Amobile broadband modem, also known aswireless modem orcellular modem, is a type ofmodem that allows apersonal computer or arouter to receivewirelessInternet access via amobile broadband connection instead of usingtelephone orcable television lines. A mobile Internet user can connect using a wireless modem to a wirelessInternet Service Provider (ISP) to getInternet access.[1][2]
While someanalogue mobile phones provided a standardRJ11 telephone socket into which a normal landline modem could be plugged, this only provided slowdial-up connections, usually 2.4 kilobit per second (kbit/s) or less. The next generation of phones, known as 2G (for 'second generation'), were digital, and offered faster dial-up speeds of 9.6 kbit/s or 14.4 kbit/s without the need for a separate modem. A further evolution calledHSCSD used multiple GSM channels (two or three in each direction) to support up to 43.2 kbit/s. All of these technologies still required their users to have a dial-upISP to connect to and provide the Internet access - it was not provided by the mobile phone network itself.
The release of2.5G phones with support forpacket data changed this. The 2.5G networks break both digital voice and data into small chunks, and mix both onto the network simultaneously in a process calledpacket switching. This allows the phone to have a voice connection and a data connection at the same time, rather than a single channel that has to be used for one or the other. The network can link the data connection into a company network, but for most users the connection is to the Internet. This allows web browsing on the phone, but a PC can also tap into this service if it connects to the phone. The PC needs to send a special telephone number to the phone to get access to the packet data connection. From the PC's viewpoint, the connection still looks like a normal PPP dial-up link, but it is all terminating on the phone, which then handles the exchange of data with the network. Speeds on 2.5G networks are usually in the 30–50 kbit/s range.
The firstpersonal computer with a built-in mobile broadband modem was the ITC 286 CAT, a laptop byIntelligence Technology Corporation. Released in 1988, it featured aHayes-compatibleAMPS modem capable of transmitting data at 1.2 kbit/s.[3][4]
3G networks have taken this approach to a higher level, using different underlying technology but the same principles. They routinely provide speeds over 300 kbit/s. Due to the now increased internet speed, internet connection sharing viaWLAN has become a workable reality. Devices which allow internet connection sharing or other types of routing on cellular networks are called alsocellular routers.
A further evolution is the3.5G technologyHSDPA, which provides speeds of multipleMegabits per second. Several of themobile network operators that provide 3G or faster wireless internet access offer plans and wireless modems that enable computers to connect to and access the internet. These wireless modems are typically in the form of a small USB based device or a small, portable mobile hotspot that acts as a WiFi access point (hotspot) to enable multiple devices to connect to the internet.WiMAX based services that provide high speed wireless internet access are available in some countries and also rely on wireless modems that connect to the provider's wireless network. Wireless USB modems are nicknamed as "dongles".
Early 3G mobile broadband modems used thePCMCIA orExpressCard ports, commonly found on legacy laptops. The expression "connect card" (instead of connection card) had been registered and used the first time byVodafone as brand for its products but now is become abrandnomer orgenericized trademark used incolloquial orcommercial speech for similar product, made by different manufacturers, too. Major producers areHuawei,Option N.V., Novatel Wireless. More recently, the expression "connect card" is also used to identify internetUSB keys. Vodafone brands this type of device as a Vodem.[5]
Often a mobile network operator will supply a 'locked' modem or other wireless device that can only be used on their network. It is possible to use online unlocking services that will remove the 'lock' so the device accepts SIM cards from any network.
Standalone mobile broadband modems are designed to be connected directly to one computer. In the past thePCMCIA andExpressCard standards were used to connect to the computer. AsUSB connectivity became almost universal, these various standards were largely superseded by USB modems in the early 21st century. Some models haveGPS support, providing geographical location information.[6]
Many mobile broadband modems sold nowadays also have built-in routing capabilities. They provide traditional networking interfaces such asEthernet,USB andWi-Fi.[7]
Numeroussmartphones support theHayes command set and therefore can be used as a mobile broadband modem. Somemobile network operators charge a fee for this facility,[8] if able to detect the tethering. Other networks have an allowance for full speed mobile broadband access, which—if exceeded—can result in overage charges or slower speeds.[9]
An Internet-accessing smartphone may have the same capabilities as a standalone modem, and, when connected via a USB cable to a computer, can serve as a modem for the computer. Smartphones with built-in Wi-Fi also typically provide routing andwireless access point facilities. This method of connecting is commonly referred to as "tethering."[9]
There are competingcommon carriersbroadcasting signal in most countries.
Media related toWireless modems at Wikimedia Commons