How do you connect a PC to a mobile network?
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Using a SIM card, and a SIM card reader, what other equipment do you need to connect a computer that doesn't have support for cellular connectivity to a cellular network?
My understanding of SIM cards and mobile networks is that they are simply smart cards that only authenticate your access to a mobile network and that the cellular device is what actually facilitates the mobile connection.
wireless-networking
asked Nov 16 at 4:04
DaMaxContent
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up vote
5
down vote
favorite
Using a SIM card, and a SIM card reader, what other equipment do you need to connect a computer that doesn't have support for cellular connectivity to a cellular network?
My understanding of SIM cards and mobile networks is that they are simply smart cards that only authenticate your access to a mobile network and that the cellular device is what actually facilitates the mobile connection.
wireless-networking
asked Nov 16 at 4:04
DaMaxContent
1264
New contributor
DaMaxContent is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Most people connect a computer to a cellular network using a WiFi mobile hotspot.
– Appleoddity
Nov 16 at 4:28
Well, yes, but the "mobile hotspot" is still just a cellular modem regardless of its shape.
– grawity
Nov 16 at 9:24
It's a bit unusual to have a SIM card reader not part of a modem. Are you sure you don't actually have a modem that includes that reader?
– jcaron
Nov 16 at 15:43
add a comment |
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
Using a SIM card, and a SIM card reader, what other equipment do you need to connect a computer that doesn't have support for cellular connectivity to a cellular network?
My understanding of SIM cards and mobile networks is that they are simply smart cards that only authenticate your access to a mobile network and that the cellular device is what actually facilitates the mobile connection.
wireless-networking
asked Nov 16 at 4:04
DaMaxContent
1264
New contributor
DaMaxContent is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Using a SIM card, and a SIM card reader, what other equipment do you need to connect a computer that doesn't have support for cellular connectivity to a cellular network?
My understanding of SIM cards and mobile networks is that they are simply smart cards that only authenticate your access to a mobile network and that the cellular device is what actually facilitates the mobile connection.
wireless-networking
wireless-networking
asked Nov 16 at 4:04
DaMaxContent
1264
New contributor
DaMaxContent is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked Nov 16 at 4:04
DaMaxContent
1264
New contributor
DaMaxContent is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked Nov 16 at 4:04
DaMaxContent
1264
New contributor
DaMaxContent is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked Nov 16 at 4:04
DaMaxContent
1264
asked Nov 16 at 4:04
DaMaxContent
1264
1264
New contributor
DaMaxContent is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
DaMaxContent is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
DaMaxContent is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Most people connect a computer to a cellular network using a WiFi mobile hotspot.
– Appleoddity
Nov 16 at 4:28
Well, yes, but the "mobile hotspot" is still just a cellular modem regardless of its shape.
– grawity
Nov 16 at 9:24
It's a bit unusual to have a SIM card reader not part of a modem. Are you sure you don't actually have a modem that includes that reader?
– jcaron
Nov 16 at 15:43
add a comment |
Most people connect a computer to a cellular network using a WiFi mobile hotspot.
– Appleoddity
Nov 16 at 4:28
Well, yes, but the "mobile hotspot" is still just a cellular modem regardless of its shape.
– grawity
Nov 16 at 9:24
It's a bit unusual to have a SIM card reader not part of a modem. Are you sure you don't actually have a modem that includes that reader?
– jcaron
Nov 16 at 15:43
Most people connect a computer to a cellular network using a WiFi mobile hotspot.
– Appleoddity
Nov 16 at 4:28
Most people connect a computer to a cellular network using a WiFi mobile hotspot.
– Appleoddity
Nov 16 at 4:28
Well, yes, but the "mobile hotspot" is still just a cellular modem regardless of its shape.
– grawity
Nov 16 at 9:24
Well, yes, but the "mobile hotspot" is still just a cellular modem regardless of its shape.
