4G WiFi Router ZTE MF90 from Beeline is a convenient solution for home use when connected to the Internet via 4G. It ensures reliable operation of multiple devices.

The 4G LTE standard allows for asynchronous data exchange through a connection to the Beeline mobile operator at fairly high speeds: up to 100 Mbps for reception and up to 50 Mbps for data transmission. These speeds are provided with a good level of cellular radio signal. Client devices are connected to the router via a wireless network operating in the 802.11b, g, n standard. It is supported by almost all devices that work on wifi.

Due to its small dimensions, comparable to the size of an average smartphone, and low weight (only about 150 grams), the Beeline device is optimal for connecting to a 4G network while traveling. A convenient option for the ZTE MF90 is the ability to connect external antennas that support MIMO wireless technology (multiple input and output). This allows you to increase the speed, quality and range of the router and use it as a stationary device to connect to the Internet. Another small addition makes the router convenient for teamwork: the ZTE MF90 device supports the installation of microSD, which allows you to make it a shared storage for data, music or video files.

If there is no high-quality signal in the 4G standard, the ZTE MF90 router can transmit data using 3G and 2G standards.

Specifications

The router has optimal technical characteristics for home use.

It works in the following ranges of standards:

• digital standard for mobile information transmission GSM;
• high speed LTE FDD
• universal UMTS standard.

1. The 4G LTE FDD standard has the highest speed: it reaches 100 / 50 Mbps in asynchronous mode (reception / transmission).
2. Slightly lower speed DC-HSPA +: limit values ​​42 / 6 Mbps when transmitting information.
3. The EDGE/GPRS speed itself is the lowest: it is only 236 Kbps.

The ZTE MF90 WIFI router can support up to 10 user network connections. This is more than enough for home use.

Support microSD allows you to install a memory card up to 32 GB. Direct connection in access point mode to computers running Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8 or Apple Mac OS X 10.6 - 10.8 operating systems is possible.

Setting

When starting to independently configure a 4G router, you need to take into account an important recommendation from Beeline. Do not make changes to your profile settings unless absolutely necessary. Entering incorrect parameters into the profile settings may result in the router not being able to connect to the Internet.

The SIM card and microSD are installed in the same way as in a regular smartphone. Connection to control the device is possible both via the USB connector and via the web interface. When you connect the device to the computer's USB input, the installation of the control software will automatically begin. It is not recommended to disconnect the USB connection during the installation of the router management program.

To connect to the device via a wireless network, you need to remember the WiFi SSID and password. This information is located under the back cover of the device.
To connect a computer to a router, you need to configure the wireless connection settings to automatically assign an IP address to the user. The next step is to connect to the device management console through a browser using one of the two addresses http://m.home/ or http://192.168.0.1.

Consider the basic settings that may come in handy when using the device.

When you connect to the router for the first time, you need to remember to change the administrator access password. The default password on all devices is "admin". It is necessary to change it by inventing your own in order to prevent outsiders from accessing the device.

The control panel provides the ability to perform routine operations related to reflecting the state of the balance and replenishing the account.

If you do not want to visit Web pages to connect to the network every time you start a new session, then you need to change the connection settings. The default setting is Manual. By switching the mode to "Automatic", you bypass the connection settings page.

If there is a need to access the Internet far from the coverage area of ​​​​the network of the Beeline mobile operator, you should select the option "Connect to the Internet in roaming" in the settings. This will make it possible to connect through another mobile provider.

If you are using a Beeline SIM card with a tariff that is not included in the "home mobile Internet" group, be prepared for problems. It is possible that when connecting, access points will not match the settings for this tariff. By default, APN is used: string home.beeline.ru. On other tariff plans, you will have to use the APN setting: internet.beeline.ru line to select the appropriate profile.

Control

It was mentioned above that it is possible to select the frequencies for connecting wifi devices. Through the web-based management console, the desired frequency is selected with the required channel bandwidth. If one frequency is overloaded with other devices, you can switch to another.

Changing the frequency is sometimes useful if you have a lot of WiFi devices in your house.

By installing an SD card, you can configure access to it. On the control panel, access via USB connection or shared access via HTTP protocol is set. You can also protect the card by setting it to read-only mode.

