This post is part II of the guides for mobile hotspot device comparison between WiFi Tether vs. MiFi device vs. Router WiFi.
Mi-Fi (Portable Hotspot Device)
This is much different from smartphone tether, the Mi-Fi is made and designed to accept and share internet connection to all devices with Wi-Fi embedded technology. However, Mi-Fi is made for simple purposes in simple device. The ability to share the connection on Mi-Fi is also limited like smartphone tether. But usually, Mi-Fi equipped with a DC charger and a specific battery. Indoor use should use the charger connected to maximize performance while charging the battery simultaneously. While battery will very useful for outdoor use.The first advantage if a MiFi device is located in its flexibility. Users can bring it in the pocket wherever they go and enjoy the internet connection as long as in coverage area. The bad news is, the Mi-Fi needs battery for outdoor use, the worse the quality of the signal, the more battery consuming, because usually the MiFi device is not equipped with an additional antenna (external). Likewise, if more and more devices are connected.
Conclusion: MiFi device is best suited for users with high mobility and require Internet access via a laptop or tablet and other WiFi devices that are not equipped with 3G or 4G cellular connectivity.
Wi-Fi Router
Far different from Tethering and Mi-Fi, Wi-Fi Router (in this case the use of a modem or SIM card) is usually has a larger size than the Mi-Fi or any smartphone. Wi-Fi router is designed for the home or office and not for Internet users with high mobility that requires flexibility. May it be a shortage of Wi-Fi router. You can’t just carry it in your pocket because of its dimensions and even you will always need to plug the power jack, since it’s not equipped with an internal battery.The advantages of the Wi-Fi Router include has much features from security options such as Network Address Translation (NAT), Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) which prevents against DDoS attacks
Access control available in encryption and open modes, as well as password protected Internet Access to prevent unauthorized usage, additional security of Enable/Disable SSID and Internet Access Control (Services, URL, and MAC Filtering), supports multiple concurrent IPSec, L2TP, and PPTP VPN Pass-Through Sessions, Supports 64/128-bit WEP, WPA, WPA2 (Personal and Enterprise) Wireless Security Modes and more.
Note that different brand and model has different features. Other plus may located to its availability for some ports for some extra external antennas to maximize receiving or and transmitting Wi-Fi signals.
Conclusion: The router is best suited for use in the small office, home, shop, café and similar places.
The above comparison hopefully be useful and gives a little illustration to be the reference to choose the better access point device depending on purpose.