– grawity
Nov 16 at 9:24
It's a bit unusual to have a SIM card reader not part of a modem. Are you sure you don't actually have a modem that includes that reader?
– jcaron
Nov 16 at 15:43
It's a bit unusual to have a SIM card reader not part of a modem. Are you sure you don't actually have a modem that includes that reader?
– jcaron
Nov 16 at 15:43
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
Nowadays most people use an LTE personal Wi-Fi hotspot, or enable the personal hotspot or tethering feature of their smartphone.
If you don't want a separate device with its own power to manage, then you need a cellular radio card (a.k.a. "wireless modem", "LTE modem", "LTE USB stick" etc. ). You can buy them from Sierra Wireless, Novatel, ZTE, Huawei, and others. They cost as low as $25 US. It's a different radio technology than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It's probably best to contact your wireless carrier and ask if they have a preferred USB LTE modem for their network. The modem will have its own SIM card slot.
answered Nov 16 at 5:42
Spiff
75.9k10116158
7
Hm... on amazon.com, an LTE USB stick goes for 20-50 US$. Where did you get the $200 figure?
– sleske
Nov 16 at 11:25
1
Also many high-end Lenovo and Dell laptops have LTE build-in modems nowadays. In that case You just need to check where the SIM card slot is.
– Skipper
Nov 16 at 12:34
It sounds like the question is looking for something even more basic as the machine already has a SIM card reader.
– kasperd
Nov 16 at 15:12
1
@sleske Thanks, fixed. I think I was only looking at the longstanding brands I trust and not the recent import brands.
– Spiff
Nov 16 at 15:36
@kasperd A SIM card is just a smart card variant that the wireless telephony industry adopted, and I've seen people confuse the two before, so I figured OP just had a smart card reader and he didn't realize it had nothing to do with wireless data service.
– Spiff
Nov 16 at 15:40
|
show 1 more comment
up vote
4
down vote
You need a mobile hotspot, or a cellular modem. Both devices connect to a cellular network and need a data plan from that cellular provider.
answered Nov 16 at 5:33
Keltari
48.7k17112161
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
Nowadays most people use an LTE personal Wi-Fi hotspot, or enable the personal hotspot or tethering feature of their smartphone.
If you don't want a separate device with its own power to manage, then you need a cellular radio card (a.k.a. "wireless modem", "LTE modem", "LTE USB stick" etc. ). You can buy them from Sierra Wireless, Novatel, ZTE, Huawei, and others. They cost as low as $25 US. It's a different radio technology than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It's probably best to contact your wireless carrier and ask if they have a preferred USB LTE modem for their network. The modem will have its own SIM card slot.
answered Nov 16 at 5:42
Spiff
75.9k10116158
7
Hm... on amazon.com, an LTE USB stick goes for 20-50 US$. Where did you get the $200 figure?
– sleske
Nov 16 at 11:25
1
Also many high-end Lenovo and Dell laptops have LTE build-in modems nowadays. In that case You just need to check where the SIM card slot is.
– Skipper
Nov 16 at 12:34
It sounds like the question is looking for something even more basic as the machine already has a SIM card reader.
– kasperd
Nov 16 at 15:12
1
@sleske Thanks, fixed. I think I was only looking at the longstanding brands I trust and not the recent import brands.
– Spiff
Nov 16 at 15:36
@kasperd A SIM card is just a smart card variant that the wireless telephony industry adopted, and I've seen people confuse the two before, so I figured OP just had a smart card reader and he didn't realize it had nothing to do with wireless data service.
– Spiff
Nov 16 at 15:40
|
show 1 more comment
up vote
7
down vote
Nowadays most people use an LTE personal Wi-Fi hotspot, or enable the personal hotspot or tethering feature of their smartphone.
