WiFi modem. What is the difference between a router and a modem, which one to choose

Among external devices for connecting to the Internet using 3G or 4G technology, USB modems and routers can be distinguished. Modems provide a connection for only one device (usually a laptop or desktop PC). Routers differ in that they support WiFi and, as a rule, are equipped with a battery for autonomous operation. The editors of WiNetwork have prepared a rating of such devices that allow you to access the global network without a cable connection to the provider.

5th place in the ranking: ZTE MF65

Inexpensive model of a mobile router with 3G support. Autonomous operation is provided by a built-in battery with a capacity of 1500 mAh. It lasts for 280 hours in standby mode or 4 hours of active use of ZTE MF65. The router does not have a connector for connecting an external antenna, but if you have certain skills, you can add it yourself. Forums dedicated to mobile devices, there is step by step instructions on disassembling the MF65 and adding this connector.

The design of the device is as simple as possible: there are only two buttons on the case - turning the router on / off and activating the WiFi Protected Setup mode. LED indicators of operation are located on a black glossy strip at the top of the case. A nice addition to this budget model is a card slot. microSD memory that supports drives up to 32 GB. When you install a memory card on the router, a file server is turned on, which opens file sharing on microSD via WiFi.

4th place: Xiaomi ZMI 4G

An unusual device that combines the functions of a 3G / 4G router and a universal mobile battery (power bank) of 7800 mAh. Despite the absence of external antennas, ZMI 4G stably receives a signal from the base stations of mobile operators. On the top side of the case there are connectors and indicators:

USB connector for charging external devices;
Micro USB port for charging Xiaomi ZMI 4G;
Network reception level indicator;
WiFi module operation indicator;
Battery charge indicator.

Like many other Xiaomi network devices, this model has a drawback in the absence of the Russian language in the web interface. To set up and monitor the status, you can use mobile app for Android or iOS. It is available in English, Chinese and Japanese, and there is no translation into Russian either.

Note! When ordering Xiaomi ZMI 4G in Chinese online stores, be sure to consider the hardware version of the router. Model MF815 is for the Chinese market, so will not work with mobile networks in Russia or other CIS countries. Suitable frequencies are used in the international version - MF855.

3rd place: TP-Link M5250

Compact 3G router with long battery life and nice streamlined design. Supports simultaneous connection of up to 5 different wireless devices via WiFi. Can be used to receive and send SMS through the built-in control panel. Easy to use, has a user-friendly configuration interface.

The disadvantages include the lack of a power supply in the package and the WPS button on the router case. The router is equipped with a microSD card slot, the full use of which is difficult due to the lack of a file server. Information from the memory card can only be read when the M5250 is connected via a cable. Network sharing on microSD is not possible. Also, this TP-Link model cannot work in USB modem mode. Even if the router is connected to the computer via USB, Internet access is available only via WiFi.

2nd place: Huawei E5330

Reliable 3G router with the ability to send text messages that supports modem operation. Differs in fast inclusion — the device is completely ready to work in 5 seconds after pressing the power button. Allows you to simultaneously connect to WiFi up to 10 devices at a frequency of 2.4 GHz.

Unfortunately, the manufacturer did not provide for the possibility of sending USSD requests through the router's web interface. Of course, most mobile operators allow you to track the balance or balance of packet traffic through Personal Area on the site. But if your operator does not provide such an opportunity, in order to clarify the necessary data, you will have to send SMS or remove the SIM card from the router, and then install it in your mobile phone.

Important advice! Model E5330 can also work in repeater mode wireless network(repeater). This method of use is relevant in conjunction with the main router if it does not provide sufficient WiFi coverage.

1st place: NETGEAR AC785

Wireless 3G/4G router with built-in display and two slots for connecting external antennas. They are connected via TS9 connectors hidden under the plugs on the bottom panel. The most expensive model among routers in this rating, the price of which is fully consistent with the high technical specifications and a large number of supported features.