The ZTE MF90 has a useful option for economical use of battery power if there is no 220 V voltage source at hand. If the client devices are close, you can set the "small wifi radius" parameter. In this mode of operation, the signal power is reduced and the main consumer of energy - the radio antenna is switched to an economical mode of operation. If you choose a short time to switch to standby mode to the “small radius”, then the battery life of the device can reach 2-3 days without recharging. In normal operation, the battery lasts for one day.

Beeline provides the optimal solution for users who can "kill several birds with one stone." This is an inexpensive, but reliable 4G router made in China, complete with convenient mobile Internet communication service packages. The device can distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi wireless technology to up to 10 gadgets simultaneously.

The device does not have unnecessary functionality, Beeline has selected and implements a WiFi router for its subscribers with good characteristics in terms of data transfer speed and battery capacity. One full charge is usually enough to use a 4G router from morning to evening, and if you set up the power saving mode, then for a couple of days.

Router Features

Often a person who has purchased a 4G router simply inserts a SIM card into the device and immediately starts using the Beeline WiFi router with the default settings already available.

4G router functionality

The 4G format provides a significant data transfer rate using the connection provided by the Beeline mobile operator, which reaches 0.1 GBit / s when receiving data and up to 0.05 GBit / s when sending. The router package includes only the most necessary things: the 4G Wi Fi router itself, a manual, a cable and an adapter for charging from a 220-volt network, and a rechargeable battery.

The device is perfectly used for trips and travels, because it has small dimensions and a very small weight (only 150 gr.). Additionally, the device has connectors for external antennas, which can increase the signal quality. And also this small gadget from Beeline can make its collective use comfortable, thanks to the presence of a “microSD” slot, in the memory of which you can store various information, video and media files for sharing among friends and colleagues.

In the case when there is no 4G, the device works fine with 2G and 3G.

Technical parameters of Wi Fi router

The parameters of the 4G device from Beeline are as follows:

1. Operates in the 4G LTE FDD standard (speed reaches 0.1 GBit / s when receiving data and up to 0.05 GBit / s when sending);
2. Slightly less indicators are with DC-HSPA (respectively 42 and 6 MBit / s reception / transmission);
3. The smallest performance for EDGE/GPRS is 236 Kbps.

The device can simultaneously provide access to the World Wide Web for ten gadgets with the Wi Fi function. It is possible to use "microSD" up to 32 Gb.

Works great with computers, and is compatible with the following OS:

1. Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8;
2. Apple Mac OS X 10.6 - 10.8.

Setting procedure

Beeline employees, when implementing this Wi Fi router, warn about the undesirability of making adjustments to the profile settings, which often cause malfunctions in the device. If the user already has experience installing a SIM card in a phone, then he can easily cope on his own with a similar procedure for a Wi Fi router. The connection for changing parameters is provided both via the USB socket and via the web page. If you connect the router to a PC via a USB connector, then the software will be installed automatically.

Note: Beeline specialists strictly forbid disconnecting the USB plug during the installation of the Wi Fi network settings application.

The algorithm of actions consists of the following successive steps:

In areas where there is no mobile coverage from Beeline, a special function is provided in the settings, to activate which you just need to check the box “Connect to a network while roaming”. If you use this option, the Internet will continue to work due to the provision of cellular network services by another operator.

You can manually specify the connection frequencies of Wi-Fi devices. It is necessary, as indicated above, to enter the web settings and specify the optimal frequency. In the case when there are too many connected gadgets on the channel used, then you should switch to an unoccupied one.

Micro SD card

It is possible to share information, data, media and video files from the SD memory card with friends and colleagues. To do this, you need to set the appropriate parameters in the "Control Panel", as shown in the figure below.

For security purposes and to preserve the integrity of the stored files on the memory card, it is recommended to check the "read only" box.

How to save battery charge on a Wi-Fi device?

To resolve the issue, you need to do the following:

1. Enter the "Device" section;
2. Next, go to the tab "Energy saving" check the box "Small radius wi fi";
3. Click "Apply".

Since the main “devourer” of the charge in the device is the antenna, reducing the distance to smartphones and tablets consuming the Internet will significantly reduce the energy consumption of the device’s battery.

It happens like this: I took both my phone and tablet with me, and I grabbed a laptop just in case. And, of course, in the modern world without the Internet, nowhere. In this case, you can easily and simply provide all devices with the Internet using a Wi-Fi router, for example, ZTE MF90 from Beeline.

