Which Is The Best Mifi / Portable Wifi Router?

[chiko930]

At the moment I am tethering my phone to my laptop and using an AIS netsim which uses EDGE (with TOT - I think they have joined forces now?).

I need to use 2 devices so am looking into buying a mifi... can anyone tell me which is the best one? And if I can buy one online to be delivered?

Also, if I use 2 devices at the same time, does this mean I will use up double the hours or does it still classify as using one sim with the same hours?

Thanks!

[lomatopo]

What kind of phone do you have?

In addition to tethering Android and iPhones can also provide a hotspot feature, sharing the mobile broadband connection locally with up to 5 devices via WiFi. In the Android world this is called Mobile AP.

Whichever device you purchase just make sure it supports the 3G frequencies you might require: AIS/One-2-Call operates 3G on 900 MHz while TOT is on 2100 MHz.

http://www.totalaircard.com/categories/3G-Router/3G-Mobile-MiFi/

I'm thinking about getting a router which accepts a 3G SIM directly, like this one:

http://www.totalaircard.com/products/Huawei-B200-3G-Wireless-Router-%28900%7B47%7D2100Mhz%29.html

It might be better to consider a volume-based plan rather than a time-based plan. Time-cased plans can be speed limited to 384 Kbps, and you may have to pay 1 baht/min for any overages.

You could have multiple local devices sharing a single mobile broadband connection simultaneously, and any time-based usage would be 1X.

[muratremix]

You may consider 21 Mbit HSPA+ Mifi devices with 2 antenna.

Check out www.aircardok.com for prices and models.

I use ZTE MF60 that works with DTAC/TRUE/TOT but not Ais 3G (its crap anyway).

Make sure you buy a model 850/1900/2100 mhz 3G (WCDMA) and not 900/2100 mhz (AIS 3G and TOT 3G only)

[chiko930]

What kind of phone do you have?

In addition to tethering Android and iPhones can also provide a hotspot feature, sharing the mobile broadband connection locally with up to 5 devices via WiFi. In the Android world this is called Mobile AP.

Whichever device you purchase just make sure it supports the 3G frequencies you might require: AIS/One-2-Call operates 3G on 900 MHz while TOT is on 2100 MHz.

http://www.totalairc...3G-Mobile-MiFi/

I'm thinking about getting a router which accepts a 3G SIM directly, like this one:

http://www.totalairc...7}2100Mhz).html

It might be better to consider a volume-based plan rather than a time-based plan. Time-cased plans can be speed limited to 384 Kbps, and you may have to pay 1 baht/min for any overages.

You could have multiple local devices sharing a single mobile broadband connection simultaneously, and any time-based usage would be 1X.

I have a sony ericsson xperia x10, not sure if it's can be a mobile AP but I would like to keep it separate anyway as I have had problems tethering etc.

I think I will get the hauawei you linked to but do you know what the difference is between this wireless router and this mifi:

http://www.totalaircard.com/products/Huawei-E5836S-MiFi-3G%28850%7B47%7D2100Mhz%29.html

This one seems to have more features which could come in handy but I can't read thai so am not sure what they are!

I tried a volume based package but the AIS 150MB package for 150baht only lasted around 6 hours! I searched online for tips on how to reduce data usage but it still got used up too quickly. So I think I will purchase the 250 for 550 baht instead.

[lomatopo]

Your Xperia X10 can act as a Mobile AP, essentially a MiFi router.

If you purchase a new device just make sure that it supports the 3G frequencies you require. The model you linked appears to support 850 MHz/2100 MHz 3G so would not work with AIS/One-2-Call 3G (900 MHz).

Do you have AIS 3G coverage?

Most devices support quad-Band GSM so would be usable on any/all low speed GSM data networks: GPRS/EDGE.

Time-based plans may be more suitable for your budget, but make sure you do not go over your monthly time allowance as you will be paying 1 baht/min for any overages.

For an AIS/One-2-Call unlimited 3G plan you'd have to go up to 2 GB/550 baht.

http://www.ais.co.th/mobileinternet/en/internet-package/#2

http://www.ais.co.th/mobileinternet/en/internet-package/#1

[chiko930]

You may consider 21 Mbit HSPA+ Mifi devices with 2 antenna.

Check out www.aircardok.com for prices and models.

