Sun Broadband Pocket WIFI is a nifty device for sharing your internet connection via Wireless Fidelity (WIFI). I’ve been eyeing to buy this gadget since day one but why shell out cash when I can have it for free from Sun Cellular. So I had one last week as part of their loyalty program a.k.a. Sun Perks. The device is Sun-locked and comes with a 24-month contract, which I care less because I’ve been a postpaid subscriber for many years now.
I got a new and shiny Huawei LTE Mobile WIFI E5372. Click here to read my review.
There’s a rumor in the forums that Pocket WIFIs are supposed to boost the signal and speed strength. In my opinion, this isn’t quite accurate at all. While MF-51 offers up to 72 14.4 Mbps of speed, it’s still very much a network-dependent device which means your ISP, Sun Broadband in my case, controls the overall performance of your connection. Luckily, I live in Talisay City, Cebu where connection problems rarely occur compared to other areas in Cebu City where persistent disconnection and extremely slow downloads are beyond a joke.
There are basically two modes you can use to acquire a connection from the Pocket WIFI – cable and wireless. Laptops can take advantage of both but since I’m using a desktop PC that doesn’t have a wireless dongle, I only use the USB-provided cable for that, which is efficient and ingenious because it charges the device while I’m using it.
When I’m out and about, I just turn on my phone’s WIFI and connects to the Pocket WIFI device in seconds. If I’m not mistaken, the device can last up to 4-5 hours before recharge for a one (1) device at a time usage. I can only assume the battery would drain much faster if two or more devices use it at the same time.
Overall, I’m a very satisfied user because it works out of the box! However, if you’re not keen on setting up gadgets, you would want to ask help from their Help Desk Agents to do that on your behalf. The first time I use it, the gadget only sees an EDGE connection instead of the usual HSDPA, so tweaking the settings is required via its browser-based interface.
How to password-protect your WIFI?
If you need to put password to your WIFI, so that only those legit may use it, you need to go to its Settings Page by accessing it through http://ufi.home/ via your web browser. Once you’re in, simply go to the Settings >> WIFI Settings >> Security.
How to reset the device in case you forgot the password?
Press WPS and Power buttons simultaneously, and hold on about three seconds until all LEDs are off, then release the buttons, the device will restart automatically and restore to the factory default settings. The default login password is: admin.
Update: (06/12/2013): I’m experiencing configuration resets lately. I can’t explain why it’s happening and don’t honestly think it’s a battery/power issue. I’ve set the device to use only HSDPA since day one and suddenly reverted to Edge connection without any warnings minutes ago. Unlike the USB plug-its, you don’t get visual cues (LED light changes color) if Edge is being used. By the way, the green LED indicator turns blue whenever Edge connection is active.
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