MiFi

MiFi
For other uses, see Mifi (disambiguation).
A Novatel MiFi 2372 "Intelligent Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot"

MiFi is a line of compact wireless routers produced by Novatel Wireless that act as mobile Wi-Fi hotspots. MiFi stands for 'My Wi-Fi'. The MiFi can be connected to a mobile phone (cellular) carrier and provide internet access for up to 5 devices. The MiFi works at a distance up to 10 m (30ft) and will provide internet or network access to any WiFi enabled peripheral device.

The first MiFi device was introduced in the U.S. in May 2009 by Novatel Wireless,[1] and Novatel owns a registered trademark on the "MiFi" brand name in the U.S.[2] The Novatel MiFi is also marketed as such in the Netherlands, Egypt, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovenia, Qatar, Kuwait, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, South Africa, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico.[3][4][5][6] However, in the United Kingdom, mobile operator 3 owns the "MiFi" trademark and markets a similar device from Huawei under the name.[3][7]

Contents

MiFi (and MiFi-like) devices

Novatel MiFi 2200

  • Limited to 5 Wi-Fi clients such as laptops, cameras, gaming devices and multimedia players; with the exception of manually editing the devices config file to allow more clients.[8]
  • May be connected to a computer via a MicroUSB connection, though doing so disables the Wi-Fi networking, converting the device into a traditional single-client modem. (However, CNET has introduced a tweak to charge the device over USB while maintaining its functionality.)
  • Includes GPS unit.
  • Uses 3G data network (CDMA 1xEVDO RevA).

Novatel MiFi 23xx series

  • Same functionality as 2200, plus:
  • Billed as an "intelligent" mobile hotspot, includes processor and linux-based operating system.[9]
  • Includes an SDK (available here[10]) for development of 3rd party applications to run on-board.[9]
  • Accepts SD card for in-device shared media storage.[9]
  • Uses 3G data network (MiFi 2352: HSUPA/HSDPA 900/1900/2100 MHz, MiFi 2372: HSUPA/HSDPA 850/1900/2100 MHz; both support GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 MHz).

4G MiFi devices

The Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show 2011 saw the introduction of two new 4G capable MiFi devices from Novatel:

  • Verizon Wireless featured the 4510L model, which will connect to Verizon's new LTE 4G network, expected to support 5–12 Mbps download and 2–5 Mbps upload.[11]
  • Sprint featured the MiFi 4082, a WiMAX version.[12]

Both devices maintain backward compatibility with existing 3G networks. Other features include:[13]

  • MiFiOS with widget support
  • MicroSD card slot
  • GPS receiver
  • 4 hour battery life
  • Front panel status display using E Ink technology. The front panel display shows battery, signal strength and number of connected devices. The difficulty of viewing such information was seen as a major shortcoming of earlier MiFi devices.[12]

Non-Novatel devices

Usage around the world

MiFi devices are often co-branded by carriers who offer service for them.

Carriers offering MiFi

  • Netcom in Norway
  • Vodafone in Egypt, Germany, Greece, Spain, Romania, Portugal, the Netherlands, Qatar, New Zealand, Italy, United Kingdom, Ireland, the Czech Republic,India and Australia
  • Zonga in Finland
  • DiGi (3G/EDGE) and YES (WiMAX) in Malaysia
  • MobileOne (M1), StarHub and Singapore Telecoms (SingTel) in Singapore
  • Pelephone in Israel
  • Polkomtel ("Plus") in Poland
  • Vodacom in South Africa
  • SK Telcom and KT in South Korea[15]
  • Telenor in Hungary
  • PCCW in Hong Kong
  • Mobitel in Slovenia
  • SaskTel, Wind Mobile, Bell Mobility, MTS Allstream, Rogers, and Virgin Mobile in Canada
  • Zain in Kuwait
  • Orange and Telefonica Moviles Espana in Spain
  • AT&T, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, Cellular South, Mobi PCS, and Virgin Mobile in the United States
  • 3 in Australia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
  • Internode, via Optus, in Australia
  • Iusacell in Mexico
  • AIS, dtac, True Move, and CAT in Thailand
  • Qatar Telecom ("Qtel") in Qatar
  • T-Mobile and Vodafone (in partnership with The Carphone Warehouse) in United Kingdom (marketed as "Novatel Wireless Intelligent Mobile Hotspot")
  • TruConnect in the United States[16]
  • Inter Communications & a2network in Japan
  • Internode & Virgin Mobile in Australia
  • MTN in Nigeria
  • Hutchison 3G in the United Kingdom and Ireland
  • FarEastTone 3.5G in Taiwan
  • Meteor in Ireland
  • Globe Telecom in Philippines
  • Dialog Axiata in Sri Lanka
  • Vodafone in India

Alternatives

For more details on this topic, see tethering.

