These routers are built to make it possible to take your cellular broadband modem that will connection your laptop to the internet and share the connection to multiple computers. They are very simple to use. You take your cellular modem, whether it is PCMCIA, ExpressCard, or USB based, and connect it directly to the router instead of to your computer. The router then broadcasts a Wi-Fi connection to your Wi-Fi enabled computers to allow them online through that connection. They also, generally, have Ethernet ports that can be used to connect desktop or laptop computers that do not have Wi-Fi capability.

There are many different options available when selecting a router. I’ll try to compare the several models we sell so that you can know how they differ. The most important thing to keep in mind when selecting a router is that not all cellular modems work with all routers. So make sure the router you purchase will work with the cellular modem you will be using. To see specific lists of which card models are supported, please visit the product specifications page for each router.

So first off we’ll start with 3 routers that would be used in very similar scenarios. These routers are perfect for home use, or small office use.

First, is the Top Global 3G Pheobus. This router is one of the earlier routers available like this. It has been a very popular router and seems to be very well liked and very reliable.

Pheobus quick specs:
Types of cards supported: PCMCIA only
Number of Ethernet ports for LAN connections: One
Wireless network technology: 802.11g/b

Next is the CradlePoint MBR1000. This router is a lot newer than the Pheobus and does offer support for some newer technology. This router does offer the newer and faster 802.11n technology and also supports ExpressCard and USB modems. It does not support PCMCIA modems however.

MBR1000 quick specs:
Types of cards supported: ExpressCard and USB only
Number of Ethernet ports for LAN connections: Four
Wireless network technology: 802.11n/g/b






Lastly, for this level of router is the Kyocera KR2. Kyocera is an established company in cellular technology and brings us the KR2. The Kyocera KR2 is my favorite of these routers due to all the features and card support it has. The KR2 has the broadest support for different types of modem cards. It has support for PCMCIA, ExpressCard, and USB type modems. The router also supports the faster 802.11n technology. For this price range I would highly recommend the KR2 to anyone using cards that are compatible with it.

KR2 quick specs:
Types of cards supported: PCMCIA, ExpressCard, and USB
Number of Ethernet ports for LAN connections: Four
Wireless network technology: 802.11n/g/b



Now let’s take a look at some of the higher end routers. These routers are often better fitted for business use.


First in this range is the Top Global MB8000. This router is built on the stability and well tested function of the 3G Pheobus, but adds business level security options. It only supports the PCMCIA type modem cards, but it does offer some security that can be worth the lack of support for different types of cards.

MB8000 quick specs:
Types of Cellular modem cards supported: PCMCIA only
Number of Ethernet ports for LAN connections: One
Wireless network technology: 802.11g/b


Last is the Top Global MB9000. The MB9000 takes the security and network options of the MB8000 and adds support for dual cellular modems. This will allow you to simultaneously connect through 2 cellular modem cards for a much better connection.

MB9000 quick specs:
Types of Cellular modem cards supported: PCMCIA only
Number of Ethernet ports for LAN connections: One
Wireless network technology: 802.11g/b
Can simultaneously connect 2 cards




Alternative to a Mobile Broadband Router

There is a new product that can be used as an alternative to a mobile broadband router. It's main drawback when compared to higher end mobile broadband routers is that it does not use 802.11n, just b/g.

It is called the Windy31. It can be used as a USB portable wireless router, a wifi Access Point, and a standard USB wifi card. It plugs into any USB port, is super portable, and the price tag is really pretty too. You can essentially plug any 3G mobile data card into your laptop and share the 3G signal just like a mobile broadband router. Another drawback is that the wifi hotspot goes wherever the host laptop goes. With a traditional mobile broadband router, the hotspot stays put for your colleagues to share.