Netgear Nighthawk MR1100 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Ethernet Router (AT&T GSM Unlocked)(Steel Gray) (Renewed) dual band

First Impression: Got this to replace a broken WE826 with a Quectel EP06 modem. I am using this as a primary ISP device for rural internet access(best you can get is DSL at the property). This device does not have near the features and settings that the WE826 has, which uses OpenWRT firmware, but I do not need TTL, QoS, VPN, or any of the other advanced features. If I do need any of those features then I can use the M1 as a passthrough modem and hook up a router with DDWRT or OpenWRT. With the same external antenna and cable as the WE826 was using, I am getting about a 25-50% increase in speeds with the M1, even though the RSSI signal is showing about 10 dB higher than the WE826 was. I do not know if the device is actually unlocked as I am using it with a 3rd party seller of AT&T SIMs. It did come with an unlock code sticker on the box though. The device I received is model MR1100-2A1NAS, which is definitely one of the AT&T versions. My Setup: The M1 modem is acting as the modem and router, however I am not using the built in wifi because I have a wifi mesh setup. So I have plugged the M1's ethernet port into one of the Mesh APs which provides wifi to end devices and extended coverage to additional mesh repeaters. Cellular Equipment: -Nomad Internet Blue SIM, 3rd party seller of ATT Unlimited Data plan(no throttling or data limit from what I've experienced so far) -Netgear Nighthawk M1 (MR1100-2A1NAS ) -TS9 to SMA adapter cable -2x 30ft 5D-FB cables for MIMO antenna connection -Proxicast 4G / LTE Cross-Polarized (MIMO) 7-10 dBi High-Gain Fixed-Mount Panel Antenna I am about 5 miles from the cell tower without a clear line of site(mostly trees in the way). The antenna is mounted ~20 ft in the air on the side of a home. Advantages: -Easy setup -The iOS app is really useful -Ethernet connection advertised as 500Mbps (WE826 limited to 100Mbps) -Has both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wifi built in (WE826 has 2.4GHz only) -Has battery to use as hotspot on the go -Built in Screen is a nice touch Disadvantages: -If plugged in charging while under heavy load, the battery heats up to the point where this device is notorious for bulging batteries and can overheat the device itself even. Since I am using this for a primary ISP at home, I just took the battery out and leave it plugged in. I changed out the adapter it came with(5v, 1A) for a larger one(5V, 2.5A) since the device won't be able to pull from the battery for heavy peak loads. -No advanced features like those that come with OpenWRT based routers. So no TTL, QoS, VPN, LTE band locking out of the box. Although you can use telnet to enable LTE band locking. -TS9 connectors are not ideal for external antenna connections. I get that they went with this type due to the smaller size, but still not ideal. Overall, if you don't need the features of a OpentWRT router, this thing is solid.

As described, worked well. great value.

Please don’t buy from seller Chubbiestech it’s not renew battery generic and burning up device , router screen has error for 2days overheating mode. Also doesn’t come unlock, This device definitely not renewed .Stays on Heat mode 24/7 can’t use device . Well my version didn’t come unlocked from seller Chubbiestech unlock code invalid on box 2nd after 10 minutes heats up battery drains 30 minutes , probably because it’s generic battery and charger , bought this hotspot for long battery life unlock , T-Mobile couldn’t unlock device, I used my friends iPad At&t sim but not impress warmth battery life , my test battery last 65 minutes , sent emails seller no luck with reply , I’m try aircard 797 if works better . Also doesn’t charge over 83% . I was surprised got generic battery, so far got 5 alerts that device too hot charge. I bought this amazing reviews on youtube not for me , maybe buy new version in future . 2/15/21 smoke coming out router I had force battery out this unacceptable. I previously had router before it works perfectly this seller didn’t renew this and Generic battery charger which causing battery heat mode. 2/17/21 won’t charge burning up error message heat mode. I got luck today brand new one on eBay $195. If guys looking decent hotspot get Alcatel Linkzone 2 battery last all day usually get unlock codes eBay $1.99 speeds 2% slower then Night hawk .

I have been using the MR-1100 for four years. I liked it so much I purchased a second one. The only issue I have ever had with either unit is the battery died (can't last forever). I purchased two new after market batties and all was well. To the individuals that says it overheats and shuts off. If you are in a scorching environment (your car or outside) and especially if your unit is exposed, it will go into battery overheat mode and subsequently stop broadcasting until it cools down. Easy fix is don't leave your unit exposed to the unbearable heat. To the individuals that complain about changing the SSID or password, it can be done. Just download the Netgear Mobile app and connect your phone to the unit. From there you can make all the changes you would like.

Thanks to my fellow Amazon shoppers, I finally have this up & running! The question & answers & Reviews on this product really helped. Although some had no issues using right out of the box for Cricket (since they are on the AT&T network), I could not get on the network until I followed another user’s recommendation of setting up a new APN. The seller included those instructions for “non-AT&T” users (I’m giving them 5 stars for tech support just for including this instruction as it was critical info) but Cricket wouldn’t work for me until I did this step. Settings can be found on the Cricket website but here is a screenshot of what I used. Also, once I got on WiFi, I could not get my work computer to function-kept getting a DNS server error-but I googled the users manual for this product & learned you can connect via a c-type to USB cable (which is the same cable you use to charge, just remove the plug in adapter) & that did the trick. I know it’s easy to dunk on tech support but Cricket has not been able to help-they couldn’t even provide basic troubleshooting. My work tech support was not able to help with my issue of not being able to connect my work computer either. You will likely have to be your own tech support for this. I work tech adjacent but am by no means technical so I think with some effort, others can get this going as well. So far, performance has been fine, but read other reviews about battery issues. It has heated up & I plan to remove the battery & use the charging cord to power it & keep battery for back up.

I would give it 5 stars if setup was easier or at least some instructions were provided. I purchased this to use as a modem to feed a router. After 3 days, I was about to return it and then, I found a YouTube video on how to set it up as a modem for a router. The app that's supposed to work with it doesn't support the router. So, you have to uses the web browser to set it up. Also, it was listed as used in good condition. Based on the scratches it's more like acceptable condition. But, it works and that's the main thing. Also, for some reason, it will only connect to weak T-Mobile networks. Even though there's a att tower 1\4 mile away.

works well. needed

It arrived and didn’t come on right away. I put it to charge (charge and adapter was included) for 1hr came back the bar on the side wss about 25%. Dropped in my GSM sim, used my phone to log into the wifi, name and password was on the screen. Went into the admin config, put in the unlock code thst was stick on the front and, it worked. Minor scratches but fully functional for me. Love the screen. Working good so far