This article is for those who need the ability to "deploy" their own WiFi network in hiking conditions. To implement this idea, you will need a portable wifi router.

This device has a compact size, and is able to create a wireless network almost anywhere in a matter of minutes. Let's look at the main features and configuration options of this device.

Using a portable router

There are many ways to use this device. But as the name suggests, main feature is the possibility of convenient transportation - put it in your pocket and forget it. Arrived at any destination, needed WiFi internet, took the router out of the bag, pressed one button and all the wireless access is ready.

Modern portable routers are equipped with a 3G modem, a built-in battery, a memory card slot and various connectors for connecting to a computer. All this makes these devices indispensable assistants in "marching" conditions. They can work in different modes: access point, repeater, bridge, client, and, of course, the router itself.

Let's go directly to the consideration of a portable router and take the Alcatel Y580D router, branded by the MTS provider with the new name MTS 411D, as a basis.

Working with a router

Before starting work, write down the number located on the battery sticker, this is the access code for the wireless network (it can be changed later).

To work with the router, you should press the power button, and it will automatically create a wireless network, to which it is possible to connect with a pre-recorded key. If your 3G card has Internet access, then it can be used by all devices connected via WiFi. This router has a settings web interface, let's look at its capabilities. On the device connected to the router, launch the browser and write the standard address - 192.168.1.1, the start page opens. For full access, enter the password - admin in the field, click - Login. Now let's look at each tab separately.

start page

Connection tab

In this tab, you can find out the amount of received traffic, connection time, etc. You can also turn off Internet access, view usage statistics, and see devices connected to the router.

Connection statistics

Quick setup tab

This paragraph implements the ability to change the administrator password from admin to your own. You can also change the SSID of the router (the name under which it is seen by connected devices).

password change

SMS tab

This is an interface designed to work with SMS. In this tab, you can write and send a message, view incoming SMS, it is possible to change the parameters for sending and receiving messages.

Sending SMS

USSD tab

In this interface, you can see your balance, see the amount of remaining traffic. Also here is the registered number of your SIM card - you can peep if you forgot it.

Balance check

Portable router settings

This tab consists of five sub-tabs: Wi-Fi, WPS, Router, Language, System.

WiFi

Here we enter the following values:

• 802.11 mode - this router works with d\g\n modes. To be sure, set it to automatic.
• Broadcast SSID - if you turn it off, the network name will not be displayed when searching for wireless devices.
• Wi-Fi channel - usually set to automatic. In case of conflicts between routers, you can set a free channel.
• maximum number of users - set the value that determines the maximum number of simultaneously connected wireless devices.
• Access Point Isolation - Enabled in public areas to minimize the possibility of unauthorized access.

WiFi settings

WPS

It stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup, a standard for semi-automatic creation of a wireless network. If you are not familiar with the router settings, you can activate it, and WPS will create a wireless network by itself.

WPS activation

Automatic DHCP network address assignment

IP address setting:

• The IP address of the router is the address of the connection to the web interface.
• subnet mask - leave it as it is.
• DHCP server - automatic mode of assigning IP addresses.
• range of DHCP IP addresses – you can set the range of assigned IP addresses.
• lease period for IP addresses - to be sure, set the maximum value.

DHCP settings

MAC filter

An additional security measure - you can assign access to the MAC addresses of devices you know, and then no other devices will be able to connect to your router.

MAC filtering

Settings interface language, system

Here we select the interface language.

Language selection

This subparagraph summarizes all information about the software version and hardware stuffing of the router. You can also save the entered settings, or you can restore from a previously saved file.

Menu - System

That's all. Now, if you want, you can configure your router individually, and if not, then connect to it and work with factory settings.

Overview of a portable Wi-fi router

In the usual user's view, a router is a device that receives the Internet from a provider via cable, and then distributes it via air or wires to client devices. However, there is a separate type of routers that are not tied to a cable and work wherever there is cellular network coverage. These are portable (pocket) Wi-Fi routers. What is it and why are they needed, we will tell in this article.

Types of routers

There are three main types of routers:

• Ethernet routers. This is the type of routers familiar to most users that connects to the provider via a twisted pair cable. A special cable is brought to your apartment or office, which provides data reception and transmission at speeds up to 100 megabits per second. This cable connects to a router, which then distributes the Internet to your computer, laptop and smartphone. Older models were not equipped with a Wi-Fi module, so client devices were also connected to them using a twisted pair cable. Modern devices operate in wireless network mode and can be connected to them over the air.
• ADSL routers. They are a hybrid of an ADSL modem and a router. They receive internet from a telephone line and then distribute it via cable or Wi-Fi.
• LTE router. This is a portable portable router that works in 3G and 4G mobile networks. This router does not need wires. It receives the Internet over the air in the coverage area of ​​the mobile operator, and then distributes it over the air to other mobile devices in the same way.

