Computer Help and Support

Maxheader

(4,396 posts) Sun Jun 23, 2019, 07:50 AM Jun 2019

Old 3G broadband...

Use an old MC760 modem for virgin mobile 'broadband to go'. Their online billing sucks, and the
speeds vary..forget access during evening hours..high usage times..

So I'm looking to switch. My acer computer doesn't apparently have wifi?..Wireless capability.

Virgin mobiles next plan..(now is 40$) up is 55$...and I believe I need to get another modem,
wireless? device. And if the desktop isn't wireless ready...another laptop that is.

I believe this covers the basics of what i need to do to go to 4G..And then picking a provider,
Geeze, velocity has a tower about a mile and a half, as the crow flies..65$/month..(moan)..
But it looks like most provider are in that cost area..plus they offer mucher high speeds and
you don't have DATA CAP RESTRICTIONS..

Is my understanding on the hardware I need ok?... Routers, etc..do they enhance anything?

thank you

6 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Old 3G broadband... (Original Post) Maxheader Jun 2019 OP

i live in the country and have my whole house setup via 4G broadband drray23 Jun 2019 #1

"What I use for the 4G is an actual 4G modem" Maxheader Jun 2019 #3

Modem modulator/demodulator originally csziggy Jun 2019 #4

it is a modem which also has a router in it drray23 Jun 2019 #5

I have one of these: discntnt_irny_srcsm Jun 2019 #2

Thanks all... Maxheader Jun 2019 #6

drray23

(7,962 posts)

1. i live in the country and have my whole house setup via 4G broadband

Reply to Maxheader (Original post)

Sun Jun 23, 2019, 09:03 AM

Jun 2019

I had for years. First it was with sprint, now verizon. I get 30 Gigs of high speed per month. I also have a satellite connection (hughesnet) which is less expensive and allows me to download big files like installing stuff on my computer. What I use for the 4G is an actual 4G modem , MOFI4500 made by MOFI. I do not use the crappy little usb modems or point of access that they sell. I got a package with came with one of these. I simply removed the sim card that came with it and installed it in my MOFI unit. This is a 4G modem which can also be configured as a router so I can service all my devices.
I should add that if you only have one computer to service, you do not need to setup a router. Just plug the output of that 4G modem via a cat5 cable directly into your computer (or connect to it via wireless if your computer has a wireless card)

Maxheader

(4,396 posts)

3. "What I use for the 4G is an actual 4G modem"

Reply to drray23 (Reply #1)

Sun Jun 23, 2019, 12:35 PM

Jun 2019

MOFI4500 is a router..not a modem?
What is the name of your 4G modem?

thanks..

csziggy

(34,189 posts)

4. Modem modulator/demodulator originally

Reply to Maxheader (Reply #3)

Sun Jun 23, 2019, 05:01 PM

Jun 2019

Modem
Short for modulator/demodulator, a modem is a hardware device that allows a computer to send and receive information over telephone lines. When sending a signal, the device converts ("modulates&quot

digital data to an analog audio signal, and transmits it over a telephone line. Similarly, when an analog signal is received, the modem converts it back ("demodulates" it) to a digital signal.
https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/m/modem.htm

But the term is now often applied to routers, which just distribute a signal. If I understand it correctly, the MOFI4500 is a modem that receives a cell signal and also a router which distributes to different devices in drray23's home.

See: http://mofinetwork.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=189 for more information on the product.