Connected devices, up to
The largest number of devices that can be simultaneously connected to the modem via Wi-Fi (see "Connection").
The presence of this limitation is due to the fact that processing network requests from several devices at once requires a fairly large amount of computing resources, and there are not so many of them in miniature electronics like wireless modems. However, even inexpensive models can support about 5 – 6 devices, which is more than enough for most cases; and in more advanced modems, this number can reach 10.
Effective range
The greatest distance at which the modem's built-in router is capable of providing communication via the Wi-Fi interface (see "Connection").
It should be taken into account that in fact the range strongly depends on a number of factors that are not related to the main specs of the modem: the presence of interference and obstacles in the signal path, the specs of the Wi-Fi module of the connected device, the battery charge in this device or the modem itself, etc. Therefore, the actual range indicators can be noticeably lower than the claimed ones: for example, when working through a wall, they are noticeably reduced. However, this spec quite clearly describes the overall range of the device, and comparisons of different models on it are quite acceptable.
Also note that it does not always make sense to purchase a device with a maximum range — although a long range provides additional convenience, it requires high transmitter power, which significantly increases the size and price of the modem. Therefore, when choosing, it is worth proceeding primarily from the intended scenarios of use. For example, if you need a 3G connection to access the Internet on the road from your tablet, a range of several metres will be enough. But for installation in a large private house, it makes sense to look for a model with increased effective range.
4G (LTE)
The 4G (LTE) mobile connection speed supported by the modem.
All modern LTE equipment is assigned one or another category (
Cat.3,
Cat.4,
Cat.6,
Cat.7,
Cat.9,
Cat.12,
Cat.13,
Cat.16,
Cat.18,
Cat.19,
Cat.20,
Cat.22), on which the transmission speed directly depends. This paragraph specifies both this category and specific speed indicators, moreover, in two parameters — for reception and for transmission. The transmission speed is always much lower, but given the specifics of mobile Internet access, this is usually not critical.
Note that equipment with different speed categories will be quite compatible with each other, however, the throughput will be limited by the capabilities of the slower device. It is also worth saying that this paragraph indicates the theoretical maximum; practical amounts can be noticeably lower (depending on the quality of the network coverage and the features of specific electronics). However, a modem with a higher speed category will perform faster in fact.
Battery capacity
The capacity of the battery installed in the modem with the corresponding type of power supply (see below).
The higher the capacity, the longer the battery is able to work without recharging, all other things being equal. However, note that the situation of "other things being equal" is almost not found in modern wireless modems. First, different data transmission technologies (see above) have different power consumption; secondly, even models supporting the same standards can differ in power consumption (and battery life) due to design differences. Therefore, this indicator in most cases is purely reference information, and even very similar models can only be compared approximately. When choosing, it is worth focusing primarily on the claimed specs of the battery life (see below).
Operating time (internet browsing)
The maximum operating time of the modem with battery power (see "Power") on a single charge in Internet browsing mode. Such power is typical for Wi-Fi routers, therefore, usually, Internet browsing is supposed to provide access to the World Wide Web for an external Wi-Fi device.
This spec is the main indicator of battery life for any battery-powered modem, because it describes the time of using it for its main purpose without recharging. At the same time, you should know that this indicator is measured under certain "perfect" conditions; the actual operating time depends on a number of factors, including the intensity of browsing, the amount of data transferred, the number of connected devices and the distance to them, the cellular network signal strength, etc. Therefore, in fact, the battery life of the modem may be somewhat lower. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to compare different models with each other according to the operating time stated in the specs.
Power bank feature
Possibility of modem performing in
power bank mode. This mode allows you to use the built-in battery to power your smartphone or other external gadget. Thus, the modem can be an additional external battery, which is important in situations where it is not possible to charge a portable device.