Just about the third type of routers and will be discussed.

Why you need a pocket router

Today Mobile Internet still remains expensive and the most in comparison with the wired data transfer method. However, it is indispensable on the road or, for example, outside the city in the country, where a wired connection is not available. Wherever there is coverage of your mobile operator, the Internet will work one way or another.

Almost all mobile users use mobile Internet on their phones. To do this, you do not need to purchase additional devices - any modern smartphone does an excellent job with this task. Then why do you need a pocket Wi-Fi router?

Consider the main reasons for using:

• A portable router allows you to organize access to the Internet from several devices at once, regardless of which tariff of which operator is used for them. And even on those devices that are not connected to the mobile network, for example, on tablets without a built-in 3G function.
• All devices connected to such a router use the Internet within the tariff package installed on it. That is, if an unlimited package is paid for on the router, it will be unlimited for all devices connected to it. No need to separately pay unlimited for each smartphone.
• You can connect not only a smartphone or tablet to a portable router, but also any device equipped with a Wi-Fi module. For example, a laptop. And it is comfortable to use the Internet where there is no access to the services of cable providers.

At the same time, pocket routers weigh a little, are compact and can long time work at the expense of the rechargeable battery, which makes them truly mobile.

Main technical characteristics

In general, portable Wi-Fi routers work in the same way, but differ in their technical specifications:

• Communication standards. Mobile routers operate in CDMA, GSM, UMTS, 4G LTE networks. There are routers that support several standards. There are sharpened under a specific standard.
• Transfer rate. Depends on the communication standard and model used. It can be 3.1 Mbps or up to 14-16 Mbps. There are routers with higher speeds - 42.2 Mbps in 3G networks and up to 300 Mbps in 4G networks. However, most operators today are not yet able to provide such a speed.
• Radius of action. Depending on the model, the Wi-Fi signal coverage of a portable router can be from 10 to 30 meters.
• Battery Life. Depends on the capacity of the battery and can be from 2 to 15 hours.
• Work via USB cable as a modem. All routers can connect to a computer via a USB port, but not all models can distribute the Internet to a computer via a USB cable.
• Maximum number of connections. In budget models, the number of simultaneously connected users is usually limited to four. In more expensive ones, it can reach 10-15.
• External antenna. Most pocket Wi-Fi routers have a connector for connecting an external antenna. This allows you to use the device in a bad signal area.
• File Server. Modern portable routers are equipped with a slot for connecting an SD memory card and can be used as a network storage device.
• Support for RUIM cards(similar to SIM in mobile phones). On some mobile routers, data on the number and connection parameters are flashed in the device itself, and changing the operator in this case is not so easy. This requires a flashing in the service center. In models with support for RUIM cards, it is enough to simply replace the card as in a regular mobile phone.

Choice of operator and communication tariff

Today, all Russian mobile operators provide 3G/4G Internet services. Also, users are offered a wide range of tariffs from budget to unlimited on an all-inclusive basis. The choice of operator and tariff depends on how often and where you plan to use the mobile Internet.

Consider the main telecom operators:

• MTS. The main advantage of this operator is a large selection of tariffs. As well as a large coverage map. The Internet speed of MTS is not higher than that of other operators, and in small towns the Internet is often very slow. Of the main disadvantages - price policy. This is the most expensive operator to date.
• Beeline. This operator will please relatively low prices. However good speed Internet is available only in large cities and their suburbs.
• Megaphone. Today is the fastest provider of mobile Internet. Guarantees stable work in large cities. Constantly expands the coverage area by increasing the number of base stations. Of the minuses - the price of the service is not the lowest.
• Tele 2. It cannot boast of good coverage due to the small number of base stations. However, where there is coverage, the Internet works stably and on high speed. At the same time, the prices for services are quite democratic.

First of all, when choosing an operator, you should make sure how well it works in your area.

If you plan to use the mobile Internet in the city, then you don’t have to bother with this - in most large settlements problems with work mobile operators no. However, if the Internet is needed in the country or for trips to the countryside, it is worth checking the coverage of which providers are available there. The best option is to take the router for testing. Many stores provide this service. In this case, you can check the quality of the connection on the spot.

As for the tariff, it all depends on how often you use it. If the Internet is needed for a trip to the country for the weekend or for business trips, then paying an expensive monthly tariff does not make sense. Get a daily rate package. For example, Internet XS from Megafon. If you need the Internet all the time, especially if the mobile router is yours the only way connection to the network, then you should think about purchasing an unlimited package. True, they are not cheap.

