Category: 5G Router

Quectel Showed the Commercial Deployment of 5G CPE on RG620T

On February 28th, during the 2024 Mobile World Congress (MWC 2024), leading global IoT solution provider Moving Forward Communications announced that its globally certified 5G module RG620T, based on the MediaTek T830 platform, and the MediaTek Wi-Fi 7 module BE7200, based on the MediaTek Wi-Fi 7 chipset, have achieved large-scale commercial deployment in Australia. This marks the first large-scale commercial deployment globally of 5G CPE equipped with Wi-Fi 7, bringing high-quality 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services to Australian users.

Partnering with MediaTek to Deliver Quality Services to Australian Customers

 

Quectel RG620T is a 5G Sub-6GHz module designed by Moving Forward Communications specifically for Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) applications, in compliance with the 3GPP R16 standard. This Quectel 5G module supports both 5G SA and NSA dual-network modes. In a 5G SA network, it can deliver up to 7.01Gbps downlink speed and 2.5Gbps uplink speed, while in a 5G NSA network, it can provide a maximum downlink speed of 5.67Gbps and an uplink speed of 1.46Gbps.

 

RG620T comes in an LGA package with dimensions of 44.0mm × 53.0mm × 2.95mm and operates within a temperature range of -30°C to +70°C, with versions available for extended temperature requirements based on customer needs. Additionally, to meet various market demands, Moving Forward Communications also offers module customization services according to the requirements of different operators.

 

Norbert Muhrer, President and Chief Sales Officer of Moving Forward Communications, stated: “We are pleased to see the RG620T achieve its first large-scale commercial deployment, delivering exceptional 5G experiences to FWA users in Australia. This is a significant milestone for the module as it progresses into the global market. Looking ahead, we expect the RG620T to make further contributions to the prosperity of the 5G FWA market, providing outstanding wireless connectivity experiences for users worldwide.”

 

Evan Su, General Manager of MediaTek’s Wireless Communication Division, said: “As long-term partners, we have been collaborating with Moving Forward in the 5G field to continuously provide faster and more stable 5G products to the global market. Our T830 and Filogic 680 chipsets provide the foundation for the functionalities of the Moving Forward RG620T, currently delivering high-quality mobile broadband connections to FWA customers in Australia.”

 

Furthermore, the MediaTek T830 platform boasts advanced features such as support for 3Tx (transmit) and 8Rx (receive) capabilities, significantly enhancing both uplink and downlink speeds, spectrum efficiency, and coverage quality, thereby providing stable and high-speed 5G connections even in complex indoor and outdoor environments. The 3Tx and 8Rx capabilities of the T830 align perfectly with the product roadmap and requirements of leading operators. Moving Forward Communications can also provide corresponding module products based on customer project requirements.

 

Complementary Wi-Fi Solutions for a Seamless Connectivity Experience

 

The Moving Forward Communications RG620T is designed specifically for operators’ FWA requirements, focusing on applications such as CPEs, home and enterprise gateways, and mobile hotspots. The choice of the MediaTek T830 chipset is due to its platform featuring four high-performance ARM Cortex-A55 CPUs, providing surplus CPU performance within the chip, thus improving processing efficiency and significantly reducing costs. Meanwhile, MediaTek’s 5G chipset also comes with corresponding Wi-Fi solutions, exhibiting significant cost advantages when used together. Additionally, the MediaTek platform supports the coexistence of cellular and Wi-Fi in the same device, better meeting users’ demands for related features, further enhancing its attractiveness and applicability.

 

Wi-Fi 7, as the next-generation wireless network technology, brings consumers a superior connectivity experience. One of its key advantages is higher throughput, which means faster data transfer rates for streaming, gaming, and other online applications. Moreover, this technology has the ability to handle more concurrent users without affecting network performance, making it ideal for homes or public places with numerous connected devices. Furthermore, Wi-Fi 7 offers greater bandwidth, enabling smooth handling of high-demand applications and services. This technology also integrates 5G capabilities, seamlessly combining the strengths of 5G and Wi-Fi 7 to support various innovative application scenarios.