I use ZTE MF60 that works with DTAC/TRUE/TOT but not Ais 3G (its crap anyway).

Make sure you buy a model 850/1900/2100 mhz 3G (WCDMA) and not 900/2100 mhz (AIS 3G and TOT 3G only)

Isn't there one that works with all frequencies. At the moment i am limited to and AIS netsim because that's all they sell here in Sanglaburi but I may want to try others to see if they work.

Please excuse my ignorance but what will a 21 Mbit HSPA +mifi and antenna do that a mifi won't? I am a complete novice when it comes to this so have no idea what that is and can't find anything on the site. Thanks.

[Gary A]

I have a ZTE MF30 and I am impressed with it. Mine is for 850/2100 MHz. I don't know if they have another model that supports AIS or not. The little MiFi likely doesn't have a big distance range but it works well in the house. My wife's Acer Laptop shows an excellent signal in another room that is separated by a wall. It also has a battery in it and the WiFi will work without the USB being plugged into the computer.

I paid 2,790 baht for it. I had another router for CDMA that died after three months and the warranty replacement didn't work out of the box. The little MiFi has more range than that piece of crap router had. I may have paid too much but that's what I wanted and I couldn't find it anywhere else that I looked and I looked in several computer and phone shops. I do live in the boonies of Loei province.

ADDED - I just took the little MiFi router and plugged it into the charger as far away from my computer as the house allows. Here are the results;

[muratremix]

21 mbit and higher mifi devices come with 2 internal antennas that gives better performance over 7.2 mbit hsdpa cheaper mifi devices (true, dtac, ais branded devices)

[GreenSnapper]

The ZTE mifi looks quite good!

Aren't there any models which support all 3G frequencies necessary in Thailand (850, 900, 2100) ?

[wpcoe]

A friend of mine here in Hua Hin has a new Google Nexus 7 and a Kindle which are both WiFi-only devices, but he has no WiFi at home. (He also has a laptop computer, but no ADSL at home.) I've been pursuing two paths with him: Either a low-end 3G mobile phone with tethering, or a portable MiFi device (since he would like to be mobile with his tablet,) to enable him to use his tablet, Kindle and laptop online.

Online I found the Novatel MiFi 2372 for B1890. But a Canadian review that said the Novatel didn't transmit WiFi while the USB port was populated, even for the purpose of charging, meaning that it could only be a WiFi hotspot while running on battery. That kind of put a damper on the Novatel...

TrueMove offers two MiFi devices: one for B3990 and one for B4900. Any ideas what the more expensive MiFi device offers for B4900 over the other one at B3990? They both appear to be tri-band (2100/1900/850) HSPA/UMTS with 7.2Mbps up/5.76 down.

The True web pages seem to promote a B699/month package with 5GB 3G, unlimited EDGE/GPRS, plus 300 SMS and 120 MMS. How does a MiFi device use SMS/MMS service?

I also found ZTE MF60 Pocket WiFi for B2990 and ZTE MF62 Pocket Wifi B3290, and again not sure of the differences. Then I found this TV thread leading me to a page with over a dozen MiFi devices so I'm a little overwhelmed!

Another option I showed him was a Samsung Galaxy Pocket S5300 sold for B3990 at 7-11 of all places, but I think he's more keen on a MiFi device. He has an old non-smartphone mobile that he is quite satisfied with. But, he might consider the Samsung phone with more persuasion. Would the phone be a better option than a MiFi device?

A special challenge I have with my friend, is that he prefers to see the device before he buys, and that may prove difficult here in Hua Hin. He didn't totally grasp the concept of MiFi until I went to his house with my iPhone, turned on tethering and had him connect his tablet to my iPhone's 3G connection. *Then* the light went on.

I have a ZTE MF30 and I am impressed with it. Mine is for 850/2100 MHz.

<snip!>

ADDED - I just took the little MiFi router and plugged it into the charger as far away from my computer as the house allows. Here are the results;

From your test, I assume then the MF30 is NOT like the Novatel in that you can plug it in to charge it and simultaneously use it as a WiFi access point? I understand these devices tend to run a bit hot. If you leave it plugged in for long periods, does it sit there like a little radiator, or does it have a sleep/standby mode where it cools down?