Specifications

2G standards: GSM 1800 / GSM 900

3G standards: UMTS 2100 / UMTS 900

4G (LTE) standards: LTE 2600 / LTE 1800 / LTE 800

Accumulator battery: Li-ionl, 2300 mAh

WiFi Standards: 802.11b/g/n

Maximum data transfer/reception rate of LTE: 100 Mbps / 50 Mbps

Maximum data transfer/reception rate DC-HSPA+: 42 Mbps / 5.76 Mbps

Maximum EDGE/GPRS data reception/transmission speed: 236 kbps

Memory card support: MicroSD up to 32 GB

Dimensions: 100x15x58mm

Weight: 140

Contents of delivery

• router
• Battery
• Charger
• USB cable
• Supporting documentation

Acquaintance

As a matter of fact, the name of the access point and the password are hidden under the back cover of the router. The router does not require special settings for it to work, just insert a SIM card, go to the web interface and connect to the Internet, since auto-connection to the Internet is not set by default ... But first things first.

Design

There are 2 buttons on the front side of the router: a large one for turning on and a little smaller for WPS. The buttons are quite large, so the chances that they will be accidentally pressed are quite high. A single press is not so scary, however, the buttons have a delay in actions, say, if you want to use WPS, you will need to hold down the corresponding button for five seconds. That is, if the buttons are accidentally pressed, the router will take on a life of its own. In addition to the buttons, there is a small display along the entire length of the front side (although it’s hard to call it a display), rather it’s a group of LED indicators: battery charge, Wi-Fi network and signal reception level. In different modes of operation, they burn differently, you have to remember what it says.

The Beeline logo is emblazoned on the back. By the way, the back cover is removable. Under the cover is a removable 2300 mAh battery, under which, in turn, slots for a SIM card and micoSD card are hidden. There is also a Reset button under the back cover. Well, as mentioned, there is a Wi-Fi password that you will need for the initial connection.

On the left side there are two sockets for an external antenna. And in the center is a microUSB connector.

The case of the router is made of plastic, it is rough to the touch. However, given that the router is white (and there are no other color variations), it gets very dirty.

Features and controls

The router is configured completely through the web interface, that is, in any browser you can configure the router, provided that you are connected to it. As on any similar device, access to the web interface is protected by a password (standard "admin").

What possibilities does the web interface provide? Firstly, you can send SMS messages from the router, respectively, and read them there. Secondly, view your contacts stored on the SIM card. And also check the balance, manage services, use your personal account and change other SIM card settings. Everything necessary for this is provided.

From the main page, you can view the connected devices. The maximum number of simultaneously connected devices is 10, which is more than enough for a pocket router.

When you connect the router to a computer, in fact, it becomes a USB modem, while also distributing Wi-Fi. Access to the microSD card can be obtained in two ways. First: when you connect this device to a PC, it is defined as a flash card. And the second is through HTTP access in the web interface. SD card access modes can be changed. You can also select the path on the memory card where access will be opened, select the type of access: read / write, read only. It is equally convenient to get access to the SD card both from a computer and from a phone. Thus, the router can be turned into a kind of "cloud", and owners of devices without memory cards, such as iPhone / iPad, will definitely like it.

Setting

At first glance, there are only seven items in the settings menu, and these seven items are clearly not enough to complete the detailed configuration of the MF90 router. But, as it turned out, each paragraph contains more subparagraphs.

Net

The router has an auto-connect mode, thanks to which it is enough to turn on the router, and it will automatically connect to the Internet. If this is inconvenient for someone, you can set up the connection manually.

In the same place in the network settings, you can set the type of network used: 2G, 3G, 4G, or even automatic mode.

WiFi settings

In Wi-Fi settings, the basic settings of the access point are made. You can change the name, access password, select the type of encryption and set the maximum number of connections.

The MF90 Wi-Fi router can operate in two bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. It would be better and more correct to use the latter, however, only a few gadgets support it.

Device

In the device settings, first of all, you can and should change the password for accessing the web interface.

In the same settings item, you can reset the router settings, reboot the router, update the software, and take care of energy saving. In the power saving settings, the Wi-Fi range and the time the router goes into sleep mode are selected. With a short range, the router shows a very good autonomy result, it will last an average of 2-3 days. With a large radius, this figure is reduced to one incomplete day.