Unlike most other mobile routers, it supports WiFi broadcasting at a frequency of 5 GHz in addition to the standard 2.4 GHz. Among the wireless functions, it is also worth noting the possibility of creating a guest network. AC785 works up to 10 hours after a full charge of the 2000 mAh battery. The screen diagonal is about 1.8 inches, it displays:

The signal level of the mobile operator's network;
Type of network used (2G, 3G or 4G);
Current data transfer activity (download or upload);
The name of the operator;
Notification of unread SMS;
USB connection status;
Battery level;
Current charging status (charging or discharging);
Number of devices connected to AC785 via WiFi;
Wireless network name (SSID);
WiFi password;
The amount of traffic used.

Important! NETGEAR has also developed two docking stations to connect the AC785. They are not included in the package, but can be purchased separately. The docking stations are equipped with reinforced antennas and Ethernet ports for connecting to wired home network devices.

Summing up

As the best among the presented devices, the editors of WiNetwork choose NETGEAR AC785. This router is easy to set up and easy to use. And when connected to a docking station, it turns into a full-fledged router for an apartment or house. If only 3G networks are supported in your region or you do not need a dual-band router, pay attention to the Huawei E5330 model, which occupies the second place in this rating.

Using a router with 4G modem support, you can provide high-speed communication to dozens of other devices.

This can be especially important if it is impossible to use wired Internet (suburban housing, lack of support at home by the provider, the need for high-speed access if it is not available in the area).

And the functionality of most of these devices provides not only high speed, but also complete security of the transmitted data.

4G routers

You can get high-quality Internet in the absence of a fast wired connection (when there is no cable network at all or it is too slow) using wireless routers that support 4G format. However, such a device can only be connected to one computer or laptop. And, if you need to provide access to the network to users of several gadgets at once - from a PC to a smartphone with Wi-Fi.

A wireless 4G modem gains access to the network due to the telephone SIM card installed in it. And, if your area has 4G network coverage, you can use it not only to surf the Internet, but also listen to music, watch movies and work with resource-intensive applications online.

In conjunction with a router that allows you to connect a 4G modem via a USB input, this device provides speed not only no less, but even better than a conventional wired network.

It should be noted that even the lack of 4G coverage does not always become an obstacle to buying a modem that supports this technology and a router suitable for it. Over time, high-speed communications will appear almost everywhere - in any settlement and region.

And while there is no 4G coverage, the same set of equipment is quite suitable for stable operation with 3G communications. Indeed, although it is noticeably inferior in terms of capabilities to the new generation, it also provides speeds up to 1–2 Mbps.

4G modem + Wi-Fi router

Connecting 4G Internet at home, in the office or any room.

Popular routers with 4G modem support

Now on the market you can find a lot of routers that support the connection of a 4G modem and, thus, allow you to use the transfer of mobile Internet to devices such as PCs, laptops, tablets without SIM cards. And even distribute it to mobile gadgets, providing others with high-speed communication.

However, some models are in greater demand than others: some due to decent technical characteristics, others due to affordable prices.

TP-LINK TL-WR1045ND is an inexpensive device with good signal amplification

Model TL-WR1045ND is a device that has the features and functionality of both wireless routers and conventional 4-port switches. The device is able to provide data transfer at speeds up to 450 Mbps and connects to both printers and storage devices (external HDD and flash drives). And it is easy to configure using the disk that comes with the router.

The router makes it possible to protect information by pressing just one button - WPS. With its help, data becomes protected using WPA2 technology. And, thanks to the ability to prioritize downloaded information, bandwidth is evenly distributed among the most important data.

Specifications:

operating frequency: 2.4 GHz;
data transfer rate (Wi-Fi/LAN), Mbit/s: 450/1000;
gain: 15 dBi;
number of antennas: 3;
cost: from 3000 rubles.

Rice. 1. With three antennas, the router provides a high-quality signal.

