Which Cellular Hotspot or Router is Best? All About the Modem Inside

[@ancientSumerian]

these guys are dominating this niche on youtube

[@wb2ire]

Thanks for the heads up on the Tmobile hot spot 30 gig. The only place that knew anything about it was a corporate store. Keep up the great work. Frank 😊

[@huestifer]

I called into the main customer service number and the sales department looked it up for me and signed me up.

[@mikekomalley]

I learned more from these KZbin videos then from any other source about which Wi-Fi modem and router to look at. Thank you guys

[@Chasing_The_Dream]

When you have four ears/antennas and your mounting them on a RV what antennas are you picking? Are we doing directional antennas once we get to our location? Are we doing Omni directional antennas so while we’re driving down the road people in the RV have access? Your videos are awesome and I greatly appreciate every single one of them

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

Here is our full guide to selecting cellular antennas that goes over the differences between directional and omni, and has our featured antenna models linked to our Gear Center, with lots of hands on testing/reviews shared with our members for many models. www.rvmobileinternet.com/cellularantennas

[@HowRay]

Great work here. That is a LOT of information covered in a limited amount of time. I continue to be thankful for your efforts.

[@ryanchristie5349]

Just bought two of the T-Mobile 30 gig for 10 dollars a month plans. They are still available as of Jan. 30th 2024 for anyone interested. Thanks for sharing the info!

[@davidr8505]

I have purchased land near Ocala Fl. We are using a Reolink LTE cam with a sim that allows the three data carriers. It works great but don’t know what carrier is giving us the best and fastest service. We want to get internet service buy a good modem/WiFi but don’t know the carrier we need. Currently we use EIOTCLUB sim in our cam but when cam connects with a tower that says 4G it’s poor but do not know what carrier it is. We will not be moving around and we are off grid. Thanks

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

For any specific location, it takes some homework to discover what works best there. Here's our guide on that topic with some tips: www.rvmobileinternet.com/stationary

[@patrickdiener6065]

Interesting overview badly my favorite, which I built into my camper couple weeks ago, is missing. Teltonika RUTX50, industrie grade device, big feature set and with a external Panorama Antenna on the roof also really nice 5G speeds.

[@notreal5311]

They like to only mention the Peplink standalone routers in these comparisons because that's who they are partnered with - you won't see some of the Chinese routers with X62 chip sets or more industrial focuses stuff because their target market is different. Still a lot of good info for free though.

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

The information about the modem inside applies to ALL cellular devices - all routers, all smartphones and all hotspots. Don't get fixated on specific models, what is shown - as noted - are only samples. This video is not focused on any specific manufacturer or model of device. We can only show what we personally have in house at this moment - and we just happened to have a full vertical flight of modems in the Peplink line-up to do a more fair comparison with. Members of our team have reviewed many other router manufacturers, including Teltonika - which you can see here: www.rvmobileinternet.com/gear/teltonika-mobile-routers/. The RUTX50 however is not certified or optimized for the US market - so it's not a model we cover or recommend for our US based audience. But there are FCC filings for a US specific model we are tracking.

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

For clarity we are NOT partnered with Peplink. However they are a frequent choice of our audience because of their enterprise grade quality combined with interest in reaching the consumer market. Chris and myself just happen to be the Peplink focused hardware members of our team at MIRC so we have a lot of their gear in for head to head testing that gave us a vertical flight for this comparison.

[@bobevans6468]

Nice overview. I just picked up the T-Mobile home internet gateway with their 5G service. Could not find much info on the specs for that product. It is included for free with their service. Model KVD21. Do you have any specs?

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

We track the various models in our Gear Center entry: www.rvmobileinternet.com/gear/t-mobile-home-internet/

[@kenreynolds9726]

Great tutorial, you guys are awesome, keep up the good work!!

[@DawnWhitcomb-em2qv]

Any information or thoughts that you may have on a product called HomeFi?

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

We cover them here: www.rvmobileinternet.com/gear/overview-multi-carrier-cloud-based-virtual-sim-plans-cellular-data-plans/

[@max..t]

Hi. What about Wifi transmission range in meters indoors and outdoors? Witch is better. I hav 100 eur Huawei 4g sim router 150m outdoor and 450 eur RUTX50 5g cat 20 router only 20m outdoor range. Can you compare?

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

This typically isn't something of importance to our audience of RVers and boaters - most any device can cover a small area.

[@TheWanderingBeardedGuy]

Do you have any info on when Peplnk will support IPV6? I asked in their forums and got no response.

