MobileBroadband/WWAN Service and ProvidersCellular-based wireless Internet connections can provide access to the Internet for your laptop when an ethernet connection (wireless or wired) is not available. This type of wireless access is called Wireless Wide Area Networking (WWAN) or MobileBroadBand; it requires both a wireless aircard and a wireless service plan. Connection speeds are generally faster than dial-up connections and slower than ethernet connections; speeds vary depending on global and regional location and proximity to the cell site. Major cities usually have fast connections available. The Lab's three providers of wireless Internet access are Verizon Wireless, AT&T Wireless, and Sprint Wireless. AT&T Wireless cards are international ready. Verizon and Sprint's cards are not. Verizon requires the use of two cards (Xu870/v740 bundle) for domestic and international coverage. Sprint requires a special order card (Sierra Wireless 881U) for international coverage. For more detailed coverage information use the following links: Wireless AircardsVerizon, AT&T and Sprint Wireless services use different protocols, and require aircards specific to their service; an aircard will work only with the service it is designed for. New laptops can be purchased with an integrated internal aircard, specific to one of the three Cellular service providers' networks. If you already own a laptop with a built-in aircard or are considering purchasing one, TSC can set-up and activate wireless service for it. Integrated internal aircards eliminate the need for an external aircard, although they may not always be upgradeable if and when changes are made to a network's hardware or protocols. External wireless aircards come in three types: PCMCIA Type 2 (commonly called "PC Card" or "CardBus PC Card") for older laptops, the ExpressCard for newer laptops, and USB. Most laptops will only accept one of the two card types. Conversion to the ExpressCard standard started in 2005. For more detailed information about Wireless aircards, contact Adams Lee, [email protected], or ext 4966.
---- AT&T Service Wireless Aircards
AT&T Mobile Hotspot Mifi
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