 

Throughout the module development process, Moving Forward has prioritized security, following leading industry practices and standards from product architecture to firmware/software development. They have collaborated with third-party independent testing organizations to minimize potential vulnerabilities and have incorporated security practices such as generating SBOMs and VEX files, as well as conducting firmware binary analysis, into the entire software development lifecycle.”

ZTE MC888S 5G Indoor WiFi6 CPE Review

Upgrade from the predecessor ZTE MC8020, ZTE presented a new 5G WiFi Router. The model is ZTE MC888S, belonging to the MC888 series. ZTE MC888S is a 5G LTE wireless router designed for home and small office use.

 

Design and Appearance

At first glance, the ZTE MC888S looks like a standing book and it’s very cool. The ZTE 5G WiFi Router measures 186*146*41mm. The body is made of robust plastic, with a glossy white finish that gives it a clean and elegant look. There are four Ethernet ports with a power adapter interface, on the other side, there are three LED indicators for WiFi, 5G Signal and Power. At the bottom, we can see a stick telling the model number, IMEI & S/N number, Approvals, and the manufacturer ZTE.

 

Connectivity and Features

The ZTE MC888S offers high-speed connectivity, supporting up to 3.8Gbps download speeds. It comes with a built-in Wi-Fi access point that supports up to 128 connected devices simultaneously. The device also features four Ethernet ports that allow wired connectivity. Moreover, the device supports VPN, NAT/NAPT, and DMZ protocols.

 

 

Setup and Installation

Setting up the ZTE MC888S is effortless and straightforward. There’s no need to install any software or drivers on the devices connecting to the router. Users can access the configuration page via a web browser on their mobile device or computer. The device’s interface is user-friendly, and it’s easy to configure and modify settings.

 

Performance and Security

In terms of performance, the ZTE MC888S offers stable and reliable connectivity. The device supports several security protocols, including WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK, WPA/WPA2, and WEP. Additionally, the device supports MAC address filtering, and users can define which devices can connect to the Wi-Fi network.

 

Conclusion

The ZTE MC888S is an excellent 5G wireless router for small offices and homes that offer reliable and stable connectivity. The device looks smart, and it comes with all the features you’d expect from a standard wireless router. Moreover, with its user-friendly interface, it’s easy to set up and configure the device. Overall, the ZTE MC888S is a highly recommended wireless router for those in need of a reliable and straightforward connectivity solution.

 

 

 

 

 

ZTE MC888 5G Indoor CPE Review

ZTE MC888 is a new ZTE’s fourth-generation 5G Indoor Router powered by the new generation Qualcomm Snapdragon X62 chipset. With the new feature of WiFi 6, it can reach peak data rates up to 3600 Mbps. Thanks to the new 5G technology, you can enjoy numerous advantages when surfing the Internet. And this ZTE MC888 5G router also brings considerable added value in the professional environment. For example, downloads are completed in record time and video conferences can be carried out without annoying interruptions or loss of quality. Multitasking on several mobile devices at the same time is also no problem thanks to the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology.

Below are the highlight features of the ZTE MC888 5G CPE:

Qualcomm Snapdragon X62

The ZTE MC888 5G router features the new generation of Qualcomm Snapdragon X62 Chip. This platform with advanced 4nm technology supports the 3GPP Release 16 standard. The processor’s processing power has been upgraded and speed has been significantly improved, opening a new 5g era.

5G router NSA and SA Dual mode

The ZTE 5G WiFi6 router supports both NSA and SA Dual mode 5G networks with high speed, wide coverage and key global frequency bands.

 

Carrier aggregation and ENDC technology.

The ZTE MC888 supports advanced 5G NR technology for network carrier aggregation, which significantly improves spectrum utilization. This provides higher user data rate, less latency, higher capacity, more reliable network service and better performance. At the same time, low-frequency ENDC technology is supported to improve coverage and signals are wider and farther in suburban, rural and remote areas. MC888 truly realizes the benefits of wide coverage and high speed of 5G signals, and users can enjoy a high-speed Internet experience anytime, anywhere. Also, the Indoor 5G router supports 4G CAT.16 1.0 Gbps LTE speed.

