Looking for 4G/3G hotspot with wired connectivity

Enos316

The place I work at has a need for a mobile machine that needs 3g/4g connectivity for remote work. The problem is we don't want to introduce another piece of hardware by converting the WiFi via some kind of bridge solution.

Does anyone know of a device that has a 3g/4g modem with built-in Ethernet ports on it?

Thanks.

AngelHedgie

Newegg sells mobile broadband routers. Some accept a SIM card directly, others require either a mobile broadband card or dongle.

Enos316

On Newegg I only see the Cradlepoints, which don't seem to take SIM, just a USB connection. As far as I know the AT&T and Verizon MiFis only do power over USB, not connectivity. Sprint might though.

AngelHedgie

Okay. You're not going to find what you seem to be looking for, which is a MiFi style hotspot with an ethernet connection. They just don't make them - too niche a product.

So, you have two solutions. The first is to buy a wireless bridge and link it to your MiFi unit. The second is to get a mobile broadband router. Either way, you'll have to supply the connectivity through some add on component.

And if the device you have is USB/ExpressCard equipped, why not just go that route?

punk

Depends on what you want to spend and what sort of interface you're looking at. Linksys used to sell one, but I don't think they make that model any more. I did see the Cradlepoint versions on NewEgg...by your response I assume you're looking for one that takes a SIM card directly. Have you looked at Cisco's 800G series routers? I mean, look at this cute little guy. Awwww!

May be able to offer more advice with some more detail about your setup and needs. To be honest, what you want to accomplish is a little unclear. If you could provide a more detailed picture, I may be able to point you in the right direction.

Enos316

We have a truck that goes around and is used for medical purposes. Right now things are stored locally and they upload the data when they come back. They now want to upload the data in real time for on-the-spot consultations.

So, we need some kind of 3g/4g connection that has ethernet ports that can output to either another switch (for the PCs) or maybe into a firewall and then into the PCs. Either way, the basic need is the 3g/4g with an ethernet output. The data sets are quite large (80-100mb per patient), so 4g would be nice.

I know we looked at a Cisco solution but they were so popular they couldn't even get us a demo unit. Not sure if that was the one you linked, I'll check it out.

Enos316

Yeah we were looking at the 819. It's so hot its on a crazy back order, but we're trying to get one.

punk

Ahhh, OK, that makes sense. I can work with that. The 819 is brand-new (almost)....Cisco seems to have supply issues for weeks/months after a new product release.

The 819 is limited to 3G, but you can potentially push about 5Mbps up with HSPA or HSPA+, but I'm honestly not sure what kind of success you'll have actually reaching those speeds. Network coverage, congestion, etc. could be problematic. In general, trying to upload 80-100MB over a 3G connection could be painful. You may have a hard time finding a device like you want that will support real 4G tech like LTE or WiMAX. AT&T sort of tries to brand HSPA+ as "4G," but that's technically not correct.

I'm not sure what level of tech you're considering, either - i.e. Cisco Enterprise vs. Linksys. Cisco's stuff will be a lot more expensive than a more consumer-based router. I can't find a price for the 819, but the higher-end 800 series routers that support 3G start somewhere around $1,000. There are about a billion ways you could achieve your end-goal, but the 819 is build specifically for what you're shooting for. You could also check out the SRP500 series routers; they support 3G connectivity with a 3rd party USB modem and will be a bit cheaper. But...I haven't heard a lot of good things about some of Cisco's small business hardware. Mileage may vary, of course.

Of course the three major carriers only offer mobile hotspots with WiFi on the LAN side...ugh.

Oh, I found the Linksys router I was talking about earlier. But it's out of production. In case you're curious, it's the WRT54G3GV2-ST.

I also found a pretty decent list of 3G/4G Mobile Broadband Routers that may help. It looks like there are some reviews there, too.

punk

Oooh, Clear offers two 4G modems that have an Ethernet connection on the LAN side. There may not be Clear service in your area, though.

I keep seeing Cradlepoint pop up in just about every venture I make to research what's out there. Maybe it's the bee's knees? Or maybe it's just the most prolific vendor out there at the moment offering essentially plug-n-play 3G/4G routers outside of the enterprise hardware market?

Enos316

We just got a demo unit of the Cisco yesterday. It's pretty hot. It also has PoE ports for an AP or VoIP phones. I'll let you know what we end up with. Thanks for the suggestions.