Mobile Broadband USB

Mobile Broadband USB dongles, modems and routers versus WiFi

The following terms are commonly used to describe the equipment that people use achieve mobile broadband connectivity:

• mobile broadband usb dongle


• mobile broadband usb modem


• mobile broadband usb router

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Mobile Broadband USB technologies

Mobile broadband USB uses the same technology as its landline cousin to access the internet. Older versions can be found to have the circuit switching technology whereas the modern systems use the packet switching technology to access the internet. Packet switching involves grouping data of all types into suitably sized blocks called packets. Packets can be transmitted more effectively over the transmission, thus enabling optimum use of the resources.

The Evolution of Mobile Networks

1. Analog networks:
Before the introduction of digital technology, all networks would use analog technology to connect users. These first generation networks though useful in interconnecting users were slow and were often full of glitches.

2. 2G networks:
The first generation networks were soon replaced by digital technology. '2G' or the second generation networks introduced digital networks to the mobile world. These networks were built for the primary purpose of handling voice efficiently over the networks and were not very data centric. The 2G networks are still prominent in many parts of the works and are capable of handling better data capacity but are still relatively slow by broadband standards. You would not be able to access a 2G network using a mobile broadband usb modem or mobile broadband usb router.

3. 3G networks:
3G or third generation networks offer better speed than the 2G networks and are slated to be the next standard for mobile networking. 3G systems offer mobile broadband USB speeds that in theory should be as fast as traditional broadband lines and are best slated for services that require higher bandwidth like voice mail, internet and downloads. 3G networks are fast replacing 2G and are the standard in most of the developed worlds. You would use a mobile broadband USB dongle, modem, or router to access 3G mobile internet.

4. 4G networks:
The third generation network follow different methodologies to keep the world interconnected and there are no set standards. 4G networks will supposedly follow standards and are aimed at enabling data intensive applications like HDTV, MMS, video chat and mobile TV on the mobile phones. 4G networks are still in conceptualization phase and it will be sometime before the world is introduced to faster data transfer speeds. It is highly unlikely that you will be able to use a mobile broadband USB modem to access these types of networks though it is highly likely that there will be an extended period when 3G and 4G networks operate side by side and therefore technologies like the mobile broadband usb router, modem or dongle will still be useful. No doubt the 4G networks will need specifically developed technologies but it would still be referred to as a mobile broadband dongle.

Types of Mobile Technologies

1. GPRS:
GPRS is a form of mobile internet service that is compatible with 2G GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) networks as well as on 3G systems. GPRS when run on 2G networks is capable of delivering better speeds than the traditional GPRS and is termed as 2.5G. GPRS systems are able to provide speeds of 56-114 kb/s. GPRS is still the preferred mode of internet access in countries yet to embrace the 3G technology. It is also the cheapest form of mobile internet access currently available, however cannot be described as mobile broadband by any stretch of the imagination, so your mobile broadband usb dongle, modem or router would not be much use here.

2. EDGE:
EDGE or Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution can be termed as second generation GPRS. EDGE works as an upgrade to the GPRS network by increasing the data capacity of the network. Installation does not require changing anything since the network is already in place. The increased data capacity is able to deliver broadband like speeds which are more than three times the speed provided by traditional GPRS. EDGE is capable of regular data transfers of 400 kbps with top transfer rates of around 1Mbps. The technology has been considered a part of the 3G evolution as per ITU's 3G definition. Once again, still not 'real' mobile broadband but a step forward - still cannot use kit like your mobile broadband usb router or modem or dongle. Many mobile phones come with EDGE capabilities built in nowadays.

