Sprint to offer pocket 3G router

Author: Gareth Halfacree
Published: 13th February 2008
Comments (2) Stumble
Sprint to offer pocket 3G router

The router is based on the CradlePoint PHS300 "personal hotspot" device.

Those of you in the US who have looked on with aquisative eyes at the WiFi-to-3G router software we've been mentioning but don't have a compatible handset can rejoice: US telco Sprint is to offer a battery operated 3G router starting March 1st.

Working in much the same way as the WMWiFiRouter and JoikuSpot software-based systems, the router is designed to convert your Sprint-supplied EV-DO 3G data connection into a local WiFi link for up to four devices.

The pocket-sized router supports WPA2 encryption on the wireless side and features a NAT bridge and stateful packet inspection firewall for a little added security for your devices. Fitted with an 1800mAh battery, Sprint claims the unit will offer “hours of Wi-Fi virtually anywhere”. Interestingly – and not entirely obviously from the data sheet – the router doesn't actually have any 3G hardware inside. Instead it relies on a USB-connected 3G modem or handset to handle the actual EV-DO connectivity. While this is likely to keep costs down, it's not quite as handy as a single-box solution.

Although the router offers simultaneous connectivity for four devices, if you decide to use the router to turn your 3G handset into a hotspot you should be aware you'll be limited to two. Quite why isn't entirely clear, as once a 'phone is in modem mode it should support as many users as you have bandwidth. Clearly Sprint is hoping to bolster sales of external USB 3G modems.

Worth it for the support of a major carrier, or is the free software equivalent enough for you on the rare occasions you need such a thing? Share your thoughts over in the forums.
Quote rhuitron 13th February 2008, 10:06
Beyond the fact that the it is battery powered.

This thing will end up draining you cell battery as well. I have to have my cell constantly connected to the AC or else my batt goes dead.

As I speak, I am connected with a Nokia n75, to the AT&T 3g network, and still get timed out when my pc is loading toooo many kbs.
I don't think it is becasue the cell cant handle it, I think it is more because the Company doesn't like me downloading soo much.

So I cant expect Sprint to be much, much better. I think in these areas (Sacramento, Ca) Currently Verizon has the upper hand on fast internet.

And still. 'HOURS' of wifi? come on! with 1800 mah batteries?

Please. That all depends on how many people are connected to it and the amount mbps going through it Doesn't It?
You might as well just plug this whole thing in (cellphone and router.), and not waste your time.
Quote sandys 13th February 2008, 10:46
Hmm sounds lame really, too many devices are needed for it to work, all of it needing charging, your better off with a PCMCIA card or USB 3g modem powered off the laptop, I use my Vodaphone data card with a pay and go three sim for data on the go but you can also get USB dongles cards etc.

I can see the point to a router as I have need to supply internet to a number of computers in a place with no phone but in this case I have a Linksys 3G router but its not something I woul dneed to do on the move.
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