SIM Card Router

Introduction

The increasing affordability of mobile internet plans, driven by advancements in internet technology, has made them a viable option for many households.

  • For example, Hotlink Prepaid 5G plan offers 200GB of data with a fair usage policy for 30 days, at speeds of 12 Mbps for RM40 or 24 Mbps for RM50.
  • Competitive prepaid plans with similar pricing are also available from other mobile operators like CelcomDigi and U Mobile.
  • To provide some context, a speed of 5 Mbps is generally sufficient for typical social media browsing and even streaming high-definition (720p) video. However, with multiple devices often used within a single household, higher bandwidth is usually preferred.

Much like the hotspot feature on a smartphone, a SIM card router creates a Wi-Fi network using a cellular data connection.

  • By simply inserting a SIM card from a mobile network operator, the router accesses the internet and broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal, enabling multiple devices to connect simultaneously.
  • This differs from a traditional Wi-Fi modem, which connects to an internet service provider (ISP) through a wired connection (cable, DSL, or fiber).

NOTE: A Wi-Fi modem combines both modem functionality (translating the internet signal from a wired connection into a format devices can understand) and router functionality (creating a Wi-Fi network to wirelessly share the internet connection).



Key Considerations for Selecting a SIM Card Router

Choosing the right SIM card router requires careful consideration of several factors

Price

  • SIM card routers with enhanced features typically come at a higher price.
  • While 5G technology offers significantly faster download speeds, 5G routers are often more expensive due to the newer technology and the higher cost of components.
  • However, a 4G/5G compatible router offers better future-proofing.

Network Compatibility

  • A key differentiating feature among SIM card routers is the cellular network technology they support (e.g., 4G or 5G).
  • Beyond checking your carrier's coverage map, ensure the router supports the specific cellular network frequencies and technologies used by your preferred mobile network operator.
  • Common frequency bands include
    • 5G: N1/N3/N5/N7/N8/N20/N28/N38/N40/N41/N77/N78 (2100/1800/850/2600/900/800/700/2600/2300/2500/3700/3500 MHz)
    • 4G: FDD-LTE: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B32 (2100/1800/850/2600/900/800/700/1500 MHz); TDD-LTE: B38/B40/B41/B42/B43 (2600/2300/2500/3500/3700 MHz)
    • 3G: DC-HSDPA, HSPA+, HSDPA, HSUPA,WCDMA B1/B5/B8 (2100/850/900 MHz)

Wi-Fi Performance

  • Look for routers supporting newer Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 5, or Wi-Fi 6, or the latest Wi-Fi 7.
  • Newer generations offer faster speeds, better range, and improved performance, especially with multiple connected devices, resulting in higher data rates, lower latency, and greater capacity.
  • Faster speeds are crucial for streaming, video conferencing, and large file transfers.
  • Routers supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies offer a good balance. 5GHz provides faster speeds but shorter range, while 2.4GHz offers longer range at slower speeds.
  • However, the actual achievable speed depends on both the supported network type and the SIM card data plan's speed limit.

Antennas

  • External LTE/5G antennas generally provide better cellular reception than internal antennas, especially in areas with weak signal strength or obstructions.
  • A lower (more negative) dBm value indicates higher reception sensitivity.

Number of Connections

  • Consider the number of devices you need to connect simultaneously.
  • Some routers offer improved capacity and network management efficiency, allowing for faster loading without performance degradation.

Portability

  • Some routers require a constant power supply, while others use rechargeable batteries for added flexibility.
  • Battery-powered devices often have limited range and are designed for personal use or small groups.

Gigabit Ports

  • Some SIM card routers offer Gigabit ports for a stable wired internet connection.
  • Consider the number of Gigabit ports if this feature is important to you.

Security Features

  • Reputable routers offer robust security features, such as a firewall, VPN support, password protection, and guest network options, to protect your data.



Summary

When choosing a SIM card router, consider your data plan, the router's data speed capabilities, and your budget.

  • While a 5G router like the TP-Link NX510v might theoretically provide much higher speeds with 5G and Wi-Fi 6 mesh technology, it won't offer any additional speed benefits if your subscribed data plan is slower.
  • If price is a primary concern and you are satisfied with 4G speeds, the TP-Link TL-MR 105, offering up to 150 Mbps download speed and supporting up to 32 devices, is a recommended value-for-money option.
NOTE: Remember to balance your need for speed with your data allowance, as faster speeds consume more data.

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