Comparison Huawei E8372 vs ZTE MF823

Wi-Fi generation and frequency bands over which the modem shares mobile internet. The 2.4 GHz frequency provides greater range and penetrates walls better, 5 GHz usually offers higher speeds and less interference, while 6 GHz provides additional free channels but requires compatible devices and penetrates obstacles less effectively. At the same time, newer Wi-Fi does not speed up the mobile network itself: the final speed also depends on the modem’s capabilities, the operator’s coverage, and the connected equipment.

— Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g). An outdated standard operating in the 2.4 GHz band with a theoretical speed of up to 54 Mbps. Suitable for basic internet access, but it can noticeably limit the speed of a modern LTE connection.

— Wi-Fi 4 (2.4 GHz). A widespread 802.11n standard with good range and broad compatibility. Suitable for everyday use, although the single 2.4 GHz band is more susceptible to interference and may limit the capabilities of fast LTE or 5G.

— Wi-Fi 5 (2.4 + 5 GHz). A dual-band option that allows 2.4 GHz to be used for better coverage or 5 GHz for higher speeds and less congested spectrum. This is a balanced solution for home use, travel, and connecting multiple devices simultaneously.

— Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 + 5 GHz). A modern 802.11ax standard that distributes traffic among connected devices more efficiently and operates...more stably under load. Well suited for sharing fast LTE or 5G with several smartphones, laptops, and other equipment.

— Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz). A version of Wi-Fi 6 operating exclusively on the 2.4 GHz frequency. It combines modern traffic management mechanisms with good coverage range, but falls short of dual-band models in speed and resistance to interference.

— Wi-Fi 6E (2.4 + 5 + 6 GHz). A tri-band evolution of Wi-Fi 6 with the additional 6 GHz frequency, where there is usually less interference and more free channels are available. The benefits of the new band are realized only with compatible equipment, while other devices connect via 2.4 or 5 GHz.

— Wi-Fi 7 (2.4 + 5 GHz). The latest generation of wireless communication without support for the 6 GHz band. It provides more efficient data transmission and can use several bands simultaneously, but does not support the widest 320 MHz channels available to tri-band models.

— Wi-Fi 7 (2.4 + 5 + 6 GHz). A tri-band version of Wi-Fi 7 designed for maximum throughput and minimal latency. When supported by the modem and connected device, it can use several bands simultaneously and channels up to 320 MHz wide in the 6 GHz frequency.

The largest number of devices that can be simultaneously connected to the modem via Wi-Fi (see "Connection").

The presence of this limitation is due to the fact that processing network requests from several devices at once requires a fairly large amount of computing resources, and there are not so many of them in miniature electronics like wireless modems. However, even inexpensive models can support about 5 – 6 devices, which is more than enough for most cases; and in more advanced modems, this number can reach 10.

The 4G (LTE) mobile connection speed supported by the modem.

All modern LTE equipment is assigned one or another category (Cat.3, Cat.4, Cat.6, Cat.7, Cat.9, Cat.12, Cat.13, Cat.16, Cat.18, Cat.19, Cat.20, Cat.22), on which the transmission speed directly depends. This paragraph specifies both this category and specific speed indicators, moreover, in two parameters — for reception and for transmission. The transmission speed is always much lower, but given the specifics of mobile Internet access, this is usually not critical.

Note that equipment with different speed categories will be quite compatible with each other, however, the throughput will be limited by the capabilities of the slower device. It is also worth saying that this paragraph indicates the theoretical maximum; practical amounts can be noticeably lower (depending on the quality of the network coverage and the features of specific electronics). However, a modem with a higher speed category will perform faster in fact.

The presence of a connector for an external removable antenna in the modem design. The meaning of all external antennas is described above; here we note that the connector makes it possible to use rather large antennas with the modem, which significantly exceed the capabilities of stock antennas (both internal and external non-removable ones). In addition, the user can choose the antenna at his discretion.

The ability to connect the MIMO antenna (the antenna itself, usually, must be purchased separately).

MIMO technology is used in Wi-Fi communications, as well as in 4G LTE networks (starting with Cat.2). Its general principle is to split the transmitted signal into several transmitting and receiving antennas; at the same time, each of the transmitting antennas broadcasts a signal to all receiving antennas at once (or at least to several of them). This format of operation allows more efficient use of the frequency range, increases the actual data transfer rate, and also increases resistance to interference. But antennas for MIMO are rather bulky, in the case of modems it is difficult to make them built-in; and such feature is required not so often. Therefore, separate external antennas are used to work with this technology.

Note that even in portable Wi-Fi hotspots (see "Type"), this feature is used exclusively for 4G/LTE; Wi-Fi connection is provided by built-in antennas.