Netgear Aircard 810 4G Mobile Hotspot Review

Mobile LTE hotspots are currently very popular and are increasingly replacing LTE sticks: The hotspots offer fast, comfortable internet access and can be used universally with all Wi-Fi enabled devices. The fastest mobile LTE router we has tested is Aircard 790, which have been able to reach around 300 Mbit/s downstream, based on LTE Category 6 technology. Here we have a new 4G mobile Hotspot announced, which offer significantly faster speeds than Netgear AC790S. Netgear has the AirCard 810 now, which is the world's first hotspot to allow download up to 600 MBit/s.

 

 

 

World's fastest LTE modem

 

The Netgear AirCard 810 hotspot has an integrated Qualcomm Snapdragon X12 modem, which supports LTE category 11 with speeds up to 600 Mbit/s downstream and up to 50 Mbit/s upstream. The high data rate is possible by triple channel bonding, up to 60 megahertz radio spectrum, the hotspot simultaneously also use in the downlink. In the test, only 2 x 20 MHz frequency was tested bundling. In the network of Vodafone, the speed could reach around 220 Mbit/s. In any case, the Netgear AirCard 810 is equipped for the future of the mobile Internet. Package In the package box, there is a small Quick Start Guide, a charger, USB Micro-USB port, the lithium-ion battery and AC adapter. And of course, there is the Netgear Aircard 810 hotspot.

 

 

 

Only UMTS and LTE, no GSM

 

Although Netgear AirCard 810 Hotspot has a very fast LTE modem, but deactivates the GSM function at the same time. The GSM/2G network for mobile surfing is anyway hardly or not suitable, but some users should miss the data services from GPRS and EDGE. Why Netgear has GSM-disabled is not entirely clear, for most users, the limitation of GSM network is probably due to successful UMTS and LTE network expansion.

 

 

Touchscreen operation

 

The Netgear AirCard 810 LTE router is equipped with a 2.4-inch touchscreen display, which will show important information for device status and can be also used for configuration like the predecessor Aircard 790. The display reacts quickly and reliably, and the menu system is easy to understand. Most functions can be selected via the display, only very few settings is needed to do via the web interface, which can be opened from any browser.

 

 

On the home screen, all the important information such as call duration, data volume and number of wireless users are displayed. On request, the wireless password will be displayed. The display brightness can be adjusted in three stages, as well as the duration of the illumination. Normally the display goes a few seconds after the last touch by itself, to save energy. A bright LED on the front shows the signals and the connection status on the display.

 

Dual Band WLAN with repeater function

 

Netgear AirCard 810 can provide an Internet connection for up to 15 devices simultaneously via WLAN. Another device can be connected via USB cable. The maximum LTE speed could be gained when connected computer supports USB 3.0. A suitable cable is supplied with the device; this is also used to recharge the battery simultaneously.

 

 

Netgear 810s uses a wireless modern dual band AC module that can spark both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The maximum speed is fast enough based on WLAN 802.11ac. The wireless transmission power can be controlled in three steps and convinced in the test by a good range. However, External wireless antennas were not connected, so that one is dependent on the integrated antennas in the device. On request, it is open for the user to create a guest Wi-Fi with a separate username and password. Particularly impressive was the wireless repeater function in the test. This allows Internet access over existing wireless networks instead of cellular. So you can give the Netgear AirCard 810 as the wireless access from home DSL router or the hotel Wi-Fi and soon a known WLAN is within range, it will be used for Internet access. The function is particularly interesting for those users who do not have an unlimited data plan, but must extend the WiFi coverage range.

 

 

 

Connectors for external LTE antenna

 

At the side of the Netgear Aircard 810, there are two TS-9 connectors available for external LTE antenna. The ports are each protected with a stable sliding mechanism against dust and dirt. Although the receive and transmit performance of the AirCard 810 is very good even without an external antenna, but particularly in the stationary use in fringe areas, such antenna of great advantage is also necessary at some time. Below is the external antenna for 4G LTE networks to recommend: http://www.4gltemall.com/4g-antenna-two-ts-9-connector.html

 

     

Powerful battery

The Netgear AirCard 810 battery is 2,970 mAh strong and provides an operating time of about 11 hours in the LTE network. If that is not sufficient, user can easily purchase one or more replacement batteries, because the battery is easily replaceable in seconds, which is a big advantage over many other LTE hotspots with permanently installed batteries. The Netgear AirCard 810 router even allows you to charge other mobile devices with built-in battery and the supplied adapter cable. This "Jump Boost" function allows the rapid reloading of a smartphone.

 

 

Since the Netgear Aircard 810s is the latest new with the future-proof technology, the price is not cheap now, but considering the performance offered by the device, the aircard 810 is worth the price. Anyone looking for a top current mobile LTE hotspot with fast WLAN and sophisticated touch-screen operation, should not miss AirCard 810. Alternatively, the similar models Netgear Aircard 790s, Huawei E5786 and Huawei E5787 have cheaper price, but offer "only" 300 MBit/s LTE, which could be considered for lower budget.