Canadian router manufacturer MoFi originally launched the MoFi 4500 line in August of 2015, with an optional integrated cellular radio.
MoFi routers provide a local Wi-Fi and Ethernet LAN network, and support tethering to a cellular hotspot or USB modem to share your cellular connection.
MoFi also supports direct USB tethering to Android phones and was the first router to support direct iOS smartphone tethering (a feature now matched by WiFiRanger).
With an integrated cellular radio included with many MoFi versions, the tiny MoFi box can do away with the need for a separate cellular hotspot entirely.
This packs a ton of capability into a small metal shell for the price point.
The basic Mofi router has remained essentially the same since 2015, but Mofi has upgraded the integrated cellular radio over time. The most recent version, as of February 2020, is the SIM7 version - supporting T-Mobile Band 71 and AT&T Band 14.
While MoFi looks great on paper - the actual hands-on experience is, at best, challenging.
Specifications
- Model: MoFi4500-4GXeLTE (SIM4 / SIM7)
- Base Technology: MoFi 4500
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Not specified
- Wi-Fi Router:
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n - 300Mbps Max, 21dBm Transmit Power (125mW)
- 5GHz Wi-Fi: N/A
- Wi-Fi Antenna: 2x RP-SMA/Female Antenna Port, 5dBi Antennas Included
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes (see details in review below)
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Not specified
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Control Panel and Default Password: Not Specified
- USB Tethering Support: 1x USB Port
- Ethernet Ports: 5x 100Mbps Fast Ethernet (1x WAN / 4x LAN)
- Cellular Modem Specs: Yes
- Supported Networks and Bands:
- SIM7 Combo Version (Verizon, T-Mobile. AT&T Certification is Pending):
- LTE Bands: B2, B4, B5, B12/B17, B14, B66, B71
- 2G/3G: Not Yet Known
- SIM4 v2 Version (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, Global):
- LTE Bands: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B12/B17, B20, B25, B26, B30, B41
- 2G/3G: HSPA+ 850/1900/2100MHz Global roaming supported
- SIM7 Combo Version (Verizon, T-Mobile. AT&T Certification is Pending):
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation:
- SIM7 Version - No
- SIM4 v2 Version - Yes - 2x 20MHz Channels
- MIMO Support: 2x2
- LTE Performance Category:
- SIM 7 Version: Category 4 (Max Theoretical Speed: 150Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
- SIM 4 v2 Version: Category 6 (Max Theoretical Speed: 300Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
- Cellular Antenna Ports: 2x SMA/Female Antenna Ports, Basic 5dBi Indoor Antennas Included with SIM4 version, premium antennas included with SIM7 version.
- SIM Slots: Mini-SIM (2FF)
- Supported Networks and Bands:
- Dimensions: 4.3" x 3.3" x 1.2"
- Other Ports: USB
- Power Source: 110v AC Adapter Included (Optional 12V vehicle power supply)
- Outdoor Rated: Optional NEMA Housing
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Band Locking, Extreme Customization
- Retail Price: SIM7 - $284.99 | SIM4 - $299.99
Review & Testing Status
MoFi has provided us with both a basic MoFi 4500 and the universal cellular SIM4 model, and we tested them in a range of locations and situations. We have not tested the newer cat 4 SIM7 model that supports Band 14 and 71.
We've shared our in-depth testing notes with our members in more detail below, and in our testing notes:
March 2019 Update: After hearing multiple recent reports of improvements in the MoFi stability and firmware, we put our SIM4 unit back into testing for re-analysis. Our review below remains unchanged.
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