Which is better to choose

There are many offers of mobile routers on the market. What to choose?

Basically, the functionality of portable routers is practically the same. Therefore, the choice should be guided by the following criteria:

• A pocket router means mobility. This means it can be used on long trips. That's why pay attention to battery capacity. The larger it is, the longer your device will be able to work autonomously. If you plan to use the router while traveling, you should choose a model with a battery capacity of at least 1500 milliamps. Such a battery guarantees you 4-5 hours of continuous operation. Also make sure that changing the battery on your device will not cause problems.
• Number of connections. If you plan to use a router to connect two or three devices, then this will not be a problem. The minimum number of connections on mobile routers is usually at least four. If your router will work in an office where many client devices are used, then it makes sense to purchase a more expensive model with connectivity more devices.
• Radius of action. If the router is always in your bag or pocket, this parameter does not matter much. But if you plan, for example, to use it in the country and want the signal to cover the entire area, then specify at what distance the connection to the router will be stable. Some routers are equipped with an additional antenna socket, to which you can connect an antenna that amplifies the Wi-Fi signal.
• Transfer rate. The quality of mobile Internet is constantly improving, so if you want to have access to the network at a good speed and your provider provides it, get a router that supports the desired speed.

Huawei E5776

Works on both 3G and 4G networks. It is equipped with a powerful battery with a capacity of 3000 milliamps, which provides autonomous operation of the device up to eight hours. Ten client devices can be connected to the router at the same time. The weight of the device is 150 grams.

TP-LINK M7350

A good router that also works in 3G / 4G mode. Equipped with a 2550 milliamp battery. The device is a compromise between price and quality. Suitable for most users. At the same time, its price is significantly lower than the previous model.

ZTE MF90

A budget router for users who do not have high requirements for such devices. This model has a minimalistic design and basic functionality. At the same time, it is equipped with a 2300 milliamp battery, thanks to which it can work up to 5 hours offline. Allows you to connect up to ten users at the same time. One of the minuses is the lack of a jack for connecting an external antenna.

This article will help those people who have heard about the existence of portable Wi-Fi routers, but do not fully understand what it is and what this device is intended for. Suitable for those who have already decided to purchase a portable Wi-Fi gadget, but do not know how to choose the right one among the many models on our market.

Let's start with what kind of device it is and about its areas of application.

A portable Wi-Fi router is a mobile device that receives a signal from the operator's network and re-eats the Internet over WiFi networks. You can connect to it any device that can receive the Internet via a Wi-Fi network (phones, smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, TVs, IPTV players). Moreover, you can connect several devices at the same time. The portable Wi-Fi router operates in the 802.11 b/g/n standard (up to 150 Mbps). The range of the average model is 10-20 meters.

Portable routers can be used in cases where it is impossible to access conventional cable Internet and for trips to places with limited access to the Internet (to nature, fishing, to the country), going to a cafe, library, school. It is convenient to take with you on business trips, take with you for presentations. And most importantly, with such a device you can use the Internet even in the absence of electricity in the network.

Each device of this type has its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

• Suitable for Wi-Fi connection with almost all devices.
• Own battery, no need to connect additional power cords through other devices.
• Usually the tariff for the Internet is cheaper than on mobile phones, smartphones.
• Stable good Wi-Fi signal.
• The ability to use the router both at home and outside the city.

Flaws:

• You will have to carry another gadget in your pocket or purse.
• There is no auto-off mode (it's easy to forget to turn off the device after work).
• Short battery life from 2 to 5 hours, even for models with large batteries no more than 12 hours.
• Some models may work unstably in rooms, car interiors with high temperatures and high humidity. But this is a problem with many electronic gadgets.

Now you can move on to the purchase itself. How to choose the right device for you, because in our stores and sites there are now a lot that allows you to receive the Internet that is so necessary for us without wires. When choosing a portable Wi-Fi router, there are many factors to consider.

• Decide on the choice of provider (operator providing services). An important factor is the coverage of a particular mobile operator.
• The presence of a connector for connecting an antenna (to increase the signal strength of a portable device).
• Operating conditions, whether the device will be stationary or constantly moving with you. Here an important factor is the dimensions, weight and autonomy (battery capacity) portable wifi router.
• Familiarize yourself with the operating instructions, technical characteristics and operating conditions of the device.

When buying in stores or communication salons, a sales manager will surely help you. And when buying in online stores, it is better to use the provided filters that will facilitate your choice. Or contact the online manager.