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

Peplink has limited support for IPv6 now, and I suspect they will likely include more comprehensive support in a future 9.0 firmware release - but I have no idea on the timing. What particular IPv6 requirements or issues are you running into?

[@TheWanderingBeardedGuy]

@@MobileInternetResourceCenter it's causing connectivity issues for me using a x62 modem on TMobile network in m.2 to ethernet sled. I'm unable to utilize IP passthrough with my Balance 20X. It works absolutely fine directly connected to my PC or if I use my Amplifi (consumer grade mesh router from Ubiquiti I've had for 5+ years) with full IPV6 connection. Using the Balance 20X, I have to enable the x62's IPv4 router and deal with double NAT. It's making me reticent to purchase an x62 based Peplink device as IPV6 connectivity is important on TMobile.

[@ra-dg5rf]

Curious

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

Double NAT is not an issue for most things, but indeed it would be great to have native IPv6 support for T-Mobile and Starlink. I expect 9.0 will be released in 2024, and it will hopefully have support at last. But I have no timeline info.

[@ElliYacht1]

Great info as always you two!

[@larrysulky7614]

Here in Mexico, a home wireless internet solution is offered by TelCel (I should note that AT&T Mexico also offers one). TelCel is willing to sell us their cellular modem/router for the equivalent of about US$100. Would any of the equipment mentioned in this video work with TelCel, or all they all firmly US-based?

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

You would need to compare the frequency bands covered by the router you're considering against those used by your carrier.

[@jarrellestes1793]

Hard typing. Example using router in nonstandard manner? External antenna connect plugged in or screwed in? Reusing antenna?

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

This video is focused on the modem inside the devices.. for more on optimizing cellular data performance (including using external antennas - as mentioned in the video), go to the guide we linked to multiple times in the video - www.rvmobileinternet.com/performance

[@tonykeltsflorida]

I have a GL.iNet Mango router. I use it to repeat my phone hotspot. I use Visible and it works just fine (2 years).

[@EarlBalentine]

I love my T-Mobile home gateway I take it on the road all over the southwest and and I get excellent reception. Only $30 per month because Im already a T-Mobile cell phone customer. Easy setup and no contract and no hardware to buy. Best. bang for the buck.

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

We cover that and many other great data plans in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gX3EdImdfq-oa5o This video is specifically about the modem inside these devices and understanding them.

[@EarlBalentine]

@@MobileInternetResourceCenter Which cellular router was the cheapest? I can't afford anything expensive when I am only a part RVer.

[@weimzz7]

I’ve been doing a little research and people are saying they’re stopping that plan sadly! Have you heard anything about this?

[@wskripka1]

I live in Grand Rapids Michigan , I have Comcast / Xfinity service in Grand Rapids . Have a summer location in Ludington , Michigan , there we have Spectrum service . What are my options for having only one cost to service both locations 100miles apart ? Thanks

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

While we are focused on RVer/boat internet solutions - for any specific location, you need to do some homework on what works best there - a cellular solution, Starlink or sticking with a traditional ISP. Here's our guide with tips on optimizing for stationary locations: www.rvmobileinternet.com/stationary

[@sposwellness8653]

How's the power consumption and source?

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

That will vary a bit by the actual device you choose.. but most cellular devices are fairly low power.

[@gypsy317]

Hello, can you recommend a cellular hotspot or router for me? I need a wifi connection at our farm to monitor solar panel output. We have been using an MC760 broadband device (but I think its 3g ?) but it doesn't seem to work anymore , It would need to be a plug-in device (not battery), any advice is greatly appreciated!! thanks , Gypsy

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

Here's our guide to selecting hotspots and routers: www.rvmobileinternet.com/cellular-devices. If you're one of our members and would like further guidance, please do ask in our forums (however, we are focused on mobile applications - not stationary).

[@gypsy317]

thank you for the reply. I'll start with reviewing that guide, Thanks!

[@netposerx]

I have a Netgear 'hotspot' from ATT and even though my speeds (speedtest) says it's fast the performance on my laptop is awful. It's gotten so bad in the past 4 years. Doesn't matter where I connect is always extremely slow. I'm guessing they are throttling my account even though they say they are not.

[@timf6916]

Nice, some VERY good information.

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@beverywhereyouare]

I learned a lot. The one question I still have is: which cellular hotspot or router is best ?

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

The best is the one that has the features that best meet your unique needs. Here's our starting guide to exploring the options and features out there: www.rvmobileinternet.com/cellular-devices

[@jws3925]

What if I have to use a WeBoost cell booster just to get a signal. Can I use any of these modems?

