MiFi is a line of compact wireless routers produced by Novatel Wireless that act as mobile Wi-Fi hotspots. By backconnecting to a cellular data network and frontconnecting to local Wi-Fi devices (up to 10m/30 ft distance), a compact wireless router creates a local "cloud" of shared high-speed Internet connectivity.
The first MiFi device was introduced in the U.S. in May 2009 by Novatel Wireless,[1] and Novatel owns a registered trademark on the "MiFi" brand name in the U.S.[2] The Novatel MiFi is also marketed as such in the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovenia, Qatar, Kuwait, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, South Africa, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico.[3][4][5][6] However, in the United Kingdom, mobile operator 3UK owns the "MiFi" trademark and markets a similar device from Huawei under the name.[3][7]
Contents |
MiFi (and MiFi-like) devices
Novatel MiFi 2200
- Limited to 5 Wi-Fi clients, such as laptops, cameras, gaming devices and multimedia players.[8]
- May be connected to a computer via a MicroUSB connection, though doing so disables the Wi-Fi networking, converting the device into a traditional single-client modem. (However, CNET has introduced a tweak to charge the device over USB while maintaining its functionality.)
- Includes GPS unit.
- Utilizes 3G data network (CDMA 1xEVDO RevA).
Novatel MiFi 23xx series
- Same functionality as 2200, plus:
- Billed as an "intelligent" mobile hotspot, includes processor and linux-based operating system.[9]
- Includes an SDK (available here [10]) for development of 3rd party applications to run on-board.[9]
- Accepts SD card for in-device shared media storage.[9]
- Utilizes 3G data network (MiFi 2352: HSUPA/HSDPA 900/1900/2100 MHz, MiFi 2372: HSUPA/HSDPA 850/1900/2100 MHz; both support GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz).
Non-Novatel devices
- Huawei E5830 (Series)
- NetComm MyZone
- Sierra Wireless Overdrive (Note: 4G capable; available only in U.S. through Sprint)
Usage in the world
MiFi devices are often co-branded by carriers who offer service for them. MifiClub maintains a list of countries that offer MiFi.
Carriers offering MiFi
- Vodafone in Germany, Greece, Spain, Romania, Portugal, the Netherlands, Qatar and New Zealand
- MobileOne in Singapore
- Pelephone in Israel
- Polkomtel ("Plus") in Poland
- Vodacom South Africa
- Pannon in Hungary
- PCCW in Hong Kong
- Mobitel in Slovenia
- Bell Mobility, MTS Allstream, Rogers, and Virgin Mobile in Canada
- Zain in Kuwait
- Orange and Telefonica Moviles Espana in Spain
- Verizon Wireless and Sprint in the United States
- 3UK in the United Kingdom
Verizon MiFi 2200 Hotspot is a compact portable wireless hotspot that can connect up to 5 wireless devices while allowing mobile broadband internet service without wires. It too has a battery life up to 4 hours and operates on Verizon's 3G network.
- Iusacell in Mexico
- CAT in Thailand
- Qatar Telecom ("Qtel") in Qatar
- T-Mobile and Vodafone (in partnership with The Carphone Warehouse) in United Kingdom (marketed as "Novatel Wireless Intelligent Mobile Hotspot")
- Inter Communications & a2network in Japan
- Internode & Virgin Mobile in Australia
- Hutchison 3G in the United Kingdom and Ireland
- While AT&T does not offer the MiFi itself, the 2372 can be obtained elsewhere and used with an AT&T SIM card
Alternatives
Although not an option in terms of the standard U.S. AT&T customer contract agreement, "MiFi"-like configurations have been created using the AT&T 3G or EDGE data network and Jailbroken iPhones.
JoikuSpot can also be used in S60 phones to create "MiFi"-like network utilizing the phone's Internet connection.
WMWifiRouter can also be used on Windows Mobile phones to create a wireless network sharing the phone's Internet connection.
Google Nexus One With the introduction of Android 2.2 (aka 'FroYo') wireless tethering and hot spot has become part of the functionality of Google's Nexus One phone.
Awards
- Novatel MiFi 2200:
- Novatel MiFi 2352:
- Plus X Award in Technology (2009)[15]
- CTIA Emerging Technology Award (Fashion & Lifestyle Products), 1st Place (2009)[16]
- CTIA "Hot for the Holidays" (Mobile Internet Device or Netbook) Award (2009)[17]
- CES Innovations Award (Enabling Technologies) Winner (2010)[18]
- Mobile World Congress "Global Mobile" Award: Best Mobile Connected Device (2010)[19]
MiFi in the news
Security Issues
In January 2010, two major security holes were discovered with the Novatel MiFi 2200 which, if properly exploited, could allow a malicious user to obtain the device's current GPS location and security keys. If the malicious user were physically close enough to utilize the device's Wi-Fi cloud, this could give access to the MiFi's 3G connection as well as any other connected devices.[20] Novatel responded that a security patch would be available in February 2010.[21]
Recall
In May 2010, the Mifi 2372 was recalled in Canada by Bell Mobility and Rogers Communications. In two documentated cases, difficulty of opening the MiFi battery compartment had caused cusomters to use levels of force that caused physical damage to the batteries, which subsequently overheated. Novatel replaced the recalled units with a type that featured an easier-to-open battery compartment.
Customers were sent prepaid courier envelopes and instructed to send back their Mifi units for replacement of the battery and battery compartment cover.[22] Customers were notified that Novatel would return the serviced units within 6 to 8 weeks of their return. Bell customers were provided with cellular internet access via Novatel U998 USB sticks, which were provided as temporary replacements by Bell.
No comments:
Post a Comment