Category: 4G LTE Mobile WiFi

Netgear Aircard 762s 4G Mobile Hotspot

After we had introduced the Vodafone R215 4G Mobile Hotspot, Netgear brings another very similar LTE router on the German market. Visually, both devices are very similar, but in terms of the features and the price-performance ratio, there are different. Below you will find all the key data and information.

 

Features and characteristics of Netgear Aircard 762S
Manufacturer and Model Number Netgear 762S AirCard
Download rate Up to 100 MBit/s
Upload rate Up to 50 MBit/s
Supported LTE Bands: LTE on 800, 1800, 2100 und 2600 MHz
Backward compatible Standards HSPA+, HSUPA, UMTS on 850, 900 und 2100 MHzEDGE, GPRS (2G) 850/900/1800/1900MHz
MIMO Support: Yes, 2×2 MIMO
Connector for external antenna Yes, two TS-9 socket(Buy Netgear Aircard 762s Antenna )
Category: LTE Modem to Category 3 (CAT3)
Network | LAN & WLAN
LAN Ports No, only wireless
WLAN Standards WLAN 802.11b/g/n
5 GHz WLAN support no
Encoding WEP, WPA/WPA2
USB 1x USB 2.0
integrated battery unknown – running time approximately 6 hours
Dimensions (H | B | T) and weight 97.5 x 57 x 15.2 mm and 100 Gramm
Information material
Manual unfortunately not yet available online
Datasheet PDF Download from netgear wireless
Available at: Since November 2013

 

 

 

Also, the Netgear AC762S is designed for mobile use. When traveling, you can get all the family members with few handles access to the Internet. Here, only a SIM card with high speed contract must be inserted in the device. Another application would be to use in the mobile office. Employees or customers can optionally access via WLAN grant. The integrated Hotspot allows for up to 10 devices at the same time.

 

The integrated modem supports LTE 4G tariffs of up to 100 Mbits per second. While this is perfectly adequate, but Vodafone R215 (or Huawei E5372) offers even LTE Category 4 (up to 150 Mbps) in direct comparison. AC762S supports the 4G bands on 800/1800/2100 and 2600 MHz. In addition, the AC762S backwards compatible with 3G (HSPA, HSPA+ and DC-HSPA+) and 2G. Unfortunately, WLAN with the latest AC standard is not supported. Instead, the common minimum configuration for 802.11 to b/g and n at 2.4 GHz offered. On the bottom there are two TS-9 ports for connecting an external antenna and a USB 2.0 connector. In the router, MicroSD up to 32 GB of memory can be inserted.

 

LCD-Display

The LCD display on the front, provides an overview of all important data for connection such as the reception strength, the wireless standard currently in use, the power consumed in the session volume and the online time. Furthermore, the user can read the battery level and define the basic settings in the menu.

 

 

Easy installation

Like huawei R215, the installation and commissioning of AC762s router is a breeze. After the SIM card is inserted and the power switch is pressed, it can almost go. A software that is not necessary to install, as is common with most surf sticks. All configurations can be done easily via the browser. As an option, WPS-compatible devices can bring into your own network with a push of a button. Another similar feature for Vodafone R215 is that Netgear offers an app for Android or iOS, where use also read all the key data and settings can be made.

 

Since Netgear AC762S is a SIM free device, the router works with all European mobile providers. The R215 is in less price for around 30 € currently and offers better performance. To read more about Vodafone R215, you can check here about the review.

 

ZTE MF93E 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Review

Following Huawei E5776, the candidates ZTE has a new 4G mobile hotspot now with LTE support and colorful screen on offer – ZTE MF93E. We have all the key data summarized for you and show you where advantages and disadvantages are similar to Huawei models and whether the purchase worthwhile.

