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.