Eta modem. Yota modem: settings and testing. Let's disassemble the new mobile modem router on the lte network in parts

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Yota is a young provider that provides 100% unlimited mobile and home Internet. In addition, not so long ago, it began expanding voice communication services to almost all regions of the country.

The operator’s range of offers includes not only services, but also branded goods. The online store offers compact ETA modems complete with SIM cards. They differ in appearance, size, purpose, cost, and what the devices have in common is a high speed of data reception/transmission. A brief overview of Yota Modems models is presented below.

USB modem Iota

• This model is the simplest and visually resembles a small keychain. Its main function is to connect high-speed Internet on a computer or laptop via a USB port. After the Iota 4G modem is turned on, the user does not need to install any drivers; activation occurs automatically within 15 seconds. Other features of the device include:
• Matte metal-look body;
• Light weight and compact;
• Availability of backlight;
• Rotatable portable USB port, allowing you to connect the device vertically;
• SIM card slot;

Cost – 1990 rub.

To simplify working with equipment and setting up tariff plans, it is recommended to install a special Yota Access program on your PC, which is adapted for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.

Wi-Fi modem for Internet distribution

• This Yota 4G modem differs from the previous model in the presence of a Wi-Fi module. The multifunctional device solves two problems at once: it connects a desktop computer to the Internet and distributes the network via WiFi. Other characteristics:
• More massive body;
• Increased weight;
• Illuminated Iota logo;
• USB flip-out connector;
• Built-in antenna with amplifier;
• SIM card slot;
• A slot to which you can connect a USB cable, allowing you to connect with any other equipment (for example, a Wi-Fi router);
• Does not require software installation;

Connects up to 8 devices to the network simultaneously.

This modem is convenient to use in a car during a trip and is always online. To set a password for the distribution device, after turning it on, you need to go to status.yota.ru. The cost of the device is 2950 rubles.

A compact mobile router is a very necessary thing for people who work online. If you are tired of looking for free Wi-Fi in a cafe for your computer, tablet or smartphone, then the new Yota 4G modem is designed for you. To activate the wireless network, simply turn on the gadget.

Features of construction and design:

• The case is made of durable plastic, the coating of which has a pleasant silver, matte tint;
• LED indicators on the side panel;
• Removable back panel and removable battery;
• Work up to 6 hours at full load;
• Side power button;
• Light and thin (86 grams);
• Automatic creation of a Wi-Fi network.

Does not require installation of additional software. Contents: modem itself, cable charger. The price of the equipment is 2990 rubles.

One of the most advanced mobile routers Yota can rightfully be called. The device distributes the Internet to 8 devices, has a stylish design and is characterized by long-term performance. Model Description:

• Wear-resistant coating;
• Illuminated logo indicating the presence of a connection;
• USB cable for charging and connecting to a PC;
• Convenient switch;
• Black and white screen displaying the number of connections, remaining battery charge, signal stability;
• Up to 16 hours of continuous operation.

The cost of new equipment is 4,750 rubles.

Internet center for office and home

This is an excellent router that can handle any computer. If you have difficulties with wired Internet at home or in the office, then the Yota Internet center will be the best solution. In this case, the monthly subscription fee will be only 2,700 rubles (at maximum speed).

The router has a rectangular shape and is equipped with a power cable and instructions. There are classic ports on the back of the device. The price of the device is 4990 rubles. Wi-Fi signal range up to 30 meters.

I myself sometimes use a Yota internet modem when I am far from the landline Internet.

Yota only works where there is a coverage area. You can find it out on the coverage area map

Rice. 1. Map of Yota coverage area

Coverage map capabilities on the Yota website:

Red color on the map is 3G Internet, blue color is 4G Internet.

1 in Fig. 1 – to search for coverage in the desired location, you can enter an address (for example, a city, you can also specify a street) and click the “Find” button,

2 in Fig. 1 – you can use the “+” and “–” buttons to search for a coverage area,

3 in Fig. 1 – if you click on the small triangle, a menu will open where you can select your region.

