5G usb dongle recommendations - Page 2

Ingrid

May. 06, 2024

5G usb dongle recommendations - Page 2

In a place outdoors with a much better signal, it registered. Well, this makes a negative recommendation: not sensitive enough for my home, or the base station cannot hear it.

Just for the record: the fact that AT ports are disabled by default is actually deliberate. If the option driver grabs the modem, the CDC endpoint does not result in creation of the wwan0 interface, and there is no way to connect using AT commands (AT+CGDCONT=... + ATD*99***1# + ppp). The modem in the AT mode does not support the ATD command. Still, here is the result of running AT commands:

AT
OK
AT+CMEE=2
OK
AT+CGDCONT=?
+CGDCONT: (0-49),"IP",,,(0),(0),(0-1),(0-3),(0-2),(0-1),(0-1)
+CGDCONT: (0-49),"IPV6",,,(0),(0),(0-1),(0-3),(0-2),(0-1),(0-1)
+CGDCONT: (0-49),"IPV4V6",,,(0),(0),(0-1),(0-3),(0-2),(0-1),(0-1)

OK
AT+CGDCONT?
OK
AT+CGREG=2
OK

+CGREG: 0
AT+CEREG=2
OK

+CEREG: 0
AT+CGEREP=2,1
OK
AT+CFUN=0
OK

+ESIMS: 0,0
AT+CFUN=1
OK

+ESIMS: 1,29

+CIREPI: 0

+CNEMIU: 0

+CEREG: 1,"BF7E","02230D6F",13

+CEREG: 1,"BF7E","0224086C",13

+CEREG: 1,"BF7E","02230D6F",13
AT+CGDCONT=1,"IP","internet"
OK
ATD*99***1#
+CME ERROR: operation not supported

See the "13" at the end of "+CEREG" unsolicited notifications? It stands for "E-UTRA-NR dual connectivity", i.e. a form of 5G connection.

In MBIM mode, it "works" with ModemManager when connected to a Linux laptop.

What Is A Broadband Dongle?

Do you want to quickly access WiFi on the go? A mobile internet dongle could be the answer.

Here’s everything you need to know about how this small piece of equipment can make a huge difference to your internet connectivity.

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What Does a Mobile Internet Dongle Do?

Otherwise known as a wi-fi dongle or USB modem, a dongle is a small modem that allows you to access 3G, 4G or 5G data (depending on your dongle plan) by plugging it into a USB port on the device you’re using.

Dongles are ideal when using your laptop in airports, cafes, or even taxis, where internet access isn’t always guaranteed. They can also come in handy when traveling or staying somewhere new. If you live in a big property, a dongle can be used in areas wi-fi can’t reach, although it won’t provide the best connection for data-heavy activities such as streaming, unless a speedier 5G network is accessible.

Some dongles use a SIM card to create their own Wifi network when plugged in like you do when you hotspot from your phone, while others connect directly to the internet, without generating a signal.

How Does a Dongle Work?

The convenience of the dongle also extends to its setup. If you have a mobile broadband plan, then providers such as Jio, Wayona, Vodafone and TP Link, often offer dongles as part of a package. Plug it into a computer or laptop and within seconds it will have access to your provider’s mobile data network.

Or you can buy a dongle upfront on a prepaid basis.

What are the Pros and Cons of a Dongle?

While dongles have their benefits, they are not always the most suitable option for connecting to the internet.

The pros:

simple to set up yourself without the need for a professional installer
gives you the flexibility to connect to the internet quickly when out and about
you can travel with it, and sometimes use it abroad with the right data plan
compact and easy to transport
ideal if you only need broadband for a few months as you can often use it on a short-term data plan or pay-as-you-go basis.

The cons:

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you can only connect to the internet where 3G, 4G or 5G data is available.
5G, the fastest mobile data, is yet to be available everywhere in the country.
can be slower than home internet connections depending on the internet in your area.
can only connect to one device at a time and that device must have a USB port.

Where Can I Get a Dongle?

Mobile network providers typically provide dongles with a data plan. Some plans will also include the option to use the dongle abroad.

Remember to opt for a truly unlimited deal if you want to avoid restricted data usage per month. You’ll need to check your provider offers a 5G data connection, too, if you want the fastest mobile broadband speeds.

What are the Alternatives to a Dongle?

Depending on what you use broadband for and when you use it, you may want to consider one of the following for connecting to the internet instead:

Pocket WiFi Modem

Pocket Wifi modems are sometimes confused with dongles but in fact, double up as routers and modems in that they have the ability to connect several devices to a data network at once. Its battery can last for a few hours, and is self-powered: you do not need to plug it into the USB, in other words.

But do bear in mind, using multiple devices can quickly gobble away at your data if you are not on a truly unlimited plan. As with a dongle, you have the flexibility to take it with you wherever you go.

SIM card

You can purchase SIM cards with a data plan that can be inserted into compatible tablets, laptops and equipment.

Wi-fi hotspot

You may have noticed a wi-fi hotspot option in your smartphone’s settings. This can effectively turn your mobile into a router that can allow other devices to access its data connection. It will, however, drain your data quicker than using it directly through your phone.

Mobile home broadband

Home broadband that connects to a mobile data network as an alternative to the NBN.

Your devices will be connected either to a 4G or 5G network, depending on your provider and the area in which you live.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What's the difference between a dongle and a USB modem?

Nothing, except the name. They both refer to the same thing—mobile on the go—but are used interchangeably.

Do you have to pay for the internet with a dongle?

There are a number of telcos who offer dongles as part of plans, so do your research on what package suits you best. You can also pay for your dongle upfront on a prepaid basis.

Can you get unlimited Wi-Fi on a dongle?

Yes, you can although you will need to ensure that the SIM card you are using to access the internet has unlimited data.

Is it better to get a dongle on a plan or pre-paid?

This depends on your needs and how much data you intend to use. One of the obvious benefits of a prepaid plan is that you control how much data you use and spend; topping up on a needs-to basis rather than receiving a nasty shock when you get the bill.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of 5g Dongle. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.