Take the internet anywhere with MiFi, the catchy name for mobile internet wireless networking; which provides easy and fast internet connectivity on the go. The term “MiFi” refers to pocket-sized wireless routers designed to allow wireless connectivity by multiple devices. Heavy travelers, busy professionals, and multi-device users can all experience mobile productivity with MiFi. It’s great for sharing a mobile broadband connection with multiple devices, so you have the portability of mobile broadband, and the convenience of sharing a connection as you would with a wireless router.
MiFi routers are unique because of their size, portability, network, and ability to be shared. Novatel’s MiFi routers create a WiFi hotspot – providing a range of up to 30 feet of wireless internet connectivity. Up to five WiFi enabled devices (including cell phones, laptops, netbooks, iPads, and iPods) in the router’s range can connect to the network with a password. MiFi routers are very portable at about the size of a credit card and less than an inch in thickness. These routers run on wireless cell phone networks, and, thus, connectivity is available anywhere a cell phone signal is accessible.
Introduced in 2009, the popularity of MiFi has spread quickly and is available in dozens of countries, including the UK, Canada, Spain, Japan, South Africa, Germany, and Mexico. In the United States, AT&T, Verizon, Virgin Mobile, and Sprint are the cell providers that offer MiFi service, requiring both the purchase of a Novatel router and a monthly MiFi wireless plan – many of which have data limits.
While MiFi provides convenience and portability, most users will not use it in place of their home wireless connections. MiFi is typically slower than a traditional wireless router, and the bandwidth limitations in most cell companies’ plans mean that most users – especially those who watch videos or download items – would incur excess-bandwidth charges if replacing their home internet with MiFi. In addition, there have also been some concerns that the service may not be quite as secure as a traditional wireless service.
A range of Novatel routers are available, and features may vary by cell carrier. AT&T’s Mobile Hotspot MiFi 2372 is a popular model with some nice features. The MiFi 2372 is a slim and sleek device that measures 2.44-inches by 3.86-inches. At only .6-inches thick and with a weight of less than 3-ounces, the MiFi 2372 easily fits into a pocket for portability. This AT&T model features a single on-off button for ease of use and features a color-coded LED light to alert users to the device’s status and connection speed. This MiFi device gets a range of up to 30 feet, though in tests, users achieved the fastest connection speeds within 20 feet of the device. Security features are built in to the unit, allowing users some peace of mind. Battery life of the product reaches 4 hours on a single charge.
PC Magazine awarded the MiFi 2372 its Editor’s Choice Award, and this product is a top choice for AT&T users who wish to explore what MiFi has to offer. For slightly more than a traditional wireless router, consumers can purchase a Novatel wireless router that provides connectivity options on the go. You can find the MiFi 2372 on Amazon for $225.99.
About the author:
Spencer Hogg writes for UK mobile broadband website Broadband Expert about wireless technologies, mobile broadband, LTE and 4G technology amongst other techie topics.