How to connect a Yota modem

First you need to decide what the Yota Internet modem is for.

The simplest option:

• The modem is used for one computer or laptop with the operating system Windows, Mac Os, Linux.
• Such a modem costs 1900 rubles.
• The modem is connected to the USB port of a computer or laptop, which means that there must be one such free port on the computer (laptop)
• Can be tested within 7 days. If it doesn't work, you can return it in the packaging.
• 4G Internet, unlimited, but a simple Yota modem does not provide Wi-Fi.
• If necessary, you can install the Yota modem on another laptop, tablet, etc. But the modem only works with one device at a time.

It is convenient to connect the Yota Internet modem via a USB extension cable:

Yota modem with USB extension cable

Of course, you can do without a USB extension cable. But it may not be possible to directly insert the modem into a USB connector on a laptop due to the non-standard dimensions of the modem; it is larger in size than a regular flash drive.

Connecting the Yota modem is simple:

• You need to insert it into the USB connector on your laptop or computer,
• wait until the Yota icon (logo) lights up blue on the modem,
• open any website, for example, open rambler.ru,
• When you connect for the first time, the “Welcome to YOTA” page will automatically open, you need to click the “Continue” button, then follow the instructions.

Detailed instructions can be downloaded from the Yota website in the “Support” section (link), in the left column there is the “Software and Instructions” tab.

How to distribute Wi-Fi with Yota

I used a simple modem for a long time, but life goes on as usual - I needed to distribute Wi-Fi with Yota.

Wi-Fi is convenient if you need to connect several gadgets simultaneously using the YOTA modem, including mobile devices that, moreover, do not have a suitable USB port, more details.

In order to distribute Wi-Fi, the Yota website offers different options. For example, there is an option with the ZyXEL Internet center. This Internet center is sold complete with a simple Yota modem.

To distribute Wi-Fi, you just need to insert a simple Yota modem into the ZyXEL Internet center. It turns out to be a mobile version of Wi-Fi distribution.

ZyXEL Internet center with connected Yota modem

There is another option to distribute Wi-Fi, but without Yota. If you have wired Internet at home, then you can use the ZyXEL Internet Center as a Wi-Fi router. To do this, the Yota modem is removed from the ZyXEL center, and a connector from the wired Internet is inserted in its place, as shown above in Fig. This option is convenient for those who move frequently: at home or in the office you can connect ZyXEL to wired Internet, and when traveling you can connect the YOTA modem to the ZyXEL Internet center. At the same time, nothing changes in the settings of computers, laptops and mobile gadgets that access the Internet using Wi-Fi from the ZyXEL center.

YOTA also has a simpler version of the modem that can distribute Wi-Fi. This is a modem, similar to a modem that plugs into a USB port. And it looks similar, although it costs more (2,900 rubles). But this YOTA modem converts the received mobile signal into Wi-Fi, and computers, laptops and mobile gadgets access the Internet via Wi-Fi.

The USB port for such a YOTA modem with Wi-Fi is only needed to receive power. The port is used as a source of electricity. The signal from the modem does not reach the computer via the USB port; the computer connects to the Internet, I repeat, via Wi-Fi. Not a bad solution, but such a modem emits a rather weak signal that can only be received within one room.

That is why I chose for myself the option of using the ZyXEL Internet center. And for users who have enough Wi-Fi signal strength within one room, the option of using a YOTA Wi-Fi modem connected to a USB port will be quite acceptable. Including the price, since the price of such a modem is less than the cost of the ZyXEL Internet center together with the YOTA modem.

Yota modem tariffs

You can pay:

• month,
• for a day (24 hours) – 150 rubles,
• for 2 hours – 50 rub.

I mainly use the monthly option. In different regions the cost is different, for example, in Moscow the cost of Yota per month starts from 400 rubles. up to 1,200 rubles, in St. Petersburg from 300 rubles. per month up to 1,400 rubles.