3. HSPA:
HSPA is a collection of two technologies that make up what is known as the 3G+ network. HSPA networks offer better speeds as compared to the traditional mobile technologies by introducing shared channel transmission. Both voice and data packets use the same channel to travel over the radio network which results in better efficiency of power and resources of the network. This is where the mobile broadband usb modem, dongle or router has a role to play. HSPA is made up of:
a. HSDPA:
High speed downlink packet access upgrades the traditional WCDMA network to provide up to 14 MB with reduced cost per bit. HSDPA is the true face of mobile broadband wherein users can download files, access websites and even stream media.
b. HSUPA:
High Speed uplink packet access upgrades the uplink of the existing WCDMA network. HSUPA adds an extra channel to the WCDMA network which provides extra space for internet applications. VoIP and large email attachments become a reality with the HSUPA.

4. CDMA 2000:
While the above technologies were for GSM, CDMA2000 is the standard of 3G connectivity for CDMA mobiles.

Wi-Fi versus Mobile Broadband USB

In addition to accessing the web using a mobile broadband usb dongle, the internet can also be accessed over the air through Wi-Fi, but this comes with a number of significant constraints.

Wi-Fi stands for wireless fidelity and uses the same path to the same internet that is accessed by the landline modem but the first stage or step in the process is wireless. A wireless modem can be used to transmit data without wires. A built-in network card or a wi-fi dongle (as opposed to a mobile broadband usb modem) can be used to access the internet.

Wi-Fi hotspots are pretty much common these days and can be found everywhere from shopping malls to airports. The trouble with Wi-Fi hotspots however is that of access. Though Wi-Fi hotspots makes it easier to access the internet minus the wires and an increased range, they are still restricted and cannot be used anywhere. Wi-Fi normally requires an account and requires authentication before they can be accessed. However a blend of using wi-fi access and mobile broadband usb is often an effective way for a mobile user to reach the internet, especially in larger cities.

Advantages:
1. Setup:
Wi-Fi can be set up easily as compared to the other types of wireless access systems. All that is needed is the appropriate antenna to start transmitting the data over the radio frequencies.

2. Cost:
Wi-Fi is cheaper than the mobile broadband since there is no need to pay for the data transfer but only to get access to the network. Some wifi hotspot providers do charge fairly small costs for access.

Disadvantages:
1. Reach:
The broadband is limited by range and can only be used within the specified range. The biggest limitation of Wi-Fi can be experienced while travelling wherein there is bound to be no wireless. A few airlines though are planning in-house wireless capabilities for their customers.

2. Security:
Wi-Fi routers come with built in Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) which can protect the users from potential hackers. The system though defaults to zero security and has to be configured. In most cases since the users are novice users and tend to use the product out of the box, security is the biggest concern for Wi-Fi users.

3. Congestion:
Usually wireless networks are set up in places like airports and restaurants where people can make full use of the technology. With such a huge mass of people trying to access the internet simultaneously results in congestion of the network resulting in slower response times.

Technology:
The Wi-Fi networks use radio waves just like mobile phones and radios to send and receive data over the internet. Wireless networks transmit over frequencies of 2.4GHz or 5GHz and uses the 802.11 networking standards. The frequency range is higher than that used for mobile phones which allow more data to be carried.

Data is transmitted by the computer to the wireless router using the built-in wireless card or an external wireless dongle which sends out the data as a wireless signal. The wireless router is capable of decoding this data and sends it as packets over the Ethernet or internet to which it is physically connected.

A physical area that offers wireless connectivity to the network or the internet is termed as a wireless hotspot.

Due to its ability to be installed easily and high portability, Wi-Fi has found wide acceptance and is found not just in computers but also in gaming consoles, music systems and even mobile phones. Hotspots can be installed for the home network and interfaced with the other appliances to create a completely wireless home while being connected to the internet as well.

Mobile Broadband USB Tariffs

Much the same as with standard voice tariffs there are a whole host of different mobile broadband tariffs emerging from the major mobile broadband dongle providers. These include pay monthly contracts, pay as you go mobile broadband, and rolling 30 day contracts.

The rolling 30 day contracts are becoming increasingle popular as you get the mobile broadband usb dongle and then can give 30 days notice at any time to exit the contract, if you so desire.

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