Mobile phones with an internet connection can often be turned into Wi-Fi hotspots in a similar way to dedicated MiFi devices. A caveat of doing this however is that it will drain a phone's battery more quickly, so plugging a phone being used this way into an external power source is recommended.

The following phone families have built-in features to create Wi-Fi hotspots:

  • Palm Pixi Plus and Pre Plus on Verizon Wireless,[21] with a 5GB cap

For other phones there are third-party applications to allow this:

  • iPhone 3G and later – MyWi

Awards

  • Novatel MiFi 2200:
    • Mobile Village "Mobile Star" (Portable Remote Connectivity Gear): "Superstar" Award (2009)[24]
    • Laptop Magazine Editor's Choice (2009)[25]
    • PC World "Gear of the Year" (2009)[26]
    • Mobile News "Most Innovative Product (non-handset)" (2010)[27]
  • Novatel MiFi 2352:
    • Plus X Award in Technology (2009)[28]
    • CTIA Emerging Technology Award (Fashion & Lifestyle Products), 1st Place (2009)[29]
    • CTIA "Hot for the Holidays" (Mobile Internet Device or Netbook) Award (2009)[30]
    • CES Innovations Award (Enabling Technologies) Winner (2010)[31]
    • Mobile World Congress "Global Mobile" Award: Best Mobile Connected Device (2010)[32]
  • Novatel 4G MiFi
    • Consumer Electronics Show 2011, Notebook Accessories Category: Best in Show[33]
    • 2010 World Communication Award (WCA) for Best Mobile Device Strategy[33]
    • Mobile Village Mobile Star Award for Best Laptop or Tablet Accessory[33]

MiFi in the news

Security Issues

In January 2010, two major security holes were discovered with the Novatel MiFi 2200 which, if properly exploited, could allow a malicious user to obtain the device's current GPS location and security keys. If the malicious user were physically close enough to use the device's Wi-Fi signal, this could give access to the MiFi's 3G connection as well as any other connected devices.[34] Novatel responded that a security patch would be available in February 2010.[35]

The popularity of MiFi devices can also be problematic for corporate network security. Corporations generally expect to control on-site internet access: many use firewalls to reduce the risk of malware, and some enforce restrictions aimed at employee productivity. Personal mobile hotspots may provide a "back door" by which employees can circumvent these precautions.[36]

Recall

In May 2010, the Mifi 2372 was recalled in Canada by Bell Mobility and Rogers Communications. In two documented cases, difficulty of opening the MiFi battery compartment had caused customers to use levels of force that caused physical damage to the batteries, which subsequently overheated. Novatel replaced the recalled units with a type that featured an easier-to-open battery compartment.

Customers were sent prepaid courier envelopes and instructed to send back their Mifi units for replacement of the battery and battery compartment cover.[37] Customers were notified that Novatel would return the serviced units within 6 to 8 weeks of their return. Bell customers were provided with cellular internet access via Novatel U998 USB sticks, which were provided as temporary replacements by Bell.

Radio interference at trade shows

At two major trade shows in 2010— Google's first public demo of Google TV and the iPhone 4 demonstrations at the 2010 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference— keynote presentations using available Wi-Fi connectivity were disrupted by network unreliability. The problem was traced to massive radio interference, caused by the popularity of MiFi and similar devices for "liveblogging" from the trade show floor. In the case of the Apple conference, Apple CEO Steve Jobs stated that 570 different Wi-Fi networks ("several hundred" being MiFis[38]) were operating simultaneously in the exhibit hall.[39][40]