If you don't want a separate device with its own power to manage, then you need a cellular radio card (a.k.a. "wireless modem", "LTE modem", "LTE USB stick" etc. ). You can buy them from Sierra Wireless, Novatel, ZTE, Huawei, and others. They cost as low as $25 US. It's a different radio technology than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It's probably best to contact your wireless carrier and ask if they have a preferred USB LTE modem for their network. The modem will have its own SIM card slot.
answered Nov 16 at 5:42
Spiff
75.9k10116158
7
Hm... on amazon.com, an LTE USB stick goes for 20-50 US$. Where did you get the $200 figure?
– sleske
Nov 16 at 11:25
1
Also many high-end Lenovo and Dell laptops have LTE build-in modems nowadays. In that case You just need to check where the SIM card slot is.
– Skipper
Nov 16 at 12:34
It sounds like the question is looking for something even more basic as the machine already has a SIM card reader.
– kasperd
Nov 16 at 15:12
1
@sleske Thanks, fixed. I think I was only looking at the longstanding brands I trust and not the recent import brands.
– Spiff
Nov 16 at 15:36
@kasperd A SIM card is just a smart card variant that the wireless telephony industry adopted, and I've seen people confuse the two before, so I figured OP just had a smart card reader and he didn't realize it had nothing to do with wireless data service.
– Spiff
Nov 16 at 15:40
|
show 1 more comment
up vote
7
down vote
up vote
7
down vote
Nowadays most people use an LTE personal Wi-Fi hotspot, or enable the personal hotspot or tethering feature of their smartphone.
If you don't want a separate device with its own power to manage, then you need a cellular radio card (a.k.a. "wireless modem", "LTE modem", "LTE USB stick" etc. ). You can buy them from Sierra Wireless, Novatel, ZTE, Huawei, and others. They cost as low as $25 US. It's a different radio technology than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It's probably best to contact your wireless carrier and ask if they have a preferred USB LTE modem for their network. The modem will have its own SIM card slot.
answered Nov 16 at 5:42
Spiff
75.9k10116158
Nowadays most people use an LTE personal Wi-Fi hotspot, or enable the personal hotspot or tethering feature of their smartphone.
If you don't want a separate device with its own power to manage, then you need a cellular radio card (a.k.a. "wireless modem", "LTE modem", "LTE USB stick" etc. ). You can buy them from Sierra Wireless, Novatel, ZTE, Huawei, and others. They cost as low as $25 US. It's a different radio technology than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It's probably best to contact your wireless carrier and ask if they have a preferred USB LTE modem for their network. The modem will have its own SIM card slot.
answered Nov 16 at 5:42
Spiff
75.9k10116158
edited Nov 16 at 15:35
answered Nov 16 at 5:42
Spiff
75.9k10116158
answered Nov 16 at 5:42
Spiff
75.9k10116158
answered Nov 16 at 5:42
Spiff
75.9k10116158
75.9k10116158
7
Hm... on amazon.com, an LTE USB stick goes for 20-50 US$. Where did you get the $200 figure?
– sleske
Nov 16 at 11:25
1
Also many high-end Lenovo and Dell laptops have LTE build-in modems nowadays. In that case You just need to check where the SIM card slot is.
– Skipper
Nov 16 at 12:34
It sounds like the question is looking for something even more basic as the machine already has a SIM card reader.
– kasperd
Nov 16 at 15:12
1
@sleske Thanks, fixed. I think I was only looking at the longstanding brands I trust and not the recent import brands.
– Spiff
Nov 16 at 15:36
@kasperd A SIM card is just a smart card variant that the wireless telephony industry adopted, and I've seen people confuse the two before, so I figured OP just had a smart card reader and he didn't realize it had nothing to do with wireless data service.
– Spiff
Nov 16 at 15:40
|
show 1 more comment
7
Hm... on amazon.com, an LTE USB stick goes for 20-50 US$. Where did you get the $200 figure?
– sleske
Nov 16 at 11:25
1
Also many high-end Lenovo and Dell laptops have LTE build-in modems nowadays. In that case You just need to check where the SIM card slot is.