What does minimum monthly payment mean? As can be seen below in Figure 1, with a minimum payment a small speed is provided - 320 Kbps for 30 days. With the maximum payment, maximum speed is provided for the entire month, around the clock.

But I don’t need fast internet 24 hours a day, so I pay the minimum price for a month and then manually adjust the internet speed.

If you move the slider to the right in your Yota account, then the Internet speed will increase. However, this will reduce the number of remaining days for using the Internet. The longer you use high speed, the fewer paid days will remain.

Rice. 1. Yota modem speed controller in your personal account

If you constantly use high speed, then the minimum fee paid for the month will end in about 6 days. The solution is simple: when you don’t need high Internet speed, move the slider to the left.

Attention: Before turning off the computer or laptop, the slider (speed regulator) must be left strictly at the speed that is provided for a month for a minimum fee.

As can be seen in Fig. 1, in my case it is 320 Kbps for 300 rubles. per month. If you accidentally forget about this, turn off the PC and leave the slider at any other speed, then the paid period for a month will very quickly end, in about 10 days.

In fact, a lot can be done on a low Internet speed, fortunately it is available and unlimited. Therefore, you can move the slider in case of emergency, the main thing is not to forget to return it to the position corresponding to the minimum payment for the month.

Payment options for a day and for 2 hours are good because the Internet speed is maximum, the Internet is unlimited, but you won’t be able to move the slider, there is no such option. Exactly 2 hours will be provided and not a single second more.

Modem overheating at high Internet speed

It has been observed empirically that when using services that require high Internet speed, for example, Skype, the maximum speed of the modem is not the best solution. Because the modem may overheat, the Internet “falls off” and for some time the user is left without the Internet at all. You have to turn everything off, wait until the modem “cools down”, after which you can turn on the computer, start the Internet, life goes on...

Therefore, if it is possible to move the slider, the speed should be set slightly less than the maximum (not 1.400, but, for example, 1.200, or 1.000, or 800).

The quality of communication usually does not deteriorate as a result, and provides great guarantees of trouble-free operation of the YOTA modem. And the modem does not overheat so much.

Free Internet access

A nice bonus from Yota is the availability of the option of free Internet access, albeit at a very slow speed of up to 64 Kbps, but I have had cases when this opportunity was a big help.

Of course, not everything can be done at such a speed, but it’s still better than nothing at all.

After all, we were once content with a speed of 32 Kbps when we worked from telephone modems, but here it’s even 2 times more. And completely free, as well as unlimited!

How to find out your Yota account number

To do this, you need to go to your personal account on the Yota website and open the “Profile” tab:

Rice. 2. How to find out your Yota account number

There is another option on how to find out your number on Yota. When you pay for a Yota modem, you receive an SMS on your mobile phone indicating how much money has been credited to account number XXXXXXXXX.

How to check Yota balance?

To do this, you just need to go to your personal account. As can be seen in Fig. 1, you will see how many paid days are left and at what Internet speed.

How to top up your Yota account

As can be seen in Fig. 1, you can top up your Yota account in your personal account using. This is not always convenient.

In many

• Internet banks,
• in Yandex.Money,
• in WebMoney,
• as well as at terminals for paying for services

there is a tab “Payment for services”, or “Internet”, or something similar. You can click on a tab, for example, “Internet” and look for the Yota icon (logo) there. And then all you have to do is enter your personal account number correctly, without errors, and indicate the amount to be credited to the account.

After this, you usually receive an SMS on your mobile phone stating that such and such account has been replenished by such and such amount. By the way, earlier, when I topped up my Yota account through the terminal, I found my personal account number in the previous SMS message about payment.

Yota support

By going to the Support section on the Yota website, you can find a lot of useful information. To do this, open the tabs of interest in the left column:

• "First steps",
• "Balance and payment"
• "Tariff offers"
• etc.

Each tab opens many questions with answers to them.

Rice. 3. “Support” section on the Yota website. The “First steps” tab is open with a list of questions

Roaming and coverage area in Yota

And I'll add a little tar to the barrel of honey. Unfortunately, the YOTA operator is not yet widely represented in our vast country. Not all regions yet have the opportunity to use the services of this operator. However, I already mentioned above about the Yota coverage map.

