Do you have plans to buy a Wi-Fi hotspot device?
If you are, there are a few points you should know about and consider before making a decision on a particular device.
Wi-Fi hotspot device
Things to consider before buying a Wi-Fi hotspot device
Here are 5 points to consider:
- Wireless network availability
- Wireless carrier limitations
- 4G and 5G capabilities
- Battery life of the Wi-Fi hotspot device
- Number of possible concurrent connected devices
Wireless network availability
Whether a particular portable hotspot is the right option or not may depend on your wireless carrier.
In some remote areas there may be some absence of network coverage or very slow or spotty coverage, making it difficult to establish a stable internet connection using a portable Wi-Fi hotspot.
It’s a good idea to check your carrier’s network availability map to determine whether you can get adequate coverage in specific remote or rural areas.
In Japan, this is typically limited to very rural and mountainous areas.
Wireless carrier limitations
To maximize the quality of your online experience and the robustness of your internet connection, try to choose a provider with the best data plans for your needs and the best coverage in your area.
There are varying features and coverage in portable hotspot plans offered by wireless carriers. For example, some data plans have limited usage because of monthly caps.
Also, some carriers may offer unlimited data but the internet speeds may be capped or “throttled” after a certain amount of usage.
If you are aware of these conditions or limitations, it will be easier to choose a hotspot device that suits your needs, without any unwanted surprises.
Be sure to read the details of your data plan. This is particularly true if you expect to be using a lot of data or conducting data-intensive online activities – video streaming is one example of this.
You may experience a degradation in video quality if your connection is “throttled” by your wireless carrier after reaching a data limit.
4G and 5G capabilities
The capabilities and connectivity of portable Wi-Fi hotspot devices can vary.
Some devices are able to handle 5G connections, while some will only be compatible with 4G connections.
The price of the device and plan will be determined by these differences in the connection.
Cheaper Wi-Fi hotspots, for example, those through prepaid carriers, are often limited to only 4G or simple 5G networks.
This is probably sufficient for most people, or for most tasks you may want to do, however some users will be impacted in their work output because of these limitations.
If you decide to spend the money for a proper 5G hotspot device, you will be able to enjoy faster upload and download speeds for all of the connected devices on your local mobile network.
This wireless technology gives a much better user experience, but you need to be prepared to pay a higher price for this hotspot device.
Prices will vary, so it is important to compare plans and make an informed decision.
Battery life of the Wi-Fi hotspot device
Beyond just the speed of your connection, you need to make sure that your Wi-Fi hotspot devices will actually be able to make a connection! If the battery is dead, there isn’t a lot of help it can give you.
You should be sure to choose a Wi-Fi hotspot device with a battery that is long-lasting.
Some Wi-Fi hotspots are small and easy to carry, but some may have much shorter battery life also. Some may only last a few hours.
Big factors determining your battery life will be the amount of data that you use, and the number of devices you have connected.
There are ways to mitigate this problem.
Buy a high-quality power bank to keep with you so that you can keep your device powered.
Also, try to sit in places where you have access to a wall outlet. You’ll be able to charge your device between periods of being on the go.
Wi-Fi hotspots are charged the same way that smartphones are charged, usually through a USB connection, so you can keep them charged relatively easily.
Number of possible concurrent connected devices
Most Wi-Fi hotspots will be able to carry a Wi-Fi connection for at least five devices at the same time.
Some higher-end models may even be able to carry 10 or more at the same time.
For most people, five connections will be more than enough.
However, if you plan to add several devices to a single hotspot, remember that battery life and data speeds will decrease.
