Verizon 4g LTE question

[dengraham]

4g LTE is supposed to be coming by the end of the summer in my area. Should I just replace my 3g USB card that I use with a Cradlepoint router. Or, should I go with a new 4g MyFi card?? I love the Cradlepoint and I am concerned I will burn out a lot of batteries with a hotspot card. But, I don't know if the 4g myfi (hotspot) card is faster then a USB card? FIOS is also coming to town but I am thinking the wireless is the way to go?? Any comments are greatly appreciated.

[John Hilley]

You can't take FIOS on the road with you. I think the only Cradlepoint router that won't work with 4G is the CTR350, which doesn't have enough memory for the upgrade. So get the 4G modem and keep your Cradlepoint.

[dengraham]

Thanks for the quick response John. Should I get the LG VL600 or the Navatel 551L??

[dons2346]

I have the Samsung LTE unit. It does come with a wall wart so I just leave it plugged in. I have run it 6 hours or so on 1 battery charge and it was still working.

[Dmlane]

I have gone through almost the exact same evaluation. I have a Cradlepoint CTR350 wireless router and use it with a Verizon 3G USB modem. I currently use it mostly when I travel in my motorhome or boat and originally intended to use it at home in lieu of my Comcast HS Internet. Unfortunately, I found that the 3G connection was not fast enough, so I have been using one at home and the other when away from home and have been paying for both services.

BTW, at home and on my motorhome we use our two computers and PDAs within a range of about40 feet.

With 4G LTE recently available on my street, I am thinking again about upgrading my service. If I upgrade to a 4G USB modem, I will need to get a new router at a cost of as much as an additional $80. If I get a Novatel MiFi 4510L, I won't need to purchase another wireless router. But, there are other reasons for my going this route. The reviews I have read indicate that all of the 4G USB modems have problems dropping their connections for a variety of reasons and under a variety of conditions. This also appears to be the case with the Samsung 4G LTE Hot Spot, so the 4510L looks best to me. It provides WiFi without the need to purchase another wireless router and it has the best performance/stability according to the reviews I have read. In addition, you always have the option of returning the device within 2 weeks if it doesn't work the way you want.

BTW, you don't have to operate the MiFi on battery only. An AC charging that comes with it can be used to power the MiFi unit full time.

I'm going to get my MiFi 4510L tomorrow.

[dengraham]

Dmlane,
Thank you for your comments. You are in the same situation as I am. I agree with everything you are saying except to note there has been some recent discussions with the Novatel MiFi dropping connections when using Windows 7. (See MiFi 4510L and Windows 7 - frequent disconnects : EVDOforums.com )
Since I already have the MBR1000 cradle point router and I do use it at home for all my pc's and printers; I figureed a USB modem would be the way to go. But, as you say, they seem to have problems and don't appear to be as fast. I am just concerned about the short distance of the MiFi?? No problem in the motor home but in the house 100 feet is not very far. Good luck with your MiFi and let me know how it works out.

[Dmlane]

If I had a wireless router that could accommodate a USB modem and 4G service, I might be more inclined to try a USB modem, but I would have to buy a new router to go that route. I also recall that the original 3G MiFi reportedly worked over longer distances than 30 feet, so I am hopeful the 4G MiFi will do the same. They are usually conservative on specs like that to ensure customers aren't disappointed.

Lastly, I don't use PCs. Made the switch to MAC several years ago and have never looked back. We even replaced my wife's sloooooooow PC with an iPad and she loves it. She primarily uses it for email, Web access and (unfortunately) games.

I will see if the 4G MiFi is stable, fast enough and has sufficient range for our use. If not, I will return it for a $35 restocking charge and stay with the arrangement I have now until more of the kinks with this service are worked out.

[docj]

I have a VZW LTE Pantech UML290 modem working with a WiFi Ranger. After a few early issues the Ranger is now a pretty dependable unit, particularly when using cellular. My network in the MH consists of 2 computers, a printer, a Blu-ray, a DirecTV DVR and a web-enabled photo frame all networked though the Ranger. With a MiFi you are limited to 5 devices (not 5 computers) connected at one time.

Since most of the places we like to go are still 3G and will be for another couple of years we have a Wilson 3W direct connect amplifier with a magnetic mount antenna. Well worth owning; will replace with a 4G one when they are available.

[WheelingIt]

We've got 3G Pantech USB card with Cradlepoint MBR 1000 and external antenna (Wilson Omni). We're about to get the 4G mostly because it will allow us to increase our dataplan to 10Gb/mo (even tho' I know we'll still be at 3G speeds most of the time in our travels). I'm sticking with the USB modem because I can re-use the router, and just buy an adaptor for the antenna. The Omni can only handle 3G, but in time there will be other antennas out that can direct connect and boost the 4G, so it will be a simple upgrade.

The direct boost has been really critical for us in the MH and it's so easy with the USB card. The MiFi is alot more complicated to boost.

[dons2346]

"The reviews I have read indicate that all of the 4G USB modems have problems dropping their connections for a variety of reasons and under a variety of conditions. This also appears to be the case with the Samsung 4G LTE Hot Spot,"

I am currently using the Samsung 4G LTE and it has not dropped a connection once. It works much better than the data card it replaced.

Recently Verizon had their 4G network go down nation wide and it did take my 3G with it. That was because of the way the simm card is programmed. I was told that a fix is on the way.

[RJay]

I too am looking at the Verizon 4G MiFi. I presently have a Verizon 3G modem in a Cradlepoint MB1000. The modem has an antenna port where I can plug in an antenna and/or amplifier when I need it. The MiFi, to my knowledge, does not have an antenna port. I called Verizon and in the course of the conversation found that I can have both the 3G and 4G devices on my account but have only one activated at a time. This is great because I'll use the 4G MiFi when I'm in urban areas and when in a fringe area I can call and deactivate the MiFi and activate the 3G modem so I can use the antenna/amplifier.

[dengraham]

RJay,
That is very interesting approach. You are saying with the 3g you may need to use the antenna so you would switch back to the USB modem but you would not need it with 4g?? Hmmm, had not thought about it from that perspective. Thanks.

[RJay]

Dennis,
With the 4G I don't need the modem or the router. The 4G is a modem and router all in one. As I mentioned the 4G does not have an antenna port(not completely sure) that's why I'll keep the 3G in my account.

[Dmlane]

As an update, I just picked up my MiFi 4510. Before I left the store, Verizon set the device name and access code per my preference and when I got home, I plugged it in selected it in my network preferences and I was connected without a hitch. With just a few downloads of video content, the video played without hesitation.

Concerning an external antenna, I thought the sales rep indicated that an after market external antenna could be used. I will have to check.

Several people seem to be concerned about battery life. There is a rechargeable battery in the 4510, but you can leave it plugged in instead if an AC outlet is available.

More later.