No one can imagine going without the internet today. And telecommunications companies have understood this. They are constantly developing new solutions to allow their customers to stay connected to the internet while on the go. 4G keys have gradually given way to a new generation of devices, 4G routers. We explain how it works..
What are pocket routers for?
A large number of cities and municipalities are implementing local digital policies to make life easier for internet users. This is the case for example in Marseille, where the city will acquire more than 80 free Wi-Fi hotspots. These free hotspots allow you to surf the web without worrying about plan overruns.
Unfortunately not all cities have such an infrastructure. In the absence of Wi-Fi, the laptop but also the tablet lose their usefulness. To overcome this type of problem, most mobile operators offer nomadic 4G packages associated with curious little plastic boxes..
As its name suggests, the pocket router also called Box 4G allows you to benefit from a very high speed internet connection on your computer or tablet wherever you are. It is actually a 4G Wi-Fi modem but in pocket size and with a battery.
Once the SIM card is inserted in the device, the Box will receive the 4G network and share the connection in the form of a Wi-Fi signal. This device will allow you to connect any device to the Internet. Tablet, laptop but also camera, game console, the list goes on. It just needs to have a Wi-Fi module..
Although this solution is simple to implement, it sometimes reserves some unpleasant surprises. We will see later in this article how to configure and activate a pocket router.
Configure your 4G box
Pocket routers have a Lithium-ion battery offering 6 hours of autonomy. You can use them everywhere in all circumstances. Once out of the box, you will need to calibrate the battery. For this, it is advisable to use the device and then recharge it fully when its autonomy is close to 5% (red light).
Be careful not to completely discharge your router. The battery of the latter may not appreciate this type of treatment. To optimize its autonomy, it is advisable to leave the battery between 40% and 80% of charge.
Add a SIM card
During the first commissioning, you will be asked to install a SIM card. To do this, simply lift the cover, remove the battery and slide the chip into the space provided. Then reposition the battery and close the cover, then press the central button on the device to switch it on.
The default SIM card PIN is 0000 or 1234. It is recommended to change it for security reasons. We will see the procedure below.
Connect your computer to your 4G router
We will see in this chapter how to connect the Wi-Fi pocket router to a laptop. The procedure may vary slightly depending on the type of device used. In our example we will use a laptop running Windows. Here you will find additional information for connecting an Android device to a Wi-Fi network.
- Stand in front of your computer
- Click on the Wi-Fi icon located at the bottom left of the screen next to the clock
- Select in the list the name of the Wi-Fi connection of your Box 4G (see user manual)
- Press the connect button
- Enter the network security key supplied with your device
- Then open your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer)
- Enter the SIM card PIN
Also consider reducing Windows data consumption. It is particularly greedy in GB. It would be a shame to explode your plan.
Log in to the administrator interface
The administrator interface offers many configuration and customization possibilities such as PIN code management, IP address filtering, NAT parameters, etc.
- Make sure your computer is connected to your Box 4G
- Open your web browser
- In the URL field, type the address of the administrator interface (usually http://192.168.1.1)
- Enter your login codes (admin and password)
- Click on the Ok button
- Select in the different sections, the option PIN code management
- Click the edit button
- Dial the new PIN code
- Press the OK button to validate the changes
Where to find 4G routers
The vast majority of mobile operators have offers specially dedicated to mobile routers. At Orange, the Let's Go offer starts at 9.99 euros per month for 2 GB of data (offer without commitment). The 4G Box is sold for 19.90 euros. It offers a speed of up to 150 Mbit / s and you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. You will find everything
At Sosh, the Airbox requires the subscription of an additional option at 5 euros per month. For this price you will be entitled to a SIM card and 1 GB in addition to your mobile internet plan. More information on Sosh's website.
Finally note that online stores like Amazon offer different 4G routers. We have selected two. Netgear's 4G + mobile hotspot works on most networks around the world. Its color touch screen makes it easier to start and view SMS messages. 
It is even possible to add an outdoor antenna to improve the reception of the 4G signal. See the product.
The TP-Link mobile router benefits from a hyper-simple installation. You swipe in your SIM card and go for long surfing sessions. It also has a MicroSD card slot. This very practical option allows you to transform the router into a wireless USB key. 
Another important detail, when no device is connected, the router goes to sleep automatically. More info on the TP-Link router.