Router vs. Hotspot: What’s the Difference?

Is a hotspot a function of your smartphone, or is it a handy device like our Netgear M6? Isn’t the Netgear a mobile router? Why are the devices sometimes sold as “routers” and sometimes as “hotspots”? If you’re not familiar with the terms, you might think that they both basically refer to the same thing: wireless access to the internet. However, that’s only half the story, and knowing the differences can help you avoid unpleasant surprises when buying a device.

A router (from the French ‘route’ for ‘way’ or ‘course’) is primarily a network device that establishes connections between different devices. Most of us automatically associate the word ‘router’ with our internet connection. However, this only represents one interface of the device. The true power of the router lies in creating and maintaining a network between the devices connected to it.

These devices can be, for example, computers, printers, smartphones or data storage devices. The router takes on various functions such as filtering data packets, providing a local server and more.

In order for a router to connect your devices to the internet, it must be connected to a modem. Most modern residential routers these days have a built-in modem and are loaned to you by your internet service provider.

Mobile routers like the 4G or 5G routers from our shop also have a built-in mobile modem and therefore automatically connect the created WLAN to the Internet as soon as an activated SIM card is inserted.

A router is therefore a device that creates a network between other devices and, if necessary, simultaneously connects to the Internet (via a modem).

Find out how to best set up your home internet connection via 5G.

A hotspot is usually a very localized WiFi zone that only serves as an internet access point. Mobile hotspots are devices that create such a zone and connect to the mobile network. Unlike routers, however, hotspots usually do not allow communication between the individual connected devices.

The main function of the hotspot is to make an existing internet connection available to other devices. However, for security reasons, these devices (clients) remain separate from each other (client isolation).

This also explains why it is usually not possible to print via a smartphone’s hotspot function or to create a WLAN for a LAN party. The individual devices are isolated from each other and only use the hotspot as an access point (AP) to the Internet.

The fact that mobile routers are also sold as “hotspots” is sometimes a little confusing. In principle, almost any router can also function as a hotspot, but not every hotspot can act as a router.

So if you are looking for a router for your home, for example, you should pay particular attention to the product description. This way, you can be sure that you will be able to control your printer, smart TV or smart home devices via the WLAN in the end. If you want to operate your own home media server, you also need a router.

If you just want an uncomplicated way to access the internet with different devices, possibly on the go, a hotspot is sufficient. You can find various offers for both applications in our shop.

If you want to get started with a router immediately and as cheaply as possible, we recommend our 4G Home Start Package for CHF 50.