– Skipper
Nov 16 at 12:34
It sounds like the question is looking for something even more basic as the machine already has a SIM card reader.
– kasperd
Nov 16 at 15:12
1
@sleske Thanks, fixed. I think I was only looking at the longstanding brands I trust and not the recent import brands.
– Spiff
Nov 16 at 15:36
@kasperd A SIM card is just a smart card variant that the wireless telephony industry adopted, and I've seen people confuse the two before, so I figured OP just had a smart card reader and he didn't realize it had nothing to do with wireless data service.
– Spiff
Nov 16 at 15:40
7
7
Hm... on amazon.com, an LTE USB stick goes for 20-50 US$. Where did you get the $200 figure?
– sleske
Nov 16 at 11:25
Hm... on amazon.com, an LTE USB stick goes for 20-50 US$. Where did you get the $200 figure?
– sleske
Nov 16 at 11:25
1
1
Also many high-end Lenovo and Dell laptops have LTE build-in modems nowadays. In that case You just need to check where the SIM card slot is.
– Skipper
Nov 16 at 12:34
Also many high-end Lenovo and Dell laptops have LTE build-in modems nowadays. In that case You just need to check where the SIM card slot is.
– Skipper
Nov 16 at 12:34
It sounds like the question is looking for something even more basic as the machine already has a SIM card reader.
– kasperd
Nov 16 at 15:12
It sounds like the question is looking for something even more basic as the machine already has a SIM card reader.
– kasperd
Nov 16 at 15:12
1
1
@sleske Thanks, fixed. I think I was only looking at the longstanding brands I trust and not the recent import brands.
– Spiff
Nov 16 at 15:36
@sleske Thanks, fixed. I think I was only looking at the longstanding brands I trust and not the recent import brands.
– Spiff
Nov 16 at 15:36
@kasperd A SIM card is just a smart card variant that the wireless telephony industry adopted, and I've seen people confuse the two before, so I figured OP just had a smart card reader and he didn't realize it had nothing to do with wireless data service.
– Spiff
Nov 16 at 15:40
@kasperd A SIM card is just a smart card variant that the wireless telephony industry adopted, and I've seen people confuse the two before, so I figured OP just had a smart card reader and he didn't realize it had nothing to do with wireless data service.
– Spiff
Nov 16 at 15:40
|
show 1 more comment
up vote
4
down vote
You need a mobile hotspot, or a cellular modem. Both devices connect to a cellular network and need a data plan from that cellular provider.
answered Nov 16 at 5:33
Keltari
48.7k17112161
add a comment |
up vote
4
down vote
You need a mobile hotspot, or a cellular modem. Both devices connect to a cellular network and need a data plan from that cellular provider.
answered Nov 16 at 5:33
Keltari
48.7k17112161
add a comment |
up vote
4
down vote
up vote
4
down vote
You need a mobile hotspot, or a cellular modem. Both devices connect to a cellular network and need a data plan from that cellular provider.
answered Nov 16 at 5:33
Keltari
48.7k17112161
You need a mobile hotspot, or a cellular modem. Both devices connect to a cellular network and need a data plan from that cellular provider.
answered Nov 16 at 5:33
Keltari
48.7k17112161
answered Nov 16 at 5:33
Keltari
48.7k17112161
answered Nov 16 at 5:33
Keltari
48.7k17112161
answered Nov 16 at 5:33
Keltari
48.7k17112161
48.7k17112161
add a comment |
add a comment |
DaMaxContent is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
DaMaxContent is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
DaMaxContent is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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Most people connect a computer to a cellular network using a WiFi mobile hotspot.
– Appleoddity
Nov 16 at 4:28
Well, yes, but the "mobile hotspot" is still just a cellular modem regardless of its shape.
– grawity
Nov 16 at 9:24
It's a bit unusual to have a SIM card reader not part of a modem. Are you sure you don't actually have a modem that includes that reader?
– jcaron
Nov 16 at 15:43