It is very unpleasant if you set short time intervals for switching to standby mode, 5 or 10 minutes, then, despite active use, the router still disconnects from the network from time to time. Most likely, the problem is hidden in the software.

conclusions

Thus, about the ZTE MF90 router from Beeline, there are very positive impressions. First of all, it is quite affordable and simple control. It can be seen that the developers responsibly approached the creation of software, because it takes into account almost everything you need. With detailed settings, which obviously won’t take you more than 10 minutes, the router shows good autonomy, a strong signal from both Wi-Fi and the mobile network. Of course, it is very useful to have a slot for a memory card, which turns the router into a "cloud". The presence of 4G and support for the 5 GHz band is another big plus.

The weak side of the device was the material and easily soiled white color. Large buttons on the front side can also cause trouble in some situations. Well, and the lack of a normal informative display - only three indicator lights.

You can buy a 4G Wi-Fi router ZTE MF90 from Beeline at Beeline offices for 2950 rubles.

An ambiguous 4G device, slightly out of the modern directions and trends of "router building". In terms of performance, it's very good. The uninformativeness of the display from habit was very annoying, but eventually reconciled. Still, in a mobile router, the main thing is the reliability of the connection in changing conditions, plus a tenacious battery. And with this, the MF90 is all right.

Dots over "i"

Mobile router with LTE (4G) support, manufacturer - ZTE Corporation (China), model MF90. SIM card of standard size (mini SIM). The router is locked to work on the Beeline network, the price of the device is 2,950 rubles. in the offices and salons of the operator. The battery with a capacity of 2300 mAh is enough for 6-7 hours of active Web surfing or 4-5 hours of downloading programs and content. Support for microSD memory cards up to 32 GB, access to files on the card from the Web interface and/or USB connection.

The number of simultaneously connected users is up to 10, Wi-Fi in the 5 GHz band is provided. The mode of operation as a repeater is present.

In the settings, you can select any of the standards or automatic mode with priorities 4G - 3G - 2G. The combined mode 3G/2G (without 4G) is not provided. Supported bands and standards: GSM 1800 / GSM 900, UMTS 2100 / UMTS 900, LTE 1800 / LTE 2600 / LTE 800. There is no support for LTE TDD (only FDD), but this version of the standard is of interest only to some metropolitan MTS subscribers.

Lyrics

The router appeared in Beeline back in January, but I missed this business, I confess. Not least because of some stupidity of the new site. Even now, already knowing for sure about the presence of a description of this device, I could not find it for about five minutes. As a result, he spat and set Yandex on the Beeline website, which "there is everything." I found it right away, and I had to start with this, but somehow it is wrong. Okay, I'll write it off on my own stupidity, the final result is important. Our preliminary review (rather, an announcement) was published in January, you can read it. But there were only the most basic characteristics.

I already wrote that the market niche of pocket routers has “collapsed” significantly due to the popularity and relative cheapness of Android smartphones. Phones are updated quickly, sell the old one for 500 rubles. many are lazy or do not allow the well-known amphibian. And how to use a smartphone that has become unnecessary? As a router, nothing else. Therefore, now either 4G routers or devices with radically better parameters and functionality have consumer value. Better than both in one bottle. Manufacturers understand this no worse than you and me, so they try to equip their mobile routers with all sorts of “adult” lures like 5 GHz Wi-Fi, repeater mode and other amenities. The path is correct, but I repeat: the main advantages are the stability of the connection in different conditions and sufficient battery life.

As for today's "experimental", the specimen is interesting. The device has its own face, and it is noticeably different from the popular analogues of Huawei Corporation. It can be assumed that ZTE showed conservatism and did not introduce informative displays, retaining a simple and inexpensive LED indication, simply adding modern modes and additional "chips". Or vice versa, they took the path of minimalism in display and settings, deliberately designing a device “for blondes”. The truth is most likely somewhere in the middle.

Equipment and design

A standard set of the router itself, a battery in a separate package, a connecting cable, a charger, a SIM card and a "User's Guide". The kit came to me without the “Manual”, which was not a problem. The desired “Manual” was found on the Beeline website in pdf format, another copy is sewn up in the “Help” menu of the Web management interface.

