Comments on: Hello Sprint MiFi, Goodbye Cradlepoint

By: Brodie

Brodie — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 05:23:51 +0000

Is it possible to take the wireless signal from the Mifi and convert it to an ethernet wired connection so that I can network my printer into a router? I would greatly appreciate a reply to brodiestephens@sbcglobal.net.

Thanks.

By: Johno413

Johno413 — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:19:43 +0000

For what it’s worth, I purchased a charge-only USB to microUSB cable for my phone before I got my Mifi (Sprint). When this cable is plugged in, I assume the Mifi doesn’t see any comm effort so stays in Wifi mode. It works just fine as a hotspot while connected to my computer to charge. Brand is Rocketfish and I bought it at a big box electronics retailer.

Also, perhaps because I upgraded an older plan with a PC card modem, I still have unlimited bandwidth for ~$60.

By: Dave Zatz

Dave Zatz — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:59:59 +0000

Geoff, both Sprint and Verizon run at EVDO rev. A speeds. (Both also have a 5GB cap.) Your speeds seem slow, so I’d imagine it’s antenna placement or network saturation in that location. Have you tried others?

By: Geoff

Geoff — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 23:44:16 +0000

Andrew, thanks for that info…it finally validates my actual experience. I have a place in Big Bear Lake, CA not accessible to DSL. Been using different Verizon wireless braodband devices over the last few years. A recent guest brought along his Sprint mifi card and had d/l speeds around 1.3. My eyes almost bugged out since my Verizon usb device was lucky to d/l above 250 kps.

As I was jumping to Sprint, I learned about the “identical” Verizon model. To keep my business, Verizon sent me a Mifi 2200 as a courtesy upgrade. While it is faster then my previous USB device, I’m lucky to get a d/l speed of 400 kps (vs my friend’s 1.3 mb with Sprint).

Another oddity, regardless of where we put his card, it still had fast speeds. To get the best speed, I have to move my Wifi to the southern most rooms. (likely due to granite formations/topograhy of the area) This is just like my other Verzion broadband devices. This doesn’t make sense…if both devices are receiving signal from Verizon’s towers, why doesn’t the Sprint Mifi device behave the same way?

While the two Wifi devices look the same & have the same 2200 model number, their real life performance is very different.

Verizon does not have a 5gb max. This makes a tough choice…stay with Verizon’s slower speed with no data limits or go with Sprint’s faster service under the 5gb limit? Perhaps Verizon requires Sprint’s 5gb limit as a way to even the playing field?

Andrew, any talk of Verizon kicking up their network speed anytime soon?

By: Alec

Alec — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:36:59 +0000

Alright, I recently purchased a Mifi about a month ago, and cancelled my other internet provider. Now my work computer will not receive the internet, also my son is complaining about his xbox live not working, any help? Can i make it connect to a router then plug the xbox/computer into the router?

Thanks.

By: andrew

andrew — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:28:58 +0000

i actually sell these devices and the sprint mifi is better then the verizon mifi. The reason is because sprints network, even though its advertised at 3g, actually runs at 3.5g connection while the verizon network still runs at 3g. It doesnt sound like a huge difference but on sprints network downloads are about 150% of verizons. As for charging it, if you charge it through usb it will only act as a standard modem(non-wireless), but if you charge through the wall it will still operate the same as it would just off of the battery. The battery life is between 2 and 2.5 hrs if only one device is being used. In order to add a second, third, ex. person onto the device all they need is the network key that was set up on the device. They will be asked to enter the key when they try to connect to the device.

By: John

John — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:15:28 +0000

…Just read that there are no external antenna options or connectors on the MiFi.

By: Dave Zatz

Dave Zatz — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:37:56 +0000

John, WiFi is only disabled when the MiFi is tethered to a computer. It basically acts as a ‘normal’ aircard at that point.

The MiFi has one port, a microUSB jack – used for charging and/or tethering. There are no other ports, including an antenna option as you discovered. Because it’s also a WiFi access point, I usually just leave the MiFi on a windowsill if I have poor indoor reception.