Stay Connected On-The-Go with Unlocked Mobile Hotspots

WRITTEN BY

NETGEAR Team

Pocket WiFi mobile hotspots and WiFi dongles were once synonymous with unreliable connections that were prone to freeze or drop out entirely. Since then, WiFi technology has evolved dramatically, with NETGEAR Nighthawk 5G mobile hotspots leading the change, relegating spotty WiFi to the past, and keeping you online with blazing-fast, reliable, and secure internet connectivity at home and on the road 24/7.

What are Next-Generation Portable WiFi Devices?

Seamless WiFi is a must-have in today’s connected world. Next-generation NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi hotspots offer multi-gigabit speeds, unlocked flexibility for use in 125+ countries, and the latest encrypted security to keep your entire network safe from malicious intrusions. It’s no surprise that Nighthawk mobile hotspots are favourites with savvy networkers worldwide.

There is a growing need for consistent high speed internet for work, school, and home use. Public WiFi can be useful in a pinch, but it can be slow, inconvenient, and possibly corrupted, potentially exposing your important documents or private information. NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 and M6 Pro unlocked pocket WiFi hotspots (mobile hotspots) are the solution, with built-in security and the ability to connect up to 32 devices simultaneously.

Modern Australian households can have dozens of devices and smart home Internet of Things (IoT) applications connected simultaneously. NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 and M6 Pro 5G mobile hotspots are up to the task, with the ability to handle uninterrupted HD video streaming, cloud gaming, and large uploads/downloads. And, when travelling for business or pleasure, you can take your unlocked Nighthawk hotspot with you for networking with family, friends, and colleagues from wherever your travels take you.

Why Choose Nighthawk Hotspots?

Nighthawk M6 (WiFi 6) and M6 Pro (WiFi 6E) hotspots have greater capacity for delivering multi-gigabit speeds even in crowded WiFi spaces and fringe network areas. Here are some significant features and specs that make NETGEAR Nighthawk unlocked pocket WiFi ideal for both business and personal use, at home or on the road.

Mobile WiFi 6/6E Speeds

The fastest available mobile WiFi for work and play, with the latest WiFi standard WiFi 6/6E capability.

International Roaming

Enjoy ultra-fast WiFi in over 125 countries for streaming, conferencing, working, gaming, virtual reality, posting on social media, and more.

Security You Can Trust

Nighthawk encrypted security WiFi is safe, without the risk of having sensitive data exposed on unsecured public WiFi.

Connection Options

Choose wireless connectivity or connect dedicated devices to the Ethernet port for the fastest available internet speeds.

Unlocked Flexibility

Nighthawk 5G Mobile Hotspots are unlocked, giving you the freedom to select a data plan and carrier that suits your style.

Superior Performance

Nighthawk M6 and M6 Pro are perfect for conducting business meetings remotely and connecting in crowded WiFi areas.

Effortless Set-Up

Set up your mobile hotspot in minutes using the LCD touch screen. Easily share access, change settings, and oversee device usage.

Extend WiFi Coverage

Add an external Omnidirectional antenna (compatible with Nighthawk) to boost performance while on the road and in fringe network areas.

Alternative to Home WiFi

If you relocate often, don’t have a landline, or struggle with slow home internet, Nighthawk mobile WiFi could be the solution you are looking for.

Phone Tethering Vs Dedicated Hotspots

With phone tethering, you can use your existing mobile phone and data plan to share an internet connection with Windows and Mac laptops, Apple iPads, or other WiFi devices. With a dedicated WiFi hotspot, you can connect to the closest mobile WiFi tower. The phrase “hotspot” is often used interchangeably when discussing hotspot locations, mobile hotspot devices, and mobile phone tethering.

While Apple iPhones, Android smartphones, Samsung Galaxy, and Huawei phones can act as hotspots, their Mbps capabilities can’t be compared to dedicated Nighthawk hotspot mobile router devices. In addition, NETGEAR mobile WiFi hotspots are security-encrypted to ensure your files and information aren’t compromised by malicious intrusions. Disadvantages of phone tethering include:

• Expense: Most smartphone contract providers lock you into a particular network. Roaming data rates can be costly when travelling outside the service provider’s network.

