Pls recommend a pocket wi-fi

[david_je]

I have been using an old Sierra Wireless air card with AIS SIM to connect my laptop to internet in Bangkok, but it is slow and sometimes laptop does not detect the air card anymore. I'm thinking of switching to a pocket wi-fi which I can also use abroad with local SIM there. Can someone recommend a model they have used?

[userabcd]

Have you tried tethering on your mobile phone?

 

If you can insert the sim in the 2nd slot then in settings share the network and connect your laptop to the shared phone network.

[mtls2005]

Do you need 5G?

 

A lot of air cards now support WiFi, and can stay plugged into the wall/power plug or a USB port in your car.

 

And do you care about 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi?

 

Many reviews on Youtube, local in Thai.

 

Huawei, ZTE are good brands.

 

 

 

[mtls2005]

1 minute ago, userabcd said:

Have you tried tethering on your mobile phone?

In a pinch this is fine. Long term? Meh.

[Halfaboy]

Could the plug and play modem from True / Dtac be a solution ?  I have no experience but am considering to buy this as a back-up.

[userabcd]

1 hour ago, mtls2005 said:

In a pinch this is fine. Long term? Meh.

Well there are a few options

 

Buy another cheap phone, insert the sim and share the network. That is pretty much the same as a pocket wifi.

 

2nd could buy a 3g/4g device from one of the network carriers true, ais they have their pocket wifi devices.

 

3rd buy a tp link or dlink branded pocket wifi device

 

I assume the op would like to travel and use the device in other places

 

If myself would select option 1. It would be a cheap mobile with good battery. This can be plugged into the wall and wifi/sim shared. Can also be used for calls.

 

2nd option would be to buy a tp link or dlink pocket wifi device. They are a little costly but I think they will be better supported and unlocked for sims around the world.

 

Third option is to buy a device from true or ais, may be locked to their systems and may require unlocking which has  potential security issues.

 

Suggested tp link 4g pocket wifi

https://shopee.co.th/TP-Link-M7000-Pocket-WiFi-พกพาไปได้ทุกที่-(4G-LTE-Mobile-Wi-Fi)-ใส่ซิมแล้วใช้ได้ทันที-ไม่ต้องตั้งค่า-.!-New-Arrival--i.66071289.5269705065?sp_atk=f395fd99-cc1f-4938-b47b-47d91ac7e3fa

 

 

Suggested dlink 4g pocket wifi

https://shopee.co.th/พอกเก็ตไวไฟ-ใส่ซิม-D-LINK-(DWR-932C)-N300-4G-LTE-WiFi-Mobile-Modem-Router-3y.-i.74778579.4500620717?sp_atk=61307029-9211-46cb-9343-d64ef23ba072

Edited December 10, 2021 by userabcd

[Kan Win]

I use the TP-Link one. I have been able to link 2 laptops and a mobile. Works great.

 

It is a router by the way with a Ture Sim, I take mine with me to use with the mobile to translate.

 

Win

Edited December 10, 2021 by Kan Win

[david_je]

4 hours ago, userabcd said:

Well there are a few options

 

Buy another cheap phone, insert the sim and share the network. That is pretty much the same as a pocket wifi.

 

2nd could buy a 3g/4g device from one of the network carriers true, ais they have their pocket wifi devices.

 

3rd buy a tp link or dlink branded pocket wifi device

 

I assume the op would like to travel and use the device in other places

 

If myself would select option 1. It would be a cheap mobile with good battery. This can be plugged into the wall and wifi/sim shared. Can also be used for calls.

 

2nd option would be to buy a tp link or dlink pocket wifi device. They are a little costly but I think they will be better supported and unlocked for sims around the world.

 

Third option is to buy a device from true or ais, may be locked to their systems and may require unlocking which has  potential security issues.

