Review: Netgear 4G LTE Modems

There is currently one version available, the LM1200, which was released in March 2021.

It comes with a low-end category-4 LTE modem but does include support for more bands than the older LB models, including T-Mobile's Band 71 and AT&T's Band 14.

It also includes support for Verizon and is certified on all three major carriers (AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile).

Costco carried a version of it with a model number of LM1300 that was identical, but is no longer available.

Specifications

• Model Number: LM1200-100NAS 
• # of Connected Devices: 1x via Gigabit Ethernet (no WiFi)
• Control Panel Address and Default Password:
  • Address: http://192.168.5.1
  • Password: On the product label
• USB Tethering Support: None - USB for power only
• Modem Chipset: Not Specified 
• Supported Networks and Bands: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon
  • 4G/LTE: 2, 4, 5, 12/17, 13, 14, 66, 71
  • 3G: UMTS DC-HSPA+ Bands 2, 4, 5
• LTE Performance:
  • LTE Performance Category: Category 4 (Max Theoretical Speed: 150Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
  • LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: No
• MIMO Support: 2x2 internal or external
• Cellular Antenna Ports: 2x MIMO / TS9 Connectors
• Other Ports: 2x Gigabit Ethernet (1xWAN, 1xLAN)
• Wi-Fi Standard: None
• Battery:
  • Claimed Battery Life: No battery
  • Can Be Powered Without a Battery: Yes
• Dimensions: 4.56 x 4.56 x 1.27 inches
• SIM Card Type: Nano
• Retail Price: $125.00

There are three versions, 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.

The LTE modem chipset is the same for each model, and all three models look identical, except for the back panel.

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

It can also be used on AT&T, butcompared to other AT&T devices on the market, these LTE modems have inferior specifications.

Specifications

• Model Number: LB1120 (base model), LB1121(includes PoE), LB2120 (includes 2 ethernet ports)
• # of Connected Devices: 1x via Gigabit Ethernet (no WiFi)
• Control Panel Address and Default Password:
  • Address: http://192.168.5.1
  • Password: On the product label
• USB Tethering Support: None - lacks a USB port
• Modem Chipset: Not Specified
• Supported Networks and Bands: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon (limited support)
  • 4G/LTE: 2, 4, 5, 12/17
  • 3G: HSPA+ 850/1900; UMTS 2, 5
• LTE Performance:
  • LTE Performance Category: Category 4 (Max Theoretical Speed: 150Mbps Down / 50Mbps Up)
  • LTE-Advanced Carrier Aggregation: No
• MIMO Support: 2x2 internal or external
• Cellular Antenna Ports: 2x MIMO / TS9 Connectors
• Other Ports: Gigabit Ethernet (2x for model LB2120)
• Wi-Fi Standard: None
• Battery:
  • Claimed Battery Life: No battery
  • Can Be Powered Without a Battery: Yes
• Dimensions: 4.7 x 3.9 x 1.2 inches
• SIM Card Type: Micro
• Retail Price: $120-$160 (depending on model and vendor)