Network Specifications

Type

4G/5G Router

Type

The devices we encounter are standalone routers, routers with built-in modems, and mobile routers.

A router requires a separate modem and distributes the connection to multiple devices via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, but cannot connect directly to the internet. A modem/router combines a modem and router in one device, connects directly to the internet provider, and distributes the connection to the local network. A mobile router, on the other hand, uses a SIM card and mobile data to create a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, ideal for use outside the home or in areas without a fixed connection.

4G/5G Router

Mobile Router with built-in modem.

A router is a device that connects other devices (e.g. computer, mobile phone, TV) either wirelessly or with a cable, and shares internet access with them.

The internet access is received through the modem which is built-in to these devices and uses the mobile network with a SIM card installed.

A SIM card with an active data plan is required.

Mobile Network

4G

Mobile Network

The fastest generation of mobile network to which a mobile router can connect.

Mobile routers have a SIM card slot for wireless internet access through 3G/4G & 5G mobile networks.

5G offers significantly higher speeds than 4G, which in turn is faster than 3G. For the device to function at this speed, there must be corresponding coverage from the mobile network in the area where we are located.

Maximum Wireless Speed

300 Mbps

Maximum Wireless Speed

Theoretical maximum speed with a wirelessly connected device primarily used for marketing purposes. The speed of each connected device depends on factors such as distance, obstacles, the number of other devices connected, the number of other networks in the same area, etc.

Maximum LAN Speed

100 Mbps

Maximum LAN Speed

The maximum speed that the modem/router can offer to devices connected to it via ethernet cable.

100

Usually, 100Mbps is sufficient for the needs of most users. For more demanding uses such as transferring large files (e.g. high-definition videos), prefer a device with support for 1000Mbps. Note that all involved devices must support this speed, otherwise data transmission will be limited to the speed of the slowest device.

Portable Hotspot

No

Portable Hotspot

Mobile routers with built-in battery so you can use them anywhere.

These mobile routers have a SIM card slot for wireless internet access through 3G/4G mobile networks.

Wi-Fi Generation

Wi‑Fi 4

Wi-Fi Generation

The Wi-Fi generation is a more user-friendly term for networking standards that affect maximum Wi-Fi speed, distance, sensitivity to obstacles, etc.

Wi‑Fi 4

Older Wi-Fi standard, significantly slower than Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6.

Recommended for use with few devices and for applications that do not require high speeds. 

For most users, it would be preferable to choose a Wi-Fi 5 or 6 device depending on their needs.

Each newer generation is compatible with devices that support some previous one.

Network Standards

IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11 b/g/n, IEEE 802.3/3u

Network Standards

The device supports various networking standards that affect the maximum Wi-Fi speed, distance, sensitivity to obstacles, etc. This information is also reflected in the more user-friendly Wi-Fi generation. It is recommended to choose a Wi-Fi 5 (IEEE 802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) device.

IEEE 802.11 b/g/n

The older Wi-Fi standard, known as Wi-Fi 4, is significantly slower than Wi-Fi 5 (IEEE 802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax).

It is recommended for use with few devices and for applications that do not require high speeds. For most users, it would be preferable to choose a Wi-Fi 5 or 6 device according to their needs. Each newer generation is compatible with devices that support a previous one.

Wi-Fi Frequency

Single Band (2.4GHz)

Wi-Fi Frequency

The frequencies in which the device can transmit. Most modern routers transmit on two (2.4 & 5GHz) or even three frequencies. Additional frequencies allow for faster speeds on more devices, with the biggest difference observed from one frequency to the other.

Single Band (2.4GHz)

It operates on a single frequency. Slower compared to dual and tri band.

Connectivity

Wireless network

Yes

Wireless network

The device has a wireless network to which we can connect wireless devices that support it. In case it doesn't, the connection can only be made through an ethernet cable.

Ethernet LAN connections

1

Ethernet LAN connections

The number of ethernet ports that the device has for direct wired device connections. Most routers offer 4 ports.

ISDN Connection

No

SIM slot

Yes

SIM slot

The device has a SIM card slot for internet connection through a mobile network. The SIM card should have an active data plan.

Security

Encryption Protocols

WPA

Encryption Protocols

The security protocols supported by the device for encrypting data transmitted wirelessly and protecting against third-party connections to your network.

The first protocol was WEP, which was replaced by WPA, which in turn evolves into generations with each generation having a corporate and home version. Anything older than WPA2 is not considered secure.

It is recommended that the device support at least WPA2-Personal (PSK) for home use.

WPA

The WPA protocol was a temporary significant improvement over WEP, but still vulnerable and outdated. It has now been replaced by WPA 2.

MAC Address Filtering

Yes

MAC Address Filtering

MAC (media access control) address filtering is the ability of a device to allow specific devices to connect based on their unique MAC address, while excluding any device with a MAC address that has not been defined as acceptable.

Extras

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

No

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

The device has the ability to set up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) so that traffic from all devices on our network passes through it. 2. The VPN acts as an intermediary between us and the rest of the internet. This way, we can give the impression that we are geographically located in another country and the pages we visit see the VPN address as the visitor's address, not ours. 3. This provides us with anonymity and access to content with geographic restrictions (e.g. some YouTube videos are only available in certain countries, the Netflix catalog is different depending on the country, etc.). 4. VPN services are usually paid for by subscription.

VoIP

No

Mesh

No

Mesh

It is a complete home WiFi system with multiple access points designed to eliminate dead zones and provide seamless WiFi throughout your home with higher speeds and more devices.