Android tablets, iPads,
and other devices are more and more becoming available in different
variations. Thus, often times you can choose whether to purchase a
device that is simply Wi-Fi enabled, or Wi-Fi and 3G/4G
enabled. For people that travel a lot, the 3G/4G option is the obvious
choice, but many consumers choose the Wi-Fi only model, simply because
they are almost always within range of a Wi-Fi network. If you have a
device that is Wi-Fi only, there are still several ways to connect to
3G/4G networks and get internet anywhere.
Alternatively, some devices, such as the Amazon Kindle Fire, are Wi-Fi only, at least for the time being. So, how do we use devices such as the Fire or Wi-Fi only iPad in those situations where internet connectivity is needed, but no Wi-Fi networks are in range, such as when on a road trip? There are three major ways to accomplish this.
If you have a jail broken Android phone, iPhone,
or other smartphone, then it can be tethered for free, using one of
many available apps. If you do not have a jail broken smartphone, but
would like to learn how to jailbreak your particular phone, a basic
Google search for your specific phone with the term “jailbreak” should
turn up plenty of results and tutorials for jail breaking.
Once you jailbreak a smartphone, iPhone for example, you can activate certain features such as Mobile Hotspot, which will turn your phone into a wireless network, which other devices can connect to in order to share the internet. Thus, a Wi-Fi only tablet or device can be tethered to a jail broken smartphone.
Paid Method
If you prefer not to jailbreak your mobile phone, which is
understandable, you can always pay for the tethering service through
your wireless provider. With an added monthly fee, wireless providers
will unlock/activate the tethering function for smartphones. For
example, iPhones ship with the function Mobile Hotspot installed and
included, but wireless providers prevent you from using the function,
unless you are willing to pay extra for it. This is another method that
you can use to connect a Wi-Fi only device to a 3G/4G network.
These devices are standalone and require their own dedicated plan.
However, because they are engineered specifically for one purpose, which
is to provide 3G/4G wireless hotspots, they are the simplest and most effective way to add 3G/4G connectivity to a Wi-Fi only device.
While this solution may not be the most practical for everyone, it is
a way to connect to 3G/4G networks on a strictly Wi-Fi device. If you
have a laptop with 3G/4G capabilities, usually through an add-on 3G/4G
card, you can turn your laptop into a wireless access point, and then connect your iPad
or other tablet to the access point. The main con of this method is,
you must take your laptop with you whenever you want to use the 3G/4G
service.
Thus, you would be commuting with a laptop and a tablet, which many people would not prefer. Using one of the other methods is probably a better recommendation, but this should not be left out as an option, as it does work.
With this method, you would not have to add another device, such as a dedicated 3G/4G device or laptop, to carry with you. Any other recommendations or anything we missed? Do you use tethering or a dedicated mobile hotspot device? Leave a comment!
Alternatively, some devices, such as the Amazon Kindle Fire, are Wi-Fi only, at least for the time being. So, how do we use devices such as the Fire or Wi-Fi only iPad in those situations where internet connectivity is needed, but no Wi-Fi networks are in range, such as when on a road trip? There are three major ways to accomplish this.
Tether to Smartphone
Free Method
Once you jailbreak a smartphone, iPhone for example, you can activate certain features such as Mobile Hotspot, which will turn your phone into a wireless network, which other devices can connect to in order to share the internet. Thus, a Wi-Fi only tablet or device can be tethered to a jail broken smartphone.
Paid Method
Dedicated 3G/4G Devices
Most major wireless providers sell devices that act as a portable router and wireless access point. An example of this would be AT&T’s MiFi Mobile Hotspot.
Tethering to Laptop
Thus, you would be commuting with a laptop and a tablet, which many people would not prefer. Using one of the other methods is probably a better recommendation, but this should not be left out as an option, as it does work.
Hotspots
All three of the above ways to connect a Wi-Fi only device to 3G/4G networks revolves around the same basic concept, which is hotspots. You must have another device that is capable of creating a 3G/4G mobile hotspot, which your Wi-Fi only device can connect to. For most people, smartphone tethering is probably the most practical option, because you already carry your phone with you when you go places.With this method, you would not have to add another device, such as a dedicated 3G/4G device or laptop, to carry with you. Any other recommendations or anything we missed? Do you use tethering or a dedicated mobile hotspot device? Leave a comment!
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