ZyXel has just introduced a mobile router which will be competing against the Novatel MiFi but ZyXel takes it up a notch by also being able to work with wired connections.
The ZyXel 3G mobile router is called the MWR211 and it can use a mobile data connection to create a WiFi hotspot for an unlimited number of devices. This one-ups devices like the MiFi, which generally have a limit of five or eight devices that can connect to its hotspot.
The ZyXel 3G mobile router also ups the ante by also being compatible with home cable or DSL Internet services. There’s also a battery pack in this thing, so you can use it as your home WiFi router and then unplug it, pop in a SIM card and use it as a way to get online on the go. The folks say it’s carrier-agnostic, so most 3G SIM cards will work (working on an exact list, folks).
Of course, that added functionality has a trade-off though, as the ZyXel 3G mobile router is much larger than a MiFi, which is barely bigger than a credit card. The ZyXel 3G modem still fits in the palm of your hand but it’s a bit bulkier than some of its competitors.
At $115, the ZyXel 3G modem is a decent price for what it does, especially when you consider that it could replace your home router. It also includes firewall protection for enhanced security, the company says.
It wasn’t that long ago that mobile hotspots where the things of dreams but now we’re in a world where many laptops and tablets have 3G built in already. Samsung is even preparing a 3G/4G LTE mobile hotspot which looks pretty sweet.
For my money though, I greatly prefer the convenience of having mobile hotspot functionality on my smartphone. While I’m not in love with the additional fees or the drain on battery life, the convenience factor really appeals to me.