Question Looking for recommendations on a reliable, quality Mobile Hotspot

[Gatchaman]

Hello!

I work from home and I'm looking for a hot spot that can support two laptops and a desktop regarding signal, internet speed, etc. I know VERY little about hot spots and how they are rated, their capabilities, etc. so please be patient as you assist me with my search for this product. Thank you!

 

[kanewolf]

Hello!

I work from home and I'm looking for a hot spot that can support two laptops and a desktop regarding signal, internet speed, etc. I know VERY little about hot spots and how they are rated, their capabilities, etc. so please be patient as you assist me with my search for this product. Thank you!

Have you considered a standard WIFI router with a USB modem? Asus routers support USB cellular devices. I was able to use my phone via WIFI to an Asus router before I had ISP service at a house.

 

[Gatchaman]

Will this work for 2 laptops and a desktop?

 

[kanewolf]

Will this work for 2 laptops and a desktop?

Absolutely. The router behaves the same as if you had a wired ISP.

 

[Gatchaman]

What internet service does the Asus router use? Do you have a link to a product?

 

[kanewolf]

What internet service does the Asus router use? Do you have a link to a product?

Here is a list of USB cellular devices that is supported by Asus routers in general -- https://www.asus.com/support/faq/1047044/
I am a big fan of the Merlin alternate firmware for Asus routers -- https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/ If you pick a model from the supported list on Merlin's webpage like the RT-AX68U -- https://www.asus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-ax68u/ you won't be unhappy.

 

[NedSmelly]

Yep, +1 for Asus router. I have a Netgear Aircard 4G modem plugged into an old DSL-AC68U via USB. Works great for connecting 4+ devices (desktop, laptop, tablet, network printer).

 

[Gatchaman]

OK. So if my internet goes out, where does the hotspot grab the internet signal from? I would need a separate subscription for that, correct?

Also, losing service from my internet provider is one thing, losing my internet service because the power is out and my modem is off is another. Do hot spots come with a. battery back up?

 

[kanewolf]

OK. So if my internet goes out, where does the hotspot grab the internet signal from? I would need a separate subscription for that, correct?

Also, losing service from my internet provider is one thing, losing my internet service because the power is out and my modem is off is another. Do hot spots come with a. battery back up?

No. You would have to use a standard UPS to protect from power outages. If battery power is one of your requirements then this is a completely different conversation. I interpreted your question as a primary internet source, not an emergency backup.

What do you mean by "my internet goes out"? Do you have a standard wired ISP that you are trying to have a backup ?

 

[SkyNetRising]

I work from home and I'm looking for a hot spot that can support two laptops and a desktop regarding signal, internet speed, etc. I know VERY little about hot spots and how they are rated, their capabilities, etc. so please be patient as you assist me with my search for this product.

Your mobile phone has capability to act as a wifi hotspot.

 

[kanewolf]

Your mobile phone has capability to act as a wifi hotspot.

Some people don't pay for that capability or their cellular carrier doesn't support hotspot capabilities. For MANY people a cell phone as a WIFI hotspot works as emergency internet for a few devices.

 

[SkyNetRising]

For MANY people a cell phone as a WIFI hotspot works as emergency internet for a few devices.

That seems to be exactly, what OP wants.
Additional hot spot to already existing internet access( that sometimes goes out).

 

[Gatchaman]

No. You would have to use a standard UPS to protect from power outages. If battery power is one of your requirements then this is a completely different conversation. I interpreted your question as a primary internet source, not an emergency backup.

What do you mean by "my internet goes out"? Do you have a standard wired ISP that you are trying to have a backup ?

I mean if I lose power from a storm and need to be online working. I guess the best solution is to have a backup power supply with a hot spot tied to an internet service that isn't my primary one. So if my power goes out I can still have that and if my ISP for my modem goes down I have a hot spot supported by a different internet service. Unless I use an Elon Musk satellite lol.

 

[SkyNetRising]

I mean if I lose power from a storm and need to be online working.

Use your mobile phone.
If it's meant for work, then work should be paying for your phone and data plan.

 

[kanewolf]

I mean if I lose power from a storm and need to be online working. I guess the best solution is to have a backup power supply with a hot spot tied to an internet service that isn't my primary one. So if my power goes out I can still have that and if my ISP for my modem goes down I have a hot spot supported by a different internet service. Unless I use an Elon Musk satellite lol.

If you loose power, and it is not a VERY localized problem, then cellular is going to be very slow, because EVERYONE will have the same idea.