Now let's add honey again. In the same regions where YOTA is present, there is no concept of “roaming” for YOTA modems. Having started working, for example, in St. Petersburg, you can continue working in Moscow with the same cash balances in your account.

YOTA does not make any increase in fees for accessing the Internet for mobile users who are moving. This greatly simplifies life, which already has many other worries.

True, in Moscow Internet is provided at a speed of 512 Kbps for 400 rubles. per month, and in St. Petersburg 320 Kbps for 300 rubles. per month, so a small recalculation of the number of paid days still occurs. But it’s good that the account is not reset (I remember I was even surprised that this didn’t happen) and you can use the balance in your account.

In general, YOTA is a convenient service that provides a lot of opportunities for accessing the Internet without wires and other difficulties, but only in those regions of the Russian Federation where it is currently present.

In Europe, unlimited, fast Internet is not common at all. For example, in Germany or Switzerland, unlimited, fast, affordable Internet for personal use can be a real problem.

Related materials:

The advantages of the Yota 4G LTE modem are:

• access to any Internet resources outside of home or office;
• instant connection to a computer without installing drivers;
• possibility of signal amplification;
• high-speed reception and transmission of information;
• compatible with all operating systems;
• weight - 65 g.

The model has the ability to connect an external antenna. In this case, the speed increases by 2–3 times.

Features of the Iota 4G modem

Our product range also includes an innovative development for connecting external devices equipped with Wi-Fi technology to the Internet. The Iota 4G modem connects to a power source via a USB port and creates a local network supporting up to 8 devices. It is convenient for use in a car or train. To work with it, you do not need to install special software. It supports all types of operating systems and can be used with tablets and laptops. A miniature device weighing 50 g ensures the reception and transmission of information in high-speed mode.

To buy a Yota 4G modem at manufacturer's price with delivery in Moscow and the Moscow region, place an order on our website or call one of the numbers listed.

Setting up a Yota modem - a universal means of accessing the network! Find out how to choose and configure the Iota modem correctly!

The company today offers Internet distribution immediately, which differ in characteristics and various indicators.

To devices that are designed, you can connect up to eight external gadgets (laptops, smartphones, phones, etc.). Their distinctive feature is that they work with all popular operating systems.

Setting up Many Mikrotik, like other devices from the company, is done quite quickly and does not cause any particular difficulties even for inexperienced users. At the same time, some models can work without an additional connection to a computer (they can be powered from a regular household electrical outlet through a special adapter, which also needs to be purchased separately).

Basic Steps

Before setting up an Eta modem, you need to decide on the model and purchase it. When you get home, you need to insert the device into a free USB port (if you have one). It is interesting to note that the Many model can be connected using Wi-Fi without directly connecting via USB to a computer.

As soon as you or your PC, driver installation will begin automatically - this process should not be interfered with. An important advantage in the process is that it does not require the installation of any additional programs and applications, because its operation will be carried out through a browser.

After installing the drivers, you will need to see the new available network in the list. To complete, you need to connect to this network, open a web browser and go to any site - the user will immediately be redirected to the new profile registration page. After registering and top up your account to start using fast and unlimited internet.

How to access the web interface?

As with any other modem, our case also provides free access to the web interface.
It is accessible (device setup there can only be done by advanced users).

If you cannot enter the interface at this address, you can try entering 10.0.0.1 into the address bar of the browser.

As a result, the modem interface will open, which will provide complete information about the network status, device characteristics, speed, signal quality, received traffic and much more.

Also, the web interface allows you to fully configure the modem, update the firmware and change all the factory settings, whatever you want. Once again, it is worth noting that such configuration should only be performed by experienced users.

Ordinary subscribers do not have to go into the web interface, since they can configure the modem (Iota) without it.

A fundamentally new device is a modem and a Wi-Fi module in a common housing. Essentially, a mobile-stationary router for the Yota LTE network, or a pocket Wi-Fi router without a battery, as one likes to think.

