Increasingly, connectivity is becoming an increasingly essential element in daily life. We have all needed at some point to enjoy a good connection outside our home, whether on our mobile device or on our laptop, so it is crucial to have secure options to stay connected anywhere. From portable devices to innovative solutions for the car, there are various alternatives that allow us to enjoy a Wi-Fi connection beyond the walls of our home.
Today we will explore in depth the different ways to access the Internet while we are away from home, addressing everything from classic 4G/3G portable routers to the most advanced options with 5G routers. In addition, we will also take into account devices such as USB dongles and how to share the phone's mobile connection through tethering as an economical and accessible solution. We will also discuss the risks that may arise from connecting to public WiFi networks, and how we can overcome them.
In addition, we will also talk about connectivity in the car, exploring the possibility of contracting SIM cards for the vehicle and services offered by operators such as Movistar Car and CarConnect Vodafone. These solutions not only provide us with Internet access, but also offer us security and location functions, making us more connected than ever during our trips.
Therefore, if you are looking for an easy, accessible and effective way to have a good connection outside the borders of your home, keep reading because Here we tell you how to have WiFi anywhere.
Options to have a WiFi connection outside the home
Since we know that you are probably reading this because you are going on a trip, and you probably need to know as soon as possible, let's get straight to the point. Below we leave you several methods with which you can connect to a WiFi network outside your home:
4G/3G Portable Router
Portable 4G/3G routers are devices that use the available mobile network to offer connectivity anywhere. These devices work through a SIM card and allow the connection of multiple devices, such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops. The main advantage lies in their ability to provide a stable connection and their autonomy thanks to an integrated battery, which makes them ideal for travel situations, such as train or bus journeys.
dongles
Dongles are USB devices that offer Internet connection through a SIM card. Unlike portable routers, dongles are designed to connect to a single device, usually a laptop. Its main advantage lies in its portability and ease of use, but its limitation to a single device connected via USB can be a restriction in environments where several devices need to be connected simultaneously.
Share Mobile Connection (Tethering)
Tethering is an accessible and affordable option to share your phone's mobile connection with other devices, such as computers or tablets. However, this option can drain the phone's battery quickly and is not best suited for connecting multiple devices simultaneously. Besides, Its effectiveness is linked to the quality of mobile coverage at that time.
Portable 5G Routers
Portable routers that connect to 5G networks using a SIM card offer a faster and more efficient connection compared to 4G/3G options. Although they provide greater speed and mobility, it is important to note that the range of the 5G signal may be limited, especially in portable environments.
Connectivity in the Car
Some cars offer connectivity through the option of sharing data with the mobile phone, but also There is the possibility of contracting a specific SIM card for the car. This option allows you to enjoy continuous Internet access in the vehicle to use services such as GPS, online music and voice recognition. However, it is essential to verify the car's compatibility with this functionality before contracting the service.
Car Operator Services
Movistar Car: Movistar Car offers 4G Wi-Fi connection in the vehicle with up to 20 GB per month. In addition to connectivity, it provides security features such as theft alerts, car location and emergency assistance.
CarConnect Vodafone: Vodafone CarConnect connects to the car's OBD port, offering 4G connection and Wi-Fi network for up to 5 devices. In addition, it provides an application to manage the network and ensure security, including location and alert functions.
In summary, the choice of the method to enjoy a Wi-Fi connection outside the home will depend on the specific needs of each user, considering aspects such as mobility, the number of devices to connect and the security required in each situation.
Public Wireless Networks
Although public Wi-Fi networks are widely available in places such as hotels, shopping malls, and stations, their use should be done with caution. These networks can represent security risks, since it cannot be guaranteed who is behind them. It is recommended that you avoid performing sensitive activities, such as financial transactions, while connected to public networks.
Precautions when connecting to Public Networks
Connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, while it can be very useful, can carry significant risks to the security of our personal data.. Cybercriminals can take advantage of the lack of encryption on open or weakly protected networks to conduct malicious activities, such as stealing sensitive information, intercepting transmitted data, and creating fake access points. Using these networks also increases exposure to threats such as malware and man-in-the-middle attacks.
To mitigate these risks and ensure a safe experience when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, it is essential to take precautions:
Avoid Open Networks:
You should avoid connecting to open Wi-Fi networks that do not require a password, as they are more prone to attacks.
Use Encrypted Connections:
Prefer networks with WPA, WPA2 or WPA3 encryption, as they provide an additional layer of security.
Using VPN:
Use VPN (Virtual Private Network) services to encrypt the connection and protect data from possible threats.
Disable Sharing:
Disable file and resource sharing features on connected devices to prevent unauthorized access.
Keep Software Updated:
Regularly update the operating system and security software on all devices to fix vulnerabilities.
Access Secure Sites (HTTPS):
Preferring websites that use HTTPS protocols to encrypt communication between the device and the server.
Automatic Disconnection:
Configure devices to automatically disconnect from public Wi-Fi networks upon completion of use.
