What is a 4G WiFi Router?

A Guide to 4G WiFi Routers in

Internet connection is an essential part of everyone’s daily life. Pretty much everyone maintains an online connection wherever they go. That’s why cellular WiFi routers are becoming increasingly prevalent. 5G will definitely take this connectivity to the next level, but it’s still on the horizon, so a 3G/4G router is currently the best choice.

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But what precisely is a 4G router? Why should you want one? How does it work? We’ll try to break down these basic questions in this post and present some great options to get you started.

• What is a 4G WiFi Router?
• Do I Need a 4G WiFi Router?
• What Are the Benefits/Features of a 4G WiFi Router?
• What is the Difference Between a 4G WiFi Router and a DSL Modem Router?
• How Does a 4G WiFi Router Work?
• How Do You Set Up a 4G WiFi Router?
• TP-Link 4G WiFi Router vs Huawei 4G WiFi Router
• What are TP-Link’s Best 4G WiFi Routers in ?
• Common Questions about 4G WiFi Routers

What is a 4G WiFi Router?

Compared to a WiFi-only router, which only supports wireless standards, a 4G WiFi router supports mobile technology via a 4G wireless module.

Once you plug in a micro SIM card with a data plan, the router can communicate with the carrier’s surrounding cell towers to access the internet and generate a reliable WiFi signal. You can easily share this internet access with family and friends.

Do I Need a 4G WiFi Router?

Obviously, whether or not you need a 4G WiFi router depends on your situation.

Mobile networks, especially the 4G LTE network, have come a long way in the last 10 years. That makes it an attractive alternative when people are going to remote places or somewhere that cellular data works better than fixed networks or public WiFi. Though people can easily turn on a mobile hotspot, its performance can be underwhelming. Hotspot sharing usually ends up draining battery power and offers limited client access.

A plug-and-play 4G WiFi router is strongly recommended in the following situations:

• You are going somewhere lacking stable wired internet or reliable WiFi.
• You want a 3G/4G connection to backup fixed networks.
• You want to waste no time in accessing the internet.
• You do not want to subscribe to an expensive broadband service for internet access.
• You do not want complicated cable deployment for home networking and want to avoid the installation bill.

What Are the Benefits/Features of a 4G WiFi Router?

With the development of 4G technology, mobile data has become an important source for internet connection. 4G routers can use mobile data to share internet connections and provide multiple benefits.

• Easy to Use

  With an integrated 4G LTE modem and a built-in SIM card slot, all you need to do is insert a micro SIM card and turn on the router. Enjoying fast, stable Wi-Fi on a 4G LTE network has never been easier.

• Powerful Compatibility

  Tested in the field for years, TP-Link 4G routers are widely compatible with different ISP services in more than 100 countries, ensuring universal compatibility with 2 advanced antennas to deliver a smooth connection.

• Low Cost

  Unlike a traditional WiFi router, you don’t need to buy broadband service and another fixed-line device such as cable, DSL, or fiber. You don’t have to deploy cables, just buy a SIM card and subscribe to a cellular data plan provided by your mobile service operator.

• More Connections

  With WiFi and LTE antennas and Ethernet ports, TP-Link 4G routers can easily share a 3G/4G connection with multiple wireless devices, such as phones, tablets, and laptops, at the same time, and provide internet for wired devices like desktop computers.

What is the Difference Between a 4G WiFi Router and a DSL Modem Router?

4G WiFi routers and DSL modem routers can both provide network connections and have the same functionality, but there are some differences.

Providing internet connection without cable restrictions, 4G routers are convenient and widely popular in the networking market. A 4G WiFi router, containing a built-in LTE broadband modem, uses a SIM card to share internet connections. You can use a 4G WiFi router for internet sharing anywhere, as long as it is within the network range of the network service provided by your mobile operator.

A DSL modem router is a router with a built-in DSL modem. It can provide internet connections using a line. Connect the cables and subscribe to broadband services from DSL service providers, then you can enjoy a stable and reliable network.

When using a 4G router, you are charged based on your cellular data usage plan, while for a DSL modem router, the fee is for the broadband service.