References

  1. ^ David Pogue (May 6, 2009). "Wi-Fi to Go, No Cafe Needed". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/07/technology/personaltech/07pogue.html?_r=1. Retrieved February 9, 2010. 
  2. ^ "Novatel Wireless Secures Registered Trademark for MiFi". May 4, 2010. http://investor.novatelwireless.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=466151. Retrieved May 4, 2010. 
  3. ^ a b "A Tale Of Two MiFis: 3 Nabs Novatel's Name". eWEEK Europe. September 1, 2009. http://www.eweekeurope.co.uk/news/news-mobile-wireless/a-tale-of-two-mifis-3-nabs-novatels-name-1722. Retrieved June 11, 2011. 
  4. ^ "Centennial First to Launch Novatel Wireless MiFi(TM) 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot in Puerto Rico". Yahoo! News. January 19, 2010. http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Centennial-First-to-Launch-prnews-119904041.html?x=0&.v=1. Retrieved February 9, 2010. 
  5. ^ "Novatel Wireless Builds International Momentum with Industry's First MiFi(TM) Intelligent Mobile Hotspot". Barron's. January 6, 2010. http://online.barrons.com/article/PR-CO-20100106-906769.html. Retrieved February 9, 2010. [dead link]
  6. ^ "CAT Launches Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot in Thailand". Yahoo! News. February 11, 2010. http://finance.yahoo.com/news/CAT-Launches-Novatel-Wireless-prnews-3115476780.html?x=0&.v=1. Retrieved February 11, 2010. 
  7. ^ James Middleton (September 1, 2009). "3UK introduces mobile hotspot". Telecoms.com. http://www.telecoms.com/14054/3uk-to-introduce-mifi-mobile-hotspot. Retrieved February 9, 2010. 
  8. ^ "Novatel Wireless, Inc. – Novatel Wireless Drives New Era of Mobile Broadband with Industry First MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot". Investor.novatelwireless.com. 2008-12-09. http://investor.novatelwireless.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=353263. Retrieved 2010-06-08. 
  9. ^ a b c "Novatel Wireless Announces MiFi(TM) Intelligent Mobile Hotspot Software Platform Readiness". Yahoo! News. January 7, 2010. http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Novatel-Wireless-Announces-prnews-265365199.html?x=0&.v=1. Retrieved February 9, 2010. 
  10. ^ "Welcome to the Novatel Wireless Developer Lounge". Novatelwireless.com. http://www.novatelwireless.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=219&Itemid=545. Retrieved 2010-06-08. 
  11. ^ "Novatel to Launch 4G MiFi". Zachs. Jan 10, 2011. http://www.zacks.com/stock/news/45718/Novatel+to+Launch+4G+MiFi. Retrieved Jan 11, 2011. 
  12. ^ a b Matthew Miller (Jan 4, 2011). "CES: Sprint announces HTC EVO Shift 4G and 3G/4G MiFi devices". ZDNet. http://www.zdnet.com/blog/cell-phones/ces-sprint-announces-htc-evo-shift-4g-and-3g4g-mifi-devices/5214. Retrieved Jan 11, 2011. 
  13. ^ Mark Sullivan (Jan 4, 2011). "Sprint Will Sell a 4G-Friendly MiFi in February". PC World. http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/215519/sprint_will_sell_a_4gfriendly_mifi_in_february.html. Retrieved Jan 11, 2011. 
  14. ^ New MiFi coming soon to Three. Threemediacentre.co.uk (2011-08-17). Retrieved on 2011-11-12.
  15. ^ mificlub.com[dead link]
  16. ^ Contract Free 3G Mobile Internet. TruConnect. Retrieved on 2011-11-12.
  17. ^ "Android 2.2 ‘Froyo’ Features USB, Wi-Fi Tethering", Wired.com
  18. ^ "iOS 4.3 Software Update". Apple. http://www.apple.com/ios/. Retrieved 2011-03-12. 
  19. ^ Dan Moren (2011-03-11). "Hands on with iOS 4.3". Macworld.com. http://www.macworld.com/article/158483/2011/03/firstlook_43.html. Retrieved 2011-03-12. 