D-Link DIR-825/ACF - functional and reliable

Connecting to a 4G network using a DIR-825/ACF router from D-Link and a modem that supports this technology makes it possible to:

access the Internet at speeds up to 1167 Mbps (300+867);
use any storage medium connected to the router as a network drive;
print from the network by connecting a printer to the device (one of the models supported by DIR-825/ACF);
protect information using security technologies such as WPA, WPA2 and WEP);
create a so-called "guest" Wi-Fi network with individual settings and speed limits.

The model is equipped with a firewall, which allows you to minimize the likelihood of your network being hacked and other scammers. While the intuitive settings and function automatic search updates software on the D-Link server make it easier to work with the router.

Device parameters:

data transfer: wireless from 1167 Mbps, wired - from 1 Gbps;
operating frequencies: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz;
number of antennas: 2;
gain: 10 dBi;
prices: from 5000 rubles.

Rice. 2. Model D-Link DIR-825/ACF is a device with good functionality.

D-Link DIR-825/AC - good speed at an affordable price

The DIR-825/AC/G1 router, manufactured by a well-known router manufacturer, delivers an impressive 867 Mbps for wireless connections. No less speed is obtained for wired devices - shared access is provided at the level of 1 Gb / s. This is more than enough for watching video over the network, and for video conferencing, and for games - moreover, from several devices at once.

In fact, thanks to such a device, at least 10 users can easily connect to the Internet, providing them with enough traffic for any purpose.

It is worth noting such an opportunity as operation in 2 bands - 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. As a result, the device can transmit information at a total speed of 300+867 = 1167 Mbit/s.

At the same time, the router, like most other popular models, connects to both a printer and a USB flash drive, supports several security protocols and is equipped with a firewall.

And it is also able to disconnect devices connected via Wi-Fi from the Internet, leaving a wired connection. The only drawback of the model can be called a relatively small signal amplification, despite the presence of 2 antennas.

Device parameters:

Wi-Fi data transfer rate: up to 1167 Mbps;
LAN speed: up to 1000 Mbps;
operating frequency: 2.4 and 5 GHz;
Gain: 4-6 dBi;
number of antennas: 2;
price: from 2900 rubles.

Rice. 3. DIR-825/AC/G1 - slight signal amplification, but affordable price.

ASUS RT-AC51U - technology for high-speed wireless connection

Another dual-band router supports data transfer rates up to 733 Mbps - 433 of them at 5 GHz and 300 at 2.4 GHz. The model is distinguished by an increased coverage area, the almost complete absence of "dead zones" and stable operation. A printer and external drives can be connected to the router.

A small drawback could be called the maximum data transfer rate over a wired connection of only 100 Mbps. On the other hand, this is more than enough for the simultaneous operation of 4 devices (you won’t be able to connect more via wires).

Main parameters:

data transfer rate: wireless - up to 733 Mbps, wired - 100 Mbps;
frequency: 2.4 and 5 GHz;
gain: 10 dBi;
number of antennas: 2;
cost: 2250 rubles.

Rice. 4. ASUS RT-AC51U is a router designed more for wireless connections.

ASUS RT-AC1200G+ - Stylish design with high speed

The ASUS RT-AC1200G+ router is a device that provides Wi-Fi information transfer rates up to 1167 Mbps - 867 in the 5 GHz band, another 400 in the 2.44 GHz frequency. Thanks to AiRadar technology, the router has a large coverage area, thanks to which it provides Internet to large rooms and even entire houses.

The device is equipped with a parental control function that allows you to restrict access to unwanted resources is not a separate device connected to ASUS RT-AC1200G+, but all at once. And, thanks to the built-in media server, the router transmits multimedia files to all connected devices - in this way, you can organize, for example, a movie broadcast.

Device characteristics:

information transfer: wireless - up to 1167 Mbps (867 + 300), wired - 100 Mbps;
device operating frequency: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz;
signal gain: 20 dBi;
number of antennas: 4;
cost: 4360 rubles.

