We are already accustomed to living in conditions where power outages can happen at any moment—or at least, we constantly keep this in mind. But even in such realities, we don't want to fall out of the online world: neither for work nor during communication with family or friends.

This is where compact and affordable solutions come in handy, allowing you to stay connected under any conditions. For example, mobile 4G routers capable of distributing the internet via Wi-Fi to several devices at once. Moreover, they are convenient to take with you on trips to have access to the global network anywhere there is mobile coverage.

So, let's get acquainted with the Vinga Hotspot 4G M301 (VMRL-M301B)—a small and quite affordable portable router priced at ₴1,600, which easily fits in a pocket and can operate autonomously thanks to its built-in battery.

Specification

Packaging and Delivery Set

The small box has quality Ukrainian localization, although information in English is also present. The specification is quite extensive, but basic characteristics such as the device's dimensions and weight are not indicated.

And while the first barcode numbers—482—seem to hint at Ukrainian production, the writing below still indicates the router's Chinese origin.

The Vinga Hotspot 4G M301 package includes all the essentials:

- removable battery;

- short USB Type-C ↔ USB Type-A cable;

- removable antenna;

- user manual.

Appearance

The device features a plastic case with dimensions of 98 × 60 × 19 mm and a weight of 103 g with smooth lines, making it easy to fit into a travel bag or pocket.

The texture of the top panel is attractive and quite practical, making it difficult to leave fingerprints on it.

In the middle is a square color display with a diagonal of 1.5" (27 × 27 mm), which is quite sufficient to monitor the router's status. At the top, it displays the most necessary information: mobile network signal quality, data transmission standard, battery charge status, number of Wi-Fi connected clients, and the presence of incoming SMS messages.

Below, the mobile operator, connection time, and the amount of transmitted traffic are indicated. By pressing the WPS button, you can display the SSID and password or a QR code for client connection.

All useful elements are located on the sides. Among them are two buttons (power and WPS), as well as a connector for the included external antenna CRC-9. The latter is designed to improve signal quality, which can be very useful on trips away from civilization.

There is also a small notch on the bottom cover panel, which allows you to pry it open and remove it.

The case has a loop for a lanyard, which can be convenient during transportation.

The presence of a universal USB Type-C connector is pleasing, while some similar devices still use micro-USB.

The kit includes a small cable that allows you to connect the router to USB Type-A as well.

The rough texture of the sides may not be the most pleasant to the touch, but it helps to securely hold the Vinga Hotspot 4G M301 in hand and prevents it from slipping.

Now let's take a look inside. On the back of the cover, the factory-installed standard login and password are indicated, so it is best to change the latter to a more secure one.

A sticker on the inside of the device also provides login parameters for the web interface for configuration. Everything is as simple as possible here, so it is advisable to change the password. Two flip-out trays allow you to install a mini-SIM card and a microSD memory card. Unfortunately, access to the contents of the latter is only possible via USB, and creating an FTP server based on it will not work.

Below is a recessed Reset button for restoring factory settings.

The included battery has a nominal voltage of 3.7 V and a fairly large capacity for such a device, 3000 mAh (11.4 Wh). However, the manufacturer modestly keeps silent about any information on autonomy. 

Functional capabilities

The wireless router Vinga Hotspot 4G M301 (VMRL-M301B) supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) standards in the 2.4 GHz range. In addition, there is support for older clients with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g. Up to 10 clients can connect to the router simultaneously, which is sufficient for the needs of a small family or office.

As for mobile networks, the device supports the following standards and bands:

- 4G FDD-LTE: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20

- 4G TDD-LTE: B38/B40/B41

- 3G WCDMA: B1/B5/B8

The list includes the necessary bands for working with SIM cards of Ukrainian operators Band 3 (1800 MHz), Band 7 (2600 MHz) and Band 8 (900 MHz). Support for a number of others allows the router to be used for trips abroad. As for data transfer speeds in 4G LTE networks, it does not exceed 150 Mbps for download and 50 Mbps for upload. 