• Battery Drainage: Mobile phone batteries are quite small and will quickly drain when your phone is being used as a hotspot for meetings, streaming, or uploads, etc.

• Unavailability: You may not be able to use your mobile phone for calls or messaging while it is tethered to the internet.

Limitations: Adding more than one device while tethering will create latency issues. Plus, you run the risk of exceeding your data plan and incurring additional charges.

Using a WiFi Hotspot External Antenna

For greater WiFi range with stronger connectivity, pair your NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 Pro with a NETGEAR Omnidirectional MIMO 3G/4G/5G Antenna (6000451). This offers maximum potential for your devices to receive stronger WiFi signals, broader coverage, and faster speeds in almost any networking environment. This antenna is particularly useful in fringe network areas.
Setup of the omnidirectional antenna is a breeze. Simply plug it into a 3G/4G/5G mobile hotspot for improved coverage in buildings, vehicles, and remote sites. The NETGEAR Omnidirectional Antenna is compatible with models: MR6550, MR1100, MR5100, MR6500, MR6110, LM1200, and other devices with TS-9 or SMA connectors. Here are a few basics for getting the most out of your antenna. Here are a few basics for getting the most out of your antenna.

• The position and aim of the antenna will affect its performance.

• Aim your antenna toward a nearby mobile tower for the best available connection.

• Move the antenna around to find the best position for stronger WiFi reception.

The Omnidirectional MIMO Antenna is specifically designed for compatibility with Nighthawk mobile hotspots. It is the perfect companion for people who travel for business or pleasure, and for people living remotely without cable Ethernet connections or fixed home WiFi.

Mobile Hotspot Security and Performance

Enhanced security is a major advantage of mobile hotspots compared to phone tethering or public WiFi. NETGEAR Nighthawk hotspots use state-of-the-art security encryption that protects you and your network from malicious intruders and other users trying to connect with your mobile data. Portable WiFi routers have a powerful battery for all-day internet use, and you can also connect using an AC power adapter. Depending on your provider, you will have options for limited data, unlimited data, and unlocked device plans. Consider the addition of an external omnidirectional antenna for establishing an even stronger connection.

What is 5G mmWave and 5G Sub-6 GHz WiFi?

5G mobile hotspot technology is becoming common in our daily lives. 5G networks are a huge improvement overall on 4G LTE mobile hotspots. There are two types of 5G, called Sub-6 and mmWave. Sub-6 5G WiFi works on frequencies below 6GHz where 4G, 3G, and 2G have traditionally operated. Meanwhile, WiFi tower upgrades have allowed 5G to work alongside 4G across most of the country.
However, in this scenario, Sub-6 GHz 5G is only marginally faster, working within the constraints of the 4G network.

5G mmWave offers a completely new level of WiFi performance by tapping into higher frequencies ranging from 30GHz to 300GHz. This WiFi network has no relation to the 4G LTE modem router network infrastructure. The 5G mmWave network spectrum delivers blazing-fast speeds and ultra-low latency. 5G mmWave is the power behind multi-gigabit download speeds, 1-millisecond latency, and real-time communications in technology applications. This is where the NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 Pro 5G mmWave WiFi 6E Mobile Hotspot Router comes into the picture.

Unlocked Pocket WiFi Considerations

Mobile WiFi (pocket WiFi) is transforming the way we live and work. However, if you’re planning on purchasing a portable WiFi router device, there are a few things to consider, such as:

• Wireless carrier data cap limitations
• Wireless network availability
• Pocket WiFi router battery life
• 4G LTE and 5G capabilities
• The number of devices you want to connect simultaneously

Extend WiFi Coverage

Add an external Omnidirectional antenna (compatible with Nighthawk) to boost performance while on the road and in fringe network areas.

Alternative to Home WiFi

If you relocate often, don’t have a landline, or struggle with slow home internet, Nighthawk mobile WiFi could be the solution you are looking for.