Rice. 5. RT-AC1200G+ - attractive appearance, good features.

ASUS RT-AC87U is the most stylish and fastest model

The high transmission rate of RT-AC87U is matched with the original appearance and a good gain, due to the configuration of 4 antennas at once. The maximum performance of the device is 2334 Mbps, as a result of which it can be called the most powerful router on the market today.

The coverage area of the device reaches 465 square meters. m. - more than 30% more than standard routers. This allows you to build a wireless network even in a fairly tall and long multi-storey building.

Another unique feature is support for 300,000 connections at once. Due to this, the router provides not only the connection of a significant number of users, but also the downloading of any number of files.

Time Machine technology provides backup information from Apple devices. And for the convenience of data storage, you can connect iCloud 2.0 cloud storages to the router.

The main parameters of the router:

speed: Wi-Fi - up to 1734 Mbps, LAN - 1000 Mbps;
signal gain: 20 dBi;
number of antennas: 4;
prices: from 6850 rubles.

Rice. 6. ASUS RT-AC87U - stylish and fast.

ZyXEL Keenetic DSL - a router for working with IP-TV

The Keenetic DSL router only supports mono-channel operation in the 2.4 GHz band. However, even a bandwidth of 300 Mbps over Wi-Fi and 100 Mbps over a wired connection is enough to provide a network for an entire house or several apartments. Moreover, the device works with MIMO technology, which allows you to expand the bandwidth of the channel and, thus, gain access to additional services of the Internet provider - for example, IP-TV.

Model Features:

information transfer: wireless - up to 300 Mbps, wired - up to 100 Mbps;
number of antennas: 2;
signal gain: 2 x 5 dBi;
operating frequencies: 2.4 GHz;
equipment cost: 3200 rubles.

Rice. 7. ZyXEL Keenetic DSL is a suitable option for value-added service providers.

ASUS DSL-N17U - a router with its own cloud storage

The Asus DSL-N17U wireless router provides a good data transfer rate using 3G and 4G modems connected to it (although, like any modern routers of this type, it can also work from the network).

With it, you can organize multiple wireless networks, secure data transfer and use iCloud cloud storage to store information. To work with the resources of the "cloud", the router comes with free applications for iOS and Android.

Equipment parameters:

data transfer via Wi-Fi: up to 300 Mbps;
speed (LAN): up to 1000 Mbps;
operating range: 2.4 GHz;
signal gain: 10 dBi;
cost: from 3300 rubles.

Rice. 8. ASUS DSL-N17U - stylish look, own cloud storage.

ASUS RT-AC68U_W - bright and fast

With the help of an attractive-looking and impressive ASUS RT-AC68U_W router, you can provide Internet distribution at speeds up to 1900 Mbps - 600 at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, another 1300 in the 5 GHz band. Such opportunities, taking into account signal amplification by 15 dBi, are enough for any modern office, large premises and even multi-storey buildings.

ASUS RT-AC68U_W parameters:

operating frequency: 5 and 2.4 GHz;
wireless speed: up to 1900 Mbps (600+1300);
LAN data transfer rate: up to 1 Gbps;
signal gain: 15 dBi;
device price: from 10500 rubles.

Rice. 9. Router ASUS RT-AC68U_W - good signal, stylish design.

ZyXEL USG 40 - the security center for enterprise tasks

The ZyXEL USG 40 model, the price of which is much higher compared to other review routers, can no longer be called a router, but a real security center. In addition to transferring data at a sufficiently high speed (especially using a wired connection), the device provides maximum information protection and can be an excellent option for a corporate network.

Important: It is worth noting that the device supports network reception from three network providers at once. This ensures maximum reliability of the Internet connection.

Router Features:

data transfer rate over WAN: up to 1 Gbps;
transmission of information over a wireless network: up to 450 Mbps (150+300);
cost: about 25,000 rubles;
frequencies: 2.4 and 5 GHz;
number of connected antennas: 2 (5 dBi each).