Almost every city dweller has a smartphone, tablet, laptop or other digital equipment that connects the user with global network. Social networks, interesting information, series and films, match results, weather forecasts - this is not a complete list of what a modern person needs for comfortable leisure and life in general.

It is good to have stable access to the Internet, but there are not always places with Wi-Fi distribution or the tariff plan allows. To save money and stay online, a pocket Wi-Fi router has been developed that runs on a battery and is able to provide stable communication even over distances. A handy device that fits in your pocket, you can take it with you on a fishing trip, on a business trip, travel, or simply use it to expand the access zone in the apartment.

Pocket (portable) router: general information

The device is a small plastic box, the dimensions of which depend on the specific manufacturer, power and special parameters, battery size, model and purpose. As a rule, these are devices that do not exceed the dimensions credit card or flash drive. For continuous operation from 2.5 to 12 hours, a battery is built into the pocket wifi router. Its capacity can be different, which is why there is such a large variation in battery life. Charging is done from the USB port when the device is connected to a computer or laptop.

The scope of the equipment is quite wide: in a cafe, library, school, country house, fishing or nature, for presentations, on business trips, etc. Its advantage is autonomous operation without the need to connect to the mains. In addition, in areas with a low signal level of the apartment, you can amplify it, which will save you from communication breaks and the need to constantly stay near the main device.

Most devices provide for the presence of a SIM card of a certain operator, and there are also routers without reference to tariff plan specific company. It should be understood that such features increase the price of the device.

Approximate characteristics of devices

A pocket-sized device in the mode of a router, access point or repeater operates on a Wi-Fi network, receiving this signal and transmitting it to other devices at an average distance of 10-20 m. IPTV players, TVs, desktop computers, laptops, tablets can be connected to the equipment , smartphones, phones and other devices capable of catching these waves.

The device has a built-in modem, through which it connects to the network (you need to know the connection data), providing data transfer rates at the input - up to 100 Mbps, at the output - up to 150 Mbps. Works in the network standard 802.11 b/g/n. Modern devices can operate on a 4G network, and all available on the market support 3G.

For pocket Wi-Fi, you will have to pay from 900 rubles for the simplest model with minimal characteristics and optional. The main condition for stable operation and a good signal is the presence of a mobile operator's point in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe router.

Features of setting up and operating a portable router

The device can operate in the following modes:

• Access point;
• Router;
• Client.

Access point mode

In this mode, the pocket router behaves like . The device connects wirelessly to the main router and distributes it further to inaccessible areas. The access point is configured by connecting to a computer or laptop. Usually devices have their own admin panel, which can be accessed by IP address, most often written in reverse side. As in the settings of a conventional router, there you can make additional connection settings, set your own password or encryption method for the signal transmitted by the router.

Normal router mode

In this mode, the device works like a regular, stationary router. It is configured in the same way by entering the data provided by your provider. This is the easiest and most common way to use a portable router.

Client mode

In this mode, the pocket wifi router can directly connect with a cable to a computer or other device and receive the Internet wirelessly. This will allow you to receive wireless Internet even to those devices that do not have their own wi-fi module.

Advantages and disadvantages of portable routers

Like any equipment, a portable router has its pros and cons. The main advantages of this device are:

• Mobility and broad scope application in any conditions (even far from the city limits);
• The signal is stable;
• Compared to tariffs for smartphones and phones, the cost of connecting through a portable Wi-Fi router is much lower;
• Built-in battery allows you to use without recharging for several hours;
• Compatible with most Wi-Fi enabled devices.

• Poor performance in conditions of high humidity or high temperatures;
• Battery life is relatively short, recharging is still required. When leaving the city, it is advisable to take a mobile battery (power bank) with you;
• There is no auto-shutoff mode at the end of operation.

Conclusion

This equipment will be an excellent assistant in organizing access to the Internet anywhere. When choosing a pocket wifi router, you need to pay attention to:

• Possibility to change the SIM card;
• Availability of WPA2, WPA and WEP encryption;
• Tia and wireless connection standard;
• Built-in battery capacity;
• USB ports, speed, their number;
• The maximum speed of transmission and reception of information;
• The possibility of installing an antenna or its presence.

I welcome everyone! Today we will talk about a mini 3G router with Wi-Fi support.
In short, this device will come in handy if you want to provide somewhere (well, let's say on the road, or in nature), access to high speed internet. Moreover, the device from which you plan to go online does not need 3G support! It is enough to have a Wi-Fi module on such a device.
Further details.
Having a sad experience in the past, when the link to the store was opened incorrectly, I give an alternative link in advance:

To be precise, this gadget does not provide Internet access by itself; you will need a regular USB 3G modem to work. As I suppose, this is not such a problem, many already have this modem anyway.

