Contents
In modern realities, the Internet plays an important role in many areas of life. It is used by different groups of people: schoolchildren, students, young professionals, the elderly. Internet access is needed for education, work, communication, someone uses it as entertainment. Internet access is especially relevant in the context of the spread of coronavirus infection. Many employees work from home, avoiding unnecessary contact between people. But not everywhere it is possible to connect to the cable Internet. Wireless modems can successfully cope with this task. The most convenient type of wireless devices for a wide audience are routers with a USB interface.
USB modems are widely used due to their mobility, compactness and support for generations of 3G4G networks. Another advantage of USB modems is the extreme ease of installation. During the first connection to the computer, all the necessary drivers are installed for correct operation on the computer. After installing the program, you can connect to the Internet. Not bad, before buying a modem, take into account the overall signal level of the cellular network, the higher it is, the better the Internet speed will be. In addition to this factor, it is also worth considering the system requirements of the USB modem and what standards this modem supports.
We will not consider USB modems of the 5G generation, since this is a new generation of the network and in the near future we should not expect a large coverage of the territory of the Federation. In a big city, a 4G generation modem is ideal; for remote rural areas, 3G modems with their stable connection may be enough. To better understand the issues of USB routers, KP has compiled a ranking of the top 10 best USB modems in 2022. For greater clarity in this matter, Sergey Eremeev will share his opinion on the selection of wireless devices with a USB interface for connecting to the Internet.
Top 10 rating according to KP
Editor’s Choice
1. HUAWEI E3372h-153 (from 3 rubles)
Huawei E3372 modem with USB interface and 4G support. Suitable for any telecom operator. Allows you to have Internet access at speeds up to 150 Mbps. Installing the modem is extremely easy. You just need to insert it into the USB connector, everything else will happen automatically. The device is additionally equipped with a slot for microSD. In addition to all of the above, the modem has two outputs for an external antenna. This will allow you to set up a powerful connection in areas with a large distance from the main station. For country mobile Internet, there is probably no better option in terms of price, quality and functionality. Works great in combination with a router.
2. AnyDATA W150 (from 2 rubles)
AnyDATA W150 is a universal modem with support for all operators and USB interface. Provides support for 4G networks. Power is supplied via USB. Setting up the device does not require special skills. The modem allows you to develop a data transfer rate of 150 Mbps. There is support for microSD. Access point mode available. It is possible to connect an antenna to amplify the signal. The modem will allow you to confidently surf the sites, download large files and watch videos. In general, we have an excellent and functional model of a wireless device.
3. ZTE MF823D (from 3 rubles)
ZTE MF823D will provide you with the Internet with data reception speed up to 100 Mbps. Supports most communication standards and is suitable for any operator. If the modem is in an area where there is no 4G, it will automatically switch to 3G. The device is easy to install and configure. The case is distinguished by compact dimensions: 91 × 34 × 13 mm. The connection is made via the USB interface. There is also a slot for a microSD memory card. Convenience is added by the presence of an LED indicator that shows the status of the device. Differs in stability in work. Reboots are rare. But with a lot of traffic, it heats up, but it does not freeze and does not slow down.
What other USB modems are worth paying attention to
4. HUAWEI E3372h-320 (from 2 rubles)
HUAWEI E3372h-320 is a 4G and 3G USB modem. An excellent solution for those who need to have Internet access while in the country, or in a remote area with a weak signal. Can be used for any operator. The maximum connection speed reaches 150 Mbps. It is possible to connect an antenna-amplifier for especially remote areas. Like other modems of this type, it is easy to connect to both a laptop and a personal computer. The external design resembles a flash drive. The compactness of the device is due to its small size: 88×28×11.5 mm.
5. ZTE MF823 (from 2 rubles)
ZTE MF823 works great with all carriers. The interface has been improved to make it easier to set up the modem. The device develops data reception speed up to 100 Mbps. The modem has a slot for a microSD memory card. Equipped with a function that allows you to select the desired network characteristics. It is possible to connect two external antennas, or one antenna according to the MIMO standard. In fact, a standard USB modem, with high-quality functionality. Gets a little warm during operation. But in general, it is distinguished by stable work.
6. HUAWEI E3372 (from 2 rubles)
HUAWEI E3372 is quite a popular USB modem. Supports data rate up to 150 Mbps. It goes well with SIM cards of different operators. For the correct operation of this device, installation of additional software and special skills is not required. Ease of use is also achieved by automatically turning on when connected to a computer. The device supports the following communication standards: 3G, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, HSPA+, EV-DO. The modem is equipped with a slot for a microSD flash drive and a connector for an external antenna.
7. AnyDATA W140 (from 2 rubles)
AnyDATA W140 is a universal modem (for all operators) supporting such standards as GSM, GPRS, EDGE, HSPA+. This modem is perfect for both desktop computers and laptops. The device is indispensable in those conditions where it is not possible to connect to a cable Internet connection. First of all, the modem will provide a stable Internet connection sufficient for networking. This will be especially appreciated by lovers of summer holidays and staying in nature. Of course, playing online games will be very problematic. Like other models of USB devices, it is very easy to set up and install. The modem is quite compact in size, but the disadvantages include its width, due to which it can block the adjacent USB port. Quite a good model, especially at this price.
