Review: Netgear 4G LTE Modems

The Netgear 4G LTE modems cover three different models which may be useful to mobile internet users who are looking for an ethernet LAN port, and not WiFi connectivity.

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.

The LTE modem chipset is the same for each variant.

Netgear 4G LTE modems are not sold directly by AT&T, so it comes unlocked.

The device can also be used on T-Mobile's network thanks to Band 12 support - but the device does not support T-Mobile's newer Band 71. There is limited Verizon support - users would be better off with a dedicated Verizon device.

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

Specifications - Netgear 4G LTE Modems

Model Number: LB1120 (base model), LB1121(includes PoE), LB2120 (includes 2 ethernet ports)
# of Connected Devices: 1x via Gigabit Ethernet (no WiFi)
Control Panel and Default Password:
Control Panel: http://192.168.5.1
Default Password: On the product label
USB Tethering Support: None - lacks a USB port
Supported Networks and Bands: 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
MIMO Support: 2x2 internal or external
LTE Performance Category: Category 4
(Max Theoretical Speed: 150Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
Cellular Antenna Ports: 2x MIMO / TS9 Connectors
Other Ports: Gigabit Ethernet (2x for model LB2120)
Wi-Fi Technology / Frequencies: None
Claimed Battery Life: No battery
Can Be Powered Without a Battery: Yes
Dimensions: 4.7'' x 3.9'' x 1.2''
SIM Card Type: 3FF (Micro) SIM
Retail Price: $115-$160 (depending on model and vendor)

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 in our member section below.

Unboxing Video

Here's our video unboxing & first impressions:

Potential Alternatives to Consider:

For other popular mobile hotspots on the market - here are our featured options:

Learn More About Selecting LTE Hotspots

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

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