It’s possible to use 3G/4G WiFi router either with built-in support or an external cellular USB dongle, but most people likely do so as a backup solution since fixed broadband Internet is usually cheaper and faster, obviously depending on your location. But things may be different with 5G connectivity as currently announced 5G modems, such as Qualcomm Snapdragon X50 or Samsung Exynos Modem 5100, promise download speeds of up to 5 to 6 Gbps.
D-Link has unveiled 5G NR WiFi 5 gateway for the home market with D-Link DWR-2010 right before CES 2019. The 5G NR enhanced gateway supports download speeds that are over 40 times faster than the average fixed broadband speed of 70 Mbps in the US, so that would be close to 3 Gbps.
D-Link DWR-2010 5G NR enhanced gateway key features:
- 5G connectivity
- Chipset – Qualcomm SDX55 (Snapdragon X55)
- Embedded 5GNR NSA module (3GPP Rel.15)
- Sub-6 GHz or mmWave frequency compatible in 200 MHz (2 x 100 MHz) or 800 MHz (8 x 100 MHz) configurations
- 4x external antennas for LTE/5G NR
- Supports VoLTE
- Ethernet – 1x 2.5 Gbps LAN, 3x Gigabit Ethernet LAN, 1x 1Gbps WAN/LAN
- WiFi
- AC2600 Dual Band Wi-Fi (800 + 1732 Mbps) with MU-MIMO
- Whole home coverage with D-Link Wi-Fi Mesh
- Auto Firmware Upgrade
- Supports Remote Management (TR-069)
According to Raman Bridwell, D-Link vice president of product and services, “this gateway will help more people access that network in more places with the same wireline experience we have today.” I was expecting 5G services to launch in 2019, but if you live in the US in specific cities such as Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, or New Orleans among others, you may also be able to apply for 5G from Verizon or AT&T.
It does not appear you’ll just be able to go in a store or buy it online, and insert your own SIM card however, at least in the US, as the press release mentions customization options for service providers, and that pricing will depend on your preferred service providers. D-Link DWR-2010 will become available in the second half of 2019. More details may eventually become available on the product page.
Via Liliputing
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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