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.
Product Variations
MoFi offers a range of models on their website, with often confusing product names. The two of most interest to our audience are the SIM4 and SIM7 of the MoFi4500-4GXeLTE line-up.
Additionally, MoFi offers a Combo version of these routers, which basically includes a higher gain screw in paddle antenna for a few extra bucks. If you're intending to use roof mounted antennas with your MoFi, you can skip the upgrade.
MoFi4500-4GXeLTE SIM4
The SIM 4 is the original version released, and sports a Cat-6 modem with carrier aggregation. It has support for all of the carriers, but lacks Band 71 for T-Mobile and Band 14 for AT&T.
Specifications
- Model: MoFi4500-4GXeLTE SIM4
- Base Technology: WE826 Router
- 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, hotspots and smartphones
- Ethernet Ports: 5x 100Mbps Fast Ethernet (1x WAN / 4x LAN)
- Cellular Modem Specs: Yes
- Supported Networks and Bands:
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation:
- SIM4 v2 Version - Yes - 2x 20MHz Channels
- MIMO Support: 2x2
- LTE Performance Category:
- 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 Combo upgrade
- SIM Slot: Mini-SIM (2FF)
- 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: $299.99
MoFi4500-4GXeLTE SIM7
The SIM7 was released in Spring 2020 with support for T-Mobile's Band 71 and AT&T's Band 14. However, the modem is only a Cat-4 which lacks carrier aggregation and support for Sprint bands. If you need Band 71 of Band 14, then this is the model to get - but it does come with compromises in performance.
Specifications
- Model: MoFi4500-4GXeLTE SIM7
- Base Technology: WE826 Router
- 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, hotspots and smartphones
- 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 - no Sprint):
- LTE Bands: B2, B4, B5, B12/B17, B14, B66, B71
- 2G/3G: Not Yet Known
- SIM7 Combo Version (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T - no Sprint):
- LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: No
- MIMO Support: 2x2
- LTE Performance Category: Category 4 (Max Theoretical Speed: 150Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
- Cellular Antenna Ports: 2x SMA/Female Antenna Ports, Basic 5dBi Indoor Antennas Included, premium antennas included with Combo upgrade.
- SIM Slot: 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: $284.99
News, Videos & 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.
Related News Center Articles:
Potential Alternatives to Consider:
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