What is an Internet Dongle?
An Internet dongle (sometimes also called USB stick) is a small cable that links your computer or phone directly to the internet. They’re becoming more and more trendy since they’re not only easy to carry with you while going places but also flexible enough to replace Wi-Fi hotspots.
Dongles serve various functions. They will add space to your laptop or computer, they will allow you to feed computer contents to TV’s, and they will provide additional audio input/output ports.
Portability
Internet dongles allow you to browse the web anywhere, anytime — your laptop or tablet and most mobile carriers support them. Even let you utilize your data plan for other uses, and are catching on with traveller who doesn’t like to be hounded by home Wi-Fi connections.
Backup routers are an excellent plan if your home network breaks down, whether you live in an unreachable region with unreliable Internet access or don’t have access to Ethernet cables.
The vast majority of USB hardware gives you one thing or a collection of things, such as Wi-Fi dongles to provide wireless connectivity on a laptop or desktop without it, audio dongles that add an extra source of input/output, or security dongles that add additional levels of security for your web account.
Speed
Dongles make it easy to have internet anywhere, and are great when you are working from home or abroad. Simply USB-in the dongle and you’re connected to any laptop or other device allowing direct access to mobile networks — in total control of internet costs! You can pay as you go or monthly subscription that lets you take total control of your internet expenses.
It’s also available through mobile networks in the form of broadband dongles; UK’s most popular 4G operator EE can offer you 60Mbps with their dongle. But you’ll need to remember that they’re not a great alternative to fixed broadband, and offer internet only where the signal will allow it.
Some dongles give you unlimited data and others do not (most are limitable in terms of downloads); be safe and check with your provider before you buy. Also since they are mobile they can be more prone to being lost or damaged than other broadband connections so you’ll want to choose one with good build quality and a durable case.
Security
Dongles are little gadgets that you hook off a socket or cable and use to make things connect, perform more and have security. Dongles can especially be useful for people travelling that need to connect in several places – for example, with a Wi-Fi dongle you can stay connected even when in public areas where an unencrypted connection might not be suitable.
Dongle copy protection ain’t with us any more (although at its simplest, it still lets programs execute if it discovers a key dongle.) But software pirates have managed to get around it, largely by simply disabling or bypassing the check for dongles or convincing it that you do have one.
Modem dongles for cellular data connections and Mi-Fi dongles that create mobile hotspots are other types of dongles — both enable secure internet on the go for business travelers who need internet connection on the road.
Cost
Dongles are little USB plug-in devices used to access the mobile network and give internet anywhere. Most dongles also ship with data plans included for convenience, some even come with extra security features to protect accounts.
You can buy the dongles from all the mobile operators between PS6 to PS33 per month depending on the carrier and data pack size. They are perfect for staying online when travelling or working from home without having to rely on public WiFi which is susceptible to hacking; may also be handy while waiting for broadband or before packing up; often students and students who fly a lot so dongles are especially great for students and frequent travellers; now available from EE, Vodafone, Three and O2.