Zoom 3G WiFi Router

5 Review to this product

• 

  Douglas M. Lidster
  October 27th, 2010 on 2:56 am

  Rating

  The Zoom 3G Wireless Router Model 4501 for USB Modems (identified here at Amazon as 11N 3Ghz Wifi Router) ranks right up there with sliced bread and canned beer as a world-class idea. This is a dynamite product at a fair price. But, before I review the router, let me describe the situation it rectified so well.

  I live in the boondocks where either high-speed telephone or cable connection to the internet is not an option. My phone lines are buried underground, resulting in connection quality that barely allows 28,800 modem connections on the best days.

  This problem was solved when I subscribed to Verizon’s mobile broadband service and plugged their Pantech USB modem into my computer. (Verizon was the only supplier with 3G coverage where I live.) Download speed often approaches 3000 kpbs, with 1700-2000 about the norm. I couldn’t be happier.

  Except for one problem. With the USB modem plugged into my laptop, my wife couldn’t use her desktop for internet access. So, I’d log off and give her the modem to plug in so she could log on.

  I had seen USB modem routers at Best Buy for about $200. My inconvenience wasn’t worth that much. But when I spotted the Model 4501 for about $70, I thought it was worth a try.

  To make a long story short, when it arrived I took it out of the box, plugged it in, plugged my USB modem into the back, and turned on my laptop. No setup; I didn’t read a word of the instructions. And it worked perfectly. I was on line.

  At the time I ordered the router I also purchased a Zoom Wireless 802.11 B/G USB Adapter. (It made sense to keep a family together.) This I installed in my wife’s desktop. Just like that, she was on line too. {{http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-802-11B-Adapter-Wifi-Support/dp/B00195HS1O/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1265567922&sr=8-3}}

  We’ve been using the USB Modem/WiFi connection for three weeks now. I’ve never been dropped from the network and there’s been no degradation in performance from when the USB modem is plugged directly into the computer. (I check my connect speed regularly with Speed Test at [...]) I’ve used my Asus laptop and Samsung netbook in my office over my garage, which is more than 100 feet from my house. No problems.

  I will set up security one of these days. But since I have no neighbors living within broadcast range of the router, I’m not terribly concerned.

  This is a great product at a great price. I couldn’t be happier.
• 

  curly
  October 27th, 2010 on 10:39 pm

  Rating

  This is a very useful product. I have been having a problem with AT&T laptop connect software locking up when using a Sierra USB 3G modem. When this happens, you have to reboot the PC to get online again. Same problem when used with laptop or desktop PC. Adding the router solved this problem. Now AT&T problems are no biggie, simply unplug the modem from the router & reinsert, ready to go in seconds (no more PC lockups). Wish it had a tad more range, there may be an external antenna option, haven’t checked yet.
• 

  Diana
  October 29th, 2010 on 1:05 pm

  Rating

  I bought this router because I use a Huawei 3G data card internet connection and I wanted to set up a wireless network.The router works great,the working range is wide. It is easy to install. All my wireless accesories work prefectly. Worth the money spent it. I really recommend it.
• 

  W. T. Rickman
  October 29th, 2010 on 7:05 pm

  Rating

  I bought this router to create a WiFi hotspot in my car, using my AT&T LaptopConnect Card. FYI, it’s a Sierra Wireless 885U. (I wanted to include that, since I didn’t see any info on what 3g cards were compatible).

  There was absolutely no configuration necessary. I pulled it out of the box, attached the antenna, plugged in the air card, and BAM it was online. Obviously I wanted to make it more secure than the default settings, but the out-of-the-box action is quite impressive.

  The firmware and configuration screens are straight-forward and easy to use. If you’ve configured any other router, this one is pretty much the same.

  I would recommend this router to anyone wanting to use their 3g card for WiFi.

  Word to the wise, though – keep a close eye on your data caps – no one likes a nasty surprise when their cell phone bill comes!
• 

  J. Grendahl
  October 30th, 2010 on 7:05 pm

  Rating

  The other review of this item is what put me over the edge to buy this router. I was skeptical because I have never heard of the Zoom brand before, but this router works flawlessly. I literally got it out of the box, plugged in my Verizon USB aircard and then plugged the router in to an electric socket. It booted up and everything worked fine.

  Only bummer is that to see me usage, I must visit Verizon’s website; but all 3G routers will be this way. We rarely use our capacity anyway. It’s also nice because the router and aircard can be placed elsewhere in the house (up high, 2nd floor) for a better cell signal but yet the computers can go wherever.

  I would recommend this to anyone looking for a low cost 3G router for home use.