 

 

LTE features and characteristics of ZTE MF93E
Manufacturer and model number ZTE MF93E
Download rate up to 100 MBit/s
Upload rate up to 50 MBit/s
Supported LTE bands LTE 1.8, 2.6 GHz (FDD) & 2.3, 2.6 GHz (TDD)
Backward compatible with: DC-HSPA+ / HSPA+ / UMTS / EDGE / GSM / GPRS
Support LTE-Advanced no
MIMO Support: MIMO 2×2
Connector for external antenna yes; 2 antenna sockets, type TS-9 available (buy ZTE MF93E antenna)
LTE Category: LTE Modem to Category 3 (CAT3)
Chipset Qualcomm MDM9215
Others
Dimensions (LxWxH) 107 mm x 61 mm x 16 mm and 105 Gramm
USB-Standard USB 2.0
Memory card expansion yes; With 32 GB MicroSD
Battery capacity 2800 mAh,  10 hours
Compatible Operating Systems Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7+8, Mac OS (above 10.4)
Release March 2014
Availability on www.4gltemall.com
Handbuch PDF unfortunately not yet available online

 

ZTE MF93E is a so-called “mobile hotspot” router. This type of device looks like space-saving mobile phone in pocket size, but they would provide just wireless network with router function. So users can go outside not just with one terminal, actually , in this case, up to 10 wireless devices could be taken if there is ZTE MF93E in hand.

 

 

 

Technical data

 

The ZTE MF93E supports LTE category 3 at 1800 & 2600 MHz (FDD mode), and 2300 & 2600 in the TDD modulation mode. The latter, however, is largely prevalent in Asia. The LTE band 800 MHz is not covered, which means some insignificant shortcoming in certain area and countries. LTE Category 3 allowed data rates of up to 100 Mbps for downstream and 50 Mbps for upstream. In addition, however, the router can also access major 3G and 2G standards to the Internet, such as UMTS, HSPA+, EDGE or GSM.

 

 

 

 

The WLAN module is working on 802.11b/g/n, so that internal networking data rates of up to 150 Mbps can be achieved. This is not necessarily “often state the art”, but at least functional. After all, this is not self-evident; the operation in the dual band of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz is possible. In addition, there are two TS-9 ports located on the bottom for connecting an external antenna to the receiving optimization. ZTE MF93E has a battery of quite handsome capacity of 2800 mAh, which should be sufficient for 9-10 hours operating time. Of course, the user can also operate on AC power, provided a power source is present.

 

 

 

 

Display

On the front, ZTE MF93E has built a color information display. This is partly for control and also displays any relevant connection status, such as the radio standard used or surfing data volume during the online session.

 

 

 

There is no doubt that ZTE MF93E is a very visually attractive device. Since the release time is too long ago in the first quarter of 2014, there are no technically new similar models for competition. The MF93E is most likely comparable with Huawei E589, which has similar specifications, but not all.

 

 

 

In conclusion, ZTE MF93E satisfies the LTE category 3, and supports the maximum speed to 100Mbps, which is good enough for normal use under good network condition. Also the battery is good enough with 3000 mAh capacity. But if you want LTE category 4 mobile WiFi, the best alternative would be the Huawei E5372, which is already offering LTE Category 4 and connection speed reach up to 150mbps. Whether you think ZTE MF93E is suitable for you or not, you must make your own decision if you a real good 4G pocket MiFi.

 

Huawei E5372 4G LTE MiFi

Huawei E5372 was supposed to be the best LTE MiFi Router since 2013. Because E5372 MiFi is characterized by the support of almost all currently popular mobile radio standards, and has excellent mobility characteristics, thus Huawei E5372 is ideally suited for travel. We have found the following the most important features of E5372, along with the test report.

Features and characteristics of Huawei E5372
Manufacturer and model number Huawei E5372
Download rate Up to 150 MBit/s
Upload rate bis Up to 50 MBit/s
Supported LTE Bands: LTE Band 800, 900, 1800, 2100 and 2600 MHz
Backup compatible Standards HSPA+, HSUPA, UMTS 850, 900 and 2100 MHz;EDGE, GPRS (2G) 850/900/1800/1900MHz
MIMO Support: Yes, 2×2
Connector for external antenna Yes, two TS-9 connector (Buy Huawei E5372 Antenna)
Category: LTE Modem to Category 4 (CAT4)
Network | LAN & WLAN
LAN Ports No, only wireless
WLAN Standards WLAN 802.11b/g/n
5 GHz WLAN support Yes
Encoding WEP, WPA/WPA2
USB 1x USB 2.0
Integrated battery about 1750mAh (duration about 5-6 hours)
Dimensions (H | B | T) and weight 99 x 62 x 14.4 mm and 130 Gramm
Information material
Test Report Huawei E5372 Test Report
Review Huawei E5372 Review (of identical R215)
Available at: On www.4gltemall.com

 

 

Technology

 

On Huawei E5372, there is virtually nothing to be desired. It has not only mastered LTE in the popular category 3 but also supports the closest modern variant CAT4. This means that download rates can be reach as far as 100 Mbit/s, even 150 Mbit/s. The E5372 Router can be used virtually with all LTE providers in European countries, as the bands are supported at 800,900, 1800, 2100 and 2600 MHz. It’s a pity that Huawei E5372 can’t be used with 4G networks in United States. But the device offers backward compatibility to all relevant 3G and 2G standards. So the 3G DC-HSDPA+ is supported. Under poor reception conditions, an external antenna can be connected. On the bottom there are two slots for the type TS-9 antenna.

