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How to share your 3G Broadband connection
to more than one device.
What does a 3G network look like?
What other features do routers have?
What type of 3G modem do I have?
How do I find a router that will be compatible
with my 3G modem?
See all 3G capable routers.
Creating a LAN
First up, you will need to create a Local Area Network, or LAN,
which is simply a name for bunch of computers and other devices
such as game consoles, WiFi phones, media players and/or printers
all linked together either by cables or wirelessly to share resources
including an Internet connection.
Here's an example of a LAN sharing a 3G Internet connection:
In the centre of the LAN is a Router. The 3G modem (USB in this
case) plugs into the Router and the Router then shares the 3G Internet
connection with other devices on the LAN.
Note: The Router in this case has a built-in Wireless Access
Point so we can connect devices to it either wirelessly or with
cables. Not all Routers have wireless capability.
Other Router Features
Besides having the ability to share an Internet connection and
protect devices on the LAN from Internet hackers, a Router might
have other features and capabilities such as a Wireless Access Point
so other devices on your LAN can connect wirelessly, an ATA (Analogue
Telephone Adapter) for VoIP so you can make and receive VoIP calls*
over your 3G Internet connection, and VPN endpoints for remote connections
into other LANs such as your office when working from home.
* Note about VoIP capability. Some of the products mentioned in
the list below have built-in ATAs
(look for the word "VoIP" in the product descriptions).
You can of course purchase
a separate ATA later such as the Linksys SPA3102, and WiFi or
IP phones do not need an ATA. If you plan on adding either of these
options later, one feature I do advise you look for is QoS
(quality of service). QoS ensures the VoIP data gets priority so
other downloads that might be occurring at the same time don't interfere
with the call quality.
For more about Routers click here for my
Router FAQ.
For more about wireless networking click
here for my Wireless FAQ.
For more about VoIP click here for my VoIP FAQ.
Most routers that support 3G modems also accept other types of
broadband modems such as Cable modems, or might even have a built-in
ADSL modem. These capabilities won't be relevant to you if you're
only ever going to have a 3G modem in the forseeable future but
if you think you might want access to Cable or ADSL one day then
one type of Router might be a better choice for you if there is
more than one type of Router for you to choose from.
USB or PCMCIA?
Another important consideration is the type of 3G modem
you have. There are two basic types:
Some Routers such as the D-Link
DIR-451 can* accept both types but most will only
support one so read the manufacturer's spec sheets carefully.
* Check manufacturer spec sheet for model compatibility.
The Draytek routers in the product list below
support USB modems. Originally the USB port on Draytek routers started
out as print servers and most will still
be labelled "printer" on the back but don't be thrown
off by that. That's still where the modem goes.
Incidentally, it can still be used as a print server if you don't
need it for a 3G modem. Also, the 2910, 2820 & 5510 series can
support a USB hub so you can use it for both a print server and
the 3G modem at the same time. However, this feature is not available
on the 2800 series because it doesn't have the processing power
to cope with it.
How to find a compatible router.
The easiest way to find a router compatible with your 3G modem
is to use my Find-A-Router
tool.
Select the type of 3G modem you have (eg USB) from the pulldown
menu beside the “3G Support” option (4th one down) and any other
feature you’d like, then click “Go” at the bottom.
Then you can click each product that comes up for more info and
you’ll find a link to the manufacturer’s modem compatibility list
in the comments sections.
Here’s a quick list of links to the main manufacturer 3G modem
compatibility lists:
AXIMCom
Billion
Draytek
Netcomm
N3G series
Netgear
McAfee
(Snapgear)
Note: I cannot keep up to date with which 3G modems are getting
around so please don't ask me which router I recommend to go with
"XXX" 3G modem. I can only direct you back to this FAQ
so you can find routers that match your requirements and budget
and then check the manufacturer's published lists to make sure your
modem is listed.
3G router table
Below is a list of all current routers that support 3G modems*
taken from my Router Review database
with a quick summary of the main features in the description column.
