary drastically, especially in dense metro areas. HSPA was designed to offer a lower degree of latency that other 3G solutions and generally has a tendency to offer a more “predictable” level of performance, as HSPA (in theory) can better handle sudden spikes in the number of users transmitting on a particular channel or tower. As a standard 3G GSM protocol, HSPA is used in the majority of countries around the world, and is a great choice for international travelers who hope to use their own equipment on foreign wireless providers.
HSPA+: (High Speed Packet Access Plus; with Enhanced Backhaul) the current, some claim “temporary”, 4G technology used by AT&T and T-Mobile. HPSA+ is a special implementation of the 3G HSPA protocol. The main advantages of HSPA+ is that it’s backward compatible to 3G HSPA and is typically 3 to 8 times faster than HSPA for uploading and downloading. HPSA+ can also boost the upload/download speed of 3G-Only devices that use HSPA, like the phone 3G. HSPA+ has endured some claims that it’s not actually a 4G technology, as HSPA+ is often refereed to as “3.5G” or “4G Lite”, due to the fact that on paper, HSPA+ spec’s are not as attractive as LTE. However, in real world environments, HSPA+ has been only slightly behind the speed of LTE 4G in a majority of metro areas. AT&T has stated that LTE Technology 4G networks will replace it’s HSPA+ networks for most metro areas by 2013.
Latency: A measure, expressed as milliseconds (1000 milliseconds=1 second) from one packet (piece of information) to get from one place to another. It is important that latency be gauged when measuring the overall performance of a mobile broadband connection. A high latency, say 600ms, can make a connection that has an incredibly high 12 Mbps download speed, seem like a frustrating experience for the user. Latency is a particularly important factor in online gaming and video chat. Some people also refer to latency as “Ping Time”. Most mobile broadband speed tests will measure average and peak latency.
Latency: A measure, expressed as milliseconds (1000 milliseconds=1 second) from one packet (piece of information) to get from one place to another. It is important that latency be gauged when measuring the overall performance of a mobile broadband connection. A high latency, say 600ms, can make a connection that has an incredibly high 12 Mbps download speed, seem like a frustrating experience for the user. Latency is a particularly important factor in online gaming and video chat. Some people also refer to latency as “Ping Time”. Most mobile broadband speed tests will measure average and peak latency.
LTE (Long Term Evolution): The current 4G standard offered by Verizon Wireless, with a planned rollout for AT&T in 2012 nationwide. LTE is consistently faster than all other current 4G solutions in terms of upload speed, download speed and latency – in fact LTE has finally arrived as a practical solution to replace a wired broadband connection (like a cable modem) at home. Typical rates of 8 to 12 Mbps download (some up to 21 Mbps) and 3 to 6 Mbps upload have been reported in most metro areas Q3-2011. LTE also has a much lower latency (around 100ms) then other 4G protocols. Latency might not be the glamorous benchmark that “download speeds” is, but it can be even more important to the overall user experience, especially with today’s trends in VOIP, real-time multiplayer gaming and video conferencing. LTE was also designed from the ground up to be 3GPP compliant, meaning that you’re mobile 4G LTE device can seamlessly roam on data networks in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The Samsung SCH-LC11 and Novatel MiFi 4510L are currently the only Mobile Hotspots that can utilize LTE 4G.
MiFi (Mobile Hotspot): While not the first Mobile Hotspot to hit the market, the MiFi, which was introduced in 2009 became a smash hit in just a few short months being on sale. Made by Novatel, the MiFi was totally unique in that it combined a 5-user 3G router, data modem and 4 hour battery into one tiny package about the size of 8 stacked credit cards. The MiFi won dozens of awards and editors choice selections for its simplicity and ease of use. For the first time, a user could simply press a button to get online wherever they were without worrying about complicated configurations or hookup cables. The Novatel MiFi 2200 was the first mobile hotspot offered by Verizon and Sprint on their 3G networks. By 2010 the word “MiFi” had become practically synonymous with mobile hotspot devices. In 2011, Novtatel introduced an updated MiFi called , operating on LTE 4G networks.
Mobile Broadband: The infrastructure and use of mobile phone networks to provide data access across the internet. The quality and service levels of mobile broadband networks is measured by both speed and bandwidth. An influential technical steering group in the UK, DigitalBritain, has stated that the minimum requirement of network to be considered Mobile Broadband is 2 Mbps at a topological coverage rate of 100%. Mobile Broadband is primarily consumed using wireless broadband modems, mobile hotspots, and directly to 3G and 4G enabled smartphones, tablets, and eBook readers.