In the Wi-Fi range, up to 10 users can be connected via hotspot on the Huawei E5372. Configuration is done via a menu in the web browser. The installation of special software is therefore not necessary. The integrated battery is characterized by a capacity of 1780 mAh, which should be enough for an operating time of 6 hours according to the manufacturer. If user operates the router using the USB cable to the laptop or PC, the power supply is continuous.

 

 

And user can also control the device via app. For Apple devices, a special free version called “Mobile WiFi App” is available. Important information, such as signal strength, connection time and data volume consumed, displayed in a small front panel.

 

Huawei E5786 4G LTE Cat6 Mobile Hotspot Review

Huawei E5786 will be the first CAT6 router in the world, at least it is till now. In the summer of 2014, the model could come on the market. Let’s have a look which key data of the Mobile Hotspot will provide and whether the acquisition could be worthwhile.

LTE features and characteristics of Huawei E5786
Manufacturer and model number Huawei E5786 Mobile Wi-Fi
Download rate Up to 300 MBit/s
Upload rate Up to 50 MBit/s
Supported LTE Bands 800, 1800, 2100, 2600 MHz
Backwards compatible with LTE CAT 3&4, DC-HSPA+, HSPA+, HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE, GPRS, GSM
Support LTE-Advanced Yes
MIMO Support: MIMO 2×2
Connector for external antenna yes; 2 antenna sockets, type TS-9 (Buy Huawei E5786 Antenna)
LTE Category LTE Modem to Category 6 (CAT6)
Chipset Hisilicon | HPM Coretx A9 processor
WLAN Standards 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
WLAN hotspot Function yes – WiFi connection for up to 10 devices
Others
Dimensions (WxHxD) 106 x 66 x 15.9 mm and 155 Gramm
USB-Standard USB 2.0
Memory card expansion Yes; With 32 GB MicroSD
Compatible Operating Systems Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7+8, Mac OS (ab 10.4)
Release Summer or fall 2014
User manual Not yet available

 

 

 

Who will be first?

 

In February 2014 at the Mobile World Congress, the Chinese manufacturer Huawei announced the world’s first Mifi router for LTE-Advanced, model number is E5786. Whether it is also the first mobile router available with support for LTE CAT6, is still open. The rival ZTE has a similar device, the “ZTE Flare“in the pipeline. This seems has higher quality than the counterpart of Huawei. To seem more details between them, click here.

 

LTE-Advanced Router

 

As already indicated, the E5786 is the first LTE-Advanced router for Category 6 (CAT6 supported). The current LTE networks in Europe meet Category 3 and 4 (CAT 3/4), after the release 8 In the summer, may operators are trying to upgrade the network to the next generation, which promises 300 Mbits/s in the download. In practice, the speed is still in doubt under the current level. However, these data rates will initially be available only in select cities and probably rarely achieved in practice. Definitely, it would need new devices supporting CAT6 to receive LTE-Advanced. Huawei and ZTE will provide all possibility at the first devices.

 

Mobile CAT6 WLAN Router

 

The mini router E5786 supports LTE on nearly all common bands, for example, 800, 1800, 2100 and 2600 MHz. Of course, Huawei E5786 dominated Carrier aggregation and thus can achieve up to 300 Mbit/s down and 50 Mbps upload rate. Huawei E5786 can also support earlier LTE-categories, as well as 3G and 2G wireless standards. The display is unfortunately still not monochrome and colored, which are already offered by ZTE flare. In mobile communications, smart Huawei relies on Hisilicon with a HPM Cortex 9 processor. On the other hand, ZTE flare is with a modern block Qualcomm Gobi 9 × 30 Chipset in ultrathin 20nm technology. It is quite possible that here ZTE flare will have more follower.

