Installing a router in a car. Ways to connect wi-fi to a car

17.05.2022

Of course, modern smartphones give us the opportunity to constantly be in touch and track our mail. But this is not exactly what most of us need, because the possibilities of such a mobile Internet are very limited. Quite often there is a need to transfer large amounts of data, and this can only be done using a computer. Then we need to set up the Internet in the car.

A bit of history

The idea of ​​connecting a car to the Internet was born in America. For the first time, Chrysler engineers undertook to implement it, who began to install special equipment on machines of their own production. Later, General Motors took up this idea and began to use modern technologies for their Cadillacs.

Today, any driver who lives can appreciate the benefits of Internet access in the car. Modern wireless technologies allow you to be in touch even in remote parts of the country. There are modems that allow you to connect to the Internet and abroad.

Video about connecting the Internet in the car:

What you need to connect

The main thing, the Internet in the car is to buy a special 3G modem. Its average cost is about 1200 rubles. It can work without charging for several hours, but it is better to immediately connect it to the cigarette lighter to always be in touch.

Internet speed

The speed that such a modem is capable of providing is 1–2 Mbps. This is enough to communicate via Skype in videoconference mode, watch videos, download music. Internet speed slows down a bit.

Compactness and mobility

A 3G modem is very convenient because you can always take it with you when you get out of the car. It can last for several hours without recharging. Thus, you can always be in touch. The device is compact in size, so you can even carry it in your pocket.

Which provider to choose

The equipment will provide you with the Internet if you are with a company that provides such services. Choose large providers as they provide wide coverage. Therefore, you will be sure that you will have access to the Internet anywhere in the country. Here are some large companies that provide the ability to connect WI-FI to the car:

  • Megaphone;
  • Beeline;
  • Yota.

Another convenience of a 3G modem is that it has a wide variety of devices. It can be not only a smartphone, but also a laptop, tablet, netbook. If you are traveling with the whole family, then everyone can use Wi-Fi. The modem is used as an access point to which everyone in the car can connect.

Tariffs

Now providers offer their customers a wide range of tariffs. Choose a plan according to your needs. If you need the Internet all the time and you need to download large amounts of information - buy an unlimited package. If you do not have such a need, then order yourself a certain number of megabytes per month. You can also choose a package that pays for Internet only for specific days when it was used. The latter option is more suitable for those who use the Internet on different days and spend a different number of megabytes.

Video review of a Wi-Fi hotspot for a car:

Gadgets are very easy to manage. Modems usually have only one button, with which it turns on and off. Also, the device has one connector to which the charger is connected. Wi-Fi modems are flashed by the provider, so you do not need to configure anything - you can immediately pick up the device, ready for use.

Please leave your comment on the article! We are interested in your opinion.

High-speed and reliable Internet for your car - software and hardware complex "Car-WiFi" from WaveSystems.

Hardware complex "Car-WiFi" includes aggregation system software. This software makes it possible to access the Internet almost anywhere, regardless of how each of the mobile operators works individually. Data streams are duplicated on all channels, and the speeds are summed up. Blocks "Car-WiFi" include several technologies of modern cellular networks at once:

  • LTE 4G
  • GSM 3G
  • WiFi

It became possible to manage the work of the organization remotely, arrange video conferences, work with mail, surf the Internet, view video and multimedia right in the car!

Benefits of internet in the carWaveSystems:

  • At the same time, several people in the car, from different devices, can access the Internet at high speed;
  • Our complex can be integrated into any car class from A to S premium;
  • The speed reaches 100 Mbps;
  • With the help of specially designed antennas, it is possible to achieve the maximum quality of signal reception;
  • The Wi-Fi module, as part of the block, supports the 802.11 N protocol, and the most modern types of encryption;
  • Communication appears simultaneously with turning on the engine of your car, and works stably throughout the trip;
  • Ability to change settings remotely - through the management server;
  • We work only with authorized services of official dealers and large tuning studios that have all the necessary licenses for installation work. This will allow you to avoid problems with the car warranty;
  • From 4 to 7 telecom operators at once in one block, provide constant Internet access anywhere, without wires, without signal loss or weakening;
  • All modules work in 3G\4G and their speeds are summarized;
  • The dual-core processor ensures maximum performance.

How it works:

The "Car-WiFi" complex can include any variation of cellular operators (Megafon, MTS, Beeline, Skylink, operators in Europe and Asia). For each installation project, you can choose one or another tariff. The SIM cards that are used for our equipment must be 4G compatible and have a standard size (not micro or nano).

