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MiFi6620L and MHS291L Differences And WiFi Signal Strength
DiplomatDave
Newbie
‎10-11-2014 08:08 AM

Am considering moving from a MiFi4620L to a MiFi6620L or MHS291L.  Looking at the specs and features of both does little to distinguish one from the other.

One of the three reviews existing today (10-11-2014) on the MiFi6620L points to a weakness that we already experience with the MiFi4620L - weak WiFi signal strength.  That is to say, our individual devices have difficulty maintaining contact with the hotspot when they get more than a few feet away.  The smart phones (Galaxy S3) have to be in the same room as the MiFi4620L to maintain a reliable WiFi connection though lap tops work well at 25-ish feet.

We tried an antenna for the MiFi4620L but it did not help WiFi connectivity.  It did marginally improve connectivity to the Verizon 4G LTE network.

Does anyone know from experience if the MHS291L has a "good", whatever that means, WiFi signal?  In other words, will your smart phones or tablets stay connected to the MHS291L within a respectable radius - say 50 feet?

Thanks,

Dave

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Re: MiFi6620L and MHS291L Differences And WiFi Signal Strength
7e18n1
Specialist - Level 3
‎10-12-2014 05:00 AM

Unless you have a need for 5 Ghz or global functionality, you already have Wi-Fi as good as it gets with a Jetpack. If improving Wi-Fi is the goal then you’ll fair better by bridging Wi-Fi to Ethernet (or USB tethering) to a modern wireless router. One of the Pepwave or Craddlepoint wireless routers from the 3GStore.com for use with your 4620L is worth considering.

Pantech has filed for bankruptcy meaning the availability of new MHS291L may soon disappear. Verizon has refrubs available, but for a new one try eBay. The MHS291L is older whereas the Novatel Mifi6620L has just recently been released and not much is known about it beyond the reviews.

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Re: MiFi6620L and MHS291L Differences And WiFi Signal Strength
7e18n1
Specialist - Level 3
‎10-12-2014 05:00 AM

Unless you have a need for 5 Ghz or global functionality, you already have Wi-Fi as good as it gets with a Jetpack. If improving Wi-Fi is the goal then you’ll fair better by bridging Wi-Fi to Ethernet (or USB tethering) to a modern wireless router. One of the Pepwave or Craddlepoint wireless routers from the 3GStore.com for use with your 4620L is worth considering.

Pantech has filed for bankruptcy meaning the availability of new MHS291L may soon disappear. Verizon has refrubs available, but for a new one try eBay. The MHS291L is older whereas the Novatel Mifi6620L has just recently been released and not much is known about it beyond the reviews.

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Re: MiFi6620L and MHS291L Differences And WiFi Signal Strength
DiplomatDave
Newbie
‎10-12-2014 06:58 AM

Thanks, 7e18n1.  What you say makes sense.  I've been unable to uncover a Verizon-compatible hotspot that would improve on the MiFi4620L's performance with any degree of certainty.  I thought a signal "booster" might work and tried a Wilson Sleek 4G.  It does boost the cellphone signal but did nothing for the data signal.

I'll research the wireless router option further.

Thanks again,

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Re: MiFi6620L and MHS291L Differences And WiFi Signal Strength
7e18n1
Specialist - Level 3
‎10-12-2014 11:24 AM

You’re welcome! According to the website, Verizon does have new Pantech MHS291L devices.

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