Portable Mobile Wi-Fi

Does anybody know if these devices, such at the TP Link M7350 create a WLAN? Reason I ask is I have some remote test equipment that is a operated by a Window Laptop, which I'll install VNC on, and I want to access/control that via VNC from another Laptop in the warmth of my car. There's no option for a regular mains powered office router or cable.

Thanks in advance.

I know that the mobile hotspot app on my iPhone allows two Wi-Fi clients to talk to each other, acting like a Wi-Fi access point. Don't know much about the jetpack-type LTE devices, though.

If the remote notebook has a Wi-Fi adapter, why not just set it in peer-to-peer mode and connect without an access point?????

Another thing to consider is that the jetpack-type devices were designed to work as portable hotspots, with the connected clients being in very close proximity to the jetpack. In order to get a 10 hour battery life running both LTE and Wi-Fi radios with no external antennas, you can bet the Wi-Fi signal is not very strong. Like I said, I have no personal experience with them, but I have my doubts the signal will penetrate more than one wall and your car's sheet metal and glass.....

vreihen said:

If the remote notebook has a Wi-Fi adapter, why not just set it in peer-to-peer mode and connect without an access point?????

Click to expand...

Thanks. Yes it does have a WiFi adapter. I must admit I've not experimented with P2P / Wifi Direct so I didn't know if it was possible.

As a side note, I know that this TP-LINK model is frequently used without 3G/4G data service in OpenWRT deployments, just because it comes with a 4-hour battery backup to keep an embedded application running:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-LINK-TL-MR3040-Battery-Powered-Wireless/dp/B0088PPFP4/

Here in the USA, it is $27.99 (£23.11). Over on your side of the pond, well, click on the link to see if the order comes with free vaseline.

It uses a USB 3G/4G modem, so it is cheaper for those who do not need 3G/4G. OpenWRT does *not* run on the router at the top of this thread, so that is a concern if you intend to do anything useful with the device in the future.....

Vreihen,

Thanks again. Looks like we're shafted on the price for travel router you listed... But while searching last night I think I've decided to go with a TP-Link TL-MR3020 travel router that is powered from 5V USB. It's cheaper (although probably not as cheap as in the US), readily available this side of the pond and OpenWRT is supported!

^^^ Matt - I've been using a mF-91 zte for about two years now for mobile telephone connection and WIFI hotspot. It works a treat in virtually any environment (down here) and it's particularly useful with HEX-NET

Powered by an internal 2.3 Amp-hour Lion battery (ZTE claims up to 240 minutes), or external USB power supply and it can connect up-to 10 users

Don

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Don, many thanks for the reply. The cellular modem is of lesser importance, but I like these devices. As you have first hand experience can you confirm the WLAN / router functions and options? I must admit my preference currently is with the TL-MR3020 as it's a dedicated router - and the OpenWRT adds future possibilities of VPN.

mattylondon said:

Don, many thanks for the reply. The cellular modem is of lesser importance, but I like these devices. As you have first hand experience can you confirm the WLAN / router functions and options? I must admit my preference currently is with the TL-MR3020 as it's a dedicated router - and the OpenWRT adds future possibilities of VPN.

Click to expand...

My MF91 is a few years old now, but here are the specs of the latest version": MF910

Networks
LTE-FDD 700( B28 or B20)/900(B8)/1800(B3)/2100(B1) 2600(B7)MHz
LTE-TDD B38 OR B40 OR B41
UMTS 850/900/1900/2100MHz EGPRS/GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz
b. LTE-FDD 850(B5)/AWS(B4)/700 B12&17(B13)
2600(B7)/1900(B2)MHz
LTE TDD 2600MHz(B38) UMTS 850/1900/AWS/2100MHz EGPRS/GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2x2MIMO, (2.4GHz&5.8G) Support 15 devices at the same time

Data Rate
LTE-FDD: DL/UL 150/50Mbps (Category4)
LTE-TDDL/UL 110+/11+Mbps (Category4)
DC-HSPA+: DL/UL 42/5.76Mbps

Dimension
104 * 65 * 14.3mm

BatteryBattery
2300mAh, working time 8.5 hours

Indicator
1.44 TFT screen

These units don't have traditional Ethernet port(s), but they do have a USB port that can be plugged into a router (as a separate device)

Don