What is a MiFi Hub or Dongle?
MiFi routers are compact wireless devices that allow multiple users to share a mobile broadband connection, such as 3G, 4G/LTE. Users connect to it via WiFi. Wireless companies sell these devices as portable hotspots that can be tied a data plan, and its a convenient way for devices without mobile capability, such as laptops, to connect to the internet in remote places or at events such as tailgates. Any WiFi enabled device, smartphones, tablets, laptops, game consoles etc., can utilize a MiFi router.
Speed and Service Features
The speed of the internet connection is only limited by the speed of the wireless Provider's broadband service and the number of users that are sharing the connection. A rough estimate is 21Mbps on 3G connections, and up to 100Mbps on 4G connections, both depending on location.
Wireless companies such as AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint generally offer services that can be tied to existing mobile data plan, or stand-alone MiFi data plans. The service is available from other carriers in other countries. These plans vary from monthly, yearly and pay as you go.
Set-up
Setting up a MiFi router for the first time is fairly simple. The process generally consists of the following steps.1.Insert the SIM card.
2.Insert the battery.
3.Power on the device. Activation is performed automatically and may take several minutes to complete. An indicator light on the device shows when activation is complete.
4.Devices can now connect to the MiFi via Wi-Fi. The initial network credentials (SSID and password) are usually located on the back of the device.
5.The device can be customized (change passwords, WiFi settings such SSID etc), by connecting to the device and pointing your browser to the device's admin page (typically found at a URL of 192.168.1.1) .
Can data be stored on a MiFi?
Some MiFi are equipped with slots for a microSD card that can be used for storage. Some also have the ability to stream multimedia.Other related articles: Best way to Extend WiFi Coverage