What is a Mobile Hotspot?
What exactly is a Mobile Hotspot ? A mobile hotspot is simply a data-enabled 3G or 4G cellular radio that is coupled to a wireless 802.11 Wi-Fi router. The cell radio and router are connected to a rechargeable battery, all of which are enclosed in a pocket sized all-in-one device weighing just a few ounces. Most of us have been using Wi-Fi hotspots at home, work, or outdoors to connect to the internet for at least few years now. You simply can't beat a Wi-Fi network for the ability to easily, quickly and securely hop on the internet - not have to be tethered down with a jumble of wires. You’ve probably also enjoyed the new 3G and 4G broadband networks on your mobile phone, Blackberry, or PDA - isn't it great to be able download a song in a few seconds, watch streaming video on YouTube or Netflix, or stream your favorite music from Pandora while on the go, when and where you want? With the advent of 3G and 4G mobile hotspots, now you can finally think of “taking your Wi-Fi with you” – create your own personal Wi-Fi network for yourself and up to four other family, friends or business associates - wherever and whenever you want. Up until 2009, when the first Mobile Hotspot was introduced, there was no easy and practical way for the average user to combine the best of both of these technologies - to have a "Mobile WiFi Network" - an always-connected wireless network that would allow multiple users to connect to internet. Sure, there have been some geeky ways to build a “Mobile Franken-Router” by combining a separate clunky portable router with a 3G USB data card and external power supply, but it was a kludgey solution that would never likely gain mainstream acceptance. In the spring of 2009, this all changed with the rollout of the tiny Novatel MiFi 2200 mobile hotspot, a true example of elegance in engineering and function. Verizon and Sprint become the exclusive resellers of the MiFi in North America and devices were backordered for weeks to meet the pent up demand. Mobile broadband and Wi-Fi technologies have exploded over the past 3 years. Wi-Fi network speeds have increased ten-fold, signal ranges tripled and the adoption of hacker safe protocols like WPA2 became the standard. Wireless broadband made perhaps even bigger strides. You might not remember, but pulling a “whopping” 75 kps on your laptop data-card while on an 2G network back in 2006 was considered pretty fast. In the last three years, 3G and 4G wireless broadband have finally offered the kind of wireless speed that today’s YouTube-Facebook-Twitter “always on” internet users can use without smashing their keyboard or handheld in anger over slow and choppy downloads. The MiFi 2200 Mobile Hotspot The MiFi is a compact wireless router produced by Novatel Wireless that functions as mobile hotspot on the Verizon 3G network. Five users can simultaneously connect to the MiFi to share a single 3G data plan The device itself is 3G EVDO Rev-A. EVDO means "Evolution Data Only", (or sometimes "Evolution Data Optimized"). Verizon uses a hybrid technology that is also used by Sprint which offers download speeds in the range of 500 kbps to 1500 kbps (1.5 mbps). Depending on network volumes and conditions, the download speed can reach 2000 kbps. Upload speeds ranging between 400 and 900 kbps. By way of comparison, at a modest download rate of 750 kbps, it would only take about 10 seconds to download an average song on iTunes. On the Wi-Fi side, the Verizon MiFi is an 802.11b/g device. The WiFi “G” mode has a data rate of 54 Mbps. Even though the MiFi does not have the newer and faster “N” mode, you should remember that 99% of home wired broadband connections can't even reach 50 Mbps, so wireless-G is more than sufficient to keep up with even 5 users sharing a single 3G connection. The MiFi 2200 device is truly "ultra-portable" – it’s about the size of eight stacked credit cards and weighs just over 2 ounces. The MiFi has a built in rechargeable, high capacity Li-Ion battery that can be used for up to 4 hours, and can stay powered on for 40 hours in standby-mode. If these specs sound like a cell phone, you're right. You can you use the WiFi anywhere you would typically use a cell phone, such as a car, train, hotel or even beach. Perhaps the single most important feature of the Verizon MiFi is that it’s the only mobile hotspot available on Verizon’s network, which is arguably the most robust 3G network in North America with massive 3G coverage and a dense cell towers infrastrure that provide superior signal strength and reliability. Data Plans for the Verizon MiFi: As of October 2010, Verizon rollout out a new three tiered data plan for the MiFi. Generally, this new plan structure was designed to be more equitable to lighter-use data consumers users by offering them a more reasonable $35 monthly plan, as well as creating a new 10GB monthly plan for the heaviest users.