 

Suggested tp link 4g pocket wifi

https://shopee.co.th/TP-Link-M7000-Pocket-WiFi-พกพาไปได้ทุกที่-(4G-LTE-Mobile-Wi-Fi)-ใส่ซิมแล้วใช้ได้ทันที-ไม่ต้องตั้งค่า-.!-New-Arrival--i.66071289.5269705065?sp_atk=f395fd99-cc1f-4938-b47b-47d91ac7e3fa

 

 

Suggested dlink 4g pocket wifi

https://shopee.co.th/พอกเก็ตไวไฟ-ใส่ซิม-D-LINK-(DWR-932C)-N300-4G-LTE-WiFi-Mobile-Modem-Router-3y.-i.74778579.4500620717?sp_atk=61307029-9211-46cb-9343-d64ef23ba072

Very helpful, thank you. I should have mentioned I actually don't use smartphone as most of the screens give me headaches. if share phone wifi with laptop, what would  be cons as opposed to getting a pocket wifi? Would it be as fast, reliable, wide coverage, etc.? And do you have any experience with the TP-Link or D-Link machines mentioned? I assume those would be more flexible and surer when traveling since not locked to any particular systems like AIS? Thanks.

[david_je]

3 minutes ago, Kan Win said:

I use the TP-Link one. I have been able to link 2 laptops and a mobile. Works great.

 

Win

May I ask where you purchased and what SIM/data package you use with it? Any tips for this novice welcome. Thank you.

[david_je]

5 minutes ago, Kan Win said:

I use the TP-Link one. I have been able to link 2 laptops and a mobile. Works great.

 

Win

Oh, and have you also used abroad with local SIM there, or only in Thailand (Bangkok or where)?

[userabcd]

2 hours ago, david_je said:

Very helpful, thank you. I should have mentioned I actually don't use smartphone as most of the screens give me headaches. if share phone wifi with laptop, what would  be cons as opposed to getting a pocket wifi? Would it be as fast, reliable, wide coverage, etc.? And do you have any experience with the TP-Link or D-Link machines mentioned? I assume those would be more flexible and surer when traveling since not locked to any particular systems like AIS? Thanks.

If you don't use a mobile phone then I would give it a miss and go for one of 3g/4g pocket routers.

 

The phone would be more costly anyway.

 

You need to look at the specs and see if the cellular protocol is supported in the country and on the network you want to use it, it is like that for all these, even mobile phones.

4G: FDD-LTE (2100/1800/2600/900/800MHz) TDD-LTE (2600/2300/2500MHz) 3G: DC-HSPA+/HSPA+/HSPA/UMTS (2100/900MHz)

 

[Bruno123]

11 hours ago, david_je said:

I have been using an old Sierra Wireless air card with AIS SIM to connect my laptop to internet in Bangkok, but it is slow and sometimes laptop does not detect the air card anymore. I'm thinking of switching to a pocket wi-fi which I can also use abroad with local SIM there. Can someone recommend a model they have used?

Depends somewhat on what kinds of speeds you expect. If happy with a 10 Mbps or 20 Mbps cap then I cannot fault either of the earlier suggestions on specification. TP-LINK covers one extra band on LTE: Band 20.

If wanting to take advantage of higher possible speeds, then look at CAT.6.

 

Even though I have a MiFi with me, I prefer to use my mains powered LTE router. But if you are pushed for space; then a MiFi will work.

 

A Smartphone will work; but not really suitable to be left plugged into the mains long term.

 

 

[Bruno123]

6 hours ago, david_je said:

May I ask where you purchased and what SIM/data package you use with it? Any tips for this novice welcome. Thank you.

 

You can run a search on the model numbers to find alternative outlets.

 

Currently all three of the main networks are offering unlimited data, capped at either 4 Mbps, 10 Mbps or 20 Mbps, at 150, 200 and 300 baht per month respectively.

Alternatively, you can purchase a year of unlimited Internet access in advance, capped at a maximum bandwidth of 10 Mbps, from 1400 baht( equivalent to approx.117 baht per month).