WiFi 6 speeds and support for 64 users

The 5G WiFi6 router uses the WiFi 6 standard with a peak speed of 3600 Mbps! With the unique 4K QAM modulation technology, WiFi throughput is significantly improved. Also, this 5G modem router can Support up to 64 users for simultaneous access to the Internet. In addition, the router is Equipped with 2x GB network ports. As a result, no more worries about the slow and overloaded network but optimal enjoyment of a very fast Internet experience.

 

ZTE MC888 Antenna

Due to a unique antenna design, the antenna gain of this 5G modem router is up to 10 dbi, increasing its ability to penetrate walls and windows. This ensures the delivery of a stronger signal and wider coverage. compared to ordinary products, the speed is increased by 15% and 5G signals can be well received everywhere.

5G and wired broadband dual network

The 5G Internet router supports both wireless and wired broadband Internet access, which can be freely chosen. When one mode fails, it can be seamlessly switched to the other to ensure network stability.

 

Below are the Specifications of ZTE MC888 5G WiFi Router:

  • Compatible with 5G frequencies in NSA and SA mode (Non Stand alone and Stand Alone) in bands n1/3/7/8/20/28/38/40/75/77/78 and 4G in bands B1/3/7/8/20/28/32/38/40/42/43, 3G B1 and B8.
  • In 5G, download up to 3.8 Gbps and upload up to 250 mbps (depending on the operator’s network), 5G + LTE, sub6G DL: 4MIMO, 4G DL: 8 layers.
  • In 4G, Category 16, 256 QAM download up to 1 Gbps and upload up to 150mbps (depending on the operator’s network), aggregation of up to 5 frequencies at a time 5CA. LTE 4MIMO
  • 2G is not supported on this model.
  • Qualcomm SDX62 Chipset + WCN6856
  • Wi-Fi 6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz dual band, 2*2 MIMO 4K QAM, 160Mhz, up to 3600 mbps and 64 simultaneously connected devices
  • 2 x Gigabit RJ45 ports (10/100/1000)
  • 1 RJ11 telephone port for calls via a VoIP account, or VoLTE (4G voice subject to compatibility with your operator).
  • Information page with Cellid, RSRP, RSRQ and SINR to know the signal strength and the transmitter you are depending on.
  • Includes PP2P / L2TP firewall and VPN.
  • Slot for NanoSIM 4FF sim card, 1 WPS button, 1 RESET button, 3 Signal LEDs, 1 Network LED, 1 WiFi LED, 1 Power LED.
  • Dimensions (mm): 182*124*70mm
  • Color: White

Netgear Nighthawk M6 MR6110 5G Mobile WiFi Router Review

Netgear Nighthawk M6 MR6110 is a high-performance 5G mobile router from Netgear that offers blazing fast speeds, advanced security features, and a long-lasting battery life. Whether for gaming, streaming, or work, this router delivers exceptional performance and reliability.

The Netgear MR6110 supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology and can provide wireless speeds up to 2.9 Gbps on the 5GHz band and up to 700 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. It features four internal antennas and Beamforming+ technology that enhances signal range and improves network performance. It can support up to 32 devices to access the internet simultaneously.

 

The 5G pocket WiFi router also features a Qualcomm Snapdragon X62 5G Modem-RF System that delivers up to 5Gbps download speeds and 1Gbps upload speeds, making it perfect for users who need high-speed connectivity on the go.

The Netgear 5G Mobile Router comes with a powerful 5040mAh battery that provides up to 15 hours of continuous use, enabling users to stay connected for an entire day without any interruptions.

 

This Nighthawk MR6110 router features advanced security features, including WPA3, which provides robust protection against unwanted access, malware, and other threats. The MR6110 also features a secure VPN client, which allows users to access a private network and surf the web anonymously.

The Nighthawk M6 MR6110 includes one USB-C port, one Gigabit Ethernet port, and a Nano-SIM slot that enables a high-speed 5G network connection. It supports multiple 5G frequency bands, including n2, n5, n12, n14, n29, n30, n66, and n77.

