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3G/4G Router Comparison Guide

These charts compares the basic features offered by each of the routers sold at 3Gstore. The routers are broken down into three categories:

To view the complete specs for any of the routers, click on the router name.

Consumer Routers (home, travel, simple small office use)
USB Port(s)
1
1
1
1
2
3
1
2
1
1
N/A - uses embedded VZW LTE
ExpressCard Slot(s)
1
0
0
0
1
2
1
1
0
0
0
LAN Port(s)
0/11
0/11
4
4
42
42
0/11
1
4
4
4
WAN Port(s)
0/11
0/11
1
1
1/22
1/22
0/11
0
2
3
1
WiFi B/G/N
X
X
X
X
X
X
N/A (passthrough only)
N/A (passthrough only)
NO WIFI3
NO WIFI3
X
WiFi Range4
100-150'
100-150'
150-200'
100-150'
200-250'
350-400'
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
50-100'
Supported WiFi Users5
16
10
35
32
64
128
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10
WiFi-as-WAN
X
X
X
X
X
X
N/A
WiFi Frequency
2.4GHz
2.4GHz or 5.0GHz6
2.4GHz or 5.0GHz6
2.4GHz
2.4GHz
2.4GHz or 5.0GHz7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.4GHz
Multiple SSIDs
X
X
X
X
X
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
X
External WiFi Antenna Connector(s)
X
X
X
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Failover/Failback
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Failover Time
8-90 seconds
instant
instant
8-90 seconds
8-90 seconds
8-90 seconds
N/A
8-90 seconds
instant
instant
8-90 seconds
Load Balancing
X
X
X
X
X
Keep-Alive (Ping Target)
X
X
X
X
X
X
Captive Portal/Walled Garden
X
IP Pass-Through / Drop-in Mode
X
X
X
X
X
Bridge Mode
X
X
X
X
VPN Pass-through
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
IPSec VPN Tunnels
1
N/A
N/A
N/A
2
20
1
N/A
2
2
N/A
PPTP VPN
X
X
X
VRRP
X
QoS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
  1. These routers feature ONE ethernet port that can be configured either as LAN or WAN
  2. These routers feature one dedicated WAN port, and one of the 4 LAN ports can also be configured as a second WAN if desired
  3. These routers don't have WiFi built in, but you can easily add an access point (like the AP One Mini) if you need WiFi.
  4. Actual "real world" WiFi range is variable depending on interference, construction of the building, etc
  5. Many factors can influence how many users a router can support in the real world. Contact us if you are hoping to provide WiFi for a large number of users
  6. The Surf On-The-Go and Surf SOHO support 2.4 and 5.0GHz WiFi, but not simultaneously (you must set it to one mode or the other)
  7. The MBR1400 supports 2.4 and 5.0GHz WiFi, but not simultaneously (you must set it to one mode or the other). Using 5.0GHz requires dual-mode 2.4/5.0GHz antennas, which are sold separately.

