What to look for in a 4G mobile hotspot

While your carrier might not give y'all much choice 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 |

wifi hand businessman
Thinkstock

I've spent most of the last decade using cellular routers every bit my sole connexion for piece of work. On trains I've stayed continued to the function while others crawled forth on congested Wi-Fi. I've used mobile hotspots on all the major U.S. carriers, for video teleconferencing, building websites, and downloading a magazine'southward 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 get-go thing to ask yourself is, "Do I actually demand a dedicated mobile hotpot device?" For most people, the respond is no: their phone is all they need. These days most smartphones tin can be used as hotspots to connect multiple devices, and you can even make calls and texts while doing so.

That said, there are limitations to phone tethering. Depending on your phone, yous can typically connect three to 10 devices, versus 10 to 15 with almost defended mobile hotspots. Using your phone every bit a hotspot volition chew through its bombardment in record fourth dimension, which means information technology's all-time used for short periods of time only. Mobile hotspot devices, on the other paw, typically include big batteries that last all day. And different phones, some mobile hotspots offer the power to share files from onboard storage or an fastened USB drive with other connected users, making collaboration a snap.

If yous're attending a business event with a team, need a cellular backup for your office or but like knowing yous've got a reliable, dedicated connectedness wherever you lot travel, a mobile hotspot device may be the way to go. And using a hotspot on the visitor's dime will keep you from eating up your ain data plan.

For me, a hotspot ways freedom, and information technology keeps me continued fifty-fifty when the ability's out. When I'one thousand not using one for work, I often use one in the car for long route trips with 3 kids. I get better battery life from a hotspot than I do with telephone tethering, and at that place are fewer dropped connections.

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