As for the design, it is standard and without frills, the usual "boat". The color is white, no inserts and buttons "under chrome". Three LED indicators are hidden under a narrow black stripe. Personally, I like white more, but it's a matter of taste. The bad thing is that the white matte body is quite easily soiled and easily collects all the dust and dirt.

The dimensions are quite modest, the proportions are common. Compared to the "colleagues" from Huawei, the router is a little narrower and longer. The dimensions of the device are determined by a 2300 mAh battery, which occupies the bulk of the internal volume. The side faces are flat and without slope, which allows you to put the router vertically and see the indicators. Which, unlike the TFT screen, do not turn off during the operation of the router.

The control buttons in the amount of two pieces on the front panel are nice. But the power button is very soft and not recessed, rather, it even protrudes by some fractions of a millimeter. Which sometimes leads to spontaneous shutdown of the device. A couple of times I ran into this with a router in the pocket of a soft backpack and was already ready to swear at buggy electronics, but in the other pocket the effect disappeared. This prompted me to look for external causes of unexpected shutdowns. Unpleasant, but not fatal, if you know and take into account in everyday use.

Design

Almost the entire internal volume of the case is occupied by a rechargeable battery, we will talk about power features separately. The antennas are located at the bottom of the case. According to the results of measurements with a router in different “poses”, I got the impression that the radio unit works somewhat better in a horizontal position. But I did not see a pronounced dependence and I could be wrong.

The microUSB socket is on the left side, there are also two antenna sockets (MIMO), covered with plugs. There is nothing on the other sides. On the front panel there is a power on/off button, a WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Connection) button.

Inside the slot for a SIM card and a microSD memory card, cards up to 32 GB are supported. Not quite the usual design of the microSD slot, a cutout in the plastic of the case forms a petal with a small protrusion. When installing the card, the tab should be slightly pressed down, after installation it will straighten out, and the protrusion will securely fix the card. The solution is no worse (or even better) than the traditional sliding "lock", but not everyone will immediately guess. However, in the process of stuffing the memory card, the required pressing on the tab occurs naturally.

To open the back cover, you need to move it forward a few millimeters, this is hinted at by a small triangle on the case. The triangle is visible only upon close examination, but I hope that things will not come to a chisel and even a not very attentive owner of the router will look into the “Guide”, in which the method of opening the case is described in detail and with a picture. It is difficult to say how securely the lid will be fixed after months of operation, but I did not see the prerequisites for rapid loosening.

Controls and indication

There is almost nothing to write about external controls due to the minimum number of these controls on the router itself, most settings are available only through the Web interface. But there are some features of the two buttons.

I already wrote about the possibility of spontaneously pressing the soft power button, to turn the router on or off, you need to hold it down for 5 seconds. A short press on the button wakes the router from sleep mode. The default setting is 10 minutes. Good for saving power, but inconvenient when the smartphone is set to automatically turn off Wi-Fi when there is no activity and the screen is locked. Setting for half an hour or an hour seems more reasonable to me, but it's up to you. The main thing is to be aware of this feature, otherwise I have already seen several complaints about “inexplicable” shutdowns of the device.

The WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Connection) button enables this connection with a long press, with a short press it turns on or off the Wi-Fi module. It can be useful when cable connection of the router to the computer.

Three LED indicators: battery, Wi-Fi and cellular network. Status and modes are indicated by glow (off - flashing - constantly on) and indicator color (from one to three). In total, a three-color LED can display up to seven different states, a two-color LED can display up to five.

In the "User's Guide" most of the modes are described in the plate (see above). In general, everything is logical and easy to remember. A few notes on the convenience of indication and "undocumented" modes:

• When the charger is connected, the battery indicator may also turn red. This will happen if during the charging process there is an intensive data transfer and the battery starts to overheat. In such a situation, the controller stops charging and starts it again after the battery temperature drops. They could have written about it in the "Manual", otherwise the inexplicable redness of the indicators always scares.
• During the discharge process (normal mode), the color of the indicator changes to red very early, at a charge level of about 50% capacity. It's not scary, but a little annoying. It also starts blinking red too early, on the remaining charge of about 20%.
• There is very little indication of the type of data network. Blue color means 4G, but green is "dedicated" for 3G and 2G, there is no difference. The third color (red) was given to indicate a failure or lack of a SIM card. And one more thing: as in other routers, the connection and data transfer indicator sometimes lies, showing the normal mode when there is actually no Internet connection. Rarely, but it happens.

