What to wait for in a 4G mobile hotspot

While your carrier might not give you much selection when it comes to mobile hotspot hardware, there are certain features and specs to look for that can make connections faster and smoother.

Contributing writer, Computerworld |

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I've spent nigh of the last decade using cellular routers every bit my sole connectedness for work. On trains I've stayed connected to the office while others crawled along on congested Wi-Fi. I've used mobile hotspots on all the major U.S. carriers, for video teleconferencing, edifice websites, and downloading a magazine's worth of raw image files. In other words, I've put these devices through a lot and I rely on them heavily.

If you're looking to buy a mobile hotspot, the first affair to ask yourself is, "Do I really demand a dedicated mobile hotpot device?" For most people, the answer is no: their phone is all they need. These days nigh smartphones tin can be used as hotspots to connect multiple devices, and you tin can even make calls and texts while doing then.

That said, there are limitations to phone tethering. Depending on your phone, you can typically connect three to ten devices, versus ten to 15 with most defended mobile hotspots. Using your telephone every bit a hotspot will chew through its battery in record time, which ways information technology's all-time used for short periods of fourth dimension only. Mobile hotspot devices, on the other hand, typically include large batteries that concluding all day. And unlike phones, some mobile hotspots offer the ability to share files from onboard storage or an attached USB bulldoze with other connected users, making collaboration a snap.

If you're attending a business event with a squad, need a cellular backup for your office or just similar knowing you've got a reliable, defended connection wherever you travel, a mobile hotspot device may exist the way to become. And using a hotspot on the company's dime volition keep y'all from eating up your own data plan.

For me, a hotspot means freedom, and information technology keeps me continued even when the ability's out. When I'g not using one for piece of work, I frequently use one in the machine for long road trips with three kids. I go better bombardment life from a hotspot than I do with phone tethering, and at that place are fewer dropped connections.

Hither are a few primal features and specs to be on the lookout for when shopping for a mobile hotspot.