Introduction

In the recent years, we see a surge of users subscribing to mobile broadband. You will usually see them with their portable netbook surfing their way on the trains or buses. Although it is convenient, it is more of a personal broadband than what a fixed broadband line can achieve - sharing out the bandwidth for a pool of users.

In the past, we have seen devices from Huawei, the Huawei E960 HSPA router which is able to replace the Fix line broadband. Basically, it uses HSPA technology to access the internet through an access point. The bandwidth is shared out through WiFi or 4 port switch on the device itself. On top of that it provides a RJ11 plug for receiving incoming calls (the SIM card is tied with a mobile number).

This is a good solution for a mobile office but it requires the power adaptor to power it to work as a router. If it is powered through the USB port, it becomes a modem for only one PC.

While it has some of the features of replacing the home user fixed line broadband, the device is as big as my home user Motorola 5101i broadband modem. It would be good if the size can be shrunk down but still being able to share out the broadband for a number of users.

Well, the wait is over. Recently Singapore's mobile operator introduces the MiFi 2352 HotSpot device. You probably have guessed that MiFi means My WiFi. Well that is correct. This device is a credit card size device is a HSPA Router or a standalone HSPA modem (if you use the USB port connected to your notebook).

As we mentioned earlier there are two modes, a router and a modem mode. This device can be used as a standalone HSPA modem. Just plug the device using the USB cable provided to your PC or notebook. The vodaphone client will install. Just click connect and you are online. The procedure is the same as what you do for the Huawei HSPA sticks.

To run it as a Personal WiFi HotSpot, you will have to remove the USB cable and power on the device by the rechargable battery. On the backplate of the device is the SSID and WEP key to connect to the MiFi 2352. Power up the MiFi 2352 and the connection light will blink and you will also see a steady blue WIFI light. Connect (up to 5 devices) to your WiFi enabled devices, pc, notebooks, PDAs, netbooks by supplying the WEP key. It is as simple as connecting to any wireless router.

As this device is just the size of a deck of credit cards, it is exceptionally mobile. You can share out the internet access to your friends to surf the web anywhere where there is coverage. The battery lasts up to 4 hours on a single charge so you can be anywhere and have connectivity (when connected to one Wi-Fi device). The WiFI Range is 10 M (30ft). The device also comes with a MicroSDHC Slot — Removable memory storage slot which supports microSDHC cards up to 16 GB.

On next page, we take a look at the device and the configurations available.
 

Discuss in Forum

Next >>>