 

Users must login to set up the E5786 Wi-Fi hotspot, where up to 10 other devices could be connected. And over all common WLAN standards (802.11 a / b / g / n / ac) are supported. Data are exchanged internally with up to 300 MBit/s via WLAN AC. The operation is running in dual band either on 2.4 or 5 GHz.

 

 

There are some negative features, such as the battery is not replaceable. The capacity is 3000 mAh, practically high standard. This capacity to create 10 hours of online work is possible or 500 hours standby. The power could be the “Power Reserve” for other devices (such as smartphones) in an emergency.

 

As usual, Huawei E5786 operates via the browser, you can integrate smartphones into the network in the shortest time, which greatly simplifies the setup. In addition, Huawei offered special app can monitor and configure the wireless network. The interface also provides information such as the used traffic and provides the wireless data rate. What’s more, the connectors for external antennas and a micro-SD slot, can also be found as usual.

 

 

ZTE Flare 4G LTE Cat6 Mobile Hotspot

The Chinese manufacturer “ZTE” has already announced a new hotspot router to the Mobile World Congress 2014 that will support LTE-Advanced with up to 300 Mbit/s for the first time. The new hotspot is named ZTE Flare. The device is equipped with the latest wireless technology. Here are the key data details.

 

ZTE Flare Features and Characteristics
Manufacturer ZTE
LTE Category LTE Category 6 (Cat6)
Chipset Qualcomm Gobi ™ 9×30 with RF360
Download Rate 300Mbit/s
Upload Rate 50Mbit/s
Supported network CDMA/TD-LTE/FDD-LTE/WCDMA/GSM
Supported LTE Bands Still unknown
Backward compatible with unknown yet
Support LTE-Advanced Yes
WLAN 802.11ac/a/b/g/n, 2.4GHz/5GHz
WiFi chipset Qualcomm VIVE QCA6174
MIMO Support MIMO 2 x 2
Connector for external antenna Yes, 2 TS-9 antenna sockets (Buy ZTE Flare Antenna)
USB Standard USB 2.0
Memory Card expansion MicroSD up to 32GB
Battery 2300mAh
Other functions  SMS, IPv6, IPv4
Compatible operation system Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 +8, Mac OS (10.4 or higher)
Release Summer or fall 2014

 

From 2014 autumn, many European network providers are trying to launch the next generation LTE (So called LTE-Advanced). Based on new technology, the current data rates of up to 300Mbit/s could be achieved. However, in order to use the “LTE 2.0”, customers require new hardware so that the devices could support LTE Category 6. Both ZTE and its rival Huawei are also preparing the new models. Then ZTE announced its first Cat6 device for the second half of the year, named “Flare”.

Portable Router

ZTE Flare is called WiFi hotspot router, but it’s designed for mobile use and allows multiple users to share the wireless network through it. More powerful than Huawei E5786 LTE Cat6 mobile hotspot, ZTE Flare could support maximum up to 32 users to access internet. Based on the LTE Category6,  the peak speed of 300Mbps will provide good surf experience for the users.

 

ZTE Flare is the world’s first device that uses Gobi chipset from Qualcomm, more specifically; it’s the “Gobi 9×30”. It’s made in ultra-thin 20nm process and consumes less energy than conventional radio chips. It’s said the new chipset will save almost up to 15 percent power. Per the LTE-A support and carrier aggregation, the qualcomm chipst can combine two RF bands of different spectral ranges, so that the LTE providers can operate up to 40MHz total bandwidth for data transmission. According to 3GPP standard, tapes 5, 10, 15 or 20 MHz are combines. In this way, data rates can reach up to 300mbps. The Gobi dominates beyond FDD and TDD modulation. The former is common in Europe and North America, the later specially in the Asian region.

 

Of course, according to the latest AC standard, ZTE flare can supports up to 540Mbps based on installed VIVE 502.11ac WiFi chip from Qualcomm. The WiFi chipset is compatible with previous 802.a/b/g/n and can be operated at 2.4GHz or 5GHz. As mentioned before, the flare hotspot allows end users of up to 32 devices. There are two additional ports for connecting external antennas (TS-9 socket).