Configuration

To start using the device, simply install the SIM card and battery. Since it uses a slot for a mini-SIM, owners of nano-SIM will need to use an adapter. Now all that's left is to turn on the Vinga Hotspot 4G M301 by holding the corresponding button for a few seconds.

After booting and searching for the network, the router is ready for client connection.

To access the web interface, from a connected device, go to http://192.168.0.1. Here you can get more detailed information about the network connection, exchange SMS messages, view contacts saved on the SIM card, send USSD requests, and change a number of parameters. Among the latter: Wi-Fi coverage settings for optimizing performance or autonomy, activation of sleep mode, changing routing parameters, configuring the built-in firewall, updating software, accessing files on a microSD card, deactivating certain bands, configuring VPN, and others.

Note the high-quality Ukrainian localization of the interface, which will significantly simplify making settings. 

Testing

Initially, the Vinga Hotspot 4G M301 (VMRL-M301B) router was tested in the network of the mobile operator Kyivstar. Although the signal level was displayed as 4-5 bars out of 5 possible, the actual speed is also influenced by a number of other factors, such as the load on the base station. Therefore, the results of this test do not reflect the real maximum capabilities of the device.

Data flow in both directions

Data flow from the client to the router

Data flow from the router to the client

The Ixia Performance Test Tool shows an average data transfer speed in both directions at 38 Mbps. At the same time, the maximum value when downloading data was 46 Mbps, and when uploading — 35 Mbps, which are quite expected indicators.

Testing with a Vodafone SIM card via Speedtest.net showed slightly lower speeds — 17 Mbps for download and 25 Mbps for upload. However, these values are sufficient for comfortable video viewing, web surfing, and even downloading not too large files.

As for autonomy, the router was able to work continuously for 8 hours from the battery with a Wi-Fi-connected laptop used for internet surfing.

It is clear that with active downloading of large amounts of data, this figure will be lower. Factors such as the quality of the 4G network signal, the load and distance to the base station, the number of connected clients, and the distance to them also affect autonomy. On the other hand, if necessary, the router can be easily powered from a power bank or power adapter. 

Conclusions

The mobile router Vinga Hotspot 4G M301 (VMRL-M301B) leaves a pleasant impression as a compact and practical device. It easily fits in a pocket or bag, so you can carry it with you at all times. And support for the main bands allows it to be used both in Ukraine and abroad — for travel or as a source of backup internet access.

Of course, the speed of operation will primarily depend on the network conditions and the operator, but the router's capabilities are quite sufficient for everyday tasks. Yes, in the networks of domestic mobile operators, we achieved speeds from 17 to 46 Mbps. In turn, support for Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 6 in the 2.4 GHz range ensures compatibility with modern devices and stable connection for several clients — and there can be a maximum of 10.

A 3000 mAh battery provides up to 8 hours of autonomous operation, and if necessary, the router can be powered from a power bank via USB Type-C. There is also a slot for microSD, although wireless access to files stored on the card is not provided. In addition, there is a convenient web interface with Ukrainian localization and a removable external antenna, which allows you to improve signal quality. And, of course, the device comes with a 2-year warranty, which favorably distinguishes it from more affordable portable routers of dubious origin.

Thus, the Vinga Hotspot 4G M301 for ₴1,600 or $35 looks like a successful companion during blackouts, business trips, or travels.

Advantages

- built-in 4G-LTE modem with support for all domestic mobile LTE operators;

- support for Wi-Fi 4 and 6 (802.11n and 802.11ax);

- functional web interface with Ukrainian localization;

- informative 1.5" display;

- external antenna included;

- use of USB Type-C connector;

- good autonomy (up to 8 hours) thanks to a 3000 mAh battery;

- support for connecting up to 10 clients simultaneously;

- 2-year warranty.

Features:

- access to the microSD card is only possible via USB;

- use of a mini-SIM card format.