 

The Netgear M6 Nighthawk has a modern and sleek design that is easy to carry and use on the go. It has a 2.4-inch color LCD touchscreen display that makes it easy to navigate and customize the settings.

In conclusion, the Netgear Nighthawk M6 MR6110 is a high-performance mobile router that delivers fast and reliable connectivity on the go. With its Wi-Fi 6 and 5G technology, robust security features, and long-lasting battery life, this Netgear 5G router is an excellent choice for users who need high-speed internet for their work, streaming, or gaming needs.

ZTE MU5120 U50 Pro 5G Mobile WiFi6 Router Review

ZTE MU5120 5G Mobile WiFi is a high-performance portable router that provides fast and reliable 5G connectivity and industry-leading Wi-Fi 6 speeds. It enables seamless connectivity on-the-go with its advanced technology and versatile features, making it an ideal choice for users who need high-speed internet on the move.

The ZTE U50 PRO MU5120 features a Qualcomm Snapdragon X62 chipset that delivers up to 4.0Gbps 5G download speeds and 660Mbps upload speeds. It also supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology and can provide wireless speeds up to 2402Mbps on the 5GHz band and up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band.

With internal antennas and the MU-MIMO technology, the ZTE 5G Mobile WiFi MU5120 offers superior coverage and improved network efficiency by allowing 32 devices to connect simultaneously without slowing down. Further, the ZTE MU5120 has a high-order modulation feature that ensures maximum transmission power on all data channels, providing a much stronger signal than previous Wi-Fi standards.

The ZTE 5G Mobile WiFi Router also features a 2.4-inch color LCD touchscreen display that makes it easy to navigate and customize the settings. The device comes with standard security features such as WPA3, VPN, and advanced parental control options, allowing for enhanced network security and peace of mind.

The 5G pocket WiFi router is equipped with a Nano-SIM slot to enable a high-speed 5G network connection and supports multiple 5G frequency bands, including n1, n3, n5, n8, n20, n28, n41, n77, and n78. Additionally, it supports LTE Category 22 and can access LTE bands B1, B3, B5, B7, B8, B20, B28, B34, B38, B39, B40, B41.

 

 

A ultra large 10000mAh battery powers the device, providing up to 20 hours of continuous use for improved mobility. The ZTE MU5120 comes with one Gigabit USB-C port. ZTE MU5120 supports the NFC one-touch connection function. Turn on the NFC function of the Android phone, and tap the device to access the WiFi network withough password, which is easy and convenient.

With a 2.4-inch screen, you can directly set up the device through the touch screen, and query the running status of the device. The ZTELink mobile app facilitates the management of the device and network settings, providing an easy and intuitive way to control the router from your smartphone.

In conclusion, the ZTE MU5120 5G Mobile WiFi is a powerful and versatile portable router with advanced features, including 5G and Wi-Fi 6 technology, MU-MIMO support, high-order modulation, and a long battery life. Whether for remote work, travel, or leisure, this router provides lightning-fast connectivity on-the-go, making it an excellent choice for users looking for a reliable and high-performance mobile router.

Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro MR6500 5G Mobile Router Review

Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro MR6500 is a powerful 5G mobile hotspot that provides fast and reliable Wi-Fi 6 connectivity with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X65 5G modem, which can provide download speeds up to 8Gbps. With a long battery life of up to 27 hours, it is perfect for remote work or travel. The hotspot also boasts several connectivity options, including Ethernet ports and USB-C port, making it a versatile and flexible choice for users on-the-go.

The Nighthawk M6 Pro MR6500 is designed for maximum Wi-Fi speed and coverage. It supports Wi-Fi 6E technology, which delivers faster, more reliable, and efficient Wi-Fi performance. The wireless speed provides seamless streaming of high-quality videos and faster file transfers.

 

The Netgear 5G Pocket WiFi router can handle up to 32 WiFi-enabled devices with high-bandwidth applications with ease. And the peak WiFi speeds can reach 3.2Gbps, which is really amazing when you need fast Internet support.

The Nighthawk M6 Pro MR6500 is equipped with 2 x 1G/2.5G Ethernet ports and 1 x LAN/WAN port for wired connectivity. It also has a USB-C port, a 2.5G Ethernet port and two connectors for external 5G antennas. The connector type is TS-9.