8. MegaFon M150-2 (from 4 rubles)
MegaFon M150-2 is a branded USB modem from one of the largest cellular providers in Our Country. Accordingly, it works in combination with Megafon SIM cards. This device supports the following standards: 3G, GSM, GPRS. According to the owner company, this device is capable of speeds up to 150 Mbps. The modem is equipped with a 32 GB memory card slot. It is also possible to connect a CRC9 antenna-amplifier. Of the minuses, a certain instability of the software can be noted. It is worth noting the quality of the plastic from which the modem case is made, excellent resistance to mechanical damage. As a result, a good modem, with minimal ping and the ability to reconfigure.
9. Alcatel Link Key (from 2 rubles)
Alcatel Link Key is an external USB modem that can work with any carrier. Differs in stylish design of the case and compactness. The advantages of the device include ease of setup and operation, which will be understandable on an intuitive level. Supported communication standards: 3G, GSM, GPRS, EDGE. There is a slot for microSD. Easy setup. Good communication quality. Of the minuses, certain problems when interacting with routers. There may be problems when connecting through an extension cord of more than one meter. But this is a rather subjective question.
10. DS Telecom DSU7 (from 990 rubles)
DS Telecom DSU7 is the most budget USB modem in our rating. It supports communication standards: 3G, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA. This is enough for stable work on the Internet. Of course, the modem will not demonstrate ultra-high speeds. Can work with SIM cards of any telecom operator. Operates when connected directly to a computer. The main advantage is the low price. But you should not expect high productivity from the device.
How to choose a USB modem
Choosing a USB modem is based on your intentions. Modems of the 3G generation are quite different in price and speed characteristics from 4G modems. Therefore, it is worth deciding on the tasks that you set for the device before buying it, thereby choosing the best option for yourself. A modem with 3G support is quite enough for visiting sites, sending mail, downloading small files. However, if there is a need to use the maximum Internet capabilities, then 4G devices that support LTE cannot be dispensed with. Plus, it is important to consider how many devices a modem is needed for. For one device, the best option would be a regular modem. If there are several devices that will use traffic, then a modem with a WI-FI router function will be a suitable option, which will make it possible to share traffic from one package. If you have a regular Wi-Fi router, a regular USB modem is quite suitable, and distribution is carried out through a router.
Communication standards and generations
There are five network generations, which are designated as follows: 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G. What are their differences? First, it is the speed of the network. Secondly, the level of the received signal. Thirdly, the standards by which data is transmitted. It makes no sense to talk about 1G networks, as they are too outdated. Also, we will not consider 5G networks, due to their low prevalence at the moment.
GSM, GPRS и EDGE are typical for a 2G network, these are old standards. Very rare now. Internet speed is quite low: from 14 Kbps to 400 Kbps. Typically, such an Internet is denoted by the letter E. Such modems can be purchased if there are no other communication standards, and even though it is slow, Internet is necessary.
UMTS refers to 3G standards. However, it is not recommended to purchase it, since the data transfer limit is 284 Kbps. HSPA is the best option, but its maximum speed is 1,8 Mbps. The most suitable option is the HSPA+ standard, the maximum data transfer rate of which is 42 Mbps.
The communication standard for 4G is LTE. It is the most popular and widely used. The data rate limit is 300 Mbps. Less common standard LTE-A, with a maximum speed of up to 1 Gbps. But it should be understood that such a connection will be more expensive than LTE.
Comparison of 3G and 4G generations
The fourth generation of wireless communication, of course, has higher data transfer rates. But, there is one downside. A confident 4G coverage area is big cities. It does not function well in all rural areas. The 4G modem in this case will switch to 3G, because it usually supports this generation of communication. In fact, this will be an overpayment of your funds and possibly a certain instability in work. But with the latter, how lucky. A balanced decision would be to purchase a 3G modem for confident work when traveling out of town, where 4G networks are not widely spread. Definitely, if you are in a city where the signal is strong, then the most ideal option would be a modem with 4G support. It would be nice to study the coverage areas on the map, which can be found on the websites of mobile operators.
Is it worth taking a modem from the operator?
The main advantage of buying a modem from an operator is the benefits: you buy a device with a SIM card and a tariff, for which the operator gives you a discount. Under certain conditions, you essentially get a modem for free. But a significant disadvantage is that when you change the operator, you will most likely have to buy a new modem. This applies, among other things, in order not to lose your customers. As for the modems themselves, they are essentially the same as those of Huawei or ZTE. When traveling in other countries, the wisest decision is to purchase a modem from a local carrier. So, you save yourself some nerves. Just pay close attention to the tariff.
Signal Strengthening Tips
There are special amplifiers that allow you to increase the signal strength if the station is too far away, or there are obstacles in the signal path. The weather can also affect signal propagation. Amplifiers can connect to the modem via USB, or via Wi-Fi signal. But a significant disadvantage of amplifiers is that they need power from the outlet. This eliminates the main advantage of wireless modems – mobility.
There are also repeaters, which are a set of antennas, wires, fasteners and the repeaters themselves. They are used to significantly amplify the signal. The downside is the high cost and complexity of installation.
Among other things, there are passive amplifiers. These antennas are connected to the modem through a special connector. These antennas are divided into directional and omnidirectional. The first are tuned to a specific station, the second to receive from different stations.
When choosing an antenna, you need to take into account the distance to the tower. At a distance of up to 4 km. an antenna with a gain of 11 dB, at 8 km, will fit perfectly. the gain is needed up to 18 dB, at a distance of more than 8 km. the optimal solution would be a factor of 24 dB.
Сonclusion
A USB modem can be purchased without regard to the telecom operator. It is likely that it will turn out even cheaper. Despite the benefits that operators offer when using their devices. Modems that are offered by large telecom operators, in fact, differ only in the brand inscription.