Definition: cellular hotspot

A cellular hotspot converts cellular signals to Wi-Fi and vice versa to provide Internet access. A local hotspot is created by the following methods (see Wi-Fi hotspot).

Smartphone Hotspots
Smartphones have both cellular and Wi-Fi built in, and most phones can cross-connect the two to become a portable hotspot for nearby laptops and tablets. Also called "tethering."

Mobile Hotspots
Carriers may offer customers a portable device that becomes a local hotspot. Called a "portable hotspot," "personal hotspot," "mobile Wi-Fi," "mobile router," "mobile wireless router" or "travel router," either the fee is added to the user's existing data plan or a new plan must be activated.

However, a mobile hotspot is one more thing to travel with. To avoid packing yet another device, cellular service can be added to laptops by plugging in a USB dongle (see cellular modem). On tablets, Wi-Fi is standard equipment, but tablets can also be purchased with a built-in cellular modem, requiring a phone number to be assigned just like a cellphone.

Vehicle Hotspots
Built-in units provide a Wi-Fi hotspot within the cabin of a car or truck. In-vehicle cellular hotspots are available for many makes and models, and third-party devices can plug into the car's diagnostic port (see OBD).

Fixed Cellular
Cell towers may provide Internet access directly to a home or office. The cellular carrier provides the customer with a "mobile broadband router," which is a Wi-Fi base station that provides the local hotspot. See mobile broadband router. See Wi-Fi vs. cellular.

Portable or Stationary

Cellular-based Wi-Fi hotspots can be created when traveling or in the home and office.

Take It With You

The advantage of a mobile hotspot is its portability.