[NeverSure]

Good grief. Do I ever have a lot to learn. I'm an IT guy in the USA and a certified internet engineer. I have a smartphone which I connect to my home wifi so I don't get charged for using internet by the phone provider. I have installed a wireless adapter card in my computer tower so I don't have to run a cat 5 cable to it if I want to move it.

Yet, I don't understand almost anything of what you guys are talking about. A router which accepts a SIM? "an AIS netsim which uses EDGE (with TOT...?"

I have the fastest ISP in the US, with 30MB down on cable. They provide the modem and I provide the router, and in my office a switch for multiple connections wired if I choose. I'm not limited to time or bandwidth. It's a flat fee per month although expensive.

I guess when I move to LOS next year I start all over...

[muratremix]

Just get ZTE MF60 or MF62.

Don't buy 7.2 / 5.76 Mbit older generation HSDPA Mifi devices. Buy HSPA+ 21Mbit ones. ZTE is pretty cheap and reliable.

[Dork]

Good grief. Do I ever have a lot to learn. I'm an IT guy in the USA and a certified internet engineer. I have a smartphone which I connect to my home wifi so I don't get charged for using internet by the phone provider. I have installed a wireless adapter card in my computer tower so I don't have to run a cat 5 cable to it if I want to move it.

Yet, I don't understand almost anything of what you guys are talking about. A router which accepts a SIM? "an AIS netsim which uses EDGE (with TOT...?"

I have the fastest ISP in the US, with 30MB down on cable. They provide the modem and I provide the router, and in my office a switch for multiple connections wired if I choose. I'm not limited to time or bandwidth. It's a flat fee per month although expensive.

I guess when I move to LOS next year I start all over...

Don't worry, Thailand also has various options for internet access including adsl and cable (up to 200MB down), depending on location and that is also unlimited. What is being discussed here is connectivity either when mobile or when located in a relatively remote place where there aren't other options yet.

[lomatopo]

I've been pursuing two paths with him: Either a low-end 3G mobile phone with tethering, or a portable MiFi device (since he would like to be mobile with his tablet,) to enable him to use his tablet, Kindle and laptop online.

I would recommend a router which accepts a SIM, the Huawei B200 comes in 850 or 900 MHz 3G flavors and is relatively inexpensive. Using a mobile phone as a router, and only a router, seems useless and MiFi devices seem overly expensive, perhaps owing to their size and portability.

http://www.totalairc...7}2100Mhz).html

I just did an install (True DSL) with an Asus ADSL N12U integrated ADSL modem, 4-port ethernet router, WiFi AP and it also has a USB port which can be used for printer sharing or accept a USB modem stick. Very slick device, the customer paid 1,900 baht for it. http://www.wireless1...DEM-ROUTER.html

Good grief. Do I ever have a lot to learn. I'm an IT guy in the USA and a certified internet engineer. I have a smartphone which I connect to my home wifi so I don't get charged for using internet by the phone provider. I have installed a wireless adapter card in my computer tower so I don't have to run a cat 5 cable to it if I want to move it.

Yet, I don't understand almost anything of what you guys are talking about. A router which accepts a SIM? "an AIS netsim which uses EDGE (with TOT...?"

Fixed-line broadband, DSL/DOCSIS/FTTx, is somewhat limited here so some are forced to use a mobile broadband connection (2G/3G) for internet connectivity. Fixed-line broadband does not have any fair-limits here, say like Comcast in the U.S., but 3G does come with fair-use limits where the access speed is greatly reduced once one exceeds their 30-day "cap".

[NeverSure]

Good grief. Do I ever have a lot to learn. I'm an IT guy in the USA and a certified internet engineer. I have a smartphone which I connect to my home wifi so I don't get charged for using internet by the phone provider. I have installed a wireless adapter card in my computer tower so I don't have to run a cat 5 cable to it if I want to move it.

Yet, I don't understand almost anything of what you guys are talking about. A router which accepts a SIM? "an AIS netsim which uses EDGE (with TOT...?"

I have the fastest ISP in the US, with 30MB down on cable. They provide the modem and I provide the router, and in my office a switch for multiple connections wired if I choose. I'm not limited to time or bandwidth. It's a flat fee per month although expensive.

I guess when I move to LOS next year I start all over...