  20. ^ Glenn Fleishman (2011-02-22). "Using the Personal Hotspot on your Verizon iPhone". Macworld.com. http://www.macworld.com/article/158058/2011/02/personal_hotspot_verizon.html. Retrieved 2011-03-12. 
  21. ^ "Verizon Wireless offering Palm WiFi hotspot service for free". Fiercebroadbandwireless.com (2010-04-04). Retrieved on 2011-11-12.
  22. ^ JoikuSpot review – Symbian S60 Applications. Know Your Mobile (2009-06-21). Retrieved on 2011-11-12.
  23. ^ Welcome. WMWifiRouter. Retrieved on 2011-11-12.
  24. ^ "2009 Mobile Star Awards™". MobileVillage.com. December 2009. http://www.mobilevillage.com/awards.htm. Retrieved February 25, 2010. 
  25. ^ Michael A. Prospero (May 11, 2009). "MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot (Verizon Wireless): This credit card–size device makes it a cinch to set up a hotspot anywhere, anytime.". Laptop Magazine. http://www.laptopmag.com/review/wifi/mifi-2200-verizon-wireless.aspx. Retrieved February 11, 2010. 
  26. ^ Dan Tynan (January 18, 2009). "Gear of the Year (slide 8)". PC World Magazine. http://www.pcworld.com/article/157851/gear_of_the_year.html. Retrieved February 11, 2010. 
  27. ^ "Mobile News Awards, 2010 Winners". http://www.mobilenewsawards.co.uk/winners/441241/2010_winners.html. Retrieved March 19, 2010. 
  28. ^ "Plus X Awards: The Winners". Plus X Awards. http://www.plusxaward.com/winner.php. Retrieved February 11, 2010. 
  29. ^ "International CTIA WIRELESS 2009® Announces E-Tech Award Winners". April 2, 2009. http://www.ctia.org/media/press/body.cfm/prid/1815. 
  30. ^ "CTIA Hot for the Holidays Award Winners Announced". CTIA: The Wireless Association. October 8, 2009. http://www.ctia.org/media/press/body.cfm/prid/1878. Retrieved February 11, 2010. 
  31. ^ "2010 Innovations Honorees". Consumer Electronics Association. http://www.cesweb.org/awards/innovations/2010honorees.asp. Retrieved February 11, 2010. 
  32. ^ "Mobile World Congress: Global Mobile Awards". GSMA. http://www.mobileworldcongress.com/awards/global_mobile_awards.htm. Retrieved February 22, 2010. 
  33. ^ a b c Chris Burns (Jan 18, 2011). "Novatel Wireless 4G MiFi Wins Best Accessory at CES 2011 and Best Mobile Device Strategy at WCA". SlashGear. http://www.slashgear.com/novatel-wireless-4g-mifi-wins-best-accessory-at-ces-2011-and-best-mobile-device-strategy-at-wca-18127012/. Retrieved July 25, 2011. 
  34. ^ Humberto Saabedra (January 19, 2010). "Major Novatel MiFi Security Holes Discovered". PhoneNews.com. http://www.phonenews.com/major-novatel-mifi-security-holes-discovered-9989/. Retrieved February 9, 2010. 
  35. ^ "MiFi Security FAQ". Novatel Wireless. January 2010. http://nvtl.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=343&Itemid=679. Retrieved February 11, 2010. 
  36. ^ "Burgeoning mobile Wi-Fi hotspots present risks to enterprises". SC Magazine. July 23, 2010. http://www.scmagazineus.com/burgeoning-mobile-wi-fi-hotspots-present-risks-to-enterprises/article/175215/. Retrieved 2010-07-27. 
  37. ^ "Bell and Rogers recall Novatel MiFi 2372". http://smartphonenation.com/2010/05/bell-and-rogers-recall-novatel-mifi-2372/. 
  38. ^ "Steve Jobs 2010 Apple Worldwide Developer Conference Keynote". http://apple.com/quicktime/qtv/wwdc10/. 
  39. ^ Andy Ihnatko (June 8, 2010). "Apple keynote fail. Google keynote fail. It's all good.". Chicago Sun-Times. http://suntimes.com/technology/ihnatko/2367808,ihnatko-apple-iphone-google-keynote-060810.article. Retrieved June 9, 2010. 
  40. ^ "Five Hundred Wi-Fi Networks Walk into a Bar | the Blog | Future Tense with John Moe | American Public Media". Futuretense.publicradio.org. http://futuretense.publicradio.org/blog/index.php?id=677444556. Retrieved 2010-06-08. 

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