The block turns on together with the car engine. Then, within a minute, a wireless Wi-Fi network appears and operators connect to the Internet. When you start working on the Internet, the data on the communication channels are duplicated, and the speeds are summed up. Even if the signal is lost on one of the operators, you will not be left without the Internet - the remaining telecom operators will duplicate your request and deliver data packets to their destination.

With the help of our Internet in the car, you will receive a high-quality and reliable connection to the Internet, and the speed will be higher than that of each individual operator separately.

The top figure shows how the aggregation system works. To do this, she needs a server on which the calculation and processing of information takes place and traffic control rules are created for each of the telecom operators. This takes into account the strength of the signal and " ping" . It is thanks to the server that you can achieve the summation of speeds for all streams.

The figure below shows the operation of the device in the standard version without the aggregation system. Each operator connects to the Internet, but only one of them gives access. If the connection is lost, the equipment immediately reconnects to an alternative channel with a higher speed. With this mode of operation, there are communication losses at the time of switching between operators. The speed on each operator will be different, summation is not considered.

Modern gadgets are hard to imagine without the Wi-Fi function, this type of wireless communication is gaining momentum and is built into all new devices. We will tell you how to equip a Wi-Fi hotspot in your car.

Many manufacturers of modern cars, starting from the basic configuration, install Wi-Fi access points in a pair with Internet access. This option is in great demand, especially in family-class cars. Still, there are many who want to embed the Internet in foreign cars of past years or domestic cars.

Wi-Fi internet options in the car


Manufacturers of modern cars offer an additional option, but what about those cars where there is no such possibility. Often, the owners of such cars go to various tricks, independently introducing modern technologies.

Smartphone and WiFi

The first and most reliable way can be considered a smartphone. Modern smartphones allow you to quickly convert the device from a phone to a Wi-Fi access point. To do this, just turn on the mobile Internet and, through the special function of the Wi-Fi Router, make the Internet available via Wi-Fi. In this case, the smartphone will turn into an access point.

This option can be considered the cheapest and fastest, since it will be enough to understand the settings of the smartphone. This method is available for any car and not only for a car, it can also be used as a portable access device. The main disadvantage is that at any time they can call a smartphone, and in this case the Internet will simply turn off.


Another disadvantage is that you need to constantly look for a place to recharge, while actively using your smartphone as a Wi-Fi access point. It will not do without eating money from the account. Before enabling such a feature, make sure that your data plan has enough megabytes in reserve. Otherwise, connected devices will quickly eat up megabytes. If the Internet is limited, then it is worth keeping at least 1 GB in reserve.

When buying a smartphone, be sure to make sure that the Wi-Fi function of the router is available. In principle, this is one of the best and most aesthetic options for implementing the Internet in a car.

USB modem for internet


The second option for implementing Wi-Fi Internet is USB modems with a Wi-Fi access point function. If you do not have a smartphone, then this will be the best option. Huawei modems are considered the most common; their operation is based on the same GSM connection system and Wi-Fi distribution.

The advantage is that they are less bulky than smartphones and besides, if the owner of the smartphone leaves the car, the Internet will still remain in the car. It will also be a plus that the SIM card installed in the modem will be designed specifically for working on the Internet, thereby allowing you to use the network more.

When choosing a USB modem for Wi-Fi access in a car, you should not take a modem tied to a specific mobile operator, it is best to take a universal one. Thus, you can independently choose a tariff for your needs and volumes of use. Also, when traveling to another country or part of the country, there will be an opportunity to change the operator, thereby ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the Wi-Fi access point.


It would be nice to find out from the modem manufacturer whether the modem can work autonomously without a computer, since the option for a computer will not work due to the configuration features. Some manufacturers specifically make such Wi-Fi modems for cars and additionally offer a remote antenna to amplify the communication signal. Such an antenna is often very useful, when driving on the road there is not always a good connection, and as a result of signal amplification, there will always be access to the Internet.

OBD-II Wi-Fi Device

The third option for creating Wi-Fi Internet in the car is access via an OBD-II device. As a rule, for the most part, this device is used to connect to the diagnostic connector and search for errors. Often, data transfer goes through a Wi-Fi access point. A smartphone is used as a monitor, and it is also connected via Wi-Fi.


In such devices, a GSM receiver is mounted, you will need to insert a SIM card of the provider you need into it. But since there are no clear rules for what the Internet is needed in such a device, it can be used for your own purposes. A manufacturer such as Delphi Connect allows not only to remove information about errors, but also provides real-time monitoring of the location of the car using this device.