Don't worry, Thailand also has various options for internet access including adsl and cable (up to 200MB down), depending on location and that is also unlimited. What is being discussed here is connectivity either when mobile or when located in a relatively remote place where there aren't other options yet.

Yeah, I get that but I still haven't had to deal with it. Maybe I'm missing something. At home or anywhere there's a wifi spot, I can push an icon on my smartphone and use that local wifi instead of the phone provider's satellite and surf for free.

My laptop will find any nearby available wireless access and let me connect to that if it isn't password protected by the owner.

Where I'm lost is in the need to use both together. Is it because the phone is satellite and has internet access, and can route it to the laptop or tablet or whatever? Is the idea to make the phone a hotspot, or am I off the planet?

I just saw someone link to a normal wireless G router which I could use at home, so it's going in circles for me, LOL.

[lomatopo]

Yeah, I get that but I still haven't had to deal with it. Maybe I'm missing something. At home or anywhere there's a wifi spot, I can push an icon on my smartphone and use that local wifi instead of the phone provider's satellite and surf for free.

My laptop will find any nearby available wireless access and let me connect to that if it isn't password protected by the owner.

Where I'm lost is in the need to use both together. Is it because the phone is satellite and has internet access, and can route it to the laptop or tablet or whatever? Is the idea to make the phone a hotspot, or am I off the planet?

I just saw someone link to a normal wireless G router which I could use at home, so it's going in circles for me, LOL.

Maybe best to wait until you move here? Your access to fixed-line broadband will be predicated on your location. If you can get it, great. If not, you may have to resort to 2G/3G.

There are a fair amount of WiFi hot-spots here, but these are paid, for the most part, and offer varying degrees of performance - pre-paid plans are as little as 150 baht/month so that may give you feel for what the actual performance might be like . Some 3G data plans do include "unlimited" WiFi.

In rural areas there are some longer distance, P2P WiFi solutions like TOT Wi_NET, AIS AirNET and 3BB (name forgotten), which allow for decent internet access.

Again, it all depends on your location, but you should expect things to be a little different than in the U.S. If internet access is important then choose your domicile location carefully.

[NeverSure]

Thanks. At the top of my list is good internet. I'd already decided that. You're right, I'll just wait and see what I have and learn.

[wpcoe]

I've been pursuing two paths with him: Either a low-end 3G mobile phone with tethering, or a portable MiFi device (since he would like to be mobile with his tablet,) to enable him to use his tablet, Kindle and laptop online.

I would recommend a router which accepts a SIM, the Huawei B200 comes in 850 or 900 MHz 3G flavors and is relatively inexpensive. Using a mobile phone as a router, and only a router, seems useless and MiFi devices seem overly expensive, perhaps owing to their size and portability.

My *first* choice would be for him to get a basic B599 ADSL plan with a WiFi router, but he wants portability. He thinks its a splendid idea to take his Nexus 7 to the beach. Wonder how long that practice will last.

Oh, well. He's had a slight change of heart and is now favoring 3G phones, so today we're going window shopping. I see True has a Samsung Galaxy Mini for B4990, which is at the top of his budget. We'll see...

He's an older fellow (aren't we all!) and is barely crossing the threshold of the New Millenium electronics-wise. He only goes online to check his Gmail account and scan a web site or two. It was quite a leap to see him buy a Kindle, but he is a big book reader. The Nexus 7 really surprised me. I'm hoping that with time, he'll ditch the old analog Nokia and just carry a 3G mobile. He plans to keep his old phone number on the old phone, because he thinks he wants to just keep using it. Familiarity and routine can be king with some people.

[wpcoe]

My friend bit the bullet, took the plunge, and is now the happy owner of a Samsung Galaxy Y S5360 mobile phone. He's tickled pink that he can effortlessly connect his tablet and notebook via a WiFi hotspot in the privacy of his home now. I don't think he's tried connecting his Kindle yet. I notice he was reading a book on the Nexus 7 with a Kindle app, so the Kindle may be relegated to a drawer soon.

He wanted a post-paid True 3G package, but didn't have his passport with him, so True sold him a SIM and a pre-paid 30-day package with 1GB data. I suspect he will return with his passport and change to a post-paid plan, but for now he's quite satisfied.

And he's already conceding he may ditch the old 2G flip phone.