usb modem vs hotspot

[NENE]

can someone tell me the difference between a USB  modem and a hotspot?

I need to be able to connect several laptops to the web and  the USB doesnt do that.

[PaulK8RIP · Accepted solution]

The hot spot allows you to connect multiple devices.  There is no physical connection to any computer. It acts like a WiFi at a hotel or coffee shop.  After you set the hot spot up, you can connect using your computers wireless network connection.  Paul

[NENE]

Thanks Paul, so I need to change the USB modem to a hotspot!!! then I can have all the computers connecting to the web.

[JoeL_VZW]

Great answer Paul.

One other point I'd like to give is our sites got great information about hot spots. Please click here to see the information.

Thank you

[Shreddi]

Is the USB modem cell wireless connection only difference is you can plug into usb port like the iphone teathered?   Can the usb modem be used with router?  Is there a device that will connect computer without wifi card via usb and act as hotspot too?  like the iphone does?  Im not a fan of apple but notice they do all that.  Thanks much.

[dimap52]

Shreddi wrote:

Is the USB modem cell wireless connection only difference is you can plug into usb port like the iphone teathered?   Yes.

Can the usb modem be used with router? Yes, but you need a router that supports USB cell modem connection. Normal Wi-Fi routers only support cable modems over Ethernet or USB connections. These routers can be obtained via third party vendors, like 3GStore.com.

  Is there a device that will connect computer without wifi card via usb and act as hotspot too?  like the iphone does?  Im not a fan of apple but notice they do all that.  Thanks much. Some of the hotspots can act as USB modems too. I believe the old 3G hotspot could, and I have read in the manual that the current Novatel that verizon sells can also act as a USB modem when tethered to the computer, but it is a bit tricky to set up and doesn't function that way out of the box.

[evdotech]

The problems with hotspots while convenient they have no Ethernet port and if your going to use another router with the Hotspot like WIFI as WAN you are going to get a double NAT, Something you want to avoid especially with gaming, or even behind a sonic wall etc. 

However if your just going to use your hotspot for the occasional email access and web page viewing than a hotspot would be convenient.