 

[recom273]

I don't own one, but you might want to take a look at these, but Im thinking about a x750 as a backup internet.

 

https://www.gl-inet.com/products/gl-e750/

https://www.gl-inet.com/products/gl-x750/

 

I do own a https://www.gl-inet.com/products/gl-mt300n-v2/ and they are really cool pieces of kit to own, when I bought one they were 500B but now almost double in price - but it depends upon what you want, they have some little features like a physical switch to toggle a VPN or TOR. The software on the 750 is pretty much the same, based upon OpenWRT.

 

I contacted the manufacturer and they are CAT6 capable of carrier aggregation, the only downside is they are more expensive than I would like to pay for a backup system.

[Bruno123]

Take note with regard to the recommendation above;

 

 

Only the two models at the bottom of the list are CAT. 6 capable; the others are CAT. 4.

 

EP06-E is a CAT.6 module. EC25-E is CAT. 4.

 

https://shopee.co.th/GL.iNet-GL-E750-(MUDI)-4G-LTE-OpenWrt-VPN-Router-MicroSD-สูงสุด-128GB-แบตเตอรี่-7000mAh-OpenVPN-WireGuard-Tor-i.527959688.13009489835

[Kan Win]

21 hours ago, david_je said:

May I ask where you purchased and what SIM/data package you use with it? Any tips for this novice welcome. Thank you.

 

21 hours ago, david_je said:

Oh, and have you also used abroad with local SIM there, or only in Thailand (Bangkok or where)?

Got it from TP-Link M7200 Pocket WiFi พกพาไปได้ทุกที่ (4G LTE Mobile Wi-Fi) | Shopee Thailand

 

True Sim 60 GB per month only paid for it one time. It will expire 02.01.2022 so ordered a year of unlimited Internet access in advance from Lazada 1,790/- baht. Should be here anon.

 

[ ซิมเทพทรู ] ซิมเน็ตไม่อั้น ซิมเทพ 10mbps 1ปี Unlimited ไม่ลดสปีด โทรฟรีในเครือข่าย True 1 ปี มีใบกำกับภาษี จัดส่งฟรี ซิมเทพธอร์ WPNmobile Sim | Lazada.co.th

 

I have a PR so I do not travel abroad, since there is no need for me to go anywhere, only in and around Kan at the moment. Will take it with me everywhere I go and fully charged up.  (Tip)

 

I am also a novice to routers, very easy to get things working the TP-link.

 

Good luck.

 

Win

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 11, 2021 by Kan Win

[Bruno123]

12 hours ago, recom273 said:

I don't own one, but you might want to take a look at these, but Im thinking about a x750 as a backup internet.

 

https://www.gl-inet.com/products/gl-e750/

https://www.gl-inet.com/products/gl-x750/

 

I do own a https://www.gl-inet.com/products/gl-mt300n-v2/ and they are really cool pieces of kit to own, when I bought one they were 500B but now almost double in price - but it depends upon what you want, they have some little features like a physical switch to toggle a VPN or TOR. The software on the 750 is pretty much the same, based upon OpenWRT.

 

I contacted the manufacturer and they are CAT6 capable of carrier aggregation, the only downside is they are more expensive than I would like to pay for a backup system.

 

You already have the Mango. You can attach a USB modem/MiFi/Smartphone tether to it for a back up system.

 

[Bruno123]

44 minutes ago, Kan Win said:

 

Got it from TP-Link M7200 Pocket WiFi พกพาไปได้ทุกที่ (4G LTE Mobile Wi-Fi) | Shopee Thailand

 

True Sim 60 GB per month only paid for it one time. It will expire 02.01.2022 so ordered a year of unlimited Internet access in advance from Lazada 1,790/- baht. Should be here anon.