 

Security:

 

Security is not a concern with the Nighthawk M6 Pro MR6500. It has robust features, including WPA3 encryption, VPN, advanced parental controls, and NETGEAR Armor cyber-threat protection. This makes it a reliable option for protecting sensitive data and personal information.

Mobile App:

 

The NETGEAR Nighthawk App is available for both iOS and Android mobile devices, making it easy to manage the device. With the app, you can monitor Wi-Fi usage, set up parental controls, and perform firmware updates, all in a user-friendly interface.

 

Design and Build:

 

Upgrading from the predecessor Netgear Nighthawk M5 MR5200, the Nighthawk M6 Pro MR6500 has a sleek design with a black matte finish. It measures 105 x 105 x 21.5 mm(4.14 x 4.14 x .85 in) and weighs 256 g (.56 lb). It has two connectors for external high-performance antennas, allowing you to enhance the network strength as per your needs. The device can be easily set up, and the user manual is detailed and straightforward.

Overall, the Nighthawk M6 Pro MR6500 is an excellent option for users who demand fast and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. With its advanced features, robust security options, and easy-to-use mobile app, it is a valuable addition to your existing network devices. Its sleek design and excellent build quality make it a perfect fit for both home and office use. If you are in the market for a high-performance mobile router, the Nighthawk M6 Pro MR6500 is worth considering.

Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro MR6550 5G WiFi 6E Router Review

The Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro MR6550 is a high-performance mobile Wi-Fi hotspot designed to meet the demands of users who require fast and reliable internet connectivity on the go. With its advanced specifications and features, this device offers a superior wireless experience that’s both secure and intuitive. It looks very similar to its predecessor Netgear Nighthawk M5.

 

 

The Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro MR6550 is powered by a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon X65 5G modem. This advanced modem ensures that the device can connect to the fastest available 5G networks, providing blazing-fast internet speeds of up to 8Gbps for smooth streaming, gaming, and browsing experiences. The Nighthawk M6 Pro also supports Wi-Fi 6E technology, which offers improved range and faster speeds(up to 3.6Gbps) for devices connected to the hotspot. It can provide up to 1,000 sq. ft. of WiFi coverage. 

 

The Nighthawk MR6 PRO MR6550 can support up to 32 Wi-Fi-enabled devices simultaneously, making it an ideal choice for families, small groups, and businesses on the go. The Netgear 5G mobile WiFi Router boasts a long-lasting battery life that provides up to 13 hours of continuous use on a single charge, and supports Quick Charge 2.0 technology to ensure that it can charge quickly when you need it most. The battery is removable with 5040mAh capacity, which can keep working for up to 13 hours.

 

 

The Nighthawk MR6550 offers simple and intuitive setup through the NETGEAR Mobile app, which lets you manage all your connected devices, customize the device settings, and monitor your data usage. The 5G Mobile Hotspot router also has an easy-to-use touchscreen interface which displays key information such as battery life, signal strength, and data usage.

 

Moreover, the Netgear Nighthawk MR6550 ensures reliable and secure connectivity. It supports WPA3 encryption for wireless security, ensuring that all data sent over the network is protected from unauthorized access. Additionally, it includes a tethering option, which allows you to establish a wired connection between your mobile device and the hotspot, enabling reliable and secure internet connectivity anywhere.

 

Overall, the Netgear Nighthawk MR6550 is a top-of-the-line mobile Wi-Fi hotspot that provides reliable, fast, and secure internet access on the go. With its advanced specifications, intuitive setup and user interface, and support for essential features like tethering and WPA3 encryption, it stands out as an excellent choice for users in search of a powerful mobile hotspot.

ZTE MU5001 5G Mobile WiFi Router Review

ZTE MU5001 is a new 5G mobile WiFi Hotspot with WiFi 6 which is widely available for many network providers in many countries. If you had used the ZTE 4G Mobile WiFi Router such as ZTE MF970 or ZTE MF980, you will find the new 5G pocket WiFi router is very similar to the ZTE MF970 and MF980.