Wireless Carrier Limitations

Choose a carrier offering coverage for the right price. Some prepaid data plans from Telstra, Vodafone, TP-Link, and others have monthly data caps, or you can choose unlocked pocket WiFi (MiFi) with unlimited data. Some plans cap data rates (speeds) after a certain point. Make sure to read the fine print, particularly if you expect to engage in data-hungry online activities.

Wireless Network Availability

The latest 5G mobile hotspots are powerful, but they have their limitations. Establishing a stable WiFi connection in remote areas and some developing countries can be a challenge. Check your carrier’s network availability map to ascertain expected WiFi coverage in the regions you plan to visit. NETGEAR Nighthawk portable WiFi routers can connect in 125+ countries.

Battery Life

Choose a mobile hotspot with a long-lasting battery. Nighthawk hotspots can connect continuously for up to 13 hours. Smaller WiFi hotspots can have a much shorter battery life, especially if there are multiple connected devices. Carry a spare battery to remain connected 24/7.

4G/5G Capabilities

Some mobile hotspots can handle the latest 5G mmWave technology, while cheaper WiFi hotspots may only be compatible with 4G modem networks. 4G LTE advanced devices are good for many tasks, although they won’t deliver fast 5G WiFi modem speeds. NETGEAR Nighthawk 5G hotspots allow you to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, with performance capabilities on par with the best home mesh WiFi broadband internet plans.

The Number of Connected WiFi Devices

NETGEAR Nighthawk mobile hotspots can connect to 30+ devices in concurrent use. This is a huge improvement on earlier portable WiFi hotspot capability. Whether you connect at work, at home, at school, or while on the road, it makes sense to future-proof your virtual private network with the power of 5G.

M6 Pro vs M6 Side-by-Side

NETGEAR is a WiFi technology leader for all the right reasons, including portable WiFi routers that look great, function seamlessly, and outperform the competition with blazing-fast multi-gigabit speeds.

Nighthawk M6 Pro
WiFi 6E Mobile Hotspot 5G Router
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  • 5G speeds up to 6Gbps, even in crowded areas.
  • Perfect for business trips, holidays, and everyday commutes.
  • Unlocked M6 Pro lets you swap SIM cards and data plans in 125 countries.
  • Seamless and secure connectivity for up to 32 devices.
  • Ultra-fast 2.5 Gig Ethernet port for high bandwidth applications.
  • Up to 90 sq. m. of WiFi coverage, or plug-in coverage potential to 180 sq. m.
  • Encrypted security for your entire private network.
  • Effortless activation, setup, and monitoring using the intuitive touchscreen.
  • Fast charger, with up to 13 hours of battery life.
  • Powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ X65 5G Modem-RF System.
  • Omnidirectional Antenna to boost performance indoors or in fringe network areas.
  • Comprehensive warranty for complete peace of mind.
Nighthawk M6
WiFi 6 Mobile Hotspot 5G Router
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  • Blazing-fast 5G WiFi speeds up to 2.5Gbps.
  • <span style="font-weight: 400;"Certified with major international carrier SIM cards and data plans.
  • A safe alternative to unsecured public WiFi connections.
  • Connectivity for up to 32 devices simultaneously.
  • Up to 90 sq. m. of coverage, or 180 sq. m. with In-Home Performance mode.
  • 1 Gig Ethernet port for a priority connection.
  • Plug and play convenience without complex manual setup.
  • Effortless setup and monitoring using the colour LCD touchscreen.

WiFi on the Go

If you travel often in Australia or internationally, a NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi hotspot with mobile broadband should be on your wishlist. Nighthawk mobile hotspots can connect all your devices and gadgets to the internet from wherever you are. You can even use your hotspot in your car while on the move. Road trips just got a whole lot better with NETGEAR Nighthawk M6 and M6 Pro dual-band mobile WiFi hotspots.

The Future is Now with Nighthawk Portable WiFi

In the past, WiFi users struggled to connect and communicate with mobile hotspot routers that couldn’t deliver the required levels of performance. The technology simply wasn’t up to speed. Those days are now in the past with Nighthawk M6 and M6 Pro mobile wireless 5G technology. Nighthawk can deliver WiFi speeds on par with the best home WiFi systems, with the unlocked freedom to connect from wherever you are.