WiFi modem. Using a WiFi Router with a USB Port - Why It Is and What Can Be Connected? Routers vary in operating time

Nowadays, the Internet is needed almost always and everywhere. And this applies not only to urban everyday life, when we can catch 3G or 4G from a smartphone or tablet almost anywhere in the city. If we talk about a laptop, then we can, of course, find a Wi-Fi network or distribute the Internet from a smartphone. But you must admit that it is not possible everywhere and not so convenient. And what can we say about country trips, when catching 2G is already not bad, and free WiFi networks we can only dream. Okay, even a smartphone or tablet, but what about a laptop? And if there is a stationary computer in the country? Will they call from work? It would be possible to complete urgent tasks right outside the city, but there is no Internet, you have to go home.

On long trips, you also need the Internet: on business trips - for work, on tourist trips - to study maps, search for interesting places, post photos on Instagram and others. social media. Do you really have to always look for Wi-Fi or distribute the Internet from your phone?

Modems and mobile routers will come to the rescue. The principle of their work is simple: insert a SIM-card and enjoy the Internet. The signal strength depends only on the coverage area of ​​​​your operator. “Excellent!” - you will say and open the page with modems. And there are so many of them ... And such different prices ... How to choose? It all depends on how exactly you want to use the gadget. It is important what devices you will connect to it, as well as where you will use it.

An important point is the choice of the operator. The signal level, and, consequently, the data transfer rate depends on it. Many operators offer their own "branded" modems. They have two drawbacks. First, they are often more expensive. Second, you can only use the services of this operator. If in the place where you are, its networks do not work - well, alas. Therefore, we suggest considering third-party modems and mobile routers.

How are modems different?

USB modem or mobile router

A USB modem is a transceiver that uses carrier networks mobile communications for transmitting and receiving information. It connects to the USB port of the computer and after a little setup allows you to use the Internet. It can also be used with a regular router. A SIM card is inserted into the USB modem, the choice of which depends only on the coverage of the operator's network in the place you need. All USB modems are very small and light, allowing you to carry them in your bag or pocket.

A mobile router is a device that works on the principle of an ordinary modem. A SIM card is inserted into it, the device receives a signal mobile operator and, unlike a USB modem, provides mobile wifi. Such a gadget is usually powered by a battery that requires regular charging. Mobile routers are not as small as USB modems. Some models can be put in a pocket, and some will only fit in a bag.

To choose from these two types of gadgets, answer the question: what do you need this device for? If you want to use it only with a laptop to have internet anywhere, or with a desktop computer, get a USB modem. If you are interested in portable Wi-FI - an access point for connecting a number of devices, it is better to purchase a mobile router.

3G or 4G

3G and 4G are technologies wireless communication, which allow you to get high-speed Internet access from mobile devices. The letter G in their names is from the word "generation", that is, "generation". Therefore, 3G is the third generation of wireless communication, and 4G is the fourth.

The main difference between these two generations is the data transfer speed. 3G networks are capable of transmitting data at different speeds, which depends on the operating frequency of the mobile operator. The leading operators have an operating frequency of 15 MHz, while some smaller ones have only 4.5 MHz. Therefore, the speed range of 3G networks ranges from several hundred kilobits to several tens of megabits per second.

The main advantage of 3G networks is their coverage area, which covers most of the territory of Russia. Also, the low cost of modems that work only with 3G will be a plus.

4G networks are capable of transmitting data at much higher speeds - up to 1 Gbps. True, it depends on the type of device: for example, not all mobile devices It will also be possible to achieve speeds of 100 Mbps.

The downside of 4G networks is poor coverage in Russia: it only applies to large cities. Also, because of the high-speed data transfer, devices that work with 4G have a higher power consumption.

So when choosing a gadget for a summer residence or trips, it is better to stay on a 3G modem, since you are unlikely to catch 4G anyway, and spend less money on the device. For the city, a 4G modem is better suited.

GSM, GPRS, EDGE, HSPA, LTE

All these terrible abbreviations are nothing but communication standards and technologies of different generations.

