So I've been looking at purchasing a 4G/LTE USB Modem to go along with the GL.iNet routers I have (Shadow, Brume-W, Opal and soon Slate AX) for when I'm travelling around (I don't have a 4G GL.iNet Router unfortunately).
I'm starting to realize that it may be more hassle than it's worth.
Here are the Pros/Cons I've gathered for both options. Any additions or corrections would be greatly appreciated.


4G/LTE USB Modem

Getspeed Product Page

Pros

• Less power draw.
• Smaller footprint.
• All data funnelled to GL.iNet Router.

Cons

• May not cover all bands.
• May not be as fast speed as a fairly recent iPhone (8 Plus).
• Kind of expensive now for the ones that are compatible with GL.iNet routers.
  
  

Old iPhone (8 Plus)

Pros

• Basically plug and play with practically any SIM card available globally.
• Easy to set up the SIM via settings.
• Decently fast when tethered or used as a hotspot.
• Can be an emergency backup for SMS or calling (if available from carrier).
• Has built in battery.

Cons

• Way more power hungry.
• Can't stop from charging if using battery pack unless in Wifi Hotspot mode which effects router speed.
• Much bigger footprint than a tiny dongle.
• Lightning cable limited to USB 2.0 speeds (480Mbps) which is probably enough in most cases.
• May have to do TTL trick depending on carrier limitations.
• may 'steal' data for it's own resources (may be able to delete all apps that periodically check for data or turn Cellular Data off in settings).

Is there anything I'm missing from these lists? Are there any definitive arguments for one way or the other that I either missed or am not understanding properly?

Thanks so much for any help!

I totally agree. I replace my smartphones every 3-4 years, so they become 'free' modems/hotspots. LTE modems are expensive and are quickly obsoleted, whereas my old smartphones are at least moving with technology. They serve as good backups for camera, mail, other apps and if battery dies in my main .

I also have inexpensive Huawei ECs-609 and Huawei Es-856 mifi hotspots, which cover most bands for domestic/international travel and fit in small pockets.

I do not work for and I do not have formal association with GL.iNet

I bought a cheap xiaomi 5g and a glinet slate. Usb tethered them for fast 5g internet but the pass through rate is only 200mb even though the can reach 500mb+ not sure where the restriction happens.

The plus side is fast unlimited Internet for £20 a month that has no restrictions at all (provider dependent). You are not location restricted if you decide to move you'll always have Internet, useful if you are staying somewhere without Internet so long as it gets a cell signal.

The down side is if you live in a built up area the internet speeds are often all over the place with the occasional disconnect just when you least need one. It depends how many other people have had the same idea as you'

My advice is to at least try it once because if you don't you'll always wonder if it was a good idea or not. But the caveat is you'll probably spend as much if not more on the gear to do it as you would a year fibre optic package. Its for the hobo lifestyle IMHO.

Smarty mobile in the UK. Occasionally they do deals and slash prices on the unlimited and double the other tariffs data' It's a Virtual Mobile Network Operator using the O2 network who are more expensive'

The ethernet has a problem, keeping the charged. The slate keeps the charged at the same time. I tried that one and now have a spare USB C ethernet adapter' Along with other gadgets that failed until I stumbled across these brilliant glinet contraptions.

Benefits of 4G WiFi Dongle for All Sim: How to Choose, Configure, and Troubleshoot?

What is a SIM-based WiFi Dongle?

A SIM WiFi dongle is a small, portable device that connects to the internet via SIM card (cellular network), allowing multiple devices to access the internet wirelessly. Unlike traditional routers, which are fixed in one place, these devices are mobile and can be used anywhere with cellular coverage. The primary function of a Wi-Fi dongle is to provide a WiFi hotspot, enabling smartphones, laptops, and other devices to connect to the internet. Furthermore, this device can be used with any network SIM card to access the internet.

How Does it Work?

A SIM-supporting WiFi dongle uses a SIM card to connect to the internet. When the dongle is plugged into a USB port or a power bank, it communicates with the cellular network and creates a WiFi hotspot. This allows multiple devices to connect to the hotspot wirelessly using the same cellular data connection.

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Why Should You Use a 4G WiFi Data Card That Supports All SIM? ' The Benefits

Using a SIM Network Support, Data Card offers several benefits, including:

• Convenience: It allows you to connect to the internet on the go, without relying on public Wi-Fi networks.

• Flexibility: You can use a 4G SIM dongle anywhere with cellular coverage, whether at home, in the office, or on the move.

• Cost-effective: A 4g USB dongle can be more cost-effective than a traditional broadband connection, especially if you only need internet access occasionally.

• Easy to use: A WiFi data card is easy to set up and use, even with little technical knowledge.

What are the Limitations of Using a SIM WiFi Dongle?

While a 4G Wi-Fi USB data card offers many benefits, it also has some limitations, including:

• Limited data allowance: Most cellular networks have data limits, which can be costly if you exceed them.