ZTE MU5001 – 5G Mobile Router with an Ethernet Port

On the front, there is a 2.4inch 320 x 240 color touchscreen which will show the WiFi status, Settings option, Data usage, signal strength, time, battery and network operator etc… On the top edge, there are two connectors for external antennas(if you need the 5G external antenna for ZTE MU5001, click here: https://www.4gltemall.com/huawei-5g-cpe-pro-external-antenna.html ) and the power button and SIM card slot. The type-C USB port for charging and an RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port is on the opposite side. If you want to use a 5G pocket WiFi with an Ethernet port, the ZTE MU5001 mobile router is a good option.

ZTE MU5001 Specifications

ZTE MU5001 MiFi is based on 5G Snapdragon X55 + QCA6391 modem and supports the latest WiFi 6 feature. The battery in ZTE MU5001 is unremovable with a capacity of 4500mAh, which can keep working for 8 hours. It also supports WiFi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax with 2 x 2 MIMO on dual-mode 2.4Ghz & 5Ghz. Up to 32 wireless devices could connect with ZTE MU5001 to access the internet simultaneously.

 

ZTE MU5001 Settings

The operation of ZTE 5G MiFi Router could be done in the web management page 192.168.0.1 or ZTELink App. Users can see the connected devices, Net surfing status, Settings for 5G and WiFi, and the options for data usage, SMS and advanced settings. It will also show the SIM card number, IMEI & IMSI number of this device and the signal strength data.

 

ZTE MU5001 Price

The ZTE MU5001 price is very cheap if you get it from the network provider with a data contract. But if you want an unlocked ZTE MU5001 without any contract and use with any compatible SIM cards. You can buy it from online retailer such as 4gltemall.com .

 

Conclusion

ZTE MU5001 is a highly capable 5G WiFi router that strikes a good balance between price and functionality. With high speeds, large battery capacity and simultaneous connection for many users, especially with the Gigabit Ethernet port, ZTE MU5001 MiFi provide great functions for most users. If you just want to travel or business trip, ZTE MU5001 will be a good partner for your surfing on the way.

 

D-Link Presents New 5G Routers at MWC2021

At the Mobile Workd Congress 2021 in Barcelona, D-Link presented various new products. Some of them support the new 5G cellular standard, such as the new 5G NR M2M Gateway DWM-3010 and the 5G/LTE Outdoor CPE DWP-1010.

 

D-Link DWM-3010 for business

With the DWM-3010, D-Link is introducing a new 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA). The 5G NR M2M gateway is aimed at the business environment and enables 5G broadband connectivity. According to the manufacturer, download speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s are possible. In addition to high transmission rates, the new 5G cellular standard also shines here with its minimal latencies.

 

With the D-Link DWM-3010 5G Fixed Wireless Access, up to 50 devices can be connected, so that the D-link 5G Gateway can also be used in highly stressed work environments such as industrial or IoT environments. The FWA not only distributes the Internet to the connected devices, but also regulates efficient communication with each other. In addition, the system scores with a robust design and high temperature resistance. In this way, the device ensures reliable operation so that companies can take advantage of the benefits of reliable communication between machines (M2M). Management is carried out centrally and remotely with the in-house IoT management solution D-Link Edge Cloud Solution.

 

 

D-link DWP-1010 for the smart home

D-Link also has innovations for the MWC 2021 ready for private users. One of the innovations is the new 5G/LTE Outdoor CPE DWP-1010. It provides gigabit speeds at home or in the garden and thus ensures fast internet everywhere via 5G and LTE/4G. This D-Link 5G router is also equipped with a robust design in order to be optimally protected both indoors and outdoors. According to the manufacturer, the D-link DWP-1010 can be easily installed anywhere and offers optimal 5G connectivity for the whole family and friends.

 

There are also some other innovations. These revolve around Wi-Fi 6 and artificial intelligence (AI), among other things. A new product series consisting of a router, a mesh router and a WLAN extender was presented, which enables high-speed WLAN on a Wi-Fi 6 basis for all devices. Thanks to AI technology, connection problems are to be recognized and resolved automatically, and WLAN performance is to be continuously optimized.