GSM is the main communication standard of the second generation. For him, a packet transmission technology was created GPRS data, the transmission speed of which can reach 115 kbps.

EDGE is a packet data transmission technology that uses the second generation CDMA communication standard. The speed with it reaches 384 kb / s. By the way, this is the same E,

which is displayed on the screen of a smartphone or tablet when it does not catch either 4G, or 3G, or H.

HSPA is a third-generation communication standard that allows packet data rates of 42.2 Mb/s to be achieved. And this is the same H.

LTE is a fourth-generation data transmission technology with a speed of up to 1 Gb / s.

All these standards and technologies are actively used Russian operators connections. In the absence of the latest and fastest networks, devices typically switch to the previous generation networks. Therefore, it is better that all of them are supported by the modem, although this is almost always the case.

Nutrition

As we already mentioned, USB modems do not need a separate power supply. Thanks to this, they can be used at any time, you just need to insert them into the USB port of your computer.

Mobile routers run on batteries. The larger their volume, the longer the gadget will work. However, do not forget about such important factors of battery consumption as work in 4G networks and the presence of additional sensors and functions.

Ethernet port

This is the connector that will allow you to connect your modem to your computer using an Ethernet cable. Such a connection will ensure stability and the highest possible speed between the device and the modem. This function is only available for mobile routers, since USB modems are already connected to a computer.

Interface for external antenna

An external antenna is needed in order to better catch the network. After all, the signal is unstable, especially outside the city; it depends on time of day, weather and many other factors. The main disadvantage of the antenna is its low mobility. Therefore, this option is suitable only for those who decide to equip a stationary Internet point, for example, in the country.

Additional functions

Mobile modems have additional features. But they may not be useful to everyone. In addition, many of them are quite energy-intensive. So decide right away which of the following you need.

Connector under microSD card useful for owners of laptops with a small number of USB connectors. By inserting a flash card into the modem, you can use it as a drive and, for example, store programs related to the Internet and connecting to it (to free up space on your computer and be able to immediately launch all desired programs on another device by simply inserting the modem).

SMS service support allows using special program installed on your computer to receive and send SMS messages. This feature is only available for USB modems.

Sensors and a display will help determine the level of charge, the presence of networks, the number of connected users, etc. But you need to remember that with them the battery runs out faster.

An application for smartphones and tablets helps to control the level of charge, connected users, transfer data to the modem's flash drive. This feature is only available on mobile routers.

Dimensions

If we talk about USB modems, then they are all no more than 100 mm in length and 40 g in weight. With mobile routers, everything is different. Their weight can reach 700 g, and dimensions - 250 x 100 mm. But there are also compact models that can be easily carried in your pocket.

Setting

For many users, this will be an important parameter. After all, you want to launch the gadget and immediately use it. Moreover, for many it will be a real problem to set up a modem - not everyone is fluent in technology. Therefore, based on this parameter, it is better to give preference to USB modems, and the simplest ones.

Criterias of choice

We examined the main parameters of mobile modems and found out that the selection of characteristics depends on the needs of the user. It is necessary to determine where and with what devices the modem will be used, as well as what additional functions will be needed. Based on the needs of users, we classified mobile modems.

For use in the city with a desktop computer It is worth buying a 4G USB modem.

With laptop it will be convenient to use a 3G or 4G USB modem with a microSD card.

For the modem to work with several devices in the country or in the apartment it is better to purchase a 4G mobile router with an Ethernet cable.

If you want to wear wifi hotspot with myself, pay attention to small-sized mobile 4G routers.

• 8. Huawei E3372h
• 9.TP Link TL-MR6400
• 10.TP-LINK M7350

A 4g mobile router has long been no longer a luxury, but an urgent need for those who constantly need to be online. If you prefer to lead an active lifestyle with frequent travels and trips out of town, then without this accessory it will be difficult for you to stay in touch. You can either purchase a 4g wifi router tailored for a specific telecom operator, or a universal device that works with any of them. In this article, we will discuss the second type, since the characteristics and capabilities of universal routers seem to be more successful.