- $35 per month which allows 3GB per month ($11.66 per GB)
- $50 per month which allows 5GB per month ($10.00 per GB)
- $80 per month which allows 10GB per month ($8.00 per GB)
The Sprint Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot The Sprint Overdrive Mobile Hotspot works the same basic way as the MiFi, however, the Overdrive has a few significant advantages, along with a few minor disadvantages when compared to other hotspots. The most obvious advantage is that it can operate on the Sprint 4G network, which is up to 10 times faster than 3G. The Overdrive is a bit more bulky than the MiFi - It’s packaged into an elegant 3-1/4” black square case which is only ½” deep. The overdrive’s angled corners give it a really cool, high-tech look. Although it’s heavier than the MiFi, it still checks in at just over 5 ounces. It’s small enough to comfortably pack into you back pocket or jacket. A handy feature of the Overdrive is it’s integrated 1 inch square LCD display panel that reports on information such as the connection status, battery meter and signal strength and whether unit is connected to a 3G or 4G cell towers. The Overdrive’s external controls are super-simple – there is just a “power” button and no other controls, all configurations and changes are set by the web based control panel. The web interface allows configuration of WPA2-Personal wireless security and the preference to use 3G networks when 4G is not available. The Overdrive can be configured with any web browser including mobile browsers like Safari on the iPhone. The Overdrive can support 5 users or devices within a 150 foot radius to connect at the same time. This is significantly more than the MiFi’s 30 foot radius. The internal battery is rated for 3 to 4 hours of continued use, with a 36 hour standby window. Another cool feature of the Overdrive is the ability to setup a “network drive” by inseting a MicroSD card into provided slot of the Overdrive. This way you can create a network file share up to 16GB that your hotspot connected users can read and write to. Sprint Mobile Hotspot Data Plans: Sprint currently offers one contract option for the Overdrive hotspot: $60 per month for up to 5GB per month on 3G networks. Sprint currently allows all users of this contact to have unlimited 4G monthly usage. 300MB of network data roaming is allowed per month before any overage charges are assessed. In Summary: A mobile hotspot enables up to 5 users to share a single 3G/4G data plan to securely connect to the internet. Since it’s battery powered, a mobile hotspot can create an internet connected Wi-Fi network anywhere a 3G or 4G cell signal is present. A mobile hotspot is a money-saver for families and business people, because five users can share one single wireless account. Uses of a Mobile Hotspot: The Connected Family on the Go Families that travel on long trips or go on vacations will love a mobile hotspot. The kids can connect their laptops, iPods, Nintendo DS’s and Gaming systems to the hotspot to keep busy by browsing their favorites sites or watching online video. Manage internest access from a single point - No more expensive, random data roaming charges on kids phones where traveling about. Phone-TV-Internet for the Home Ditch your existing cable provider: Enjoy free or low cost phone calls though Skype or other VOIP providers. Stream movies and television shows from popular content providers such as net Netflix, YouTube and Blockbuster. Five family members can surf the web at the same time. With advent of 4G and WiMax Mobile Hotspots, this is a true viable alternative to wired broadband cable and FiOS. The Mobile Office in the Cloud A mobile hotspot is great for trade shows and conventions where you and your associates need fast, reliable internet connections – Conduct online sales demonstrations or merchant credit card authorizations away from he office. No need to lug around network cables or bulky broadband modems, it’s the ultimate in lightweight travel on the go. Time spent looking for a reliable, safe and nearby Wi-Fi access point, could be time spend elsewhere, namely, time making money. Your family will also appreciate being always able to reach you my email, chat or even video conferencing. Owning you own “personal hotspot” also conveys a level of prestige and professionalism that your clients and customers will notice. Business travelers can also see substantial savings versus to cost of daily Wi-Fi access rates at many resorts and hotels – sometimes costing as much as $25.00 per day
Create a Practical SmartPhone Alternative
Turn you iPod touch into a virtual iPhone – Save over hundreds of dollars per year How: Add Skype of another VOIP application to your iPod touch. Add a microphone and keep your mobile hotspot in vicinity, perhaps your backpack or handbag. Your iPod will communicate with the mobile hotspot via Wi-Fi and your iPod will for all practical purposes, be connected real-time to a 3G or 4G network – and you’ll save a ton of money over the course of a two year contract.
Let’s break it down:
Old Way: $200 for iPhone + $102 per month (the average AT&T iPhone bill in USA) with a 450 minute plan + $20 per month “tether fee” = $3,128 over 2 New Way: "iPod with Mobile Hotspot" $200 for iPod + $60 per month data plan + $9 per month Skype=$1,856 over 2 years - SAVE OVER $1,000 over the term of contract. In the Dorm and Campus Share your mobile broadband connection with friend and study groups. Great for areas where campus Wi-Fi is weak or non existent. Turn your Wi-Fi enabled iPod or iPad into a “virtual iPhone” to make calls and connections almost anywhere. Finish that research paper while on the ride back home for the weekend. Stay connected with friend and faculty to make the most of your experience at school.
Mobile Hot Spot Device Comparison
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