Of course, I would like to see more useful information. For example, the number of connected users, the Wi-Fi operating range (2.4 or 5 GHz), the remaining battery capacity in%, the amount of transmitted and received data, the operating mode (router or repeater), SMS messages ... The informative TFT display does not only more expensive, but also much more voracious, so it turns off, and you have to press something to view the information. And the LEDs are on all the time.

Almost all the necessary information can be obtained through the web interface, as an option - prepare a link on the smartphone screen and open it in the browser. But this is not always convenient and not everyone likes it. The mobile application is already better, more on that below. The ideal solution would be an e-ink display, but so far we see only the first, not very successful attempts in this direction of development. In general, there is no perfection yet and there is something to strive for.

Battery and power consumption

An important aspect that many are interested in. Although Beeline positions the mobile router as “Internet at home and away from home”, the device is primarily focused on working outside the home, and battery “survivability” is one of the key parameters.

The 2300 mAh battery is no longer a compromise, as in Huawei E5372 (1780 mAh), our ZTE MF90 has 30% more battery capacity. But it also falls short of the “reference” 3,000 mAh in the Huawei E271 router. It is clear that there is never a lot of battery, but 2300 mAh has always been enough for me for a full day with a margin under any operating conditions for home, work and on the road. At the same time, he diligently watched all the videos that came across “in the subject”, 6-8 pieces per day. If you don’t download movies and don’t have fun with torrents, then the mode of use is acceptable: put it on charge before going to bed and during the day you don’t have to think about enough / not enough. Unfortunately, without a battery in the case, the router does not turn on and it will not work to save the battery in this way.

I already wrote about the power saving mode with the router “falling asleep” after a certain period of inactivity, the default setting is 10 minutes. The second way to conserve battery is the three-position Wi-Fi transmitter power switch. With active Web surfing, the savings are small, but in conjunction with a smartphone, battery life increases. I like this manual control more than automatic power reduction when the external power is turned off, but again, a matter of taste. If necessary, it is often more convenient to switch the transmitter power using the "proprietary" Android application.

Charger for a current of 1 A, the battery of the router is charged from it for about four hours. The only advantage is its compactness, in size the charger is not much larger than a conventional power plug. If the size is not critical, then it is better to use a more powerful power source.

Specifications

The set of ranges is standard for Russia, we have nothing remarkable here. If an "omnivorous" device is required for traveling around different countries and / or for the prospect of the emergence of LTE in new bands for this technology, then the Huawei E5372 looks preferable. But the fleet of mobile routers is being updated quite quickly, and by then something fresh will probably appear. DC HSPA + in 3G is supported, now it is very important.

I read on the forum bitter complaints about the lack of support for Windows 8.1 in USB-connection to a computer mode. I do not think that in our time many may need this, but keep in mind. Perhaps, in due course, a firmware update will be released.

The 5GHz Wi-Fi band is supported, which can be quite useful in office blocks and apartment buildings. Indeed, the 2.4 GHz band can be very noisy, and free (so far) 5 GHz helps out. Simultaneous operation of Wi-Fi in the 5 and 2.4 GHz bands is not provided.

The repeater mode (called Wi-Fi Internet in the settings) is and works. Unfortunately, switching only in manual mode via the Web interface is rather dreary. There is no "quick" toggle in the Android app. There is no automatic transition to router mode when the “donor” Wi-Fi network is lost, and there is no reverse transition either. What makes this feature niche and of little interest to most consumers. There is, and thank God, someone will come in handy.

I should also note that the quality of the additional access point mode did not impress me at all. The speed "sags" two and a half times, the delay time also doubles. That is, it makes sense to use it only in individual cases of urgent need, and not on an ongoing basis.

Control

I hope everyone has already understood that we cannot do without a Web interface with this router. At least for the initial settings and successful completion of the three-level quest "starting the device after removing it from the box." Design - of course, the "tile" that flooded all interfaces.

A complete SIM card will not work just like that, the starting balance needs to be activated. The easiest way to do this is from the Web interface, which itself will offer to carry out this simple event. Further, it will be harmless to replace a strong, but completely unremembered password for the Wi-Fi network created by the router.