 

Zyxel NR2101 Mobile 5G Router Test

Zyxel NR2101 was presented to the public last year and now the most affordable mobile 5G routers is available in mid-2021. Like the Netgear Nighthawk M5 are sold for around 850.00USD, the Zyxel 5G router is available at just around 400 euros. The Zyxel NR2101 comes with a replaceable battery, and it can use the current WiFi 6 standard and even has an integrated RJ45 Ethernet LAN connection. The 5G modem theoretically achieves speeds of up to 4 GBit/s.

The Zyxel NR2101 is delivered in a small box together with a 5300 mAh battery. There is also a Quick Charge power supply unit (output max. 18 watts) and a short USB to USB Type-C cable included in the box. A multilingual quick start guide is also included and makes it easier to use.

The setup is easy and takes 3 to 5 minutes. First, the cover must be removed from the back of the NR2101 in order to insert the nano SIM card and the battery. Here you should directly write down the WLAN name as well as the WLAN password and the access data for the web interface, the data is printed on a label in the battery compartment.

Internet access and WLAN can then be configured either directly on the large touchscreen or via the web interface in a browser; the device must of course be connected via LAN, WLAN or USB.

Connections and display

The Zyxel NR2101 5G router has a USB Type-C connection and a Gigabit RJ45 Ethernet LAN connection. The USB connection can be used both to charge the battery and to operate it directly on the power supply unit, without the battery being inserted. A data connection (“USB tethering”) can also be easily established via the USB port.

In addition to the power button, there is a small LED on the front that shows the operating status in multiple colors. Most important, of course, is the large color display, which can be used to operate all important functions thanks to the touchscreen function.

5G modem in the test

The 5G router has a Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 5G modem. All important frequency bands for Europe are supported, for example 5G bands n1, n3, n20, n28 and n78 as well as LTE bands 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 32, 38 and 46. UMTS/3G is still supported.

In the test, the download speeds were up to 850 Mbit/s in the 5G network, if band n78 was available. Up to 150 Mbit/s were possible in the uplink. A cable connection (USB tethering) was required for this, however, and only slightly lower download speeds of around 650 Mbit/s were usually possible via WLAN. In the 5G network with band n1 (DSS operation, Dynamic Spectrum Sharing ), download rates of around 300 Mbit/s and uploads of around 120 Mbit/s were usually possible.

The Zyxel NR2101 also delivered very good download speeds of 300 Mbit/s and more in the test in the LTE network. In the upload, the speeds of up to 80 Mbit/s were well below the performance in the 5G network.

WLAN and LAN

The 5G mobile router supports the new WiFi 6 standard and transmits on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Up to 16 devices can be connected via WLAN at the same time. This is certainly sufficient for the private sector, but the maximum of 16 devices could possibly connect with the Zyxel NR2101 Router.

In the test, the maximum speed was 1.2 Gbit/s, provided WiFi 6 could be used. With an older WiFi 5 device, 867 Mbit/s was still possible. In the 2.4 GHz band, the NR2101 theoretically achieves up to 574 Mbit/s. The WiFi range was decent in the test, an apartment of up to around 80 square meters or a small house can be supplied satisfactorily.

Battery pack

The exchangeable battery enabled an operating time of around 10 hours in the test. Depending on the application, a slightly shorter running time is also conceivable, for example if there are a lot of cell changes (in the train or in the car). Thanks to the quick charging power supply unit, the router is quickly recharged.

Software and web interface

Almost all functions can be configured directly on the device via the touchscreen, but a browser web interface is also available on request. This is clearly structured, but has the peculiarity that it can only be operated when the display is switched off. In the web interface, for example, the 5G and LTE frequency band used can be read, and the cellular technology can also be set manually, for example.

Conclusion on the Zyxel NR2101

The Zyxel NR2101 made a good impression in the test. The device is fully compatible with the 5G networks in the Europe and reached high speeds, but does not break any records. Operation via the touchscreen is simple and reliable. There is criticism for the lack of connections for an external cellular antenna, and the Internet access via LAN / WLAN as a supplement to the integrated modem would have been nice.