Rice. 10. ZyXEL USG 40 is an expensive but functional device.

Feature Comparison

Model	Maximum transfer rateWi-Fi, Mbps	Transmission speedLAN, Mbps	Gain, dBi	price, rub.
TL-WR1045ND	450	1000	15	3000
D-Link DIR-825/ACF	1167	1000	10	5000
DIR-825/AC/G1	1167	1000	4–6	2900
ASUS RT-AC51U	733	100	10	2250
ASUS RT-AC1200G+	1167	1000	20	4360
ASUS RT-AC87U	2334	1000	20	6850
ZyXEL Keenetic DSL	300	100	10	3200
ASUS DSL-N17U	300	1000	10	3300
ASUS RT-AC68U_W	1900	1000	15	10500
ZyXEL USG40	450	1000	10	25000

The review presented to your attention on how to connect a Wi-Fi router through a mobile 3G, 4G modem is a universal method for absolutely any model of a wi-fi router and does not depend on the brand of the manufacturer. The only differences are in the design of the interface of the settings section, in the names and location of the settings sections themselves. Attention! Make sure that your router has support for mobile modems of your chosen operator. This information can be found in the instructions section "device specification" or on the manufacturer's website. This guide is suitable for any provider providing mobile Internet services - Megafon, MTS, Beeline, Yota, Tele2, SkyLink and all other mobile operators!

Setup steps

1. We take your USB modem from the mobile Internet operator and insert and insert it into USB port on the router, and the Ethernet cable (or patch cord) that comes with the router, the first end to the LAN connector on the router, the second - to the network card of your computer.

2. On your personal computer(under Windows control 7) go to the network settings section, do it along this path: Start => Control Panel => Network and Internet => Network and Sharing Center => Manage network connections => Change adapter settings.

Right-click on "Connect via local network"then "Properties" then to the menu item Internet Protocol which is "TCP / IPv4" and select the following items "IP automatically" and "DNS servers automatically"

Save, click "OK".

3. On the router (from its reverse side) we find the IP address that is used to enter the router's admin panel (usually it is 192.168.0.1), and accesses (often login: admin, password: admin)

4. Open your favorite browser and write where the address bar is 192.168.0.1 (or the one that is indicated on the router), and log in.

5. We look at the menu of the router and find the item “USB modem” (or maybe 3G / 4G or USB settings, etc. options), activate it and enter the data for your operator in the fields indicated in the image.

I will give a list of settings for most mobile operators, but I will remind you to look for the current settings from your mobile operator.

Megaphone

API: internet Username: gdata (optional) Password: gdata (optional)

Beeline

APN: internet.beeline.ru or home.beeline.ru Access number: *99# or *99***1# Username: beeline Password: beeline

MTS

APN: internet.mts.ru Access number: *99# or *99***1# Username: mts Password: mts

Tele2

APN: internet.tele2.ru Access number: *99# or *99***1#

U-Tel (Rostelecom)

Access point: internet.usi.ru Username/password: blank Call number: *99***1#

Yota

APN: yota.ru Access number: *99# Username: (blank) Password: (blank)

sky link

APN: empty Call number: #777 Username: mobile Password: internet

Smarts

APN: internet.smarts.ru Access number: *99# or *99***1# Username: internet (optional) Password: internet (optional)

MTS-Belarus

Access point/APN: mts Username: mts Password/Password:

mts Life

Access point/APN:internet Username/password: not required Access number: *99#

Beeline Ukraine

Access point(APN): internet.beeline.ua Access number: *99#, *99***1# or *99**1*1# for some phone models User: optional parameter - can be left blank; Password: optional - can be left blank.

