Often times I have contemplated to swapping my regular broadband connection with a 3G plan offered by cellular operators. The reasoning behind is that I get better speeds while spending roughly the same amount I spend on a broadband connection. However, one major issue with the swap is how do I connect my smartphones, tablets, TV etc. to the internet since the 3G internet will work via the operator’s supplied hardware. Sure, I can opt for a MiFi but it’s somewhat unfeasible due to the fact that it runs on battery.
Zebronics Netwiz NWZ-WR150A-3G router is one of the rare breeds that promises to deliver it. But is it worth it? We take a look.
To put it in simple words – this offering from Zebronics allows a user to use the 3G internet by just connecting a USB dongle. The internet connection can then be used via other devices over Wi-Fi or up to four devices via Ethernet port.
Clad in a white hue, the router has a neat design with the LEDs, a reset and WPS button gracing the front; the antenna, AC adapter port, WAN, 4 LAN ports and one USB port. Sides of the router have a mesh design to dissipate heat.
Making the 3G connection work with the router is easy. The router supports a variety of USB modems from various manufacturers. For testing purposes, I used an unbranded unlocked USB dongle from China and another was Idea’s NetSetter USB dongle that uses a Huawei modem. While the router failed to detect the Chinese USB dongle, it detected the NetSetter dongle successfully. Now the regular procedure for the router would be to run through a quick wizard for the first time and automatically connect to the internet but in this case, it failed to do so. Turns out the router was trying to connect to a different number than what Idea dongle’s connect to. However, it can be easily rectified in the advanced settings that can be found in the web interface of the router.
In addition to the 3G mode, the router can also function similarly to a conventional wireless router. The router is compliant with 802.11b/g/n and supports security including WEP, WPA, WPA2 and WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup).
To sum this up, I would say it’s a decent router given the fact that it supports a variety of 3G modems and only hope Zebronics expands the modem support in the future via firmware upgrades.
Zebronics sells it for Rs. 3150.
Rating: 
Pros: Neat Design, Easy to Setup
Cons: It maybe incompatible with your USB modem. Better check before buying
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