I almost forgot. If you plan to use a router with another Beeline SIM card, then this is not prohibited. But be aware of the possible APN mismatch. By default, the router is equipped with an Internet tariff of the “home-mobile” Internet category with an access point (APN) home.beeline.ru, the same APN is initially set in the router settings. If you want to use a SIM card with the "Highway" option (for example), then do not forget to change your profile to Beeline Internet (APN internet.beeline.ru), otherwise nothing will work for you.

Then it would be necessary to change the default "Manual" to "Automatic", otherwise each session of interaction with the Internet through the router will begin with visiting a Web page to connect the device to the network. The “On Demand” (or “On Demand”, I don’t remember exactly) mode is not provided in the interface.

By itself, the Web interface does not cause a feeling of rejection, and almost all the necessary settings are present. The coveted information about the state of the battery, the number of connected devices and the standard of the current connection is also present right in the interface header. It shows the current data transfer rate, but does not record information about the maximum achieved, alas. And, much worse, there is no counter for the amount of data sent and received. An oversight or an insidious attempt to persuade the user to use the Turbo button? Either way, it's inconvenient.

We have already discussed the Wi-Fi settings, a screenshot for review. The interface allows you to connect only according to the 802.11 n standard, you can manually select one of the 13 Wi-Fi frequency channels. Firewall and router settings are also present.

The three-level menu structure is unusual, it is not very intuitive. After selecting a second-level item, a “tick” appears next to its name, by clicking on which a third-level menu is opened, a kind of square-nested transition route. But the menu structure is described in detail in the User's Guide. The very one into which we look only when faced with a specific insurmountable difficulty.

Easy access to the microSD memory card is implemented through a web interface, which is already a standard solution by now. HTTP access can be disabled (it is disabled by default), in which case the contents of the memory card will be available only when the router is connected via USB. With open HTTP access, separate passwords are not required to be entered, but the developers have taken care of additional “safeguards”: you can enable the “read-only” mode and / or open shared access only to a certain section of the map.

The Play Market for Android has a "proprietary" ZTE application for managing mobile routers of this corporation. It seems that it appeared quite recently, some of even the declared functions do not work. And a lot is missing: there are no mode switches, network type indication, traffic counter, settings, access to a memory card, etc. But a number of "utilities" are present, and there is hope for development and improvement, the last update is dated April 1st of this of the year. You can download the application (link to the Play Market).

Impressions from work

I remembered an ancient proverb about "So you checkers or go?". The MF 90 rides very well, I was even surprised. And I have had these routers ... You understand.

With the speed "up" and "down" everything is fine. In the screenshot on the left is a ZTE MF90, on the right is a pocket router MR-100-1. Location (accurate to 5cm), time, network and SM card are the same. There were several measurements, showed options that roughly correspond to the average results. Comparable, although the MF90 turned out to be somewhat faster on average.

Under the same conditions and at about the same time, the Huawei E392 modem consistently showed noticeably better results in data reception (“down”), which is also not surprising. And once again confirms that as a stationary solution, the modem usually works better than a mobile router.

The speed depends on the place, time and load on a particular base station. But if the network is ready to give decent speeds, then the router works them out normally. I liked the stability and stability of the connection the most. In two weeks of active operation, my router only hung up three (!) times and required a reboot, two of them in the subway. A couple more times, the data transfer did not start after turning on, although all the “bulbs” blinked as expected, confidently demonstrating the connection that had taken place. In some places, 3G works smartly, in some places not so much, the same can be said about 2G. But it works, not "freezes" waiting for a reboot. And it switches between networks quite quickly, without freezing in 3G after entering the LTE network coverage area.

There are no complaints about the Wi-Fi module either. In the middle position of the power regulator, the range is approximately the same as that of analogues, in the maximum power position, the coverage is better than average, although not much better. In the minimum power position, it is slightly better than a smartphone in hotspot mode. In repeater mode, it works frankly poorly, I already wrote about this.

The battery capacity is not ideal, but enough for a day of work. Perhaps the main complaints are the lack of a clear indication and mode switches on the router itself, for any little thing you have to climb into the Web interface and thoughtfully swarm around there.

Summary

The definition of "ambiguous" in the first lines of the review did not appear by chance. There are inconveniences when using, not everything is thought out and not all additional functions work as we would like. On the other hand, it is precisely “to go or checkers”, the machine copes with its main duties well and stably. If the "checkers" listed above do not bother you, then the MF90 is unlikely to disappoint.

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