Gadget Space

As more and more people are now using mobile broadband cards or “aircards” to get their laptops on the Internet while on the go an adjunct invention that is very cool and for a select few probably very useful has come along - The Mobile Router.  I have had the opportunity to try out the Kyocera KR2 Mobile Router and quite frankly, it is very cool.    In fact I liked it so much I am keeping the sample unit I have and using it as a backup for my Verizon FIOS connection at home and for the occasional roadtrip with friends.  Essentially all you do is place your broadband card into this router and give the router power (it even comes with a cigarette lighter adapter if you don’t have a standard power outlet available) and you have a wireless hotspot that you can leave open or password protect.  Temporary office setup, camping, tailgating, or as a backup to your home wireless network these mobile routers create a instant hotspot that is easy to set up and take down and works very well. 

Here are the Kyocera KR2 Mobile Router specs from Kyocera:

The KR2 Mobile Router allows you to create a Wi-Fi® hotspot virtually anywhere. It uses 1xEV-DO as its WAN backhaul and serves as an access point supporting multiple computers and devices with wireless broadband connectivity. All you need is a PCMCIA Express card, 1xEV-DO card, USB (phone or modem) or cable modem connection. The KR2 Mobile Router is especially useful for mobile work groups such as emergency mobile deployments, dispatch teams, consultants, road-warrior sales groups, satellite offices, command posts, in RV’s or public transportation, and more.

Features
• 802.11 b/g/n for longer range and faster connections
• Flexible broadband connectivity with a PCMCIA, Express card, or USB connection (phone or modem) enables you to set up a Wi-Fi hotspot virtually anywhere*
• Multiple users can share high-speed connections with rates up to 3.1 Mbps
• Fail-over capabilities for use as a conventional router with wireless EV-DO as a backup.
• Smooth migration to future EV-DO releases and upgradeable firmware
• Wi-Fi Protected Setup for improved security when pairing with another Wi-Fi device, preventing unauthorized devices from connecting

Technical Specifications

LAN Interface: WiFi® - 802.11b, g, & n with 3 antennas and 4 Ethernet ports
Indicator LEDs: Power, WAN (cable), WLAN (Wi-Fi), EVDO (Phone, PC Card, Express Card),WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Service)

Device Management:
Web-based Browser - Internet Explorer, Firefox, or other JavaScript-enabled browsers

Wireless Security:
64-bit or 128-bit WEP encryption, WPA-PSK authentication (Wi-Fi Protected Access - Pre-shared Key Mode)

LAN Security:
NAT with DHCP, PPTP VPN Pass-through, MAC Filtering, IP Filtering, Filter Scheduling

Size:
8.5 in x 5.3 in x 1.3 in (215 mm x 135 mm x 32 mm)

Weight:
0.9 lb (450 g)

Operating Temperature:
32° to 122°F (0° to 50°C)

If you have a need it really works well, and if you don’t have a need this is still a very cool device that a gadget geek just ought to have.