Term of the Moment
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Definition: mobile broadband router
A stationary device that converts cellular signals (3G, 4G, LTE) to Wi-Fi. The mobile broadband router creates a local Wi-Fi hotspot to provide access to the Internet as an alternative to cable, DSL and other wired services that are either not available or are more costly than a cellular data plan. Laptops and tablets already have Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi can be added to any desktop computer (see wireless modem).
Not Really So Mobile
A "mobile" broadband router is typically an in-house desktop device; however, truly mobile units create hotspots anywhere one travels (see cellular hotspot).
In-house Wi-Fi vs. In-house Cellular
Mobile broadband routers create a Wi-Fi hotspot. In contrast, a "femtocell" brings cellular service inside a home or office (see femtocell).
Broadband Router - In-house Wi-Fi
Femtocell - In-house Cellular
Failover Protection for Retail Sales
Not Really So Mobile
A "mobile" broadband router is typically an in-house desktop device; however, truly mobile units create hotspots anywhere one travels (see cellular hotspot).
In-house Wi-Fi vs. In-house Cellular
Mobile broadband routers create a Wi-Fi hotspot. In contrast, a "femtocell" brings cellular service inside a home or office (see femtocell).
Mobile broadband routers turn cellular service into a local Wi-Fi hotspot for laptops and mobile devices. They become a Wi-Fi access point.
A femtocell is a mini cell tower that carries cellular voice and data over the Internet. See femtocell.
If wired Internet access goes down, this Cradlepoint mobile broadband adapter automatically switches point-of-sale terminals to 3G/4G service to keep accepting credit cards. (Image courtesy of Cradlepoint, Inc.)