When away from home, you will discover there are a great many Wi-Fi hotspots scattered here there and everywhere. These hotspots are fantastic if you want to connect to the internet while out and about, but they are not always easy to find. It is very useful to have a mobile broadband connection either via the traditional dongle or MiFi dongle. Both types of dongles will allow you to connect to the internet, regardless of your location. Naturally there are differences between the dongles, so you need to consider which is best for you before you purchase.
The Wi-Fi Hotspot
Some individuals prefer to locate Wi-Fi hotspots, instead of facing the commitment and expense associated with mobile broadband dongles and connections. However, hotspots can be rather difficult to find. There are certain places which have these Wi-Fi hotspots and are worth knowing about. Once you are aware of their position, you will be able to connect to the internet easily when away from home.
1. Franchises
Many businesses offer the option of a free wireless broadband connection. The most common and frequented location is McDonalds; however, local pubs, restaurants, cafes, airports, service stations, libraries and a lot more places also offer internet accessibility. Most places have banners and signs signalling that you can use their WiFi.
2. Tube stations
Around 120 stations offer Wi-Fi. It should be mentioned that these connections are for individuals using certain networks and, if you operate on a different network, you will be required to purchase a wireless pass. This pass allows you access to the connection for a set period of time. This underground network is based on Virgin Media infrastructure that has been laid pretty comprehensively around the tube.
The Wi-Fi security
One of the biggest concerns people have when using a wireless hotspot is security. Usually these Wi-Fi hotspots are an unsecure network, which makes them open to hacking. Hackers will often try to gain access to your information via the broadband connection, and then use this information for fraudulent activities.
While these networks are unsecure, there are preventative measures one can take to remain somewhat secure. The first step is to not engage in any highly sensitive transactions using this connection. You should not do any internet banking or complete any activities where you are amending security protocols. Another tip, use secured networks only. Many hotspots do offer a level of security, but if you can log onto the network so can undesirables. Many Hotspots require your home broadband credentials for access.
The Mobile Broadband Dongle
The mobile broadband dongle is the most common and well-known way of connecting to the internet when away from home. This type of dongle operates as a modem that you insert into your computer via a USB port. The device will then hook onto a 3G or 4G broadband signal, allowing you to connect to the internet.
The majority of mobile broadband package providers will provide the dongle free of charge, if you sign a fixed-term contract. The "pay as you go" broadband package does not provide this service and you will have to pay an upfront fee for the dongle. In order to use this dongle, you have to insert a sim card into the device. This sim card is what tracks your data usage and how much of your allowance is still available.
One of the biggest disadvantages of the traditional dongle is that you can only connect one device at a time. The majority of individuals in the UK will use, on average, two devices simultaneously at any given time. This may be a mobile phone and laptop, or mobile phone and gaming console. Regardless of the device, if you are using a mobile broadband dongle, you will not be able to connect all devices to the internet at the same time.
The MiFi Dongle
One of the latest devices on the market is the MiFi dongle. The MiFi dongle is a mobile Wi-Fi dongle and has improved on the limitations of its predecessor, the mobile broadband dongle. Unlike the traditional dongle, it does not connect to the computers and other devices via a USB port. It utilises a wireless broadband connection. By not having to operate via a USB , the MiFi dongle allows devices without USB ports to connect to the internet.
Further benefits of this type of dongle will include:
The wireless connection can be accessed anywhere, making the dongle convenient for travelling businessman and students.You are able to connect more than one device at any one time. When using a MiFi dongle, you can connect up to five devices to a single mobile broadband connection. However, you do need to watch the data usage: more devices mean the data allowance will be used more quickly.This type of dongle is far easier to set up than the original mobile broadband dongle. They can be set up in a few minutes and there is no specialised software required.You do not have to plug the device into anything. This dongle works on a wireless network, which means it does not have to be connected to a device to allow for an internet connection. You can place it beside your computer and you will be able to surf the web.You are able to store data on the MiFi dongle. This storage data feature is similar to the traditional dongle. However, it has an advantage in that you may enhance the size of the storage space. By inserting a micro SD card into the dongle, you will be able to create a larger storage space. However, this feature is not available in all MiFi dongles and you must check the device before assuming it will accept a micro SD card.While the advantages of the MiFi dongle are great, there are also disadvantages which must be considered.
Only five devices can be connected simultaneously. This means you will have to rotate devices to split connectivity across devices.The wireless signal range is approximately 10M and is restrictive if being used as a home broadband.Unfortunately, only a few providers offer the MiFi dongle. It is a new device and you will have to check whether your current provider offers deals with this modern item of technology.
Using a MiFi dongle was sure to make life easier for Sam Jones . He managed to find a great deal from a top provider after only spending a few minutes online on sites such as uSwitch. 
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