If you decide to purchase a router with Wi-Fi support, then this rating will help you decide on the choice of the optimal 4g modem and not waste time and nerves on low-quality routers like MTS Connect 4g lte wi fi router. Let's get to our review.

Huawei E5172

Easy to use and affordable for fine-tuning the device. By purchasing this gadget, you can also receive calls to a wired phone by inserting a SIM card into the router. An important advantage is a stable signal.

The disadvantages include a number of not the wisest technological solutions, as a result of which, during the operation of the modem, you can experience a number of negative emotions, connector LTE antennas could be located not so deep, and the absence of an external wifi antennas may interfere with distributing the Internet to several family members. The price of this device starts from 4000 rubles.

Huawei E5776

More modern device from the same brand. Signal quality, capacious battery - everything is in place. By taking care of the selection of firmware, you can significantly increase the productivity of the device.

Among the minuses, it is worth noting a strange decision in the design of the case in the form of gloss - most likely you will need a case for comfortable use, otherwise scratches cannot be avoided. The increased tendency to overheat also does not give pleasant minutes of interaction with this 4g mobile router. The lack of support for a number of bands forces you to be more careful when choosing an operator. The price of this router ranges from 7500 to 11000 rubles.

NETGEAR AC785

A good signal level with not the most impressive dimensions, coupled with the ability to distribute the Internet not only via wi-fi, but also a USB cable will certainly help this router find a buyer. The screen is informative, and the ability to reset the traffic counter on a specific day will help you avoid overspending.

But the battery leaves much to be desired, overheating is quite capable of draining your battery pretty quickly, but in the case of using a gadget from a power outlet, this drawback is no longer relevant. In general, this device is devoid of the classic shortcomings of its counterparts, which are of Chinese origin, and therefore you will feel more reliable at the critical moment when you need to connect a second communication source. The price bites - from 9000 rubles.

Huawei E589

The ability to connect an external antenna will greatly facilitate the life of those users who have to catch the Internet in hard-to-reach places, but this is fraught with a quick battery drain. Compactness and good design will nicely complement the other advantages of the router. With a good signal, you can count on excellent performance of 70-80 megabits.

What I did not really like when using this gadget was the constant overheating of the battery, which can ruin the experience of working with it. The price, starting from 5500 rubles, looks quite reasonable.

Huawei E5372

With this device, you can not only distribute, but also receive the signal of available wi-fi networks, which will help you save traffic. Connectors for external antennas useful if the signal does not satisfy you, but in a good reception area this option will be redundant. Ease of use will allow even people who are far from technology to master the device, and therefore this router can be considered a good gift for your elderly relatives.

The sad quality of this modem can be called weak signal at distribution of wi-fi, and therefore we do not recommend using it as a backup Internet access point if you are interested in a solid distance to the device from which you will access the network. The cost of the device is about 4500 rubles.

ZTE MF90

Budget router from a Chinese manufacturer. A compact and rather capacious modem is well suited for the first acquaintance with LTE routers. Some users speak of this modem in purely critical tones, but upon careful consideration of the capabilities of this device, you are unlikely to find yourself in a similar situation.

Not a very strong signal, even when an external antenna is connected, is generally sufficient for web surfing, but the unfortunate color and material of the case, unfortunately, will force you to clean it much more often than when choosing another router. The quality of the firmware also raises questions, but do not forget that the price for this router is about 2,500 rubles, and when buying from an operator, it is half as much, so if you need a budget router, this is a good choice.

ZTE MF823D

Another “whistle”, so beloved by operators and irritating people who demand maximum performance from the router. The pluses include the variability of connecting to the internal network and end devices, as well as the low price, which is about 2,500 rubles.

But the lack of support for all LTE bands is a significant drawback, which does not allow you to be sure of the reliability of the device at the right time. The lack of connectors for external antennas adversely affects the maximum possible signal. Like the previous one, this router does not offer outstanding performance, but does not ask for extra money for them.