Stationary car modem


The most reliable, but at the same time, the most expensive option is a stationary Wi-Fi modem for cars. The portable version of the modem is specially made to create a Wi-Fi hotspot in the car. Depending on the manufacturer, the size of the modem can be medium or completely portable, such as a radar detector or a DVR.

Although the pleasure is not cheap, the main advantage of this Wi-Fi access point is the quality of the connection. This is what manufacturers of such modems pay most of all. The modem will provide the ability to connect to the Internet in any place and conditions. Some manufacturers allow you to connect a laptop or phone via USB that does not have Wi-Fi functionality.

How much does a wifi hotspot cost in a car


Accessing the Internet in your car is not a small pleasure, but of course the price will also not be small. The first thing to look at is the operator's tariff plan. It is worth choosing one that is mostly designed for using the Internet, and not calls or SMS. It is better to check the price with the mobile operator, as they often change prices.

As for the equipment, one of the best options would be to use your smartphone, the price can be free, and in case of purchase it can reach several tens of thousands of rubles. In the case of using a USB modem with a Wi-Fi access point, the price can be from 300 to 5000 rubles. Modems from some manufacturers may be more expensive.

The third Wi-Fi connection option is an OBD-II device, the connection price is from 1000 to 7000 rubles, for some cars it can be more expensive. Since a lot will depend on the type of connector and the manufacturer of the car.


The most expensive is a stationary modem for a car with a Wi-Fi access point. The price of such a modem will be from 3,500 to 10,000 rubles. Indeed, the price is not small, but the reliability and quality is worth the money. Well, it's up to you to decide which option to choose, cheaper and worse in the quality of Wi-Fi connection or more expensive and excellent quality of Internet access.

What you need to know about communication


When choosing a modem to work with a GSM network, you should know a few rules for choosing. First, you should look at the generation of the network that this modem uses. Most, many countries now use 3G or 4G standards. Therefore, it is better to take one that is able to work with several standards.

When choosing an operator and a tariff plan for Wi-Fi, you should pay attention to the details, which the operator often tries not to talk about, whether there are limits on megabytes and what is the price in excess of available megabytes. Often, the statement about unlimited Internet is only in words, in reality it is a package of several gigabytes, at the end of which you will have to pay extra in excess of the package rate.

Before you get Wi-Fi Internet in the car, calculate several times, choose for yourself and your passengers the best option for accessing the Internet through a Wi-Fi access point.

Video of how Wi-Fi works in a car:

This kit is indispensable for those who spend a lot of time in the car and at the same time need high-speed Internet access.

The kit consists of:

Huawei E5573 4G LTE + 3G WiFi Router- the latest fourth generation WiFi modem (LTE 4G) with support for previous standards (3G, 2G). The radius of distribution of the WiFi signal is up to 10m, the maximum number of WiFi users is 10.

2 (!) Antennas 4G LTE + 3G 4/6 dB- these antennas have a small gain, so they are designed, first of all, not only to amplify the signal, but to stabilize it when the car is moving, and, secondly, to reduce the shielding of the metal body of the car. Antennas must be installed at a maximum distance from each other (from 0.5 meters or more) in order to amplify the signal using MIMO technology, but to avoid crossing patterns.

2 (!) antenna adapters TS-9-FME- are used to connect the connector on the antenna cable to the modem or router connector.

Attention! The Huawei E8372 modem does not have a battery, so it starts working when the ignition is turned on and ends when it is turned off. If you need autonomous operation of the device, then you can purchase this kit by replacing the WiFi modem with the following mobile 4G LTE WiFi routers that can work for several hours:

Autonomous work up to 6-7 hours, the maximum number of WiFi users - 10. Information is displayed on the display.

The price of a kit with a router MAX (battery 3000 mAh) - 5800 rubles.

- when ordering, specify the router model or the price of the kit in the "Comments" field.

Attention! The price of the kit is valid only on the condition of self-pickup from the pickup point on Nagatinskaya or an order in the online store with delivery.

Top selling

Antenna adapters (pigtails) for connecting external amplified antennas to modems and mobile routers of the third (3G UMTS/HSPA) and fourth (4G LTE) generations, suitable for all USB modems and portable routers with an antenna connector, may have connectors on the other side : FME-male, N-male, SMA-female.

Universal 4G LTE + 3G modem. Has antenna connectors and small size. Works with any SIM-cards of all Russian and European telecom operators (YOTA, Megafon, MTS, Beeline, Rostelecom, Tele2, Altel, Motive, Tattelecom / Fly, etc.). Supports speeds up to 100 Mbps. Ideal for use with laptops abroad.

