Comparison Huawei E8372 vs ZTE MF90

- USB modem. Modems in the form factor of a USB stick connected to a computer, laptop or other devices through an unoccupied USB port. These can be both the simplest devices for serving one client device (to which the modem is directly connected), and more advanced models with support for working in Wi-Fi networks and the ability to wirelessly distribute the Internet to several gadgets. To access the World Wide Web, USB modems provide a slot for a SIM card.

- Portable router. Mobile routers for Internet access, without fail with a built-in Wi-Fi module. Wi-Fi modems are capable of simultaneously working with several connected devices, in addition, they are battery-powered and can be used completely autonomously - without the need to connect to a computer and a power outlet. It is advisable to use portable routers in cases where a fixed connection to the Internet is difficult or completely absent (in the country, outdoor recreation, as backup equipment for accessing the global network).

The generation(s) of mobile networks supported by the modem.

Note that this spec is rather conditional and generalized, since one generation usually includes several data transmission technologies (see below), and the set of these technologies may vary in different mobile networks and in different modems. Therefore, it is possible to evaluate the compatibility of a device with a specific cellular network using this parameter only approximately. Nevertheless, generation data may well come in handy at the preliminary selection stage: they allow you to at least select the generation you are interested in and then search further among models that are compatible with it.

As for specific generations, today they are as follows:

— 2g. Communication standards of the second generation implemented through mobile networks of the GSM standard. Support GPRS and EDGE transmission technologies. Due to low bandwidth, today they are considered obsolete and are gradually being replaced by the next generations of communication. However, this process is uneven, and in some countries 2G is still the main mobile standard (although everything is moving towards changing this situation). Also note that even the introduction of newer standards does not mean the replacement of GSM — many operators keep this technology as a spare and intended for the simplest mobile phone models. Actually, the second generation in its pure form is pr...actically never found in cellular modems — it complements more advanced standards.

— 3G. Communication technologies of the third generation. Includes W-CDMA, HSUPA, HSDPA, and HSPA+ technologies, and in CDMA networks, EV-DO Rev.A and Rev.B. Significantly outperforms second-generation standards in terms of both pure throughput and additional features. And the data transfer speed itself can be comparable to that of a fixed wired Internet connection, which allows you not only to comfortably browse the web, but also use video calls, listen to streaming audio, etc. However, in fact, the quality of communication depends both on the specific technologies used, on the signal level, and the workload of base stations, etc.

— 4G. The fourth generation of communication, the most advanced to date. It includes WiMAX and LTE technologies, which significantly exceed not only 3G standards in terms of data transfer speed, but also the usual fixed wired Internet connection via Ethernet. However such a connection is not cheap.

The 4G (LTE) mobile connection speed supported by the modem.

All modern LTE equipment is assigned one or another category (Cat.3, Cat.4, Cat.6, Cat.7, Cat.9, Cat.12, Cat.13, Cat.16, Cat.18, Cat.19, Cat.20, Cat.22), on which the transmission speed directly depends. This paragraph specifies both this category and specific speed indicators, moreover, in two parameters — for reception and for transmission. The transmission speed is always much lower, but given the specifics of mobile Internet access, this is usually not critical.

Note that equipment with different speed categories will be quite compatible with each other, however, the throughput will be limited by the capabilities of the slower device. It is also worth saying that this paragraph indicates the theoretical maximum; practical amounts can be noticeably lower (depending on the quality of the network coverage and the features of specific electronics). However, a modem with a higher speed category will perform faster in fact.

— USB plug. The presence in the design of the modem of its own USB plug, which allows you to connect the device to a computer directly. Such a connection provides a device with a USB port with Internet access, and the power necessary for the operation of the modem is also supplied via USB.

— microUSB. A smaller version of the USB connector (see above), used primarily in Wi-Fi modems (see "Type") that can work autonomously and do not require a constant connection to another device. At the same time, in 3G/4G modems, microUSB usually looks like a socket, not a plug, and a special cable is used to connect. This interface usually plays the role of a general-purpose service connector: the battery is charged through it, and it is also connected to a PC or other device to manage settings, update firmware, etc.

— USB. Wired interface, the most common and universal modern standard used to connect peripheral equipment to various electronic devices, ranging from computers to smartphones and even wireless modems. In this case, the full-size version of the USB connector is meant. It is usually installed in classic modems (see "Type") and has the form of a plug, with which the modem is connected to a control device (PC, laptop, tablet, etc.). Power is usually supplied through the same connector.

— USB-C. Connector, in its functional features similar to the paragraph above. With the exception of the symmetrical form factor and the use of more modern technologies.

— LAN (RJ45). Classic wired connection via a cable with an RJ-45 connector. Also known as "LAN". Nowadays, it is one of the most common methods of wired Internet connection, and is also widely used in local networks. With it, you can connect a laptop or PC directly to the modem via a cable and not bother with a Wi-Fi connection. In addition, such a connection can be faster (depending on the speed of the LAN).

— ExpressCard. A connection interface mainly used in laptops. Peripheral devices of this standard, including wireless modems, have the form of cards, when connected, they are installed in a special slot in the device. It should be taken into account that there are two ExpressCard form factors — 54 mm and 34 mm, and 34 mm cards can be used without restrictions with 54 mm slots, but not vice versa. Therefore, when choosing such a modem, it is worth clarifying the correspondence of its form factor to the planned slot. However, this standard is gradually disappearing from the scene, being replaced by more advanced interfaces — in particular, USB 3.0.

The presence of a connector for an external removable antenna in the modem design. The meaning of all external antennas is described above; here we note that the connector makes it possible to use rather large antennas with the modem, which significantly exceed the capabilities of stock antennas (both internal and external non-removable ones). In addition, the user can choose the antenna at his discretion.

The ability to connect the MIMO antenna (the antenna itself, usually, must be purchased separately).

MIMO technology is used in Wi-Fi communications, as well as in 4G LTE networks (starting with Cat.2). Its general principle is to split the transmitted signal into several transmitting and receiving antennas; at the same time, each of the transmitting antennas broadcasts a signal to all receiving antennas at once (or at least to several of them). This format of operation allows more efficient use of the frequency range, increases the actual data transfer rate, and also increases resistance to interference. But antennas for MIMO are rather bulky, in the case of modems it is difficult to make them built-in; and such feature is required not so often. Therefore, separate external antennas are used to work with this technology.

Note that even in portable Wi-Fi hotspots (see "Type"), this feature is used exclusively for 4G/LTE; Wi-Fi connection is provided by built-in antennas.

The presence of a built-in battery in the modem. Relevant for models with Wi-Fi support. Such modems are designed to be used as stand-alone equipment and do not require a wired connection to a control or power device such as a PC or laptop. This ensures maximum mobility. On the other hand, the battery charge is not infinite: it usually lasts for several hours (see paragraphs about the operating time in different modes), after which the battery still needs to be charged. In addition, the presence of built-in batteries significantly affects the dimensions, weight, and most importantly, the price of modems.

The capacity of the battery installed in the modem with the corresponding type of power supply (see below).

The higher the capacity, the longer the battery is able to work without recharging, all other things being equal. However, note that the situation of "other things being equal" is almost not found in modern wireless modems. First, different data transmission technologies (see above) have different power consumption; secondly, even models supporting the same standards can differ in power consumption (and battery life) due to design differences. Therefore, this indicator in most cases is purely reference information, and even very similar models can only be compared approximately. When choosing, it is worth focusing primarily on the claimed specs of the battery life (see below).