Dongles VS Portable WiFi : Pros and Cons
Having a Wi-Fi connection today is essential for many users. We have more and more devices available with these types of connections. It is very common for us to find a way to connect anywhere. For this, we can use devices that allow us to have the Internet on our computer no matter where we are. However, it must be taken into account that there are different possibilities. In this article, we are going to talk about the differences between portable Wi-Fi and Dongles. Let’s talk about the advantages and disadvantages.
Portable WiFi: advantages and disadvantages
First, let’s start talking about portable WiFi devices. As we know, these are devices that connect to the mobile network (be it 3G, 4G, or even 5G). They are nourished by the data rate that we have contracted, and through this device, we can connect other equipment.
These devices are wireless, so we won’t have to connect them to any power source. They bring an integrated battery that offers autonomy that will depend on the device. In some cases, we can have 6-8 hours, while in others, we can exceed 15 hours. Some even act as an external battery to charge a mobile or any other compatible device. They may also have an SD card slot.
The capacity will also depend on the device. In some, we can connect up to 20 computers at the same time. It is common for all 10 devices connected to the network to be supported without problems.
Advantages of a portable WiFi
Among the advantages that portable Wi-Fi devices offer is that we can connect a large number of devices. As we have seen, they can accept even 20 teams at the same time.
Another advantage is that it can act as a router, without having to connect it anywhere. In this way, we can go by travel bus, for example, and connect our Tablet or mobile to have the Internet.
Some also have added accessories, such as the use of memory cards, an external battery, have an Ethernet port, etc.
Disadvantages of a portable WiFi
Among the drawbacks, we can highlight the battery consumption. Being a portable device, it will require you to consume battery constantly. Of course, we have seen that it can last quite a few hours. However, for a long trip, intensive use for several days without the possibility of charging can be a drawback.
It will also be a problem to have to carry it from one place to another since it has a size that can be considerable. Also, the cost is higher.
Wi-Fi dongles: positive and negative points
On the other hand, we have WiFi dongles. Once again, the goal is to offer the wireless network to other devices. However, there are differences, of course. We can say that it is very similar to a pendrive. It is small in size and must be connected to the computer.
It offers the Internet to that computer through a SIM card that has integrated, but we can also connect with other devices. In this case, they do not have a battery since they are directly connected to the computer.
Advantages of a dongle
Among the advantages of dongle devices, we can mention precisely the issue of the battery. No need to worry about it as it connects directly to the computer, and it does not require any additional battery.
The space it occupies is also a plus point. We can take you from one place to another without problems. It is very manageable. Also, the cost is lower.
Drawbacks of a dongle
However, among the negative points, we can mention that you need to connect to a USB port. This means that if we want to connect a tablet or a mobile, we will not be able to do it if we do not have a computer or device with a compatible USB port. It is not so flexible in this regard.
Another negative point is that it sometimes requires additional software to function. Also, they do not usually allow as many connected devices.
These are the main positive and negative points of both a portable Wi-Fi device and a dongle.
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