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Enterprise Routers
USB Port(s)
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
41
4
1
ExpressCard Slot(s)
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Embedded Modem(s)
2 global 3G or 4G
LAN Port(s)
43
4
4
1
1
1
1
1
4
4
WAN Port(s)
1/23
2
3
3
5
7
13
1
2
2
WiFi B/G/N
X
NO WIFI4
NO WIFI4
NO WIFI4
NO WIFI4
NO WIFI4
NO WIFI4
X
X
X
WiFi Range5
350-400'
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
100-150'
400-500'
400-500'
Supported WiFi Users6
128
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
35
35
35
WiFi-as-WAN
X
X7
X
X
WiFi Frequency
2.4GHz or 5.0GHz8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.4GHz
2.4GHz
2.4GHz
Multiple SSIDs
X
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
External WiFi Antenna Connector(s)
X
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
X
X
X
Failover/Failback
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Failover Time
8-90 seconds
instant
instant
instant
instant
8-90 seconds
instant
instant
instant
instant
Load Balancing
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Keep-Alive (Ping Target)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Captive Portal/Walled Garden
X
X
X
IP Pass-Through / Drop-in Mode
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bridge Mode
X
VPN Pass-through
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
IPSec VPN Tunnels
20
2
2
20
50
150
400
2
2
2
PPTP VPN
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
VRRP
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
QoS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bonding/Aggregation
X1,9
X9
X9
  1. There are 3 versions of the Max On-The-Go: the base model has just ONE USB port active and neither load balancing nor bonding are supported (but they can be added via a firmware upgrade - fees apply - if needed in the future); the Load Balancing model includes load balancing and all 4 USB ports are active (bonding support is not included but can be added via a firmware upgrade - fee applies - if needed in the future); the Load Balancing + Speedfusion model includes both the load balancing and bonding features (aggregation/bonding requires the Max router as well as a Balance 210 or higher router).
  2. The ARC MBR1400 series are MBR1400 routers that include a "modem cap" with an embedded Verizon, Sprint, or AT&T 3G or 4G modem. The standard MBR1400 does not have an embedded modem.
  3. These routers feature one dedicated WAN port, and one of the 4 LAN ports can also be configured as a second WAN if desired
  4. These routers don't have WiFi built in, but you can easily add an access point (like the AP One Mini) if you need WiFi.
  5. Actual "real world" WiFi range is variable depending on interference, construction of the building, etc
  6. Many factors can influence how many users a router can support in the real world. Contact us if you are hoping to provide WiFi for a large number of users
  7. The Max On-The-Go supports WiFi as WAN, but it cannot also broadcast WiFi at the same time like most other routers. In other words, if you are using the WiFi as WAN feature, you will have to use an external access point to broadcast WiFi (or have all of your devices connected via ethernet).
  8. The MBR1400 supports 2.4 and 5.0GHz WiFi, but not simultaneously (you must set it to one mode or the other). Using 5.0GHz requires dual-mode 2.4/5.0GHz antennas, which are sold separately.
  9. Aggregation/bonding requires the Max router as well as a Balance 210 or higher router; read more about SpeedFusion Bonding Technology

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M2M Embedded Gateways/Routers
Embedded Modem(s)
1 carrier-locked
1 carrier-locked
1 carrier-locked
1 carrier-locked
1 carrier-locked OR global 3G
2 global 3G or 4G
1 global 3G
1 carrier-locked
1 carrier-locked
1 carrier-locked OR global 3G
LAN Port(s)
0/1/21
0/1/21
42
1
2
4
1
4
1
1
WAN Port(s)
0/1/21
0/1/21
1/22
0
1
2
0
1
0
0
WiFi B/G/N
NO WIFI
X
X
NO WIFI
X
X
X
X3
WiFi Range4
N/A
100-150'
350-400'
N/A
250-300'
400-500'
N/A (100-150' with add-on module)
50-100'
100-150'
N/A
Supported WiFi Users5
N/A
64
128
N/A
35
35
N/A (10 with add-on module)
10
8
N/A
WiFi-as-WAN
X
X6
X
WiFi Frequency
N/A
2.4GHz
2.4GHz or 5.0GHz7
N/A
2.4GHz
2.4GHz
2.4GHz
2.4GHz
2.4GHz
N/A
Multiple SSIDs
N/A
X
X
N/A
N/A
X
N/A
External WiFi Antenna Connector(s)
X
X
X
X
Failover/Failback
X
X
X
X
X
X
Failover Time
8-90 seconds
8-90 seconds
8-90 seconds
N/A
instant
instant
N/A
8-90 seconds
N/A
N/A
Load Balancing
X
X
X
X
Keep-Alive (Ping Target)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Captive Portal/Walled Garden
X
X
X
IP Pass-Through / Drop-in Mode
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bridge Mode
X
X
VPN Pass-through
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
IPSec VPN Tunnels
5
5
20
N/A
2
2
N/A
N/A
5
5
PPTP VPN
X
X
SSL VPN
X
X
VRRP
X
X
X
X
X
X
QoS
X
X
X
RS-232 Serial Port
X
X
Configurable I/O
X
X
Bonding/Aggregation
X8
  1. This router features two ports than can both be configured as either LAN or WAN
  2. This router features one dedicated WAN port, and one of the 4 LAN ports can also be configured as a second WAN if desired
  3. Non-WiFi versions of the GX440 are also available
  4. Actual "real world" WiFi range is variable depending on interference, construction of the building, etc
  5. Many factors can influence how many users a router can support in the real world. Contact us if you are hoping to provide WiFi for a large number of users
  6. The Max BR1 supports WiFi as WAN, but it cannot also broadcast WiFi at the same time like most other routers. In other words, if you are using the WiFi as WAN feature, you will have to use an external access point to broadcast WiFi (or have all of your devices connected via ethernet).
  7. The MBR1400 supports 2.4 and 5.0GHz WiFi, but not simultaneously (you must set it to one mode or the other). Using 5.0GHz requires dual-mode 2.4/5.0GHz antennas, which are sold separately.
  8. Aggregation/bonding requires the HD2 router as well as a Balance 210 or higher router; read more about SpeedFusion Bonding Technology

