The Nighthawk M2 mobile router that runs on Telstra’s 4GX LTE network is an upgrade to a popular previous model, the only problem for Telstra is that it runs faster on the Optus network according to our speed tests.
Unlike the previous model the M2 can support up to 20 devices and is available from Telstra starting at $39 a month which includes 15GB of data.
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X24 it’s being billed as the world’s first 2Gbps LTE modem which supports Category 20 LTE Advanced along 4X4 MIMO (multiple in, multiple out).
This is a plug and play portable router that is ideal for people on the go, or when attending a trade event or for those big sales presentations.
Capable of achieving speeds of up to 2Gbps our tests revealed that there is not a big difference between the previous and current models despite the upgrades under the bonnet.
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X24 – the world’s first 2Gbps LTE modem which supports Category 20 LTE Advanced along 4X4 MIMO (multiple in, multiple out).
The Netgear Nighthawk M2 mobile router was tested initially via the Ookla Speed Test Network. This allowed us to dial up a Telstra server and an Optus Server.
On the Optus Server we achieved Upload Speeds of 46.34Mbps and Download Speeds of 43.64. When we dialled into the Telstra Server, we achieved Download Speeds of 42.68Mpps and Upload Speeds of 21.40.
When we went to the Telstra branded Speed Test Network and tested the device on the Chatswood Telstra Server, we were only able to manage 32.3Mbps download speed and an upload speed of 28.1Mbps.
When we tested the older Netgear 4G router on the same network the download speed was 31.7 Mbps and the upload speed 38.0Mps which was faster on the upload than the new M2 Night Nighthawk router.
These are excellent speeds for a portable mobile router that is an ideal investment for people who want to stay connected on the go or for mobile professionals and is equally at home as a travel router or it can be used in place of a traditional broadband router in a small apartment.
The Netgear Nighthawk M2 mobile router can also be used as a media hub to stream content and play multiplayer online games.
The device requires no software to install and can be set up in a matter of minutes. All you need is a SIM if you buy the device outright.
One of the big difference is that the new model comes with a larger screen and more information is delivered to the screen than the prior model. The new device also takes longer to boot, and I suspect it’s because it has a bigger processor and more information to boot.
Conclusion
I have been using one of these devices for several years and the latest model is an excellent if not an essential investment for business executives or people living in small apartments and don’t want to invest in a mainstream router.
As for speeds it’s faster than a lot of home routers running on ADSL and at $39 a month which includes 15GB of data this is value for money.
RATING: 9/10
Features
-Superfast mobile broadband internet — up to 2Gbps download/150Mbps upload
-Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X24 LTE modem
-4G LTE Advanced Category 20 with 5-band Carrier Aggregation
-Ethernet port and 2 USB ports (Type A and C) for media streaming from USB or external hard drives to all connected devices
-Wi-Fi/Ethernet offloading capabilities so your device connections move from the car (LTE) to your hotel’s internet
-Always-on connection shareable with up to 20 Wi-Fi devices on-the-go
-Parental controls filter and scheduled access to online content
-802.11ac and Dual-Band 2.4GHz/5GHz dual concurrent Wi-Fi for increased network performance and reduced interference
-Simple, intuitive NETGEAR mobile app user experience to monitor data usage, manage device and network settings from an iOS or Android smartphone or tablet
-Powerful, long-lasting battery for up to 24 hours of continuous use
-Improved Jump Boost feature to charge smartphones and small portable USB devices
-Two TS-9 connectors available for optional 4G/3G antennas