The organized presentation of the new device itself hints at the company’s attention to this direction of development of mobile terminals. Although Igor Torgov spoke about a relatively narrow consumer niche and that they do not expect mass sales of the device, only 25,000 copies of Yota 4G LTE Wi-Fi have been purchased so far. In my opinion, many will pay 2,900 instead of 1,900 rubles. for the versatility and additional functionality of Wi-Fi from an outlet. But the market will put everything in its place, it knows how.

The Yota 4G LTE modem is a router, but it was called a modem due to its form factor and to avoid confusion, many people associate the concept of “router” with a completely autonomous pocket device. But this router does not have a battery, and it needs external power. The Wi-Fi module is built into the case, and the modem has become noticeably wider and longer than its predecessor (see photo above).

The stated price is 2,900 rubles; a special program for preferential replacement of previously purchased LTE modems is not planned yet. Even before the official release of the device on June 20, I was looking for information about it on the Internet and came across an offer from one of the dealers: 4,350 rubles. For pre-order, there is a Trade-in program. Those. you give your old Yota LTE modem to the dealer and receive a new Yota 4G LTE Wi-Fi minus the purchase price of the old modem. Presumably, they will sell you a new modem for 3,500 rubles and also install your old one for someone else, but this is already a cost of Russian business. The official price of a standard LTE modem was reduced to 1,900 rubles, and we can assume that now for the previous 2,900 rubles. Yota users receive a fundamentally new device with additional functionality.

The modem provides for the installation of a micro SIM, is locked to the Yota LTE network and does not work with a MegaFon SIM card. The maximum number of simultaneously connected users is 8 via Wi-Fi or 7 via Wi-Fi plus one directly via the computer's USB socket. Accordingly, with a USB connection, the Wi-Fi module also works (can be disabled programmatically).

Consumer niches

Everything here seems quite simple. And it’s not easy, if you take into account the audience of Yota users with its minimum price tag of 400 rubles/month (Moscow) for unlimited at a speed of 512 Kbps, faster is more expensive. But more on that below.

• Fixed-mobile Internet at home or in the office. Yota 4G LTE Wi-Fi copes with this successfully and has the important advantage of being a complete solution. No router or computer required, just a standard power supply with a USB socket. Two restrictions: the number of simultaneously connected users is no more than 8 and the size of the apartment/office; the Wi-Fi module does not have a long range.
• In the country. If you have Yota LTE coverage and the Wi-Fi range is sufficient, then this is an excellent option. In most cases, the outlet is in the attic, and all is well.
• Mobile Internet in the car. Suitable for traveling around the city, started the engine - in a minute with the Internet. For long trips it is worse: the coverage is spotty, and the modem will not be able to jump to 3G/2G. Also, to get the Internet in parking lots, you will have to play around a little with food.
• On trips and business trips. If there is a Yota LTE network at the destination, the option is very tempting, this is obvious.
• As a mobile router. This is also an option, although the two-component modem + external battery design looks cumbersome. But with a battery of decent capacity, you won’t have to worry about an outlet, and other devices will live much longer with the Internet via Wi-Fi instead of getting it through their own 4G/3G modules.

Now about the administrative and financial disadvantages. The Yota contract price (monthly fee) implies active use of the Internet, and all road mobile options are only suitable as additional ones. And this is provided that when you leave home, you will not leave your family without the Internet. An excellent solution would be an additional device on the same personal account, but how to share the speed? In Yota, the subscription fee at any given time is determined by the access speed, and the ability to intelligently divide the speed into n-devices is not yet provided. Perhaps in the future there will be tariffs with traffic packages, they are thinking about this topic.

A direct competitor on the Russian market is the Huawei Mobile Wi-Fi Smart E355 modem, which has the advantage of supporting 2G/3G and SIM cards of all operators. The downside is the lack of LTE support and, accordingly, a slightly different target audience.