Huawei E3372h

A router loved by many operators, and due to the ease of unlocking and changing the provider, it is also loved by the consumer. An important advantage is a large community of users who modify the firmware, which significantly improves the performance of the gadget. Work in all current LTE bands and the ability to connect external antennas will greatly simplify the work with the device.

This 4g modem would look like a device without weaknesses, but the technological solution in such a wide body interferes with the use of neighboring USB ports, which can complicate the interaction with your equipment. The price is not high - about 2500 rubles.

TP Link TL-MR6400

A multitasking device that combines the functionality of a NAT router, a 4-port switch, and a built-in 3G / 4G modem allows you not to use additional devices and stay connected all the time. By inserting the SIM card into this device the user will be able to have uninterrupted access to the Internet both at home and in the office or on vacation. Stylish design and modern beamforming technology, which allows the device to independently route the signal and increase its power, will be a nice addition.

The disadvantages of the router are obvious - this is no longer a “baby” that fits in your pocket, but a full-fledged router, supplemented by the reception function LTE signal. The lack of instructions in Russian can become an insurmountable barrier for people who do not speak foreign languages. This device is not as easy to use as whistles, and therefore you may need the help of a specialist in setting up routers. The price for a router is from 6500 rubles, which is an excellent indicator for such a powerful gadget.

TP-LINK M7350

Another TP-LINK, but already supporting LTE-ADVANCED. Good and informative screen and capacious battery with a capacity of 2550 mAh, promising to work for at least 10 hours without recharging, look like a good offer for the market.

Despite the promised speed of up to 300 megabits, in any case, the router will not show more speed than your operator offers, and therefore the Advanced prefix should not be misleading. TP-LINK has traditionally released a value-for-money solution, and also provided customers with the opportunity to choose their preferred operator on their own. A good resume for a router for 5000 rubles.

Glad to see everyone back on our blog!
Surely you have noticed that some models of routers, in addition to other connectors, have a USB port on their case, and some even have two. Some of you even know why you need it, because you use it to connect a 3G / 4G modem or flash drive. However, few people know about all the possibilities of using the USB connector on a WiFi router. In this article I will list everything that can be connected to USB port router and show how useful it can be to use.

Why do you need a router with a USB port?

The functionality of a wifi router with a USB port differs from and depends on the manufacturer and specific model. Moreover, with each new firmware it also introduces new possibilities for using the USB port. For example, support for some new modems or the creation virtual server. Let's take a closer look at them on TP-Link, Asus, Zyxel, D-Link and others routers.

USB port on the router for 3G/4G modem

I don’t know how anyone, but personally I bought my first router with a USB port in the country in order to be able to connect to mobile internet not only from one laptop, but from several devices at once. The first time I did this was a long time ago, when it was a whole problem to find a compatible router and modem between the cathedral. I then, succumbing to a marketing move, chose a combination Zyxel router Keenetic 4G and Yota modem, as the ad said that these two devices were "made for each other."

Now I’m sure that it was possible to look for other options, but then I didn’t really want to delve into it and I took a ready-made solution. I discussed in detail about the operation of such a tandem in an article about selection and connection.

WiFi router with USB port for connecting an external drive

The second thing I had to deal with was connecting to the USB port of the router external drive. At first it was just a flash drive, but after “trying out” this method, I began to use a full-fledged HDD. For what? It's simple - it can be used as a network file storage and accessed via WiFi not only from one PC, but also from any phone and TV set-top box.

This is very convenient - after all, I used to download the same videos from my computer to a USB flash drive, then I took it out, connected it to the console, and then I already watched them on big screen TV. With the setup of the network storage, these unnecessary actions are gone and all the necessary files become visible on wireless network on all devices at once.

When we connected the drive to the USB connector of the router, there are several configuration options:

network printer

- another cool setting, with the help of which a printer is connected to the router in the USB port and it is also shared via wifi from any device. Print a document from a smartphone? No problem, for this now you do not need, as before, to connect it to a computer and transfer it to a hard drive, or by e-mail.

What to look for when choosing a router with a USB port?

In general, you have already seen the benefits of having and using a USB port on the router. Now I would like to give some practical advice if you still decide to "have" such a thing.

