Review: Netgear 4G LTE Modems

Netgear offers 3 different 4G LTE Modems which may be useful to mobile internet seekers who are not seeking a device that creates it own hotspot, but instead a LAN ethernet port. Since the device is not sold directly by AT&T, it comes unlocked and is also quite suitable for use on T-Mobile's network.

Compared to other AT&T devices on the market, these modems have inferior specifications.

Specifications - Netgear 4G LTE Modems

• Integrated Wi-Fi: No
• Ethernet: Yes - 1x Gigabit LAN Port
• Cellular Networks Supported: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon (limited support)
  LTE Bands: 2, 4, 5, 12/17
  4G: HSPA+ 850/1900
  2G/3G: UMTS B2, B5 - No 2G GSM/GPRS support.
• LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: No
• LTE Performance Category: Category 4
  (Max Theoretical Speed: 150Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
• Cellular Antenna Ports: 2x MIMO / TS9 Connectors (TBD Primary)
• Power Source: 110v AC (12V DC Input)
• Dimensions: 4.7'' x 3.9'' x 1.2''
• SIM Card Type: 3FF (Micro) SIM
• Outdoor Rated: No
• Retail Price: $120 (1120)

Other Models & Variations

There are three versions of the Netgear LTE Modem, with only minor differences between them:

• 4G LTE Modem (Model LB1120) - The basic model. List price $119.99.
• 4G LTE Modem with POE (Model LB1121) - The only difference with this model is that it can be powered over POE (power over ethernet) as well as via the power jack. If you have a device that has a spare POE port (like a WiFiRagner GoAC), this can let you avoid needing a power supply. List price $139.99.
• 4G LTE Modem with Dual Ethernet Ports (Model LB2120) - This model lacks the ability to be powered over POE, but adds an ethernet WAN port. This second ethernet port is designed to let the LTE Modem sit inline between a traditional DSL or Cable Modem and a home or office router. If the wired internet goes down, the wireless modem can then take over. This is handy for providing backup service to a home or office, but not useful for most mobile installations. List price $159.99.

Other than by comparing the back panel, all three models look identical.

Review & Testing Status

We were so intrigued with the Netgear 4G LTE Modem that we purchased one in July 2017. Members see our testing data here: Cellular Equipment Field Testing Results – Netgear Modems / USB730 (Late 2017) and we have some summary comparative data to other AT&T devices below.

Unboxing Video

Here's our video unboxing & first impressions:

We share our further hands-on impressions in the member area below.

Purchasing Options

• Amazon