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

We generally don't recommend boosters as a primary signal enhancing option for cellular data for many reasons. Here's our guide to cellular boosters with tips on using them with routers: www.rvmobileinternet.com/boosters

[@notreal5311]

@jws3925 the big thing with cellular boosters is what bands are they boosting? If you've got an older one that doesn't do some of the newer bands you can see limited success using one. It's better than no signal but check out cell boosters that have multiple antenna connection ports if you're trying to get the highest speeds.

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

No cellular booster in the US is allowed by the FCC to use but 6 approved frequency bands. And they are only a single antenna. Thus, they are not a great choice for cellular data (as outlined in the linked guide in our other comment).

[@jws3925]

@@MobileInternetResourceCenterSo, pretty much if one is in a remote location (as I am) the options for good data service probably is a satellite service. I have been using the WeBoost for 5 years now and it works great for text, calls and some streaming but consistent data transmission to do work it does not do well consistently. The signal is so bad in this location that without the booster I get NO service, not even text. I don't think a MIMO device would even pick up anything with this weak of a signal.

[@MarieVaugn]

Thanks for the info. I use the HomeFi Cat-12 router and it's so much better than what I had before.

[@timothylinn]

Excellent info. Thank you!

[@jacelandadventures1523]

What router works with an iPhone using the iPhones hotspot to the router? I need more wifi connections! The iPhone only lets you connect 5 devices!!

[@jacelandadventures1523]

This would be a great video, there is not one on KZbin to my knowledge!!

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

Here's our gear center for routers. .use the filter for USB tethering, and then you can check compatibility www.rvmobileinternet.com/gear/mobile-hotspots-and-modems/?fwp_status=current&fwp_mobile_hostpot_wan_sources=usb-tethering-wan-sources

[@jacelandadventures1523]

@@MobileInternetResourceCenter what I looked up from the site was $2,900 that’s way too high for a router. There has to be something cheaper!!

[@jacelandadventures1523]

@@MobileInternetResourceCenter it seems to be all old content! With no explanations. I’ll keep searching!! Someone knows something.

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

That sounds like Peplink MAX BR2 Pro, which is a very high end dual modem router.. and doesn't support iPhone tethering (Peplink products don't.) There are many other options listed there.

[@samirhisoka5852]

I hope you answer my question because I am really struggling with this problem: I have a 4g cellular amplifier, when i test speed with my phone which is Xiaomi 11t pro it shows 20-30mbps but my 4g router (Huawei b310) shows max 5mbps (same sim card), Someone told me that he has the same problem, he told me that maybe these amplifiers aren't compatible with routers. Is there any mifi or hotspot or.... Should i buy?

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

Many things impact cellular data performance - here's our guide to that: www.rvmobileinternet.com/performance

[@devellwilson7099]

Which device allowed me to monitor it through my cellphone app.

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

We don't specifically track that feature on routers.

[@rayjeep]

Holy cow. I looked for the peplink max br2 pro x2... $2900? Wow. I don't think I need that to stream tv or get online. Maybe for youtube content creators or for people living in an rv and doing remote online work.

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

Indeed, it is not a router intended for casual internet surfers.. and is more on the Pro/enterprise level. There are many other options for routers & hotspots however we list in our gear center: www.rvmobileinternet.com/gear/mobile-hotspots-and-modems/

[@DennisWintjes2]

Thanks for sharing. Like 156. I love my InstyConnect 5G X62 modem

[@instyconnect]

Thanks Dennis!

[@VishalReddy-ky2uu]

Does these work in India?

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

Yes. Cellular modems work on all cellular networks.

[@haint7709]

Nice and geeky! Plenty of information to mull over. Ta!

[@jarrellestes1793]

Your viewer is rural (mobile, non mobile)! This is the weak link. How do you integrate for this customer who is the weak link, but the most opportunity for both!

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

The location we tested at is actually consider fairly rural. As mentioned in the video, the more tools you have in your arsenal (including the modem - which this video is focused on) - the more options you have for optimizing your connection at each type of location. This can include external antennas, band selection and more as we cover in the many times linked guide on optimizing performance: www.rvmobileinternet.com/performance

[@turdboman]

great vid, how many MBPS do i need for surfing the web and streaming movies ?

[@MobileInternetResourceCenter]

Totally depends on what you plan to do online - here's some benchmarks: www.rvmobileinternet.com/testing