Kyivstar

API: For prepaid subscribers - www.ab.kyivstar.net For contract subscribers - www.kyivstar.net Access number: *99# or *99***1#

Tele2 (TELE2 KZ)

Access point: internet Call number: *99# Login: (empty) Password: (blank) Modem initialization string (optional): AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","internet"

Beeline (Beeline KZ)

Access point: internet.beeline.kz Call number: *99# Login: beeline Password: beeline Modem initialization string (optional): AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","internet.beeline.kz"

Kcell-Activ

Access point: internet Call number: *99# Login: (empty) Password: (blank) Modem initialization string (optional): AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","internet"

Some router models support automatic configuration depending on the mobile operator.

Hello! I already once wrote an article in which I talked about. I wrote about options. In this article, I want to dwell in more detail on choosing a router that will work with a USB 3G modem. Consider some of the nuances, so that later, after purchasing the equipment, there would be no problems.

I have experience in setting up two different routers that worked successfully (one is still working) with a USB modem from Intertelecom. It is on this experience and also on information from the comments on this site that this article will be written. Now everyone is actively conducting Internet in villages, where, as a rule, there is no way to connect regular, cable Internet. Yes, and to carry out ADSL, it is also not always possible, even if there is a telephone line. Yes, there in the villages, even outside the city, similar problems with the Internet may arise.

But, in these cases, wireless 3G (4G) Internet usually helps out. Now the prices are no longer very high. This is probably the only way out when there is no way to wire the Internet. But even here, not everything is so good 🙂, only one computer or laptop can work from one USB modem. And phones, tablets, TVs and other miracles of modern technology cannot work with a wireless modem. Give them Wi-Fi, or at least a network cable connection.

So, you have more than two devices that need to be connected to the Internet, and the Internet itself is one USB modem? It's okay, just buy and configure a router that can work with these USB 3G (4G) modems. You just connect the modem to the router, set it up, and the router already distributes the Internet to all devices, via Wi-Fi, or via a network cable, for example, if the computer does not have Wi-Fi. But, if you do not want to lay a cable from the router to the computer, you can buy a USB Wi-Fi receiver, see the article for more details.

Almost all well-known manufacturers such as: Asus, Tp-Link, D-Link, Zyxel, Tenda have released several models of routers that work perfectly with most popular 3G (4G) modems.

Here, this is the whole point, with most modems, not all.

What you need to know when choosing a router for a 3G (4G) modem?

As I wrote above, all routers that support USB modems do not support all modem models. Simply put, it may turn out that you already have a modem, you bought a router, for example, the same RT-N56U (not a cheap device) and he simply does not know how to work with your modem. As a result: several days of painful setup, hundreds of attempts to flash the router and flying into the wall 🙂 .

To avoid all this, before buying, you need to find out if the router you have chosen will work with the modem that you already have or that you are going to buy. It is very important!

Choosing a router with USB 3G support

Choosing a router is not difficult now. Go to some popular online store and see all the devices that support USB 3G. Usually, the description says: WAN port: USB 3G. This means that the router is friendly with USB modems. Or go to any regular computer store and ask a consultant.

Do you want me to give you some advice? Well look, I've been working for some time TP-LINK TL-MR3220, about the setting of which I wrote in the article ““. But, after about a month and a half, it broke down, stopped detecting the modem. And the one with which he worked - Novatel U720, and I also tried to connect a modem from Kyivstar (model like ZTE MF180s, don't remember exactly). But the TP-LINK TL-MR3220 worked well, plus it's not expensive and works with a lot of modems.

I replaced it with Asus RT-N13U (Rev.B1), about the setting of which I wrote in this article -. Great router for the price! With Novatel U720 modem (provider Intertelecom, Ukraine) made friends very quickly. There were no problems at all. By the way, this winter, he worked at a temperature of about -10 degrees (this is in the place where the router and modem are). And it seems to be nothing, alive 🙂.