Here the question arises: if we already have a 3G modem, then what prevents us from inserting it directly into the device from which we plan to access the Internet? Here it should be borne in mind that even having a gadget with a USB port is not at all necessary that you can connect a 3G modem to it. Here is a vivid example: I recently reviewed a tablet (), where everything is fine with USB ports, but it does not support any external USB modems. In any case, I did not succeed, but by the way, on the store's website it was directly said about the lack of support for such modems.

Or another example - my old man, the Samsung S5620 phone has Wi-Fi there, but as you understand, there is no question of any modems. In general, such an autonomous 3G router is a very useful thing in the household.

Outwardly, this router looks very much like a regular computer mouse :)

At the top is a USB connector (for connecting a modem), as well as operation indicators. Surface glossy:

Below, under the cover is the battery:

On the side surface there is an RJ-45 connector, as well as a mini-USB connector for charging the battery:

The package includes the bare minimum necessary: ​​a USB-mini USB cable, a 1500 mAh battery, and a manual in English. In my opinion, it would be possible to attach a charger, but since charging takes place via a standard mini-USB, there are no problems at all, almost everyone can find such chargers in the household:

Instruction in English:

Let's go through the specifications.

access mode:
3G Wireless access (WCDMA/EVDO/TD-WCDMA)
WIFI wireless access
WAN port wired access

WIFI hotspot:
Support 802.11b/g/n
WIFI connect max broadband 150Mbps
Support over 30 WiFi clients port connection

router function:
Support NAT/NATP function
Support DHCP Server/Client
Support virtual server and DMZ function
Support VPN pass-through (IPSec/PPTP) function

external port:
One share Ethernet port with 10/100Mbps LAN/WAN
One USB 3G network card port
One mini USB charger port
Battery: 3.7V, 1500mAh; endurance is 3-6 hours (Included)
Color: White
Package dimensions: 136 x 95 x 51 mm
Weight: 173 gr

There is no list of supported modems on the seller's website, but after digging around on the Web, I managed to find the following list:

View supported modems

EVDO network
1) Huawei-EC1260
2) Huawei-EC169
3) ZTE-AC560
4) Sim Evdo
5) Weiweng-U900d
6) Huawei-EC122
7) Huawei-EC1261
8) Huawei-EC189
9) ZTE-AC580
10) ZTE-AC581
11) ZTE-AC2726
12) ZTE-AC2736
13) ZTE-AC2746
14) ZTE-AC2766
15) Verizon-MC760
16) Vtion-E1916
17) 05c7:1000/6000
18) DLink-05c6:2001/ce16
19) SIM-1e0e:cefe
20) SRT-1d09:1000/aef4
21) 05c6:8008
22) StrongRising-21f5:1000/2008
23) 20a6:1000/1105
24) Tenda-3G189C???
25) 19f5:9909
26) STWTech 1a94:0001
27) HTW D002
28) 201e:3000
29) 05c6:1000/6000
30) 0eab:c893
31) Bellmann-S6151U
WCDMA network
1) Huawei-E1750
2) Promate-eGo5
3) ZTE-MF636
4) ZTE-MF110
5) ZTE-MF637U
6) Huawei-E176G
7) Huawei-E160
8) Huawei-E220
9) Huawei-E182E
10) Huawei-E180
11) Huawei-E169G
12) Huawei-E160G
13) Huawei-E261
14) Huawei-D32HW
15) 05c6:1000/6280
16) 0685:7000
17) 05c6:0018
18) 1c9e:6061
19) 1c9e:6000
20) Desay-mywave
21) 05c6:9002
22) Huawei(SOFTBANK)-D12LC
23) LongSung-U6100
24) 028a:1006
25) 1e89:f000/f001
26) Huawei E261
27) SAMSUNG EC122
28) Huawei E1550
29) 05c6:0018/0018:0018
30) 1c9e:1001/6061
31) 1d09:1010
32) TGW
33) ZTE-MF627
34) Huawei-E122

Well, let's sum it up.
Satisfied with the performance of the router. Now I have the opportunity to connect to the Internet from the tablet outside the home. The operating time of the gadget is just over 4 hours (the website claims up to 6 hours).
I'm thinking of choosing a battery with a higher capacity that is suitable in size in order to increase the battery life.

In fact, in addition to such use as distribution by Wi-Fi Internet with a 3G modem, this device has some other application patterns, this can be seen from the description of the operating modes, but! I didn’t delve into this matter, since I needed 3G mobile Internet, which I actually got.
On this, with your permission, I end.