How Does a 4G WiFi Router Work?

TP-Link’s 4G WiFi router supports two operation modes: 3G/4G Router mode and Wireless Router mode. In Wireless Router mode, you can use 3G/4G networks as backup internet if your broadband connection fails. On the other hand, you can flexibly turn to fixed networks in case your mobile networks are less stable.

3G/4G Router Mode: In this mode, the router should have a micro SIM card to generate a WiFi signal.

LTE Standard LTE Download speed LTE Upload speed Related Products 4G+ Cat6 300 Mbps 150 Mbps Archer MR600 4G Cat4 50 Mbps 50 Mbps Archer MR200

Wireless Router: In this mode, the 4G router’s WAN port should connect to a modem or a network port to provide internet access.

TP-Link 4G WiFi Router vs Huawei 4G WiFi Router

TP-Link Huawei Appearance Model no Archer MR600 B525 4G LTE standard Cat6: DL 300Mbps / UL 50Mbps Cat6 Bands Support 4G: FDD-LTE (B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28), TDD-LTE (B38/B40/B41)
3G: DC-HSPA+/HSPA+/HSPA/UMTS (B1/B5/B8)
Better compatibility, access to LTE network in more countries and regions 4G: FDD B1/B3/B7/B8/B20/B32, TDD B38
3G: DC-HSPA+/HSPA+/UMTS B1/B8
2G EDGE/GPRS/GSM B2/B3/B5/B8 CA Combo B1+B5, B1+B7, B1+B8, B1+B20, B3+B3, B3+B5, B3+B7, B3+B8, B3+B20, B3+B28, B3+B38, B3+B40, B5+B5, B5+B7,B7+B7, B7+B8, B7+B20, B7+B28, B28+B40, B38+B38, B40+B40, B41+B41
Connects to high-speed 4G+ network in more countries and regions B3+B3, B7+B7, B38+B38, B3+B7, B3+B20, B7+B20, B7+B8, B3+B8, B1+B20, B1+B8, B20+B32 WiFi AC AC 2.4 GHz 300 Mbps 300 Mbps 5 GHz 867 Mbps Mbps LED Indicator Power, Internet, WiFi, LAN, 4G+, 3× LTE Signal Strength Power, Internet, WiFi, LAN, 5× LTE Signal Strength Ports 1× GE WAN/LAN + 3× GE LAN+ 1× Micro SIM card slot 1× GE WAN/LAN + 3× GE LAN+ 1× RJ11 + 1× USB 2.0 + 1× Micro SIM card slot Antennas 2× Detachable 4G antennas Internal 4G antennas Buttons 1× Power on/off + 1× WiFi on/off + 1× WPS + 1× Reset 1× Power on/off + 1× WPS + 1× Reset Co-Current Client 64 64 Parental Controls √ × QoS/Bandwidth Control QoS × App Tether APP × Mesh Technology OneMesh × MU-MIMO √ ×

What are TP-Link’s Best 4G WiFi Routers in ?

Archer MR600

Archer MR600 is a 4G+ Cat6 AC Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router that utilizes 4G+ and Cat6 to boost data speed to up to 300 Mbps. Four full Gigabit ports ensure reliable wired connections. It supports TP-Link OneMeshTM —working with TP-Link OneMeshTM products to create a flexible and cost-efficient mesh network.

Archer MR400

Archer MR400 is an AC Wireless Dual Band 4G LTE Router that takes full of advantage of your cutting-edge 4G LTE network to deliver download speeds of up to 150 Mbps. It creates simultaneous dual band WiFi networks, with maximum speeds of up to 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band.

TL-MR

TL-MR is a 300 Mbps Wireless N 4G LTE Router that shares internet access with up to 32 WiFi devices while providing download speeds of up to 150 Mbps.