 

[ ซิมเทพทรู ] ซิมเน็ตไม่อั้น ซิมเทพ 10mbps 1ปี Unlimited ไม่ลดสปีด โทรฟรีในเครือข่าย True 1 ปี มีใบกำกับภาษี จัดส่งฟรี ซิมเทพธอร์ WPNmobile Sim | Lazada.co.th

 

I have a PR so I do not travel abroad, since there is no need for me to go anywhere, only in and around Kan at the moment. Will take it with me everywhere I go and fully charged up.  (Tip)

 

I am also a novice to routers, very easy to get things working the TP-link.

 

Good luck.

 

Win

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slightly baffled as to why they have two models so close to each other; 

https://www.tp-link.com/th/home-networking/mifi/m7000/

https://www.tp-link.com/th/home-networking/mifi/m7200/

https://www.tp-link.com/th/compare/?typeId=4692&productIds=45203%2C25769

 

The M7000 covers an extra band on LTE and might come with a power supply.

The M7200 allows you to connect the modem to your PC via USB cable as well as WiFi.

[recom273]

1 hour ago, Bruno123 said:

 

You already have the Mango. You can attach a USB modem/MiFi/Smartphone tether to it for a back up system.

 

As you know, It's only 2.4GHz / 300Mbps (not that its not good enough) .. I bought the mango for experimenting outside my regular network.

 

I really like the concept of the company, I think it's a British guy in Hong Kong. He always replies to messages promptly, the GUI is pretty nice, the whole package and design is slick. I think its a company worth supporting.

 

Yes .. the mango. When I really need a backup wifi, its when there's a frequent power cut - I need a reliable setup, for instance, I could use the USB port for a modem, but I dont have that time to reconfig a router, it needs to be a near seamless transition. I could jump to my smartphone hotspot but disappointingly my iPhone 11 get hot after a little while and the starts dropping out, I can easily lose a customer or catch a fine for a poor connection.

 

Thanks for the suggestion, actually I have already ordered the USB modem to play with, but I don't see it as a permanent fixture. I'm also keen to test the performance of the SIM you suggested and carrier aggregation. Always playing and messing about.

 

 

[mtls2005]

31 minutes ago, recom273 said:

When I really need a backup wifi, its when there's a frequent power cut - I need a reliable setup, for instance, I could use the USB port for a modem,

 

There are some spiffy chargers/power banks which accept a USB WiFi Aircard. So just leave it plugged in, and with a power outage the power bank should support operation for a while. This assumes the local 4G/LTE tower isn't impacted or has battery backup.

 

https://shopee.co.th/amp/เคส-POWER-BANK-ESOUND-สำหรับต่อ-4G-USB-WiFi-Stick(ไม่แถม-USB-4G-WiFi)-i.22075930.9681308498

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59EtKb5qpbc

 

Or you could just connect the USB WiFi Aircard to a standard power bank with a suitable cable.

 

I reread the OPs post...so two Q's

 

How slow is slow?

 

And what AIS package are you using?

 

Some of those first and second gen Sierra cards have quite low speeds, like ~ 4 Mbps MAX.

 

Almost anything recent would probably provide much better performance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 11, 2021 by mtls2005

[david_je]

13 minutes ago, mtls2005 said:

 

There are some spiffy chargers/power banks which accept a USB WiFi Aircard. So just leave it plugged in, and with a power outage the power bank should support operation for a while. This assumes the local 4G/LTE tower isn't impacted or has battery backup.

 

https://shopee.co.th/amp/เคส-POWER-BANK-ESOUND-สำหรับต่อ-4G-USB-WiFi-Stick(ไม่แถม-USB-4G-WiFi)-i.22075930.9681308498

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59EtKb5qpbc

 

Or you could just connect the USB WiFi Aircard to a standard power bank with a suitable cable.

 

I reread the OPs post...so two Q's

 

How slow is slow?

 

And what AIS package are you using?

 

Some of those first and second gen Sierra cards have quite low speeds, like ~ 4 Mbps MAX.

