If you are building a wireless network, you may wonder what is an LTE router. The best routers out there can interface in a number of ways, but is an LTE router a good choice for modern consumers? LTE routers use a satellite connection instead of being plugged into your modem. Keep reading to learn more.
Key Takeaways_
- An LTE router, otherwise known as a 4G router or a MiFi router, is a device that uses a satellite connection to plug into the Internet, and not cable.
- These routers may lack the speed of a wired connection, more in line with a mobile hotspot, but speeds have been increasing since 5G has been gaining in popularity.
- A mobile router is great for portability and simple Internet access and is generally easy to use, requiring only a SIM card to get started.
LTE Routers Explained
LTE routers are WiFi routers that use LTE cellular network satellite service to connect to the Internet. As such, they do not need to be plugged into a cable modem.
What these modems lack in overall browsing speed, they more than make up for with portability and convenience.
insider tip
These mobile routers have become a popular option for those seeking to cord-cut from their internet provider.
In a number of ways, an LTE router, otherwise known as a MiFi router or a 4G router, is similar to a gateway.
It’s important to note that these devices are equipped with built-in modems specifically designed to access LTE connections.
This feature sets them apart from traditional routers, offering a unique advantage in terms of connectivity.
Additionally, LTE routers excel in their ability to connect multiple devices to the internet through a single network, making them an ideal choice for users who need to link various devices seamlessly.
This practical benefit underscores the versatility and user-friendliness of LTE routers in diverse settings, from home networks to mobile setups.
Benefits of LTE Routers
Relying on a satellite connection over a wired connection and Ethernet cable will impact your overall speed, so if you are wondering how to check your router speed, check our page on how to do so.
However, as 5G connections become more standard, the speed of these LTE routers has been steadily increasing and should approach wired devices in several years.
For more useful articles, check out our content covering how to get a router to show 5G and the best speed for a WiFi router.
STAT: With the development of 4G technology, mobile data has become an important source for internet connections. (source)
Here are some more benefits of choosing an LTE router.
Low Cost
LTE routers may cost a bit more upfront than standard wireless routers, but they significantly cut costs in the long run.
Why is that?
You don’t have to purchase a monthly cable Internet plan, relying exclusively on your satellite connection. In other words, you can wrap up the data used by your smartphone and related devices and port it over to your router for web browsing, with no Internet service provider (ISP) needed.
Of course, this could backfire if you do not have an unlimited data plan, as surfing the web can rapidly eat up data.
Easy to Use
These MiFi routers are easy to use and highly portable, being that they do not need to actually be plugged into anything.
All you have to do is plug in a SIM card, and you are good to go. Most of these devices also include a number of Ethernet ports, so you can plug in devices that like a wired Internet connection, such as computers and gaming consoles.
You won’t get as much speed as a truly wired Internet connection, but it will certainly do in a pinch.