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Still can't decide which router is right for you? Here are a few of the most frequently asked router-related questions we hear at 3Gstore:

Q: Will using a router slow down my connection?

A: NO. Adding a router to your internet setup should not affect your service - in fact, your signal strength and hence your overall performance could improve, since you can put the router and aircard in the area of your home/office where the signal is best rather than trying to pickup signal wherever your laptop is (or, worse, being stuck having to always use your computer in the one spot of the house that gets great signal). However, remember that the more clients that are sharing the network, the bigger the fight for bandwidth!

Q: Will every device have to have my carrier's connection manager installed to share the connection?

A: NO. Once your cellular device has been activated once and is connected to the router, wifi-enabled devices will access the network via their built-in WiFi manager; hardwired devices such as non-WiFi desktops can connect via ethernet cable. If you do not have a PC to do the intial one-time activation of the aircard or wish to avoid installing the connection manager software at all, 3Gstore can activate your device prior to shipping at no extra charge - once you receive it, simply put it into the router and you'll be ready to go!

Q: If I'm not using the connection manager, how can I monitor my usage?

A: Simply log into your Sprint/Verizon/AT&T account online to check your usage. Click here for detailed instructions. Cradlepoint NetBSD routers also offer basic bandwidth monitoring on 3.3.0 firmware + and Peplink/Pepwave products feature advanced bandwidth monitoring to track data on each connection.

Q: My desktop doesn't have WiFi. Can I still use a router?

A: YES. You can connect your computer directly to your router via ethernet, or you can purchase a wireless adapter for your desktop and make it wireless!

Q: How do I know if my device is supported by a particular router?

A: Always check the router compatibility charts before purchasing a router. If you don't see your device listed as officially supported, it MAY still work - we recommend contacting us or searching our EVDO Forums to see if other users have had success.

Q: If I leave my router on all the time, will it use up my data allowance?

A: NO. Simply being connected to the internet will not use bandwidth - bandwidth is only used when data is being transmitted, such as when you send an email, load a webpage, or download a file. HOWEVER, keep in mind that some computer programs run automatic updates (such as Windows) that may download and thus use some bandwidth even if you're not sitting at your computer. If your computer is compromised by a nasty virus, that can also eat up tons of bandwidth. Click here to read a blog post on this topic!

Q: Can I hook up my 3G/4G router to my XBox/PS3/Wii and help me play online games?

A: YES. Online gaming using mobile broadband is much easier when you use a router, and more often than not, the gaming experience is faster than "ICS" or "connection sharing". The experts at 3Gstore have created an excellent gaming tipsheet that is available to all 3Gstore customers. If you already purchased your equipment from 3Gstore.com, just send an email to support at 3Gstore.com with the subject of "Send Gaming Tipsheet" and we will send you the exclusive gaming PDF. For faster service, include your 3Gstore Invoice number. Click here to read more about online gaming with a 3G or 4G modem

Q: Can I use my cell phone or PDA with a 3G/4G router?

A: Possibly. Most phones do not work via tethering, but if your phone has the option to be used as a hotspot, it will very likely work with the routers that support WiFi as WAN. Click here to read more about tethering a phone with a 3G/4G router.

Q: Are any of these routers battery-powered?

A: No, but many of the routers are compatible with the MP3450i Router Battery Pack, which can provide 12-16 hours of battery-powered use to your router!

Q: What happened to the Cradlepoint MBR1200/MBR1000/MBR900/MBR90/PHS300/CTR35/CTR350/CTR500?

A: These routers have reached "end of life" and are no longer available. Luckily, virtually all of the modems those routers supported are also supported by other routers!

Q: What happened to the Linksys WRT54G3GV2-ST or Kyocera KR2?

A: Those routers have been discontinued and are no longer available. Luckily, virtually all of the modems those routers supported are also supported by other routers!

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