#Hotspot devices how to#
#Hotspot devices portable#

The only downside is that they can only connect to one device at once - and it must be one with a USB port, like a laptop. Other than that, they work in the exact same way as their Wi-Fi equivalents - they connect to mobile broadband and let you go online from almost anywhere. Instead, they plug into the USB port of your computer. DonglesДongles are a kind of mobile hotspot device, but they don't broadcast Wi-Fi. Plus, mobile networks often have limits on whether or not you can tether with one of their SIMs - check your mobile contract or our guide for details. It's a drain on your phone's battery, not to mention your data allowance, and isn't even possible on some phones. If you want to use mobile broadband a lot, however, tethering from your phone isn't ideal.

#Hotspot devices how to#

Take a look at our guide to tethering to find out how to do it. A lot of modern smartphones have a mobile hotspot feature that lets you connect other devices to your phone's mobile internet - a process known as tethering. Tethering from a smartphoneДon't want to go to the hassle of getting a brand new hotspot device? Just use one you made earlier. Some have special deals on mobile broadband for existing customers too, so it's always worth seeing what's available from your current mobile network. We recommend using a coverage checker, and picking a deal from a network that offers good 4G coverage in the areas you want to use your hotspot. Longer contracts from networks often mean you get the device itself for free, too. You can either buy a device outright and get a data-only SIM card to put in it or you can take out a one, 12, 18, or 24-month contract directly from the network. Mobile Wi-Fi devices are available from major mobile networks, including: You'll also find ones that are specially designed to be used in a car so you can use the internet while you travel (though not while you're driving, of course). Some mobile Wi-Fi hotspots are small, and support just a couple of hours of activity others are larger and more high-tech, letting you go online for a whole day or so. A lot of them also support SD cards so you can access your files on the go as well.

Like a router, you can connect several devices at a time - up to 32 in some cases. It's like bringing a very small router with you, except that router is the size of a thick credit card.

It's a little device that you can carry around with you, and then when you need to get online you can just switch it on and connect your laptop, tablet, or smartphone to its Wi-Fi.

#Hotspot devices portable#

Compare mobile Wi-Fi deals Personal Wi-Fi hotspotsДЄ personal Wi-Fi hotspot - aka mobile broadband device, aka mi-fi device, aka portable hotspot, aka pocket Wi-Fi, aka a bunch of other similar names - is the most common kind of mobile hotspot.