The satisfaction of using the Internet is no longer limited to lightning-speed and humongous data transfer allowance. With ever-increasing thirst of netizens for mind-blowing technology, companies are on the constant move to keep up with the demands. Thus, mobile Internet dongles are introduced.
A dongle is defined as a handy USB device that allows users to access the Internet via 3G mobile broadband connection. It is a wireless adapter that allows users to browse the web remotely from a fixed line. But it only works in areas with an available 3G signal.
In other countries, this plug-on is called a USB modem, Internet Stick, USB mobile broadband stick, and USB network adapter. It had become extremely popular to the consuming public with the “Internet inside my pocket” nature of usage and its edge over fixed line connections when it comes to flexibility.
In fact, Time Magazine has written about a notable volume of people who want “to use the Internet Anywhere, Anytime.” Read the full article at The Time.
In the United Kingdom alone, a quarter of a million units are sold each month.
Yet this doesn’t mean that dongle mobile broadband is always worth having. Just like there are two sides of a coin, having the device can have its pros and cons.
Advantages of Having Mobile Broadband Dongle
1. It is handy
This benefit, obviously, is not debatable. One of the major perks of owning a dongle is the convenience rising from its portability. Note that other forms of broadband modem come with specific restriction. One of this is the limitation on the area where you can bring the device. Dongle, on the other hand, is as tiny as a USB flash disk. As such, anyone can simply plug the device in the USB port of a tablet, smartphone and other handy gadgets without having to encounter peeving hitches.
2. Dongles are universal
By universal, we mean that the device is compatible to various service providers. In a world with various modems that only be used with certain ISPs, it is highly expedient to have a dongle around. This is because many Internet Service Providers don’t “box” their dongles to work on their networks alone. Even so, users can easily unlock the device and have it running on another network. This eliminates the need to purchase new modems every time you switch to another provider.
3. Data is more secured
Contrary to what most users misconstrued, broadband dongle is highly secure. While other wireless networks are easily hacked, dongle connections are cyber criminal-tight. This is because the device is connected directly to the computer r gadget. Data streaming is therefore smooth and cannot be easily sniffed.
Disadvantages of Using a Mobile Broadband Dongle
1. There’s a limit in its speed
Broadband Internet is favored by many users because one can easily get better speed without buying a new modem or make extra measures. But this isn’t the case with the dongle. Currently, the device is endowed only with speeds of 3.2 mbps to 7.6 mpbs. If you are wishing for something swifter, you may have to switch to other connection devices. With broadband dongle, you cannot possibly get better speeds even when it is offered by the ISP.
2. Users are limited to a single interface
One of the biggest drawbacks of using dongles is the restriction on the interface. Users who want to tether their mobile phones with their PC, for example, they would be compelled to use and download countless applications. Those who want to change their ISPs, similarly, would be forced to utilize the interface of the old ISP. No new looks, just new line of services.
3. There are no greater options
It may be easy to find and buy a broadband dongle, but one can hardly get a device that’s outside the 3.6 – 7.2 mbps speed. To date, it is NOT possible to get faster dongles, let alone custom tailor the settings of the devices.
Pros and Cons of Mobile Internet Dongles,
Krystine Williams
Nov 21. 2012
know more about mobile broadband dongles through this article 🙂
TechCrates
Nov 22. 2012
Thanks Krystine 🙂
Ashok
Nov 21. 2012
Wow, Thanks for very useful info. i like your post.
TechCrates
Nov 22. 2012
Thanks again Ashok 🙂
Krystine Williams
Nov 22. 2012
I am very glad that my article is of help 🙂
Howard Walter
Nov 23. 2012
mobile internet needs to be secure, because there’s a lot of thread on mobile site.
Benjamin
Nov 25. 2012
Mobile dongles come in handy when you need to be on the internet on the go but it all depends on the availability of the network providers.
TechCrates
Nov 26. 2012
Thats the most important advantage. Thanks Benjamin for commenting
Alray
Oct 31. 2013
That’s nice explanation about modems and broadband stick.
Lan
Sep 10. 2014
Great post. I will be experiencing some of these issues as well..
Sec
Dec 08. 2014
can your location be tracked with a Internet Dongle
with mobile phone your exact location is stored by your provider.
AntioneZHogsett
Jun 13. 2015
Very good post. I’m experiencing many of these issues as well..
P.Diddy
May 05. 2016
I really like your articles!
PS. great advantages and disadvantages love em <3
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May 17. 2016
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