Are you sick of being stuck with a public WiFi when you’re away from your house? Are you tired of having a weak, unstable, and insecure connection? You can easily fix this problem by having your own portable hotspot! A mobile hotspot can provide a secure internet connection almost anywhere you go. In this article, we are going to take a closer look at mobile hotspot devices and explain how to turn your mobile phone into a hotspot.
How much does a mobile hotspot cost?
A mobile hotspot device (or sometimes called Pocket WiFi) typically costs around 50-$150. Depending on your data plan, you will be able (to a certain extent) to download, talk on the phone, send emails and text messages. Once your limit is exceeded, extra charges will be added, which is why it is recommended to opt for an unlimited data plan. In general, unlimited data plans cost around 60-$90 per month. That said, it is also possible for you to go with a limited data plan. Some of them are pretty cheap (5-$20), but be wary of the pricey overcharge fees once you reach the limit.
What are the types of Mobile Data Connections?
Every mobile hotspot provides broadband Internet, which means they give you a fast and stable internet connection similar to the one you have at home. Currently, 4G and 4G LTE are the two most common wireless mobile network technologies that people use. These words stand for “fourth generation” and “4G Long Term Evolution”. In terms of speed and coverage area, the two technologies slightly differ. Some people prefer 4G networks because the connection speed is usually more consistent than a 4G LTE connection. Actually, 4G LTE will sometimes gradually increase its speed until true 4G speed is reached, whereas 4G is always offering the same kind of speed. Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that network speeds differ between carriers. Before deciding on a service, find out what the average connection rates are on different providers.
What is the difference between WiFi and hotspot?
Wifi: (Wireless Fidelity) is a wireless networking technology that mostly uses electromagnetic waves in the 2.4GHz/5GHz radio frequency band. In order to build a hotspot, Wifi is built using a wireless router. Without WiFi, there will be no hotspot. In nature, Wifi is more stable and versatile. It can bind gaming consoles, printers, computers, and other devices.
Hotspot: A hotspot uses WiFi to link wireless devices to the internet. Although an access point system defines the system built within a hotspot device, the terms hotspot and access point are also used interchangeably. Since they are widely used in public areas, public hotspots are less secure than private WiFi connections.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Your Smartphone as a Wi-Fi Hotspot?
Advantages:
- Internet almost anywhere with a mobile hotspot.
- Securely share your internet with your other devices, thanks to the security feature on your smartphone.
- No need to buy an extra device like a Pocket WiFi, nor do you need a separate data plan since you can use the one you already have for your cell phone.
Disadvantages:
- Using a hotspot feature on your device will deplete its battery very quickly.
- Using your phone as a mobile hotspot is always a bit more risky than using a proper hotspot device that has a dedicated security system installed.
- Sharing the internet with more than 1 person will cause the internet to slow down drastically. Moreover, streaming videos or online gaming doesn’t really work well on a cell phone hotspot connection.
- Your data plan usage will be pretty intense while having you hotspot feature enabled, so be cautious.
Tips for Keeping Your Mobile Hotspot Safe
When using a mobile hotspot, security is the main concern, but there are several tips you may use to reduce or eliminate the risks:
- Using a username and password to protect it. You can also change your passwords on a regular basis.
- When uploading attachments, such as photographs and videos, be cautious of where you are during the upload; the less people around you the better.
- Make use of a virtual private network (VPN). It’s a technique for forming a private, stable network in a public setting. It allows you to connect to the Internet and exchange files securely with others.
- Keep an eye on who is using the wireless network.
- Don’t go to any dubious websites to prevent hackers from accessing your information.
- Always keep an eye on your devices. When in public especially, they can be physically hacked into, with a hacker USB key for example. What’s scary is that you won’t even know that the hacker stole your information if you didn’t see him/her!
To conclude, don’t forget to turn off hotspot tethering as soon as you’re finished to avoid trailing a Wi-Fi signal wherever you go! Additionally, your phone battery will thank you.