Mobile Hotspot: A small, pocket sized, all-in-one, device that bundles a broadband modem, with a wireless router and rechargeable battery. Mobile Hotspots typically have just one button – a power on/off. The Novatel MiFi 2200 became a smash hit when it was introduced in 2009. While other similar solution existed for years, never was there such a tiny device that made it so easy for multiple users to share a single data plan. The greatest appeal of a mobile spot is its simplicity – just press a button and in a few seconds up to five people can surf the web at full broadband speeds. The newest generation of 4G mobile hotspots, such as the Samsung SCH-LC11 and Novatel MiFi 4G offer latest technology including 4G connectivity and Wireless-N along with the most robust wireless security features to protect your data and information while online. Laptops, iPods, game consoles, iPods, the Kindle, and any other Wi-Fi enabled device made in the past 10 years can seamlessly use a mobile hotspot. Mobile Hotspots are popular with business travelers and families’ on-the-go.
Packet Loss: When the wireless signal of a digital transmission is degraded, parts of the messages can become corrupt or lost. Modern methods of transmitting data allow for a certain percentage of the packets to be lost before the use will become aware of the problem. Packet loss to the average user can equate to dropped calls, choppy-pixilated video, or text or email messages that never get to their destination. Packet loss is usually the result of a weak signal due to proximity to cell towers and/or physical obstructions such as building or trees. Packet loss can also be the result of equipment of transmission problems by the wireless provider. Pack loss due to low signal strength can often be remedied by signal boosters, external add-on antennas or repeaters
Tethering: A method of gaining access to mobile broadband most often associated with connecting a mobile phone to a computer with USB cable. The tether-cable will transmit all data that would normal be expected to transfer over the wired or wireless connection of the computer. Some Smartphone operating systems with hotspot tethering capability, namely Android and IOS can tether their 3G or 4G connection via their Wi-Fi signal. The phone can act as a mobile hotspot, sharing the phones internet connections with several people at once. A few years ago, this was a handy trick to get online with a laptop and cell phone alone, for no more the cost than your monthly data plan. A few years ago, all major wireless providers added additional fees for the data tethering feature, and typically charge up to an additional $30 per month on top of the fees for the base data plan.
Wi-Fi: The de facto wireless networking technology for homes and offices that uses radio spectrum to provide wireless internet and network connections. Wi-Fi enables different types of equipment and manufacturers to communicate out of the box, without any special configuration. The two standards available today are “Wireless-G” (up to 54 Mbps) and “Wireless-N” (up to 108Mbps). Wi-Fi enables older devices to take advantage of modern 3G and 4G broadband speeds. – for example, as older, “obsolete” iPhone 2G can come alive and access the web at 4G speeds when it connects to a 4G mobile hotspot with it’s Wi-Fi connection.
WiMax: The 4G wireless standard introduced by, and currently in use by Sprint and its business partner ClearWire. The technical name for WiMax is Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). WiMax download and upload speeds are generally in the 4 to 8 Mbps (4000 to 8000 Kbps) range. The main advantage with WiMax technology is also often also it’s disadvantage – If you have line-of-sight to a WiMax cell tower, you can get super fast, up to 10 Mbps speeds, but loose that line-of-sight and the speed can drop down to 1 Mbps. WiMax signals also tend to get degraded more than HSPA+ and LTE during heavy rain or snow. WiMax has also been slower to expand as compared to Verizon and AT&T’s HSPA+ and LTE 4G networks. The Novatel MiFi 4082 is a Mobile Hotspot that uses Sprint’s WiMax 4G network
Wireless N: The latest Wi-Fi radio technology supported universally by all major equipment manufactures. While Wireless-N offers throughput speeds at least double those of WiFi-G, Wireless-N also Wireless N also greatly increases the range and penetration of the wireless signal. Wireless-N is backward compatible with the older Wi-Fi “G” and “B” standards. A wireless N router is a great investment even if the connected will not be able to benefit from the increased speed since they are not wireless-N compatible, the older Wi-Fi “G” and Wi-Fi “B” devices can benefit from the increased signal range of the Wireless-N mobile or stationary router