BOX

The most powerful LTE 4G + 3G kit for installation in a country house, private house, village, etc. There are no losses on the antenna cable, cable length is 10 meters. Antenna gain - 18 dB or 20 dB. WiFi coverage - up to 40 meters in diameter. Works with any 4G LTE SIM card and 3G operators. Number of WiFi users - up to 32 + LAN connectors.

The simplest way to connect Wi-Fi in the car is to use your own smartphone as a hotspot. You also have the option to provide a Wi-Fi network using the cellular connection of a mobile network, as well as the wireless network of any car. To do this, there are a large number of Wi-Fi modules. In this case, they will act as both wireless modems and routers at the same time.

The connection options that we describe below vary in complexity, cost, completeness of use, and even design, which determines how organic the adapter looks inside the car. So, if you are ready, then we begin.

Cell phone use

Price: 0–20000 rub. Such a huge difference is determined by whether you own a smartphone, as well as by how much it costs.

The fastest and easiest way (and, by the way, more budgetary) to organize a Wi-Fi connection to the Internet is to make an access point out of a cell phone. Almost all new smartphones are capable of connecting any devices as clients via a Wi-Fi connection right after purchase (of course, this is possible when using more or less new proprietary firmware of the corresponding operating systems of smartphones - Windows Phone, iOS or Android). The router mode is initialized on different smartphones in different menu items (this is affected by the platform and OS version of the device). Basically, this menu is located somewhere here: “Settings” -> “Access Point”, etc.

In this case, the smartphone simultaneously acts as both a router and a modem device. In fact, the phone distributes the Internet received via cellular communication to devices connected to it:

  • Tablets
  • On-board multimedia systems of the car
  • MP3 players

The main and most significant disadvantage of this method is that any client that is connected to the Internet distributed by the smartphone via Wi-Fi will inexorably “eat” traffic. Since the lion's share of users use as cellular tariffs those that allow the most inexpensive calls to subscribers and at the same time contain relatively cheap Internet, then, most likely, the Internet bandwidth will be limited - either by traffic or speed. In addition, a number of mobile operators, without any notice, have a habit of reducing your balance if the traffic limit is reached. Of course, no one warns about such "tricks" in advance.

Therefore, using your smartphone as a router in the car and planning to heavily download the channel (Youtube videos, online music, etc.), you will be surprised to find that you have used up all the monthly megabytes in just a day. So, before you start connecting clients to a Wi-Fi network organized using a smartphone, carefully study the contract with the cellular data operator (especially those items that are written in small letters).

Modems USB + Wi-Fi for cars

Price: 500-3000 rub.

Another option for organizing a Wi-Fi network involves purchasing a special USB modem containing a Wi-Fi module. Such devices, as a rule, allow you to connect to a mobile network in the same way (similar to a smartphone) - they are just more ergonomic, and, importantly, give more mobility to their owner. In other words, if the driver takes the smartphone with him and you stay in the car, the Internet will not disappear anywhere.

Another advantage is that the USB modem is designed to use its own SIM card. In this case, you are free to determine the tariff for it yourself (for example, allowing you to use the Internet without traffic restrictions - to the detriment of the price of calls that you will not use anyway).

There is one point - avoid USB modems that were originally flashed for use in the mobile network of a single operator. For this device, you can not buy in the branded stores of operators. You need universal modems, because in this case you yourself choose both the operator and the tariff. Secondly, the acquisition of such a device implies its use in a car that is constantly in motion. Therefore, on long trips, you can change the SIM card to one that will be more profitable to use in the region where you are staying - and this, in turn, guarantees cheaper Internet and stable Wi-Fi in the car.

If possible, try to get a USB modem powered by the car's cigarette lighter. Widespread USB modems that are plugged into the USB connector of laptops are unlikely to be appropriate here. The pre-configuration of the device is in any case performed using a computer, but you do not intend to unnecessarily carry a laptop around with you just to plug a USB modem into it.

And another plus in the piggy bank of USB modems - as a rule, such devices support all kinds of signal amplifiers in the form of an antenna - in some cases (especially at a considerable distance from cities or on the highway) this is truly an invaluable opportunity.

USB modems of the highest price category are often equipped with autonomous batteries, with the help of which they can work independently of the car's on-board network.

Using OBD-II equipment

Price: 1000-5000 rub.

Such models that support operation via Wi-Fi often imply pre-configuration for working with a special phone program (in addition to the main function - distributing a Wi-Fi signal). A modern car contains an OBD-II diagnostic port that serves to read errors and diagnose a car - this device is connected there. Possessing great capabilities, the device allows not only to distribute Wi-Fi, but also to use the Internet for web surfing, for example.