• Signal strength: The performance of the dongle can be affected by the strength of the cellular signal in your area.

• Speed: Cellular networks can be slower than traditional broadband connections, especially during peak usage periods.

How to Choose the Best WiFi SIM Dongle for Your Needs?

When choosing a Wi Fi dongle stick, you should consider the following factors:

Compatibility: Make sure the dongle is compatible with the cellular network you plan to use.

Speed: Look for a modem with fast download and upload speeds, especially if you need to use it for video conferencing or streaming.

Coverage: Check the coverage of the cellular network in your area, as this will affect the performance of the dongle.

Security: Select a dongle with encryption and other security features to protect your data.SIM 

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A portable wifi dongle is a perfect pick if you are on holiday, travelling, sitting in a cafe, or in a park. It can be carried anywhere you go so that you can use the internet wherever you want.

• Fast download rate up to 150Mbps, upload rate up to 50Mbps
• LED indicating lamp displays the device's working status
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• Wifi 4g dongle for all sim networks

How to Set Up and Configure a 4G WiFi Dongle with SIM support?

Setting up and configuring a 4G WiFi dongle with a SIM slot is a straightforward process. Here are the basic steps:

1. Insert the SIM card into the dongle.
2. Plug it into a USB port or power bank.
3. Turn on the device and wait for it to establish a connection to the cellular network.
4. Connect to the Wi-Fi hotspot using the password provided with the dongle.
5. Configure the dongle settings as required, such as changing the SSID or password.

What are the Differences Between SIM Slot WiFi Dongles and Traditional WiFi Routers?

The main differences between SIM WiFi dongles and traditional WiFi routers are:

Portability: WiFi dongles are small and portable, while traditional routers are fixed in one location.

Connectivity: WiFi data cards connect to the internet via a cellular network, while traditional routers connect to a broadband connection.

Range: Traditional WiFi routers usually have a larger range than WiFi dongle sticks, which can be limited by the strength of the cellular signal in the area.

Number of devices: Traditional WiFi routers can usually connect to more devices than WiFi dongles.

How to Troubleshoot Common Issues with SIM WiFi Dongles?

If you encounter issues with your Wireless dongle with all SIM support, here are some troubleshooting steps you can take:

1. Check your cellular signal strength: Weak signal strength can affect the performance of your dongle. Try moving to a location with a stronger signal.
2. Restart your dongle: Sometimes restarting the device can fix common issues.
3. Check your data plan: Ensure you have sufficient data and haven't exceeded your data limit.
4. Check your device connections: Verify that your device is connected to the dongle's WiFi hotspot and that the password is correct.
5. Reset your dongle: If all else fails, try resetting your modem to its default settings.

Best Usage Practices to Ensure Security and Privacy

To ensure the security and privacy of your datacard when using a WiFi dongle for all SIM, follow these best practices:

1. Change the default password: When you first set up your 4G dongle, change the default password to something unique and strong.
2. Enable encryption: Make sure your data card is set to use encryption, such as WPA2, to protect your data.
3. Disable guest access: Turn off guest access to your dongle to prevent unauthorized access.
4. Use a VPN: Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your privacy.
5. Regularly update firmware: Keep your dongle's firmware up-to-date to ensure it has the latest security features and bug fixes.

How to Boost the Performance of Your 4G Dongle with SIM slot?

To improve the performance of your wireless SIM data card, try these tips:

• Position the dongle properly: Place the dongle in an area with good cellular signal strength and away from other electronic devices that may interfere with the signal.

• Use a signal booster: Consider using a cellular signal booster to improve the strength of the signal in your area.

• Update drivers: Make sure you have the latest drivers for your dongle, as outdated drivers can affect performance.

• Use an external antenna: If your 4G dongle has an external antenna connector, consider using an external antenna to improve the signal strength.

• Optimize settings: Adjust the settings on your data card, such as the channel or frequency, to optimize performance.

Conclusion:

A 4G WiFi USB dongle with SIM slot is a convenient and flexible way to access the internet on the go, providing a WiFi hotspot that can be used with any SIM network. When choosing a dongle, consider factors such as compatibility, speed, coverage, and security. While there are limitations to using a dongle, such as limited data allowance and signal strength, there are also ways to boost its performance, such as using a signal booster or updating drivers. To ensure security and privacy, change the default password, enable encryption, and use a VPN. By following these best practices, you can enjoy the benefits of a 4G WiFi while protecting your data and improving its performance.

About Vineet Choudhary

Vineet is a technical writer and digital marketing specialist with a passion for simplifying complex technology for a wider audience. With several years of experience in the industry, Vineet has a deep understanding of the latest trends and developments in the field of IoT and surveillance systems. He currently works as a technical writer and digital marketing specialist at HH devices, where he is responsible for creating technical documentation, product descriptions, and creating digital marketing campaigns to promote the company's products. In his free time, Vineet enjoys writing about the latest advancements in technology and sharing his insights with a wider audience. View all posts by Vineet Choudhary '

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