Equipment and design

As I already wrote, due to the additional Wi-Fi module, the modem has become wider and longer than its predecessor. The SIM card holder also took up some additional, albeit small, space. But the dimensions remained within reason, and thanks to the successful proportions, the modem does not look like an awkward monster.

Neat and compact box made of white cardboard. Gone are the days of avant-garde-futuristic packaging design in the form of a cylinder made of transparent plastic, it’s a pity. But ok, the box is more practical and much cheaper, plus the packaging of branded devices is now designed in the same style as that of MegaFon.

The kit includes the modem itself and the “Operation Manual”, that’s all. Formally, nothing else is needed, the modem works successfully in the USB socket of the computer. But it is more rational to use it directly in the adapter.

Yota insists on an adapter with a power of 1.5 A. Indeed, more and more modern devices are equipped with just such adapters; 2.0 A ones are also not uncommon. On the other hand, 1.0 A adapters and external batteries are still widespread, and 1.5 A batteries may not be available on the household. My Yota 4G LTE Wi-Fi worked successfully in a 1.0 A adapter in a variety of modes, I didn’t notice any problems. Perhaps they would appear during long-term operation at full load, but it is not necessary to run for a new adapter right on the day of purchasing the modem.

Design

Open USB plug, rotator for five fixed positions, convenient protrusion for easy finger grip of the plug to rotate from the closed position. Compared to the first model of the Yota modem, several small but useful changes have appeared. We have already seen all this in the MegaFon M100-1 modem, released at the end of last year. I don’t see any point in repeating myself; those interested can read the review and look at the photo (section “Design”).

As I wrote above, the modem requires a Yota SIM card in micro SIM format; it does not work with SIM cards from other operators. It is advisable to grow the nail flat and of the correct size (you can sharpen it with a file) or use a suitable tool.

A small complaint about the quality of the paint marking the SIM card slot: after two or three removals and insertions of the card into the slot, the marking areas were erased. Did you draw the markings with chalk, or what?

A duplicate microUSB socket is traditionally present, which is good. The rest is Spartan minimalism and the absence of any mechanical buttons and switches. There are no antenna sockets, and there is also no slot for a memory card.

Thanks to the rotator, the absence of additional connectors and the use of micro SIM, all the internals (including the Wi-Fi module) were able to be plugged into a case of acceptable dimensions. The dimensions of the modem are even slightly smaller than those of the popular Huawei E392. On the other hand, the Huawei E355 with a Wi-Fi module is clearly more compact, but it does not have LTE support and the reception quality is very mediocre compared to the E392.

Characteristics:

• Dimensions: 92x35x13mm.
• Weight: 50 grams.
• WAN communication standard: UTRAN REL8 Cat24.
• Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 b/g (data transfer speed up to 54 Mbit/s), ability to connect up to 8 devices (inclusive).
• LAN communication standards: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 1x1.
• Antenna: built-in.
• Connection type: USB and micro USB (version 2.0 and higher).
• SIM card: removable UICC 3FF.
• System requirements: Windows, starting with Windows XP SP3; Mac OS starting from Mac OS 10.5; Linux and others with support for CDC/RNDIS devices.
• Operating temperature: 0° to +30° C.

There are no complaints about the stated characteristics. Externally, we have a slightly wider and thicker Yota modem, which has an additional Wi-Fi module. The internal device is made on a relatively inexpensive (compared to Quallcom products) Israeli Altair chip with support for LTE Band 7 and Band 20. There are no Band 20 (~800 MHz) networks in Russia yet; the frequencies are expected to require multimillion-dollar (more precisely, billion-dollar) investments: for Russian military operators must purchase new equipment capable of operating in other frequencies, facility infrastructure, laboratories, training buildings, and almost toilet paper for Defense Department employees mastering the new equipment purchased for them. If anyone doesn’t know, this is also called “clearing frequencies.” But sooner or later the Band 20 frequencies will be cleared and LTE networks will be launched, then support for this range in the modem will come in handy.

