portable wi-fi device
Technology

Portable Wi-Fi Device: Things to Know Before Buying

Jai Bhatt

The advancing technologies have spoiled us way too much. And that too in a good way. Technology has the solutions for most of our lifestyles. Portable Wi-Fi devices are also one of the solutions that have effectively changed the way we use the internet outside our homes. If you are looking for a portable Wi-Fi device, you need to give this article a read first so that you are familiar with what you are getting into.

However, there is one way you can get an internet connection outside your home. There is public Wi-Fi in malls, superstores, cinemas, libraries, cafes, etc. that you can connect your device to, to get internet. These Wi-Fi connections are made public to let people have access to them. There are also Wi-Fi hotspots around the area that are activated by internet service providers around the US. For instance, Xfinity has hundreds of Wi-Fi hotspots in the country. If you are a recipient of any one of the Xfinity internet plans, you will be able to log in to such Wi-Fi hotspots with your Xfinity credentials to receive an internet connection on your devices.

But there might be some areas where you cannot get a public Wi-Fi connection. What are you to do then? Fortunately, that’s where portable Wi-Fi devices save your life. Read on to find out what you need to know about getting portable Wi-Fi devices.

Features of Portable Wi-Fi Devices

Following are some of the common features included in portable Wi-Fi devices;

  • Compact-sized device; easy to carry around
  • Built-in battery; it has its own battery and can carry around as long as it is charged
  • It also has the ability to tether to a LAN connection or 4G/5G data connection
  • It can create an access point to which multiple Wi-Fi-supported devices can connect to
  • No data roaming fees
  • Private internet connection for your devices to connect to

Hence, all these features mean that portable Wi-Fi devices enable you to enjoy a secure and high-speed internet connection on the go.

Things to Know Before Getting a Portable Wi-Fi Device

If you are thinking of buying a portable Wi-Fi device for yourself, go ahead! But before purchasing, there are a few things you need to keep in mind, as discussed below;

What is the availability of the service like?

Go for the provider that has the best coverage in your locality. If you need it for traveling, then go for a provider that has the widest coverage in the US, or locations around the US where you need to commute.

Note that remote or rural areas around the country suffer from unsteady network coverage, which means it would be difficult to find a stable internet connection, even with a portable Wi-Fi device. Hence, you need to check whether any of your preferred carriers are covering specific areas of the country, where you are moving to or residing.

Are There Any Limitation Conditions with Your Wireless Carrier?

These providers offer wireless plans that have varying coverage and features. Some plans have a monthly data cap that will limit your internet usage. Some wireless plans offer unlimited usage but will only limit your usage at a certain time.

Based on your internet needs, go for the wireless plans that are best suitable for you. If you regularly engage in data-intensive online activities, then you need to read the data plan carefully. Otherwise, you can just go for any limited data plan, keeping your online needs in mind.

How Long is the Battery Device?

You must choose a portable Wi-Fi device that has a long-lasting battery to ensure that all your online needs are met. Know that the more internet data from the portable Wi-Fi you use and the more devices are connected to it, the faster your battery life will be consumed.
Some portable Wi-Fi devices might be small and sleek and they usually have a short battery life.

Moreover, since you need to constantly keep the portable Wi-Fi device charged, the same as you would keep charging your smartphones at all times, you need to invest in a high-quality power bank.

What Kind of Network Does It Have?

The connection capabilities in portable Wi-Fi devices vary. If you need 5G connectivity on your devices, then you need to get a portable Wi-Fi device that is compatible with 5G. With 5G portable Wi-Fi devices, you will be able to enjoy faster internet speeds while streaming movies, downloading files, playing online multiplayer games, etc.

You can also find portable Wi-Fi devices that support 4G connections.

Final Thoughts

You get to have a 24/7 internet connection while you are roaming around the country. It is necessary for you to be aware of how portable Wi-Fi devices can serve and simplify your complicated life. It is ideal to get it when you are traveling, but you can also get it as your home network connection.