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Netgear 3G Mobile Broadband Wireless Router unboxing and impressions

by Darren Murph posted Sep 28th 2009 at 8:19PM

Originally announced at CES this year, Netgear's 3G Mobile Broadband Wireless Router just recently started making its way into stores. Essentially, the MBR624GU enables your USB WWAN stick to become an internet source for multiple computers, handhelds or any other device that understands WiFi. You simply plug your USB WWAN modem into the rear of the unit (or into the bundled USB dongle), fire it up, and connect via WiFi or Ethernet. Sounds good in theory, right? Follow us past the break for a few impressions on how this admittedly promising device performed in the real world.

Gallery: Netgear 3G Mobile Broadband Wireless Router unboxing

Continue reading Netgear 3G Mobile Broadband Wireless Router unboxing and impressions

New Cradlepoint firmware turns MiFi into -- wait for it -- a 3G WiFi router

by Chris Ziegler posted Jul 10th 2009 at 1:34PM

You might imagine that Cradlepoint's feeling a bit of heat since Novatel released its fantastic MiFi series, since the whole idea behind Cradlepoint's gear is to turn 3G modems into WiFi access points. It's cool, though, Cradlepoint managed to find a tricky angle: you can't charge the MiFi, use it as a USB modem, and have WiFi enabled at the same time! We still think we'd stare, point, and laugh if we were walking through an airport and saw some dude with these two cute little boxes tethered to one another, but we've got to admit that this is a pretty big Achilles' heel that Cradlepoint's managed to solve here; all it takes is a firmware update for your Cradlepoint, and voilà, you've now got MiFi compatibility.

Ericsson's fashion-forward W30 series 3G routers get detailed

by Chris Ziegler posted May 30th 2009 at 9:47AM

It's not every day that we use "Ericsson," "sexy," and "3G router" all in the same sentence, so you can understand our excitement upon learning everything there is to know about the company's new W30 and W35 models. Calling it "3G" might be an understatement, actually -- these bad boys will do a purely theoretical 7.2Mbps down and 2.0Mbps up on three hair-raising HSPA bands in addition to quadband EDGE. Both models offer 802.11b / g and four Ethernet ports for routing that high-speed WWAN data however you see fit, and the W35 ups the ante by throwing two RJ11 ports on board for VoIP connectivity. The W35 looks to be shipping in early June, so clear a nice little feng shui spot on your kitchen counter where it can sit, get friendly compliments from the neighbors, and enhance your calm.

[Thanks, Scott H.]

Verizon debuts MiFi 2200 portable EV-DO router

by Paul Miller posted May 6th 2009 at 6:40PM

It was hardly a secret 'round these parts, but Verizon Wireless is finally ready to confess to that MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot we've heard so much about. Like the Novatel unit it's based on, the device harbors 802.11b/g and EV-DO Rev. A radios, and can share a 3G Verizon connection with up to five different WiFi devices simultaneously. Battery life is pegged at four hours of active use, and 40 hours of standby on a single charge. Data plans include a $40 monthly subscription for 250MB and 10 cents per MB overages, or $60 for 5GB and half the overages price. If you want to forgo the subscription and pay full-price for the MiFi, you can pick up a 24 hour "DayPass" for $15 -- any way you slice it, you'll be paying good money for the privilege of using the thing. The MiFi 2200 itself hits stores May 17th, and will run you $100 after a $50 rebate.

Level One MobilSpot portable router shares 3G data over WiFi

by Thomas Ricker posted Apr 29th 2009 at 8:30AM

This isn't the first portable 3G router we've seen, but it certainly has the most convoluted name: the LevelOne 3G MobilSpot Portable Wireless HotSpot (WBR-3800) by CP Technologies. Just slot your EV-DO or HSDPA data card into the router's CardBus or USB interfaces and you've got an instant portable network for sharing to any 802.11b/g WiFi or Ethernet device. A 10/100Mbps WAN jack lets it double as your home router with auto-switching 3G backup for those of you with particularly troublesome DSL/Cable providers. The device measures 129 x 124 x 32mm (which isn't that small) but costs a reasonable $149.