I am also upset by phrases like: “...The modem also implements a forced limitation of download and upload speeds at 20 Mbit/s.” The limitation of 20 Mbit/s in the Yota LTE segment is implemented at the platform level, and the speed characteristics of modems, routers, etc. have nothing to do with this at all. There are no hardware speed limits in the modem itself; now in the Yota network this is simply not needed.

The Yota SIM card inserted into MegaFon's LTE router once again confirms this: we are up against the platform limitation of 20 Mbit/s. Although in the same LTE FDD network the same router in the same place and at the same time shows a confident 25-30 Mbit/s with a MegaFon SIM card.

Interface and control

This part of the Yota 4G LTE Wi-Fi review is simple and concise. Due to the fact that the control interface does not spoil us with a wealth of settings. But there is also no need to install special programs and drivers; during the USB connection, the computer will briefly inform you about the appearance of the next new RNDIS device.

There are few settings: you can disable the Wi-Fi module programmatically (the only user on the computer) and close the Wi-Fi network with a password, which is highly recommended when starting the device for the first time. Automatic shutdown of Wi-Fi by timeout is also present in the settings, but by default this option is in OFF mode, thanks to the software developers.

After an automatic upgrade of the modem firmware, additional functions of port redirection and DHCP settings appear, which is already something. But, in general, the developer’s approach is clear: here’s the Internet via Wi-Fi as a bonus to the standard functionality of the modem, the rest is your personal difficulties.

For the current (at the time of preparation of the review) version of the firmware, see the screenshot; we do not yet know what will be additionally implemented and corrected in future releases. Firmware updates are downloaded to the modem automatically as they are released without warning.

Impressions from work

It turned out to be not without surprises. In a nutshell, I liked the little animal for its “iron” component, it works great. The software part is not very good yet, but we hope for improvements and correction of shortcomings.

Since the first connection there have been no complaints about the modem. Excellent data transfer speed via Wi-Fi, the device was easily powered from a regular smartphone adapter. There were also no problems connecting the computer to the resulting open network. Here I should sit down and quickly write a blissful review, but the devil pulled me to drive the modem in different, potentially popular modes.

Let's start with the positive. The built-in Wi-Fi module turned out to be unexpectedly good in terms of speed, data transfer is almost lossless. Surprisingly for a router of this size, I was mentally prepared for a speed loss of 10-20 percent compared to a direct USB connection.

Having looked at the consistently good speed test indicators, I tried several pairs of measurements in a row: from a computer via a USB modem connection and a smartphone via its own Wi-Fi module. The difference is minimal, see photo above. For a Yota device, this is an extremely important indicator, because this operator’s mobile Internet is chosen as an alternative to wired Internet. Yota 4G LTE Wi-Fi with Wi-Fi transmission is very good, and if you don’t need additional functionality and the number of connections suits you, then the modem should be comfortable to use “as is”.

The range of the Wi-Fi built into the modem was not encouraging. At the stated 30-50 meters, the monitor shows a tolerable signal level maximum within the next room (the walls are not monolithic or even brick). Based on the behavior of the indicator, I got the impression that the Wi-Fi module can automatically regulate power, but I could be wrong.

A pleasant surprise was stable and fast data transfer with a very weak Wi-Fi signal, see screenshot above. With such monitor readings, data from other routers is barely transmitted or not transmitted at all, but here everything is very decent. I admit that the actual range of Wi-Fi is somewhat greater than it appears visually from the signal strength indicator.

A separate topic that for some reason was not paid attention to at the presentation is the possibility of the new modem working in other routers. They couldn’t answer the direct question right away and were even a little puzzled. Indeed, why bother with all sorts of combinations with routers when everything is already there? In fact, the question is relevant, despite the presence of its own Wi-Fi module in the modem. Many Yota users already have their own home “infrastructure” with a stationary router, home network, television and a torrent client programmed into the router. What if the 2.4 GHz band in the user’s home is very noisy and he solved this problem by installing a “thoroughbred” router that supports the 5 GHz band? The new advantages of the Yota 4G LTE Wi-Fi modem are invaluable when traveling, at the dacha, etc., but this does not at all exclude the scenario of its regular use as a regular modem. That is, quite a few people will pay 1,000 rubles. more and will buy this modem for the sake of ease of use and additional conveniences while traveling, but are not ready to give up their usual services for the sake of these advantages.