 

Like other mobile hotspot router, there is a LCD screen on the front and users can see many important connection information, such as surf duration, radio standard or consumed volume. Many people want to know which one is better between ZTE Flare and Huawei E5786, we will give full explanation after we get the samples of them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vodafone R210 Mini LTE Router

The Mini LTE Hotspot Vodafone R210 Mobile Wi-Fi Router can be seen everywhere stationary or mobile use. You can use the R210 Mini hotspot at home as a DSL alternative for multiple devices. The R210 Mobile Wi-Fi LTE Router has integrated a powerful battery. So you can use the R210 Mini mobile hotspot on the road to access internet through smartphone, laptop or tablet via WLAN. The R210 Pocket router is ideal for business trips or holidays.

Vodafone R210 MiFi Specifications:

 

* No SIM lock or Netlock (Unlocked)

* Manufacturer: Huawei (identical for the Huawei E589u-12)

* Supported network standards:

– 4G: LTE800, LTE1800, LTE2600 to up to 100 Mbit/s

– 3G: UMTS Broadband, with DC-HSPA+ 900/2100 MHz up to 43.2 Mbit/s

– 2G: GSM: Quadband 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, EDGE support

* Download speed: up to 100 Mbit/s

* Upload speed: up to 50 Mbit/s

* Wi-Fi b/g/n up to 30 Mbit/s with encryption: WEP, WPA, WPA2

* Button for WPS encryption on the mini router

* WLAN supports up to 5 mobile devices

* TFT screen display for the battery charge status, the reception strength and connection technology.

* Antenna connector for external antenna TS-9 (Buy Vodafone R210 Antenna)

* Micro USB connection – only usable as a power supply

* Micro-SD memory card slot: The internal memory is expandable with an SD memory card to 32GB.

* App for iPhone or Android for operating the Vodafone R210 Mobile available

* Battery: 3300mAh permanently installed for up to 4 hours continuous operation

* Housing: Plastic

* Dimensions: H 113 x W 62 x D 13.5 mm

* Weight: 140 grams

* Color: black

 

The Configuration of Vodafone R210 Mobile WiFi Hotspot is very simple.

 

Step 1:  Plug the SIM card to R210 and then turn on the mini router. The MiFi Router can operate with SIM cards of all LTE providers in Europe. Usually, the R210 Router would automatically read the operators’ information and get connected with wireless network. After LTE connection is made, user can log in the web management page to setup the WiFi key, SSID and other parameters if necessary. For all other simcards from LTE provider, you just need log in the Web page to create a new connection profile with the APN of the existing LTE provider.

 

Step 2: Computer, laptop or smartphone can connect to the R210 Mobile via WLAN. Wi-Fi password is on the back of the mini router.

 

Step 3: Visit website 192.168.1.1 and you can manage the settings of Vodafone R210. Vodafone Mobile Wifi could be monitored in iPhone, iPad or Android by the “Vodafone Mobile Wifi Monitor”. It’s a useful APP with the obtained information on battery status, power and signal strength and consumed data volume.

 

Conclusion:

The R210 Mobile is easy to use with the APP Vodafone Mobile Wifi monitor. The battery has enough power sufficient to normal daily use. Up to 4 hours working time is enough for outdoor use. The R210 MiFi supports web standards EDGE, UMTS, HSPA+ and LTE. The mini router automatically logs itself always in the fastest network available. With changing in 2G, 3G and 4G reception, we were able to test extensively at a car on the A8 motorway, we have found no problems and no download aborts. The little mini Hotspot is absolutely practical especially on vacation. You can then save expensive fees for the use of WLAN in the hotel. The Vodafone Mini Router R210 is highly recommended. Through WiFi, the maximum connection speed is limited to the LTE network to 30 Mbit/s which is also confirmed in our speed test. This is sufficient for most LTE users.

Huawei E5786 4G LTE Cat6 MiFi

Many people are using the most popular Huawei E5776 4G Mobile WiFi Hotspot. It’s the world first LTE Category 4 MiFi that supports maximum download speed to 150Mbps. With the 4G LTE is more and more applied in our lives, Huawei is becoming one of the most well-known 4G Pocket router till now.

 

 

 

However, this is not the end. A few months ago, Huawei released a new generation mobile WiFi hotspot: Huawei E5786. This is the world’s first LTE Category 6 MiFi. With upgraded chipset and functions, Huawei E5786 will dominate the Cat6 terminals. Then what’re the main upgraded functions?

