If you want to have a wireless network at home though a wireless Internet provider, you’ve got two options. You can go with a wireless modem or a wireless hotspot. The former is great if you don’t want wires, but don’t need Internet outside of the house. The latter is perfect if you want to take your home network with you wherever you go. Check out the lists below for more differences between the two.
Wireless Modem
- For home use, usually plugs into the wall and transmits a wireless signal through Wi-Fi.
- About the size of a CD case, though they can be bigger.
- Some wireless Internet providers use them, but they are more common with cable, DSL, or dial-up Internet providers.
- Limited to home use, must be plugged into a power source.
- Connect several wireless devices at once.
- Usually only available through contracts.
Wireless Hotspot
- Use it anywhere. It connects to a mobile broadband network (WiMAX, 3G, 4G, etc.) and broadcasts that connection through a Wi-Fi signal.
- About the size of a credit card—does need to be charged from time to time.
- You can use it anywhere your chosen network has coverage.
- Could run into possible limits like data usage caps, and number of connected devices. It depends on the wireless Internet provider and the network you’re connecting to.
- Offered through contracts or pay-as-you-go service.