At first, I was unable to pair Yota 4G LTE Wi-Fi with any of the routers I tested for this purpose. Including two Keenetic routers, each of which works perfectly with previous models of Yota LTE modems (Giga II and Keenetic 4G routers). After updating the firmware of the Keenetic routers, the Yota 4G LTE Wi-Fi modem finally started working with the Keenetic Giga II, but for some reason refused to work with the Keenetic 4G. I think that this is a matter of profit, a matter of time. ZyXEL monitors new modem products on the market and tries to quickly add support for them to the software of its products. Fortunately, the procedure has now become much simpler and more convenient for the user; all you need to do is start updating the firmware components.

For now, users of Keenetic routers may encounter crossword puzzles when connecting Yota 4G LTE Wi-Fi. If I understood correctly what I saw, with the first version of the modem firmware, the indicator on the Yota 4G LTE inserted into the router lit up, but the Keenetic modem did not recognize it and did not allow it to connect to the Internet. After auto-updating the OTA (Over the Air) modem firmware to version 01.00.05.999, the indicator of the modem inserted into Keenetic stopped lighting up, and after inserting it into the router, the modem itself was blocked to death for 20-30 minutes, refusing to start with any adapters and in USB- computer socket. Then he woke up and started working as normal. I spent a lot of time doing all sorts of experiments until I figured out just letting the device sit and rest.

Based on the results of my “dancing with a tambourine,” I can so far recommend the following algorithm of actions:

• Start Yota 4G LTE Wi-Fi in normal mode from the computer’s USB port or a suitable adapter (recommended 1.5 A) and do not connect anything or mess with the settings for 2-3 hours. All the same, the modem firmware will be automatically updated, so it’s better if it’s right away and not while experimenting with the settings.

• If you plan to use the modem with an external Wi-Fi router, then update the firmware in the router before you try to insert a new Yota 4G LTE Wi-Fi into this router.
• If the modem has stopped showing signs of life, then leave it alone for 20 minutes and occupy yourself with something useful for the soul or society. Then you can continue the experiments.

They write on the forum that with the updated Keenetic 4G firmware, the modem started up in this router, I readily believe it. Since it launched in Keenetic Giga II, it should work in Keenetic 4G. Perhaps there really is some kind of defect in a particular instance of the modem, although its behavior with the second router and different cords/adapters is different.

Unfortunately, no firmware can change the geometry of the case. The new Yota 4G LTE is wider than its predecessor, and it will not be possible to plug a modem into the case of the router of the previous model line. Which, in my opinion, is not bad: with a USB extension cable, the modem works faster and more stable. So the user will be forced to do better for himself.

It seems that Yota 4G LTE Wi-Fi is software protected and the Keep Alive function (maintaining an active connection to the network) works successfully. Over two days of continuous operation and very rare connections to the device via Wi-Fi, the modem never fell off the network.

Prospects and conclusions

The modem itself turned out to be quite good and works quite well. The size of the minimum subscription fee and the specifics of Yota tariffs are a natural limiter to the popularity of Yota 4G LTE Wi-Fi; the consumer niche is much smaller than it could be. On the other hand, an extra 1,000 rubles. for such additional functionality without sacrificing the rest - God knows what kind of money the device will find its users.

In the fairly near future (even this summer), Yota is threatening to bring to market a new model of a pocket router with a larger battery. The price, naturally, should be higher, but for an all-in-one device this is logical. Another thing is that popularity tariff restrictions will also apply to the new pocket router. The operator is unlikely to be satisfied with this state of affairs, so there is reason to hope for some serious changes in the tariff structure. If this happens, then Yota 4G LTE Wi-Fi may become interesting to more consumers.

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Sergey Potresov ()