Verizon MiFi 2200 EV-DO hotspot leaks out, will sell like Canadian bananas

by Nilay Patel posted Mar 30th 2009 at 5:27PM

It's not quite as sexy as the brushed aluminum version we saw back in December, but these leaked images showing a Verizon-branded Novatel MiFi 2200 personal hotspot are certainly enough to get the blood pumping. If you don't recall the concept, the MiFi is a battery-powered EV-DO router the size of a credit card that can provide network access over WiFi for up to four hours on a charge. There's still a lot of details up in the air here, like how many devices can connect at once and the max data rate, but if this thing comes in anywhere close to its estimated $200 price tag we'd say a lot of those answers might not matter. Couple more pics at the read link.

Ericsson's W3x Series HSPA Mobile Broadband Routers don't slouch on looks

by Paul Miller posted Mar 24th 2009 at 2:40PM

3G routers aren't a new idea, and they still aren't for the everyman, but at least Ericsson has realized that they don't have to look hopelessly generic. The Ericsson W30 Data Router (left) and Ericsson W35 Data and Voice Router (right) just slipped past the FCC, and they seem to be near the pinnacle of their genre. They can nab HSPA / UMTS / GSM data and sling it out over WiFi and Ethernet, as well as share a USB printer, while the W35 adds in voice and fax capability. There's naturally no word on price or availability just yet, but we're mainly just excited to see this genre get the sort of aesthetic sensibility it deserves.

Option GlobeSurfer III wireless 3G router asks, 'am I pretty?'

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Jan 23rd 2009 at 5:04PM

We've seen a few 3G routers in our day, and now Option's back with its newest, aimed at homes and small businesses. The GlobeSurfer III was designed to look like something you'd actually want in your house (whether or not they actually hit the mark is your call -- the company used the word "stylish" so much in its PR that we felt we had to mention it) and the management software is meant to be easy enough that even networking novices could get their collective heads 'round it. Based on the Qualcomm 7225 chipset, this guy boasts HSUPA uploads up to 5.76 Mbps and downloads up to 7.2 Mbps. Also part of the deal is a USB port for sharing hardware over the network -- perfect for serving up media, sharing printers and the like. Pricing and availability to be announced.

Continue reading Option GlobeSurfer III wireless 3G router asks, 'am I pretty?'

T-Mobile launches Mobile Broadband Share Dock 3G WiFi router

by Nilay Patel posted Oct 2nd 2008 at 4:51PM

3G WiFi routers aren't anything new at this point, but T-Mobile's new Mobile Broadband Share Dock is one of the slicker implementations we've seen from a carrier -- the unit consists of a USB HSDPA modem and a base which shares the connection over WiFi, which means you can unplug the modem and take your access on the road. As long as you don't need a persistent connection at home and can live with the bandwidth, that makes the £20 / month dock sound like a pretty good deal for someone who lives by themselves, since you'd avoid paying both mobile and fixed data fees -- too bad it's UK only for now. Should be out in the next couple of days, we're hearing.

CradlePoint CTR500 travel router gets reviewed

by Darren Murph posted Jun 14th 2008 at 12:24PM

Yeah, travel routers are still a rare breed, but when the entire family (or team, for you suits) needs to hop online in the hotel which conveniently provides absolutely no WiFi, it's a real gem to have around. CradlePoint's recently introduced 3G-ready CTR500 was taken for a test drive over at PC Perspective, and all in all, the unit performed as advertised. For those unfamiliar, it simply enables USB or ExpressCard-based WWAN modems to be connected, and from there, a variety of computers can retrieve WiFi from it. Better still, the unit did equally well when acting as a traditional WLAN router. The only real dig was the $179.99 price tag, which seemed a bit steep for the majority of folks who "probably would not need the functionality it offers." Give the full writeup a look in the read link below.

