Question 4G on a laptop

[Linet]

Hello all!
Can you please tell me what it takes for a laptop to have access to 4G? And are there any performance requirements for the laptop itself to work with 4G?
I would appreciate your help!

 

[lvt]

Hello all!
Can you please tell me what it takes for a laptop to have access to 4G? And are there any performance requirements for the laptop itself to work with 4G?
I would appreciate your help!

You will need a 4G modem card for laptop (usually called mini PCIE module) like this

https://www.amazon.com/Yoidesu-Sierra-Wireless-100Mbps-Windows/dp/B07TWHQSZJ

 

[lvt]

And are there any performance requirements for the laptop itself to work with 4G?

No special requirement needed, the module uses very little hardware resource from the laptop.

BTW, if you want to share the 4G connection with other devices like a phone or another computer, you may want to consider a portable mobile wifi hotspot so that you don't need to leave the laptop running all the time.

 

[bill001g]

There are all kinds of devices sold that can do this. The major issue is more what cell provider can offer good coverage.

Finding a provider you get strong signal inside your house is the key thing for good performance. If you are going to be in mulitple places try to use the vendor coverage map. Note these coverage maps are of somewhat limited use since they only show the signal levels outside your house. It would be nice to be able to actually test but unless you happen to have a current cell phone plan on multiple providers you are going to have to guess.

Next you have to find a plan you can afford. Does little good if the vendor that has good coverage charge $10/gbyte of traffic. It is unlikely you are going to find a unlimited data plan that can be used with a laptop. Be careful even many of the cell phone plans are not actually unlimited, they have all kinds of limits if you use them in tether or hotspot mode. Some even limit the ability to watch HD video. Read the fine print.

So after you have decided which service provider and plan the technical part is somewhat simpler. Most these systems work with USB modem you connect to your laptop. There are also hotspot devices that act as a router and then use wifi to connect to the pc. Sometime the hotspot option is better, you can put the device in a window to get better cell tower coverage rather than having to sit near the window. Key here is the device you buy must be compatible with the ISP system. Take lots of reading of fine print on these devices to see what carriers they work with. It many times is easier to just buy the device from the provider you choose for the internet services. There is not a huge difference in cost and you know for sure it will work.

 

[Linet]

Thank you for your answers! You have helped me a lot!