WiFi or Moble Broadband – What’s the Difference?
WiFi or Mobile Broadband?
What’s the difference between mobile broadband and WiFi? This is a question that ISP 1 readers often ask.
The truth is these are two completely different technologies, even though they both are wireless.
Mobile Broadband
Cellular phone providers such as Verizon, At&t, Sprint and others offer mobile broadband. Using mobile broadband you can get high speed Internet access practically anywhere that has 3G or 4G cell service. The cost is about $20 to $60 a month depending on the type of device you’re using. Mobile broadband is very convenient for business users or frequent travelers. It gives you the flexibility and freedom to work from pretty much anywhere you like. However, it does have some drawbacks. Most cellular providers impose monthly bandwidth limits of 5 GB or less and charge hefty overage fees. The speed is also not near as fast as your typical home DSL or high speed cable Internet connection.
WiFi Internet
WiFi is a trademark of the WiFi Alliance. WiFi enabled devices communicate with wireless routers or access points sometimes called “hotspots”. To receive WiFi Internet access, you must be within range of one of these hotspots. WiFi has a very limited range of a few hundred feet or so. This can be extended with overlapping access points, to cover a area such as a college campus. You can connect your broadband DSL or high speed cable Internet to a wireless router at home to provide broadband Internet to all of your wireless Internet enabled devices.
Free WiFi
Free WiFi is available in some areas such as airports, college campuses, coffee shops, book stores, hotels, and restaurants.You must be within range to receive the service and possibly need to provide login credentials on secured WiFi networks.
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3G Wireless Internet – What’s 3G All About?
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Today, people are enjoying all different types of Internet connections. 3G wireless Internet is a perfect choice for those frequently on the go. Alternatively known as mobile broadband, 3G or third generation Internet it is a rather fresh new technology providing both convenience and flexibility. Prior to spending your money, there are a few terms you need to understand. EVDO, which stands for Evolution Data Optimized or Evolution Data Only, is one of them.
It refers to a 3G technology that generally offers download speeds of between 600 to 1400 kilobytes per second. Companies such as Verizon and At&t use this technology. If you’ve ever heard of HSPA or the 4G-network service, then you won’t have problems understanding what EVDO is all about. It is a form of cellular Internet offered via cell phone networks. This explains the reason why the service is only available in areas that have adequate mobile phone network or signals.
Are you thinking of trying a mobile broadband connection today? – If the answer is yes, there are a few options available.
The first choice is a USB modem, which is a tiny gadget that you connect to a laptop USB port. For instance, one can buy an EVDO modem.
A wireless mobile hotspot is another 3G Internet device that acts like a 3G wireless router. It connects your laptop or desktop computer to high speed Internet via a wireless connection.
A mobile data card, otherwise called a broadband data card is the third option. f you have to choose it make sure that your notebook has the proper interface card slot, either PCMCIA on older laptops or the newer ExpressCard slot.
Now that you know a little more about 3G Wireless Internet, the following guidelines will help you pick the most appropriate 3G service provider.
• High Speed Connection – whether you choose expensive or cheap 3G Internet, high speed must be your top consideration. If you are a web designer, you will certainly require a top speed connection for uploading and downloading large files. If your work is not very complex, mobile broadband service is perfect.
• 3G Modem Options – If you want cellular Internet to work for you, consider choosing the best modem. There are many modem providers in the US, including US Cellular, AllTell, Sprint. At&t and Verizon among others. It will be best if you could find product reviews and read them keenly.
• Cellular Signal Strength – Although each provider will state this on the advert, it is your duty to find out. Previous users are the only people who can guide you through this. Therefore, you have to search for related reviews and testimonials. You might find out that the signal strength is not very reliable in your locality and vice versa.
• Cost Of Service – 3G wireless Internet is currently not the Cheapest Broadband Option. But the portability is a big plus and it’s affordable. Due to the immense competition in this market, you should be able to compare numerous 3G offers. Some wireless providers will give you a chance to test their services on a trial basis.
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PDF – 3G Wireless Internet – What’s 3G All About?. |