 

Almost anything recent would probably provide much better performance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm not sure Mbps; 3G indicator lights up on air card but it's slow, and worse, laptop often says air card "not detected," or "initializing," etc., so can't use at all on those days. I have reinstalled driver but no improvement. The Sierra Wireless air card is about 20 years old. You think newer air card would fix the problem, or should I get pocket wifi, or? I'd prefer something mobile and not fixed to year-long internet provider contract as I travel and only spend part of year in Thailand (Bangkok). I am using AIS Net Max Speed 699b/month. Thanks.

[mtls2005]

17 hours ago, david_je said:

The Sierra Wireless air card is about 20 years old.

Yeah, that is "boran". Probably maxes out at 3.9 Mbps with a strong breeze.

 

17 hours ago, david_je said:

You think newer air card would fix the problem, or should I get pocket wifi,

Up to you. Either should result in a significant performance upgrade. And either (assuming you get a USB WiFi Aircard) will provide WLAN service so no need to plug into a PC/notebook.

 

17 hours ago, david_je said:

I'd prefer something mobile and not fixed to year-long internet provider contract

You can go prepaid, or get one of those unlimited volume/speed capped yearly SIM.

 

It all depends on your usage, applications, budget.

 

17 hours ago, david_je said:

AIS Net Max Speed 699b/month.

Is that prepaid or postpaid? Unlimited speed, but 50 GB volume?

[phetphet]

Lots of them, both 4G and 5G on Lazada.

Make sure that whatever you buy is unlocked so you can use it with any provider. Also check that the wavelengths are compatible with Thailand if  you go for a 5G one. Look for global models.

 

Unless of course you just want to buy one from your preferred provider.

 

I haven't used my one for years, but it gave good service when I did. Huawei.

[david_je]

24 minutes ago, mtls2005 said:

Is that prepaid or postpaid? Unlimited speed, but 50 GB volume?

postpaid, 20G/month

[david_je]

27 minutes ago, mtls2005 said:

Up to you. Either should result in a significant performance upgrade. And either (assuming you get a USB WiFi Aircard) will provide WLAN service so no need to plug into a PC/notebook.

 

What do you think would be key pros and cons of getting new air card vs. pocket wifi? Thanks.

[mtls2005]

For a 1,000 - 1,500 baht purchase it hardly seems worth the effort?

 

Just pick an aircard model, and a MiFi model, then research both. Or just buy one now and try it out.

 

You could probably get something couriered today or tomorrow.

 

The bulkier option, a 4G router, doesn't sound like something you need or want. But for some it may be a good solution.

 

31 minutes ago, david_je said:

postpaid, 20G/month

You can do better than this. Ring them up and negotiate a better plan, either more GB or less baht. They'll probably do both. Most reps can trim a postpaid plan by 50%. 

 

 

 

[david555]

http://mifi.zmifi.com

10000 mAh 4G Mobile Wi-Fi with Built-in Power Bank-ZMI

https://www.zmifi.com › product

 

if up  link not work , use this one       4G Wireless Wi-Fi Router Pocket Wifi ZMI Model MF885 Supports All Networks Worldwide - eGadget Thailand

 

10000 mAh Power Bank Wireless wifi repeater 3G4G Router Mobile Hotspot Fast shipping Support QC Fast Charging.

Edited December 12, 2021 by david555

[Bruno123]

45 minutes ago, david_je said:

What do you think would be key pros and cons of getting new air card vs. pocket wifi? Thanks.

They are the same thing as long as they support RNDIS.

 

If you need to keep your number with AIS, you can change the SIM from PostPaid to PrePaid and then apply a 20 Mbps or 10 Mbps unlimited pack to it, for 300 baht per month or 200 baht per month respectively.

Otherwise a new SIM will have the same options. 

 

For the Wireless device; that depends on how much you are willing to spend. More money; more function. i.e: Carrier Aggregation, WiFi 5(ac) or 6(ax)

 

Comes down to whether you are a top of the range guy or if you just need the basics.