Reading time: 2 minutes more and more car manufacturers are offering internet in the car for new cars, but the surcharges are steep, expensive subscriptions have to be taken out and the result is limited internet access that is not accessible to all passengers. A 3G wifi router is an inexpensive alternative that can be installed even in older cars, providing fast internet access for all passengers in the car.
Internet in the car: very simple with 3G WLAN router
How to get internet in your car – a small plastic box makes it possible
WLAN routers are familiar to you from your home Internet connection; a 3G WLAN router works in a very similar way: up to five people can access the Internet together via a wireless network. The router distributes the data packets.
In the case of a 3G WLAN router, however, Internet access is via the mobile network and not via DSL, VDSL or cable, as is the case with a stationary WLAN router at home, unless the Internet there also comes from the mobile network.
A 3G WLAN router is significantly smaller and lighter than the WLAN router at home. For stationary use and for power supply, a battery, the car’s cigarette lighter or a USB port are used.
There are 3G WLAN routers the size of a surf stick and slightly larger plastic boxes. Both fit nicely in a trouser or jacket pocket, so they can be used outside the car as well: for example, put them on the table in a restaurant or beer garden so that everyone at the table has Internet access.
What to consider when choosing a 3G WLAN router
An important criterion for any purchase is the price: here the offer starts at around 30 EUR, for example with the 7link WLAN-GSM router "WRP-310.Mini" offered by pearl. A SIM card can be inserted or a surf stick can be plugged in via a USB port.
Devices with rechargeable batteries, such as the "WRP-320", are somewhat more expensive.Mobile" for about 40 EUR or the "4G systems xsboxgo" for about 50 EUR.
The price of the "4G systems xsboxgo" is higher despite the smaller battery. For this purpose, a microsd slot for a 32 GB memory card is included, with which the WLAN router can be used as an "external hard drive" or (wireless) network drive for the connected devices.
Both devices offer high-speed UMTS at up to 7.2 mbit/s (HSDPA/CDMA). If you want more speed, you need an LTE WLAN router such as the "huawei E5776" or the "xsbox GO+LTE", which then also cost around 150 EUR and require an expensive LTE tariff.
It is important for every 3G WLAN router, even the cheaper models, that the WLAN standards 802.11b/g/n for up to 150 mbit/s are supported. also very important is the support of the encryption standards WEP, WPA and WPA2.
An RJ-45 LAN port is required for stationary use, for example if you want to use the router to convert the Internet connection in the hotel into a WLAN for your smartphone or tablet using a LAN cable.
How to set up a 3G WLAN router
For operation, the SIM card is inserted or the surfstick is plugged in. Then the router is connected to the power supply or charged up.
If the router has additional functions such as a microsd slot, the manufacturer’s app must be installed on smartphones in order to access it.
The mini-router is configured via the web interface, i.e. using the browser of a connected computer.
This is independent of the operating system and can be done via notebook, smartphone or tablet. The exact procedure can be found in the instructions for the device.
When configuring your router, make sure you have access protection, otherwise anyone can surf on your WLAN who receives it with sufficient strength. For example, some devices allow you to enter a PIN code.
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