Mobile internet routers from FRITZ!

A mobile network router with LTE or 5G brings the internet into the home network via the mobile network. Instead of via DSL or cable, the connection is established with the SIM card – a practical solution when classic connections are lacking, mobile work is demanded, or you need a flexible supplement.

An LTE or 5G router works with the same technology as a normal wireless router, except that it dials in directly to the mobile network. For this a SIM card is inserted, the router connects to the closest mobile mast and distributes the data to all devices in the household via Wi-Fi or LAN. What is particularly practical is that mobile network routers work independently of their location: They are ideal in regions without a fast internet connection, for mobile working from home or on the go, or as a safe backup whenever networks fail. Current models like the FRITZ!Box 6860 5G achieve gigabit speeds and make surfing, streaming and working as convenient as with the landline.

A mobile network router connects you with the internet via the mobile network – not over a fixed line. You insert a SIM card, and the router establishes the data connection and provides your home network via Wi-Fi and LAN. An LTE router uses 4G/LTE, while a 5G router uses the faster 5G network.

Routers that use SIM cards are equipped with a mobile network modem, which – depending on the device – logs into the LTE or 5G network at the nearest mast. The internet connection thus enters the home wirelessly, while DSL or fibre optic devices require a phone or fibre optic socket. An LTE router makes for broad availability and solid speeds for surfing, streaming and video calls; a 5G network provides considerably higher speed and generally lower latency, as long as 5G coverage is available at the location. The benefits: fast start without installing lines, flexible use at home, at a holiday house or on the go.

What's important to keep in mind: 5G models can generally switch to LTE if no 5G is available, but pure LTE devices do not receive 5G.

A router with an SIM card is suitable for anyone who wants to go online independently of a fixed connection. It is especially practical in regions without access to fast DSL or fibre optics, in an RV on the road, or as an additional backup for everyday use.

A SIM card router offers internet anywhere there's mobile reception. In the countryside it may be the only way to get stable internet where DSL and fibre optics are not available. For weekend cottages, holiday flats or camping vehicles it is a flexible solution that works right away – insert the SIM card, turn the router on, done! Companies also frequently use SIM routers as a backup so that the internet connection remains stable during outages. This makes a router with a SIM card a versatile solution for every day, leisure, and work, which always gets you online when flexible availability is key.

An LTE router uses the 4G mobile network, while a 5G router connects using the newer, faster 5G standard. While LTE is widespread and sufficient for many everyday applications, 5G offers higher speeds and lower latency – as long as the network is strong at your location.

With an LTE router you achieve high download rates, which is completely sufficient for surfing, HD streaming or video conferences. A 5G router can do significantly more: Under ideal conditions, gigabit speeds are possible, and the low latency makes it especially suitable for working from home, online gaming or cloud services. However, 5G coverage is still not available everywhere – some regions have only LTE/4G. 5G routers can generally switch to the LTE network automatically if no 5G is available. This means you stay flexible, while the technology in a pure LTE router is restricted to 4G. So if you want to go online reliably right away, an LTE router is a sure bet. If you are looking for maximum speed and want to ensure that your home network is stable and future-proof, a 5G router is worth it wherever the new technology is available.

An LTE or 5G router delivers its best performance when it is positioned and configured optimally. Reception and speed are strongly dependent on the device's location – minor adjustments can have a major effect.

Where possible, position the FRITZ!Box wherever the mobile network signal is strongest, for instance, near the window or in room on a higher storey. Avoid placing the router behind thick walls or in a cabinet, since these can significantly weaken the signal. Models like the FRITZ!Box 6850 5G or FRITZ!Box 6850 LTE have connections for external mobile antennas. Such antennas can be mounted on the exterior of the building and directed toward the next transmission tower – this can significantly improve the data rate and stability.

Even moving the position by a few meters or using an exterior antenna can increase speed. Within the home network, the integrated Mesh Wi-Fi ensures that the high bandwidth is distributed efficiently and arrives even in the furthest rooms. With these simple steps you can get the most of your mobile network router – over LTE/4G or 5G.

A router with a SIM card only works as well as the package you contracted. Pay attention to the following to make sure that your internet runs stably and smoothly over LTE or 5G:

1. Check network coverage – find out which provider has the strongest signal at your location. A cheap package is no deal if your reception is weak. A short check with the smartphone can show you which network is best at your location.
2. Data volume and speed – for occasional surfing a small package is enough, but for sustained working at home, streaming or multiple users, you should select a flat rate or a contract with lots of data included. Also note whether the full speed over LTE or 5G is available, or whether the rate is reduced after a certain volume is reached.
3. Kind of contract – think about how flexible you want to be. If you use the router all the time, a fixed-term contract is usually more economical. For transitional solutions, travelling or the RV, prepaid or offers that can be cancelled on a monthly basis are often a better deal.
4. Ensure compatibility – Make sure that your package supports the desired network technology (5G for a 5G router, LTE for an LTE router). Also make sure to get the right SIM format (nano, micro, mini) – you can usually request the format needed from your provider. FRITZ!Box models can generally be used with all providers.

So find the SIM card best suited to your use – no matter whether you occasionally surf or constantly operate your home network over the mobile network.

A mobile network router with LTE or 5G is just as secure as a classic DSL or fibre optic router. All data are transmitted in encrypted form, and the devices are equipped with a firewall, secure Wi-Fi and regular updates.

LTE and 5G routers both establish their internet connections using the protected mobile network. An integrated firewall further ensures that unwanted access from outside is blocked. The Wi-Fi network is encrypted with WPA3/2 by default, so that your devices are always integrated securely. Many models like the FRITZ!Box 6860 5G offer additional extras like Wi-Fi guest access, parental controls and schedules for controlling access in the home network. The SIM card protection also plays a role – an activated PIN prevents anyone from using the card in another device without permission. FRITZ!Box models also receive regular updates to FRITZ!OS, which improve security and functions in the long term. Thus a mobile network router not only lets you go online flexibly, but also offers maximum protection.