• The first thing to pay attention to is that the connector is exactly the USB 3.0 standard in order to work at the highest possible speed. If you want to create a media server and stream video from it to high resolution, then USB 2.0 may not be able to cope with the task and constantly slow down. It would be a shame to spend several thousand rubles, and in the end not be able to fully use all the "goodies". The same applies to the drive connected to it - a flash drive or hard drive must have
• Without deviating far from the topic of external drives, keep in mind that a connected drive is often powered from the USB port itself, but in some routers its power may not be enough for anything other than data transfer. Worry in advance - ask the seller, read the reviews -
  so that the router can transfer power to the disk via USB, or the hard drive itself must have external power- there are such models.
• Pay attention to the supported functionality of the USB port of the router. Even if this connector is present, this does not mean that everything that I described above will work on this model. There are routers that work with flash drives but don't support modems, or vice versa. For example, Apple Airport (by the way, a cool router) has a USB connector on board, but it does not have DLNA, nor can you connect the Internet via LTE - it is only needed to create your own media server that only works on Apple devices and iTunes. Or, as in the case of Xiaomi, there is a connector, you can use it as a fall server, but that's bad luck - only through special application, which is installed on a computer, and dealing with it, despite the fact that everything is in Chinese, is not very easy, and it is not convenient either.
• The same applies to compatibility with 3G / 4G modems - there are a huge number of models, but not all are recognized by certain routers.

  A list of devices that are guaranteed to be friends with each other can be found on the official website of the router manufacturer. Look also at the descriptions of recent official or custom firmware- it is possible with a firmware update that the router, which the modem did not recognize before, will suddenly work with it. So it was, for example, with me when I installed software from Padavan on one of the Asus.

• Finally, as I wrote above, there are modifications in which 2 USB ports are built in at once, such as, for example, in the Zyxel Keenetic Giga II. As you understand, the more, the better - it will be possible to connect both a USB flash drive and a printer at the same time.

I think now you have no questions left, why do you need a USB port in the router and how to use it?

Thank you! Did not help

Technologies / 14.12.2018

Router for 4G modem: choose the best one

In this review, we will touch on such a thing as a router for a 4G modem. Let's review several options for equipment, give detailed description and analyze the functionality, cost of goods and specifications. This article will be useful to those who are looking for the best technique for home installation to get stable network access.

A Wi-Fi router for a 4G modem is an opportunity to provide traffic to several devices at once. At the same time, the installation of equipment guarantees the security of transmitted and received data and high speed. Routers that support 4G modems are in particular demand among those who live where there are no wired networks of providers. So, let's discuss the various options for equipment.

Model overview

Choosing a router with a 4G modem is not always easy - you need to clearly understand for what purpose you are buying equipment and what parameters it must meet. Our review will help you decide on a purchase - just study the presented technique and make a choice.

Please note that we give the approximate cost of routers for working with a 4G modem - the real price in different stores may vary up or down.

ZyXEL USG40

The cost is 25,000 rubles.

This is a rather expensive model of a Wi-Fi router with support for 3G, 4G modems, but high price justified by the following:

• Enhanced information security (great option for creating corporate network);
• High connection speed (especially wired);
• Network reception from three providers at once, which ensures the reliability of the connection.

Characteristics:

• Data transfer rate over WAN reaches 1 Gbps;
• Wireless - up to 450 Mbps;
• Frequencies: 2.4 and 5 GHz;
• Number of connected antennas: 2 (5 dBi each).

Consider the following Wi-Fi router with a 4G modem.

ASUS RT-AC68U_W

The price is 10,500 rubles

main feature This equipment lies in the great possibilities of amplifying the signal - such power is enough even for a very large room.

Main characteristics:

• Frequencies - 2.4 and 5 GHz;
• Wireless speed - up to 1900 Mbps;
• Data transfer over LAN - up to 1 Gbps;
• The signal gain is 15 dBi.

Our next hero is a router with a built-in 3G/4G modem.

Huawei B593

The cost is about 5 thousand.