Cradlepoint announces 3G-ready CTR500 travel router

by Donald Melanson posted May 15th 2008 at 2:33PM

It's been a while since we've heard anything from the mobile-friendly folks at Cradlepoint, but it looks like they've hit all the right marks with their new 3G-ready CTR500 travel router, which takes all the features of the previous CTR-350 model and adds a few welcome additions. The biggest of those is an ExpressCard slot, which complements the existing USB port to accommodate whatever 3G modem or 3G-capable cellphone you might have. You'll also, of course, get a 10/100 Ethernet port, and full 802.11b/g compliance, along with support for an external 802.11 antenna (sold separately) if you need a bit more range. If that sounds like the upgrade you've been waiting for, you can get your order in now for $180, although the routers apparently won't start shipping until June 1st.

[Via Electronista]

CradlePoint busts out CTR-350 cellular travel router

by Donald Melanson posted Sep 7th 2007 at 3:04PM

Those still not satisfied by the range of portable 3G routers currently on the market now have another option to consider from CradlePoint, which recently introduced its battery-powered CTR-350 travel router. It'll either connect directly to a cellphone or to a USB modem (or a wired Ethernet connection if one's available), giving you an instant WiFi hotspot compliant with 802.11 b/g standards, along with all the usual security measures you'd expect from a router of any sort. What's more, if you're in a pinch, the router can also be used to charge any cellphone that supports charging via USB, although you'll of course need to find a more conventional way to charge the router itself. If that sounds like the peripheral that you're mobile office has been missing, you can order the router now directly from CradlePoint for $150.

Phoebus 3G router converts PCMCIA data card into WiFi

by Darren Murph posted Jun 23rd 2007 at 5:02PM

Yeah, this trick most certainly has a thin layer of dust on it, but there's just something special about a portable pyramid that turns your average PCMCIA data card into WiFi. The 3G Phoebus MB6000 purportedly plays nice with "most cellular PCMCIA cards on the market today" sans drivers or complicated software installations, which enables plug 'n play access to your data network regardless of current location. Aside from turning your card into a wireless access point for multiple users to connect to, it also enables wired Ethernet connections and a security suite that will only allow authenticated users to view the network. Such a fine convenience, however, was bound to come at a rather steep price, so you should probably make sure you'll be spending an awful lot of time surfing on the go before shelling out $299.95.

[Via ChipChick]

Sprint shows off Cisco ENZO EV-DO router at CTIA

by Darren Murph posted Mar 27th 2007 at 1:25PM

While it's certainly not the first of kind, Sprint is busting out a rare American solution to the 3G router thirst as it showcases the Cisco ENZO at this year's CTIA. The EV-DO router is based around a Cisco 3G WWAN interface card and an "integrated service router (ISR)," and unfortunately, that's about all the details that are currently available. Apparently, Sprint will be aiming this at companies who could use "primary or backup access for business-critical applications," and while we can't give you any concrete dates to mark on your calender just yet, the router is currently in the testing stage and should be ready for commercialization "sometime this summer."

AnyDATA busts out AWR-600 HSDPA router

by Donald Melanson posted Mar 12th 2007 at 1:59PM

3G routers are hardly the rare occurrence they once were, but it's still somewhat notable whenever a company decides to expand our wireless options, which is just what AnyDATA has done today, joining the party with its HSDPA-packin' AWR-600 router. There's not a whole lot here we haven't seen before, with the router supporting standard 802.11 b/g WiFi in addition to the built-in HSDPA, along with a built-in DHCP server, web-based configuration, the usual array of security features and, of course, some LEDs to let you know what's going on. The router also manages to keep things on the small side, measuring about 6.1 x 1.1 x 4.7 inches, with the dual antennas adding a bit of height to that. Unfortunately, there's no word on price, but AnyDATA doesn't look to have its eye on the home user with this one, instead targeting the router towards coffee shops and other business looking to offer a little hotspot action without the need for a landline connection.