Model Wireless Standard Wireless Rate Standard Interface Archer MR600 Wi-Fi 5 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps
5 GHz: 867 Mbps LTE-A Cat 6 300 Mbps 10/100/ Mbps Archer MR400 Wi-Fi 5 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps
5 GHz: 867 Mbps LTE Cat 4 150 Mbps 10/100 Mbps TL- MR Wi-Fi 4 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps LTE Cat 4 150 Mbps 10/100 Mbps

Common Questions about 4G WiFi Routers

What should I do if want to extend my current WiFi network?

If you are using a TP-Link OneMesh™ router to share the internet connection, you can buy a TP-Link OneMesh™ WiFi extender to easily extend your network and establish a mesh WiFi network.

Does TP-Link has more portable 4G network products for travel?

Yes we do! We have battery-powered MiFi (mobile WiFi) devices, which can be charged via a micro USB cable connected to a laptop, portable charger, or adapter for unlimited 4G sharing. You can click the TP-Link MiFi product list to see all MiFi products.

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A dongle is a small piece of computer hardware that connects to a port on another device to provide a 4G LTE dongle with additional functionality or enable a pass-through to such a device that adds functionality. You can plug a 4G LTE dongle into your computer or laptop. It connects to the internet in the same way your smartphone does, via 3G, 4G networks. You simply plug it in and you’re good to go.

Using your 4G dongle is simple and easy. Insert your SIM card into the dongle. Some 4G/LTE dongles may not require a separate SIM card in which case you may skip this step. Insert the dongle into a PC and enter your PIN code to log in for the first time (you may need to enable roaming at this step).

Why the portable 4G dongle is necessary:  

If you travel frequently and need internet access on your laptop without relying on free Wi-Fi from supermarkets, lounges, or restaurants.  

If you prefer working in locations with unreliable internet access, like coffee shops or shared workspaces, a mobile internet dongle can save you time, effort, and money by ensuring constant connectivity.  

If fiber broadband isn’t available at your home and you're limited to WAN broadband with speeds of 11Mbps or lower, a strong 4G signal can provide mobile broadband as a faster and potentially more cost-effective alternative.

Applications of 4G LTE Dongles

1. Remote Work and Telecommuting

The shift to remote work has increased the demand for reliable internet access. A 4G LTE dongle enables professionals to work efficiently from virtually anywhere, eliminating dependency on Wi-Fi hotspots or home broadband.

2. Travel and On-the-Go Connectivity

For frequent travelers, staying connected is critical. A 4G WIFI LTE dongle provides uninterrupted internet access during business trips, vacations, or commutes, ensuring seamless communication and productivity.

3. Backup Internet Solution

In areas prone to power outages or internet disruptions, a 4G LTE dongle serves as a reliable backup connection. It ensures that businesses and individuals can stay online during emergencies.

4. IoT and Smart Devices

4G LTE dongles play a pivotal role in powering Internet of Things (IoT) devices. From surveillance cameras to remote sensors, these dongles provide the necessary connectivity for real-time data transmission.

5. Educational Use

Students and educators in remote areas often struggle with poor internet access. A 4G LTE dongle offers a cost-effective solution for accessing online learning platforms and resources.

6. Rural and Underserved Areas

In locations where traditional broadband services are unavailable, 4G LTE dongles provide a lifeline for internet connectivity. They bridge the digital divide by offering high-speed access to underserved communities.

Choosing the Right 4G LTE Dongle

When selecting a 4G LTE dongle, consider the following factors:

1. Network Compatibility: Ensure the dongle supports the frequency bands used by your mobile service provider.

2. Speed Requirements: Choose a dongle with adequate download and upload speeds for your needs.

3. Portability: Opt for a lightweight and compact design if you frequently travel.

4. SIM Card Support: Verify that the dongle is compatible with your SIM card type (e.g., nano-SIM, micro-SIM).

5. Additional Features: Some dongles offer extra functionalities like built-in Wi-Fi hotspots or support for multiple devices.

Conclusion

The 4G LTE dongle is an indispensable tool for achieving high-speed internet access in a variety of scenarios. Whether you’re a remote worker, frequent traveler, or resident in a rural area, this device offers unparalleled convenience and reliability. Its diverse applications and easy setup make it a must-have for anyone seeking flexible and secure internet connectivity.