TP Link

But these two models (of which I wrote above) are already a bit outdated, although the TP Link TL Mr3220 and its older brother TP Link TL Mr3420 are still very popular. There is also the TP-LINK TD-W8968, which is also worth considering, and the small TP-Link TL-MR3040. And yes, their prices are very good. In terms of price / quality ratio, TP Link is probably the leader.

Asus

If you want something more serious, then I recommend to take Asus (but it will be more expensive). For example RT-N65U, RT-AC56U, RT-N56U, RT-AC66U. These are expensive routers, to be honest, I don’t know if it makes sense to take such a “machine” to work with a USB modem. I would buy something simpler, even from Asus, like the small Asus WL-330N3G (but for a large number of different devices, I would advise taking a full-fledged router).

Zyxel

This manufacturer also has interesting and popular models: Keenetic Giga II, Zyxel Keenetic II, Zyxel Keenetic Omni, Zyxel Keenetic 4G II.

See also Tenda, D-Link, Edimax. As I already wrote, there is plenty to choose from. There shouldn't be any problems here.

Check the compatibility of the router and modem

It is very important! If you are going to buy only a router, you already have a modem, then you need to understand if they are compatible. As a rule, each manufacturer (for each router model) there is a page on which supported modems and providers are specified.

You need to know the model of your modem. It is the model, but “4G modem from MTS”, or “Modem Beeline” (as they usually write to me in a comment), this is not a model.

After you have already chosen a router and know which modem you will buy (or already have), you can check them for compatibility.

Here are some pages where you can view lists of supported modems:

For Asus, Tenda and others, I have not found lists of supported modems (perhaps you know?). Therefore, there are two options here: either take the phone, call the support service (router manufacturer) and ask about the compatibility of certain models. Or we type in Google something like this query “Keenetic Giga II and Novatel U720” (model of router and modem). And see what information is there. Perhaps someone has already tried to make friends between these two devices.

When you are already sure of the compatibility of the devices you have chosen, you can buy and configure. there shouldn't be any problems. Except, right away.

Answers to some popular questions

Does the router use the Internet when the devices are not connected?

I came across this question in the comments some time ago. The problem was that the router itself used the Internet when all devices were turned off. I understand that 3G Internet is usually limited, but those few megabytes that the router pumps out are not scary. Simply, he needs to check if there is an Internet connection. A few megabytes a day. But I don't think it's scary.

Is it possible to place a router with a modem in the cold?

In order to improve reception quality, it is often necessary to place the router and modem in places where the network is better and more stable. You can find the best coverage with the program (having connected the modem to the laptop, and when you are done testing the network, then connect it to the router).

So, usually, this is an attic, a veranda, etc. Where it is cold in winter. It’s hard to answer specifically here, but my router (Asus RT-N13U (Rev.B1) and modem successfully endured a temperature of about -10 degrees. I don’t turn them off, they work all the time. Everything seems to be fine, but anything can be 🙂 The main thing is that there is no moisture, and in plastic bags, it is better not to wrap them.

Is it possible to use USB extension cable for connecting modem to router?

Can. But, if it is possible to do without an extension cord, then it is better to connect the modem directly. Also, if you notice any problems: connection breaks, low speed, bad signal, etc., then try removing the USB extension cable.

I have an extension cord somewhere over two meters, and everything is fine. Moreover, the extension cord, the most wait and cheap.

Afterword

I hope I managed to fully answer the question on choosing a router with support for wireless modems.

If you have any questions, or additions, then ask, do not be shy 🙂 .

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 a number of negative emotions can be experienced during the operation of the modem, the LTE antenna connector could not be located so deep, and the absence of an external wi-fi antenna can prevent distributing the Internet to several family members. The price of this device starts from 4000 rubles.

Huawei E5776

A 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 quite 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 analogues, which are of Chinese origin, and therefore you will feel more reliable at a 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 rapid discharge of the battery. 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 are 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 a weak signal when distributing 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 annoying 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 2500 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 a 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 LTE signal reception function. 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. A good and informative screen and a capacious 2550 mAh battery, which promises 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.