Zoom Model 4520 We3G review

Zoom’s tiny Model 4520 We3G has 3G SIM card and microSDHC card slots under its rechargeable battery. With no Ethernet port and just a micro-USB port for charging, it’s much smaller than the other 3G travel routers we’ve seen.

There’s a large fold-out paper guide that prompts users to insert a SIM card and an optional memory card. Connection is either via USB (which gives access to the microSDHC card) or via WiFi. Plugging it in for the first time via USB automatically installs drivers. Once a connection is established, the web-based interface can then be accessed to configure advanced options.

The interface is clear and nicely organised, but there’s little here – there’s no support for Dynamic DNS, port forwarding or QoS. Without a LAN port or support for Wireless Distribution Service (WDS) for extending the range of a WiFi network, it can’t become part of a home network to access its ADSL or cable broadband – instead, it’s really only designed for use on the move. It’s also worth noting that the We3G is an 802.11g device, which severely limits WiFi performance at close range. However, testing with a Centrino 2 laptop 20m away, it was the only 3G WiFi router we’ve tested that managed to maintain a connection.

The We3G’s lack of support for 802.11n, Ethernet or various other networking features make it unsuitable for use as a main router, but its small size and weight make it ideal for use on the move. It’s far too expensive, though. We’d feel happier with either the battery-powered Trendnet TEW-655BR3G or the low-cost Tenda 3G150M in our hand luggage.