Huawei modem 4G + Wi-Fi router is a great offer for those who want to get a stable connection at a low price (about five thousand rubles).

The device has the following features:

• Support for GSM network operators;
• The simplest settings to get started;
• 2 USB ports for connecting a network printer or USB storage;
• Availability of 4 LAN RG-45 ports for connecting via twisted pair devices.

Main characteristics:

• The maximum incoming / outgoing speed is 100 and 50 Mbps, respectively;
• 4G/ LTE bands LTE Band 3/7/20 (800/1800/2600 MHz);
• 3G bands HSPA/ HSPA+/ UMTS (900/ 2100 MHz);
• WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n up to 32 users;
• LAN ports LAN 4 (100 Mbps).

This is a wonderful router with a USB port for 4G tethering, which features stable performance. Consider next option offered at an even more affordable price.

ASUS DSL-N17U

The cost of the product is 3000 rubles.

A feature of the equipment can be called the availability of free cloud storage included (for the most common operating systems) And GUI. Allows you to organize multiple wireless networks and secure data transmission.

Product parameters:

• Operating frequency - 2.4 GHz;
• Wireless network transmission - up to 300 Mbps;
• LAN speed - up to 1000 Mbps;
• Signal amplification up to 10 dBi.

Now let's discuss the router for the YOTA 4 Ji modem, a common equipment for accessing the network.

ZyXEL Keenetic DSL

The issue price is about 3.5 thousand rubles.

One of the best options for the use of the provider allows you to provide a large room with a network - even several apartments. In addition, the router with a USB port for a 4G modem works with MMO technology, which allows you to significantly expand the channel bandwidth and gain access to additional services(eg television).

Note the equipment parameters:

• Information transfer over a wireless network - up to 300 Mbps, over a wired network - up to 100 Mbps;
• Two antennas;
• Signal amplification: 2х5 dBi;
• Operating frequencies - 2.4 GHz.

Choose best router for a USB 4G modem is not so easy, but we will tell you about one of the fastest models.

ASUS RT-AC87U

The cost is from six to seven thousand rubles.

The features of this model can be considered a stylish design and excellent amplification - this is not just a router with an external antenna. There are four antennas in the equipment. To call it one of the most powerful types of technology allows the performance indicator - 2334 Mbps!

Options:

• Coverage area - up to 465 square meters;
• Support for 300,000 connections (which means downloading unlimited number files);
• Wi-Fi speed - up to 1734 Mbps, LAN - 1000 Mbps;
• Signal amplification up to 20 dBi.

Let's discuss one more inexpensive option.

ASUS RT-AC51U

The price is about 2.5 thousand.

This equipment operates in two ranges and is characterized by:

• stable work;
• Increased coverage area;
• The absence of problem areas of work;
• Simultaneous action of four devices;
• The ability to connect a printer and external drives.

Key Features:

• Gain up to 10 dBi;
• Two antennas;
• Frequencies: 2.4 and 5 GHz;
• Wireless transmission data - up to 733 Mbps, wired - 100 Mbps.

The next participant in the review is a 4G mobile router modem with Wi-Fi.

Huawei E5573

The cost is about three thousand rubles.

portable model has three indicators:

• Battery charge level;
• Data reception level;

Product parameters:

• Working time - 5 hours;
• Capacity - 1500 mAh;
• Data transfer at speeds up to 150 Mbps;
• Operating frequencies - from 800 to 2600 MHz;
• Weight - 95 grams;
• Dimensions - 96.8x58x14.4 mm.

Our last hero is a device with a SIM card.

ASUS 4G-N12

The cost is about 8.5 thousand.

Separately, it is worth noting the following factors:

• Stylish design;
• High quality performance;
• The presence of adapters for micro- and nano sim cards;
• Work without breaks.

Technical specifications:

• Frequency range - 2.4 GHz;
• Maximum speed - 300 Mbps;
• Two antennas (external);
• Gain - 2 dBi.

We reviewed the best WiFi routers with support for 4G modems, study our list, choose your favorite models and purchase reliable equipment at an affordable price.