Comparison Hoco HI41 vs Hoco HI40

— USB modem. Modems in the form factor of a USB stick that is connected to a computer, laptop or other devices via an unoccupied USB port. These can be either the simplest devices for servicing one client device (to which the modem is directly connected), or more advanced models with support for Wi-Fi networks and the ability to wirelessly distribute the Internet to several gadgets. To access the World Wide Web, USB modems provide a slot for a SIM card.

— Portable router. Mobile routers for Internet access, necessarily with a built-in Wi-Fi module. Wi-Fi modems are capable of simultaneously working with several connected devices; in addition, they are battery-powered and can be used completely autonomously - without the need to connect to a computer and an outlet. It is advisable to use portable routers in cases where a fixed connection to the Internet is difficult or completely absent (at the dacha, outdoor recreation, as backup equipment for accessing the global network).

— USB plug. The presence in the design of the modem of its own USB plug, which allows you to connect the device to a computer directly. Such a connection provides a device with a USB port with Internet access, and the power necessary for the operation of the modem is also supplied via USB.

— microUSB. A smaller version of the USB connector (see above), used primarily in Wi-Fi modems (see "Type") that can work autonomously and do not require a constant connection to another device. At the same time, in 3G/4G modems, microUSB usually looks like a socket, not a plug, and a special cable is used to connect. This interface usually plays the role of a general-purpose service connector: the battery is charged through it, and it is also connected to a PC or other device to manage settings, update firmware, etc.

— USB. Wired interface, the most common and universal modern standard used to connect peripheral equipment to various electronic devices, ranging from computers to smartphones and even wireless modems. In this case, the full-size version of the USB connector is meant. It is usually installed in classic modems (see "Type") and has the form of a plug, with which the modem is connected to a control device (PC, laptop, tablet, etc.). Power is usually supplied through the same connector.

— USB-C.... Connector, in its functional features similar to the paragraph above. With the exception of the symmetrical form factor and the use of more modern technologies.

— LAN (RJ45). Classic wired connection via a cable with an RJ-45 connector. Also known as "LAN". Nowadays, it is one of the most common methods of wired Internet connection, and is also widely used in local networks. With it, you can connect a laptop or PC directly to the modem via a cable and not bother with a Wi-Fi connection. In addition, such a connection can be faster (depending on the speed of the LAN).

— ExpressCard. A connection interface mainly used in laptops. Peripheral devices of this standard, including wireless modems, have the form of cards, when connected, they are installed in a special slot in the device. It should be taken into account that there are two ExpressCard form factors — 54 mm and 34 mm, and 34 mm cards can be used without restrictions with 54 mm slots, but not vice versa. Therefore, when choosing such a modem, it is worth clarifying the correspondence of its form factor to the planned slot. However, this standard is gradually disappearing from the scene, being replaced by more advanced interfaces — in particular, USB 3.0.

Determines if the modem has its own external antenna. Most often, such an antenna is a non-removable part of the device and is foldable for ease of transportation and storage; however, some models may be equipped with detachable external antennas connected via the appropriate plug (see below). Anyway, this feature improves the quality and reliability of communication, which is especially useful in areas with a weak signal level. For a number of reasons, it is found mainly in classic modems (see "Type").

The presence of a built-in battery in the modem. Relevant for models with Wi-Fi support. Such modems are designed to be used as stand-alone equipment and do not require a wired connection to a control or power device such as a PC or laptop. This ensures maximum mobility. On the other hand, the battery charge is not infinite: it usually lasts for several hours (see paragraphs about the operating time in different modes), after which the battery still needs to be charged. In addition, the presence of built-in batteries significantly affects the dimensions, weight, and most importantly, the price of modems.

The capacity of the battery installed in the modem with the corresponding type of power supply (see below).

The higher the capacity, the longer the battery is able to work without recharging, all other things being equal. However, note that the situation of "other things being equal" is almost not found in modern wireless modems. First, different data transmission technologies (see above) have different power consumption; secondly, even models supporting the same standards can differ in power consumption (and battery life) due to design differences. Therefore, this indicator in most cases is purely reference information, and even very similar models can only be compared approximately. When choosing, it is worth focusing primarily on the claimed specs of the battery life (see below).

The maximum operating time of the modem with battery power (see "Power") on a single charge in Internet browsing mode. Such power is typical for Wi-Fi routers, therefore, usually, Internet browsing is supposed to provide access to the World Wide Web for an external Wi-Fi device.

This spec is the main indicator of battery life for any battery-powered modem, because it describes the time of using it for its main purpose without recharging. At the same time, you should know that this indicator is measured under certain "perfect" conditions; the actual operating time depends on a number of factors, including the intensity of browsing, the amount of data transferred, the number of connected devices and the distance to them, the cellular network signal strength, etc. Therefore, in fact, the battery life of the modem may be somewhat lower. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to compare different models with each other according to the operating time stated in the specs.