Click the product name for more information about each product
or go to the Router Review database
to refine the search. For example you might only be interested
in routers that have 802.11n wireless capabililty that will support
a USB 3G modem.
* Note: compatibility problems
with 3G modems are frequent so it is vital to check the router
manufacturer's modem compatibility list (usually linked in the
comments section you will see when you click each product below
for more information) or consult the manufacturer prior to purchasing.
If you cannot get absolute confirmation that your modem is compatible
with the router, don't buy it!
| Model |
Manufacturer |
Description |
Price |
Rating |
| MR-105N
(click for more info) |
AXIMCom |
4 Port 802.11n Wireless Router with support for 3G USB modems |
$179.30 |
Not Yet Rated |
| MR-108N
(click for more info) |
AXIMCom |
4 Port 802.11n Wireless Router with support for 3G USB modems and QoS |
$212.30 |
 |
| MR-216NV
(click for more info) |
AXIMCom |
Dual WAN 3 Port 802.11n Wireless Router with QoS, VPNs and support for 3G USB modems |
$293.70 |
Not Yet Rated |
| C100
(click for more info) |
Bandrich |
3G Modem |
$221.10 |
Not Yet Rated |
| 6200NXL
(click for more info) |
Billion |
802.11N Wireless Router with Ethernet WAN Port & USB Port for 3G modem |
$157.30 |
Not Yet Rated |
| 7402XL
(click for more info) |
Billion |
4 Port Router with ADSL Modem, Ethernet WAN Port & USB 3G support |
$139.70 |
Not Yet Rated |
| 7402GXL
(click for more info) |
Billion |
4 Port 802.11g Wireless Router with ADSL Modem, Ethernet WAN Port & USB 3G support |
$172.70 |
 |
| 7402X
(click for more info) |
Billion |
4 Port Router with ADSL Modem, Ethernet WAN Port, USB 3G support & VPN |
$180.40 |
Not Yet Rated |
| 7402GX
(click for more info) |
Billion |
4 Port 802.11G Wireless Router with ADSL Modem, Ethernet WAN Port, USB 3G support & VPN |
$225.50 |
Not Yet Rated |
| 7402NX
(click for more info) |
Billion |
4 Port 802.11N Wireless Router with ADSL Modem, Ethernet WAN Port, USB 3G support, 4 port giga switch & VPN |
$283.80 |
|
| 7404VGPX
(click for more info) |
Billion |
4 Port 802.11G Wireless Router with ADSL Modem, Ethernet WAN Port, USB 3G modem support & VoIP (2 x FXS + 1 x FXO) |
$189.00 |
|
| 7404VGOX
(click for more info) |
Billion |
4 Port 802.11G Wireless Router with ADSL Modem, Ethernet WAN Port, USB 3G modem support, VoIP (2 x FXS + 1 x FXO) + VPN |
$229.90 |
Not Yet Rated |
| 7404VNPX
(click for more info) |
Billion |
4 Port 802.11N Wireless Router with ADSL Modem, Ethernet WAN Port, USB 3G modem support & VoIP (2 x FXS + 1 x FXO) |
$289.00 |
|
| 7404VNOX
(click for more info) |
Billion |
4 Port 802.11N Wireless Router with ADSL Modem, Ethernet WAN Port, USB 3G modem support, VoIP (2 x FXS + 1 x FXO) & VPN |
$339.00 |
|
| 7800GZ
(click for more info) |
Billion |
4 Port 802.11g Wireless ADSL Modem/Router with built-in 3G SIM slot & VPN |
$398.20 |
Not Yet Rated |
| DIR-451
(click for more info) |
D-Link |
4 port 802.11g+ wireless 3G Mobile Router (supports several USB & PCMCIA 3G modems) |
$189.20 |
|
| Vigor2110
(click for more info) |
Draytek |
4 port Router |
$176.00 |
Not Yet Rated |
