What is a SIM router and how does it work?

If your home is not reached by a fixed WiFi line, the SIM card router is a perfect solution: discover how it works and how to use it.

The SIM card router is a very useful device to take full advantage of mobile connections, transforming the 3G or 4G LTE signal into a Wi-Fi network to be used at home or in other places not reached by the fixed internet connection. These are light and compact devices, through which to take advantage of a portable Wi-Fi network connected to the internet traffic of the mobile card. Let’s see how the router with SIM works and how to choose the model that best suits your needs.

What is the router with SIM

Among the best routers to buy a popular model is the Wi-Fi router with SIM, a device with compact dimensions designed specifically to reduce its size and be transported easily. Unlike traditional home modems, these devices are equipped with a slot for inserting the SIM card, so instead of connecting to the Internet via ADSL or fiber connection is made through the mobile network 3G/4G/5G.

Some models have a built-in battery to be used on the move, such as during a trip or when you are away from home, while others must be powered by electricity and are more suitable for use in fixed locations, such as home or work environment. Some devices are hybrid models, as they support both the classic Wi-Fi fiber or ADSL connection, and the mobile connection by hooking up to the cells of 3G or 4G networks, offering the possibility of using both modes.

How the router with SIM works

The operation of a Wi-Fi router with 4G SIM, the most common models today, is quite simple and intuitive. First of all, you need to power the device, using a normal power outlet or the appropriate battery. Then you need to insert the SIM card and activate the device, so in many cases the SIM router is able to perform automatic configuration and prepare the connection so that you can connect smartphones, tablets, laptops and other electronic devices in Wi-Fi mode.

Otherwise, you need to perform manual configuration, using a mobile app or web program to make the various settings of the SIM card router. Just enter the data of the activated mobile connection, following the instructions provided by your operator to generate the Wi-Fi connection from the mobile network. Then, all that remains is to choose a password, to be used to connect the various devices to the Internet and, if desired, set a limit to the data traffic consumed.

How to choose your SIM router

There are many models of SIM routers on the market, so it is important to choose the device that best suits your needs. The first factor to consider is the type of SIM card supported by the device, making sure it is compatible with the data card in your possession. It is also necessary to check the compatible mobile internet network, preferring devices that support 4G LTE connections or the new 5G routers to obtain high performance in downloads and uploads.

At the same time it is important to check the type of wireless network that can be generated, for example single or dual band, as well as the Wi-Fi standard with the new devices coming up to Wi-Fi 6. It is also necessary to check the connectivity of the router, which depending on the model may have USB ports, microUSB and inputs for the Ethernet cable. Also, don’t overlook the devices supported, the maximum number of devices that can be connected simultaneously and, if present, the autonomy offered by the battery.