 

Before we introduce the details of Huawei E5786 and E5776, we should introduce some features and difference about LTE Category 6 and 4. The table below shows some main features of them for your reference:

 

 

3GPP release

User equipment category

Maximum L1 datarate downlink

Maximum number of DL MIMO layers

Maximum L1 datarate uplink
Release 8 Category 1 10.3 Mbit/s 1 5.2 Mbit/s
Release 8 Category 2 51.0 Mbit/s 2 25.5 Mbit/s
Release 8 Category 3 102.0 Mbit/s 2 51.0 Mbit/s
Release 8 Category 4 150.8 Mbit/s 2 51.0 Mbit/s
Release 8 Category 5 299.6 Mbit/s 4 75.4 Mbit/s
Release 10 Category 6 301.5 Mbit/s 2 or 4 51.0 Mbit/s
Release 10 Category 7 301.5 Mbit/s 2 or 4 102.0 Mbit/s
Release 10 Category 8 2,998.6 Mbit/s 8 1,497.8 Mbit/s

 

 

 

From the table, we can see the LTE Cat6 could fulfill the peak link speed up to 300Mbps, almost the double of the LTE cat5. Now you may know the difference between Huawei E5786 and E5776. Under perfect network environment, Huawei E5786 could achieve the downstream up to 300Mbps.Based on current technology; this wireless connection speed is really amazing! That’s the top selling point of E5786.

 

 

 

So is there other difference between E5786 and E5776? With LED screen showing important information for the mobile WiFi, they both support maximum up to 10 wireless terminals to access internet based on huawei own brand chipset. There is no doubt that Huawei E5786 is with latest, better chipset than E5776, even the best Huawei chipset till now.

 

 

 

 

The size of E5786 is a little bit thicker than E5776, and they both have external connector. We believe Huawei E5786 will also have the various sub-models like E5776. But we haven’t gotten such information. The battery capacity of them are large enough for almost 6 or more working hours, Huawei E5786 battery is more powerful with better performance after optimization and chipset grade. We will keep update about the Huawei E5786, please keep follow if you are interested in this pocket WiFi.

 

Huawei E5786 VS ZTE Flare LTE Cat6 MiFi

Since more and more operators launched theor 4G LTE network, the end users could access the wireless network in high speed for suring. The new technology improves the quaility of our life in almost every aspect, however, when more and more industies apply this technology, the basic 4G network seems not enough for high data requirement. The lucky thing is that thechnology is developing to find better solution in our life: LTE-A technology is bound to provide higher data transmisson.

 

We had introduced many LTE category 4 or CAT 5 USB stick and WiFi router, they are born to support the wireless speed for 100 or 150 megabytes per scend. But the vendors didn’t stop here. At the beginning of 2014, two LTE category 6 mobile WiFi were presented to public. They are Huawei E5786 and ZTE flare.

 

Before we introduce the two new terminals, it is necessary to have a review about the LTE categories and their corresponding connection speed that could be achieved. Below table shows the data information for reference:

 

 

 

On the table, we can see the LTE category 6 can provide the support for 300mbit/s downlink speed, which is the double of current CAT5, and three times than CAT3. Huawei E5786 and ZTE Flare are the two new gadget to achieve this fantastic link speed.

 

So here comes a question, if my ISP provides the LTE Cat6 network, which one is better between the Huawei E5786 and ZTE Flare? To answer this question, we must first know their functions and difference, which will help us to make the right decision. Then what’s the main difference between them?

 

We can compare below the main features of them:

Model Number

Huawei E5786

ZTE Flare
Category Cat6 Cat6
Chipset HiSilicon Qualcomm Gobi 9×30
Network mode FDD/TDD
DC-HSPA+/HSPA+/HSPA/UMTS
GSM/GPRS/EDGE		 FDD/TDD
DC-HSPA+/HSPA+/HSPA/UMTS
GSM/GPRS/EDGE
Maximum Speed (FDD) 300Mbps DL/50Mbps UL 300Mbps DL/50Mbps UL
Maximum Speed (TDD) 224Mbps DL 224Mbps DL
MIMO 2 x 2 MIMO 2 x 2 MIMO
WiFi IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
Maximum WiFi Connection Users

10

32
External Antenna Connector 2 TS-9 connectors 2 TS-9 connectors
Dimensions 106.0 x 66.0 x 15.9 mm unknown yet

 

From the table above, the features are very similar except the Chipset and supported WiFi users. Huawei E5786 is based Huawei own brand Hisilicon LTE Cat6 chipset while ZTE Flare is running on Qualcomm latest Gob 9×30 chipset. We can’t conclude which chipset is better, after we get the device, we will test the function. Theoretically, Qualcomm chipset is better than Huawei, which also decides the high cost of ZTE Flare. The second one is Huawei E5786 support maximum 10 WiFi users while ZTE Flare could support 32 wireless terminals via WiFi.