| Vigor2110n
(click for more info) |
Draytek |
4 port 802.11n Wireless Router |
$262.90 |
Not Yet Rated |
| Vigor2110Vn
(click for more info) |
Draytek |
4 port 802.11n Wireless Router with VoIP |
$306.90 |
Not Yet Rated |
| Vigor2710
(click for more info) |
Draytek |
4 port ADSL modem |
$176.00 |
Not Yet Rated |
| Vigor2710n
(click for more info) |
Draytek |
4 port 802.11n Wireless ADSL modem |
$262.90 |
Not Yet Rated |
| Vigor2710Vn
(click for more info) |
Draytek |
4 port 802.11n Wireless ADSL modem with VoIP |
$306.90 |
|
| Vigor2820
(click for more info) |
Draytek |
Dual WAN 3 10/100 + 1 Gigabit LAN Port Router with built-in ADSL Modem, SPI Firewall, VPN & Print Server & USB 3G support |
$287.10 |
|
| Vigor2820n
(click for more info) |
Draytek |
802.11n Wireless Dual WAN 3 10/100 + 1 Gigabit LAN Port Router with built-in ADSL Modem, SPI Firewall, VPN & Print Server & USB 3G support |
$377.30 |
|
| Vigor2820Vn
(click for more info) |
Draytek |
802.11n Wireless Dual WAN 3 10/100 + 1 Gigabit LAN Port Router with built-in ADSL Modem, SPI Firewall, VPN & Print Server, USB 3G support & VoIP (2 x FXS + 1 x FXO) |
$422.40 |
|
| Vigor2910
(click for more info) |
Draytek |
4 Port Router with Dual WAN capability, VPN, Firewall, USB Print Server & USB 3G modem support |
$262.90 |
Not Yet Rated |
| Vigor2910G
(click for more info) |
Draytek |
4 Port 802.11G+ Wireless Router with Dual WAN capability, VPN, Firewall, USB Print Server & USB 3G modem support |
$306.90 |
|
| Vigor2910VG
(click for more info) |
Draytek |
4 Port 802.11G+ Wireless Router with Dual WAN capability, VoIP (2 x FXS), VPN, Firewall, USB Print Server & USB 3G modem support |
$350.90 |
Not Yet Rated |
| ESR-6650
(click for more info) |
EnGenius |
802.11n Wireless Router with 2 LAN ports & support for 3G USB modems and QoS |
$143.00 |
Not Yet Rated |
| SG560U
(click for more info) |
McAfee |
4 Port VPN Router with 3G support |
$629.20 |
Not Yet Rated |
| SG560D
(click for more info) |
McAfee |
4 Port VPN Router with built-in ADSL modem & 3G support |
$686.40 |
Not Yet Rated |
| SG565
(click for more info) |
McAfee |
4 Port 802.11G Wireless VPN Router with dual broadband modem capability |
$859.10 |
|
| N3G002W
(click for more info) |
Netcomm |
Single port 802.11G wireless router with support for both USB & PCMCIA 3G modems. |
Price Not Available |
|
| 3G17Wn
(click for more info) |
Netcomm |
2 port 802.11n wireless Router with ethernet WAN port and support for USB 3G modems. |
$140.80 |
Not Yet Rated |
| 3G18Wn
(click for more info) |
Netcomm |
4 port 802.11n wireless router with support for USB 3G modems. |
$155.10 |
Not Yet Rated |
| 3GT1WN
(click for more info) |
Netcomm |
Wireless 150 802.11n portable travel router with support for USB 3G modems. |
$155.10 |
Not Yet Rated |
| 3G15Wn
(click for more info) |
Netcomm |
4 port 802.11n wireless ADSL modem with support for USB 3G modems. |
$194.70 |
Not Yet Rated |
| MBR624GU
(click for more info) |
Netgear |
802.11g Wireless 4 Port 3G Router |
$128.70 |
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For more discussion on this topic check out my
blog entry.
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