Understanding 3G and LTE Mobile Internet
3G and LTE are currently the most widespread mobile Internet solutions. If you have a device that supports mobile internet, just insert a SIM card with a data plan and you can go online. LTE or 3G modems support SIM cards just like your mobile phone does.
3G Technology
A formerly popular mobile internet standard that is now mostly on its way out. Its maximum data download speed is 42 Mbit/s, with the upload speed of 22 Mbit/s. 3G coverage has been completely outclassed by its newer successors, but there are still places where 3G is available. 3G uses a single frequency of 2100 MHz.
LTE Technology
LTE or Long Term Evolution is the successor to the 3G network. In addition to almost 100% coverage, it also boasts significantly higher speeds than 3G. The theoretical maximum reaches 172.8 Mbit/s for download and 57.6 Mbit/s for upload. LTE uses several bands, with the most common frequency in Czechia being 800 MHz.
3G and LTE Modem Functions and Design
LTE and 3G modems work as an advanced mobile hotspot with many of the features that a WiFi router usually offers.
Router - a device adapted for home use. It provides the same features as a standard home WiFi router, but connects to the external internet network (WAN) via fast mobile internet.
Access point - LTE travel modem. Once you get it up and running, it will create a small WiFi network wherever you want. You can then connect all your devices. It also has a battery that will keep it alive for many hours even when it's not connected to a power outlet.
Outdoor - Outdoor LTE routers are the best way to take full advantage of LTE. They are mounted on the exterior wall of the house, gaining unobstructed access to the LTE signal. These routers are made to be waterproof and dustproof to ensure they can survive outside. Outdoor LTE routers are an ideal choice if you want good internet in your summer house.
USB dongle - small USB modems that look like a flash drive, but provide mobile data to devices such as a laptop when inserted into their USB port.
Wireless WiFi Connection via 3G or LTE Modem
LTE modems use mainly WiFi to connect devices in the internal network. Modern routers feature two frequency bands, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
2.4 GHz WiFi Band
This band uses 13 channels, which really isn't much. In densely connected buildings, the individual networks can easily overlap and interfere with each other. Its advantage, on the other hand, lies in its better range and ability to through physical obstacles like walls relatively unobstructed.
| Standard IEEE |
Speed in 2.4 GHz |
| 802.11 |
2 Mbps |
| 802.11b |
11 Mbps |
| 802.11g |
54 Mbps |
| 802.11n |
600 Mbps |
5 GHz WiFi Band
The 5GHz WiFi band has a much larger number of channels, which makes it resistant to overlap and interference. It's also faster, but at the same time more prone to signal attenuation when passing through physical objects.
| Standard IEEE |
Speed in 5 GHz |
| 802.11a |
54 Mbps |
| 802.11n |
600 Mbps |
| 802.11ac |
1800 Mbps |
| 802.11ad |
7000 Mbps |
Advanced 3G and LTE Modem Features
- LAN connector - a RJ-45 connector allows you to link your computer and router with an Ethernet cable.
- Dual-Band - modems marked as Dual-Band can work in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
- Detachable antenna - a detachable antenna can be removed and replaced with another, better suited for a particular location.
- Gigabit LAN - also known as Gigabit Ethernet. This is a newer method of cable connection that supports transmission speeds of up to 1000 Mbit/s.
- QoS - thanks to QoS (Quality of Service), network traffic is managed so that the network does not get overloaded by one client, which could lead to a significant slowdown for other clients or even network congestion.
- IPv6 ready - IPv6 addresses are the future of the Internet. If you want your LTE modem to be able to work with them, pay attention to this parameter.
- UPnP - Universal Plug and Play is a technology for easy connection of peripherals to a computer. It is also supported by some 3G and LTE modems, but can be a security risk if configured incorrectly.
- VPN - allows you to connect to your home network from a remote computer.
3G and LTE Modem DHCP Features
- Server - The DHCP server automatically assigns IP addresses to connected devices.
- DHCP Client List - this list shows the IP addresses that are currently active on the network.
- Address Reservation - the administrator has the option to reserve a specific IP address for a specific device according to its MAC address.
- DynDNS - if you have a web server in the local network, its IP address will be dynamic, but the internet address must remain the same. It is therefore necessary to use DynDNS for correct translation.
- NO-IP - online service for setting up dynamic DNS.
