Downloading software updates generally requires more bandwidth - approximately 2 GB (gigabytes) required per month.ĭo you have the ability to connect to Wi-Fi or ethernet overnight to help facilitate software updates?
How long does it need to be plugged in to generate a full charge?ĭay to day, your Square Terminal needs minimal bandwidth to operate and process transactions. Will the battery of the hotspot you are evaluating last a full workday without charging? Is a lengthy battery life important to support how you do business? If you plan to use your Mi-Fi hotspot at a stationary location or plugged in inside a vehicle, a wired power connection will be sufficient power for your hotspot. Battery lifeįor some merchants who plan to use Square Terminal (and their hotspot) on-the-go, a built in battery with sufficient battery life can be especially important. Be aware that if you have an unlimited data plan, that may not carry over to hotspots. This could get you the most data for your dollar. Note: For many sellers, the most economical option is to add your hotspot line to your existing carrier’s phone plan, as a separate line. The OpenSignal app is a good resource, showing where networks are strongest and weakest. Since network strength varies from region to region, be sure to take this into consideration when deciding on a cellular network. The speed and strength of the cellular network you use (e.g. The primary factor that will influence how well your Mi-Fi performs is: However network-unlocked routers are also widely available, (made by companies like Netgear or Huawei) which can be used with a data-only SIM card of your choice, generally with much lower monthly payments. Verizon or AT&T) and require a data plan and subscription to use. Many mobile hotspots are sold by wireless carriers (e.g. Since Square does not sell a Mi-Fi hotspot on the Square Shop at this time, we’ve created an overview of features if you need help deciding which Mi-Fi to purchase. Important factors to consider when purchasing a Mi-Fi Security - a hot spot’s Wi-Fi network is protected with WPA-2 encryption, making it just as secure as any home router.ĭoes not drain your phone’s battery or require using a personal device like a phone/tablet in a professional setting. Having a separate service plan than your phone gives you better visibility into cost and does not count towards your phone or tablet’s monthly data quota. A hotspot can have better data service than your phone typically has available in your back pocket. Why purchase a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot?Īlthough many smartphones today can be used to create a hotspot, benefits of using a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot include:īetter performance, since a hotspot can be placed in a fixed location. Most wireless carriers offer mobile hotspot devices and the wireless data plans required to enable them. A mobile hotspot taps into 3G or 4G LTE cellular networks (and soon, 5G) just like a smartphone does.
Click that tile and you’re ready to go.What is a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot or “Mi-Fi”? Why purchase a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot? Important factors to consider when purchasing a Mi-Fi What is a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot or “Mi-Fi”?Ī portable Wi-Fi hotspot (sometimes referred to as a “Mi-Fi”) is a pocket sized mobile router which can be used to set up a Wi-Fi connection either on-the-go or in a stationary setting. In the pop-up panel that appears you should see a tile labeled Mobile hotspot (pictured here).
The first is to click the internet connection icon on the far right of your taskbar. There are two ways to activate your PC as a mobile hotspot. Here’s how I did it using a PC running the Creators Update. The feature allows up to eight devices to get online simultaneously. Sharing your PC’s internet connection is easy in Windows 10.
You can turn your Windows 10 PC into a mobile hotspot. Those are just two possible scenarios that you might run into from time to time.
Or say you want to share your Wi-Fi at home, but you don’t want to share your network password and your router doesn’t have a guest mode. But there are times when your PC could end up being the device of choice. Usually when it comes down to sharing an internet connection, it’s your phone or tablet that does the heavy lifting. There’s nothing handier than turning one of your devices into a mobile hotspot so that all your gadgets can get on the internet when a router isn’t available.