mobile broadband router
mobile broadband router
A stationary device that converts cellular signals (3G, 4G, LTE) to Wi-Fi. The mobile broadband router creates a local Wi-Fi hotspot to provide access to the Internet as an alternative to cable, DSL and other wired services that are either not available or are more costly than a cellular data plan. Laptops and tablets already have Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi can be added to any desktop computer (see wireless modem).Not Really So Mobile
A "mobile" broadband router is typically an in-house desktop device; however, truly mobile units create hotspots anywhere one travels (see cellular hotspot).
In-house Wi-Fi vs. In-house Cellular
Mobile broadband routers create a Wi-Fi hotspot. In contrast, a "femtocell" brings cellular service inside a home or office (see femtocell).
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| Broadband Router - In-house Wi-Fi |
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| Mobile broadband routers turn cellular service into a local Wi-Fi hotspot for laptops and mobile devices. They become a Wi-Fi access point. |
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| Femtocell - In-house Cellular |
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| A femtocell is a mini cell tower that carries cellular voice and data over the Internet. See femtocell. |
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| Failover Protection for Retail Sales |
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| If wired Internet access goes down, this Cradlepoint mobile broadband adapter automatically switches point-of-sale terminals to 3G/4G service to keep accepting credit cards. (Image courtesy of Cradlepoint, Inc., www.cradlepoint.com) |
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