 

It seems ZTE Flare is more powerful than Huawei E5786, after we get the price quote, use will make a balance between them.

 

ZTE Flare – The Second LTE Cat6 Mobile WiFi Hotspot

Huawei is not the only one who had announced a LTE Advanced Mobile hotspot in the Mobile World Congress. Another Chinese manufacturer ZTE, the rival of Huawei, also introduced a new pocket WiFi which can also reach the peak speed to 300Mbps on future 4G networks.

The new model is ZTE Flare, it’s not a model number like previous mobile hotspot. ZTE Flare is based on the new generation of smart Qualcomm Gobi 9×30 which had also been announced at MWC 2014 with new snapdragon. Qualcomm Gobi chipset 9×30 is also the world’s first LTE Advanced modem operating in the aggregate bandwidth to 40MHz in both the FDD and TDD. As a result, mobile operators can be combined frequency blocks in the two ranges of radio spectrum in each of the combinations approved by 3GPP. Due to the versatility of this solution LTE FDD and TDD CAT6 will be able to be implemented around the world.

 

With the latest new Qualcomm chipset, ZTE Flare supports 4G LTE advance Category 6, which can aggregate two 20MHz spectrum of two separate frequency bands to 300Mbps. The uplink could be reach up to 50Mbps. It’s the fastest wireless transmission speed that could be achieved by current technology. Through an improved manufacturing process from 28 to 20 nm, these chipsets will be more efficient wish saving energy of 15%, which means less power consumption, less heat and better autonomy.

The ZTE Flare is also with Qualcomm WLAN chip VIVE QCA6174 offering WiFi 802.11ac/a/b/g/n dual band 2 x 2 MIMO, which could help up to 32 wireless terminals to access the internet through WiFi from ZTE Flare. This feature is very excellent because Huawei E5786 could support only 10 WiFi users.

 

ZTE Flare will be available in the second half of 2014. From the features, we could suppose the ZTE Flare will be very attractive for the technology geeks and very useful for businessmen who require high data transfer. However, it’s better to use the ZTE Flare under the LTE-A network. If the network LTE Advanced is not available, user may feel disappointed at the link speed.

 

 

Vodafone LTE Carstick W5101 Features

Recently, we have presented the Vodafone LTE Carstick. And at CeBIT, we had the opportunity to look at the device in more details. The name “Carstick” is just the marketing name, the full name is “Vodafone Mobile Wi-Fi W5101” and of course the stick is again manufactured by Huawei. Apparently it is a customized version of the Huawei E8278 Hotspot stick.

LTE Cat 4 to 150 Mbit/s
The Carstick W5101 allows downloads at speeds of up to 150 megabits per second in the LTE network from Vodafone. These speeds are available but initially only in cities and in places with high traffic available; since the 150 Mbit/s can be realized only in the frequency band around 2600 MHz (Vodafone deployed this band in central areas). In much further developed LTE800 network, speeds up to about 70 Mbit/s are possible, realistic more than 50 Mbit/s should be expected.

Wi-Fi only limited
The Vodafone Carstick is a so-called hot spot stick, so you have the ability to connect multiple devices via Wi-Fi with the stick. Therefore, the Carstick W5101 is well suited for use in the car and the marketing with this application is quite reasonable. The full rate of 150 Mbit/s is available but only via the USB connection, since the performance of the WLAN module is limited. Since most users are probably not going to use such high speeds anyway, this limitation should have few notice.

 

First impression & Fittings
Both the W5101 Stick and the included USB adapter for the car make a good impression. Fortunately, the USB port is also provided with this stick, so that the unit can be placed as inconspicuously as possible in the car. On the side two connectors for external antennas are installed, which are protected by flaps. Under the cover you can insert on request, a memory card next to the SIM card, the data is then available to all registered users on the stick, provided that an appropriate share of the access is done.

From the spring of 2014 in the commercial
The Vodafone LTE Carstick W5101 will be available in a few weeks in the color black on 4gltemall.com . A price has not yet been released Vodafone at CeBIT.