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Devolo WiFi 6 Router 3600: 30-second review
There are multiple situations where the Devolo WiFi 6 Router 3600 5G LTE could be useful to provide a fast internet connection when standard connectivity to your home, office, or public Wi-Fi just isn’t available.
However, that’s not really where the strength of this router lies. It’s designed to connect to the internet using a nano SIM inserted into the base of the unit. Once installed and plugged into AC power, the device uses the cellular network to connect to the internet, just like your mobile phone or other portable mobile routers like the Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro. This means that if you’re moving into a new office without an internet connection, or you want a powerful internet solution in your van or on-site, this router is a superb option.
While there are plenty of portable mobile routers available, what differentiates the Devolo WiFi 6 3600 5G LTE router is that it’s AC-powered, so it’s more of a permanent fixture than a portable one. It’s not designed to be carried with you; it’s a static unit, and with AC power, the signal strength from that Wi-Fi 6 connection is far greater, allowing well over 100 devices to connect and utilise the signal.
This was one of the easiest network routers to set up that I’ve used, connecting quickly to both Mac and PC laptops, as well as Android and iPhones, without any issues, either using the WPS fast connection or manually typing in the password.
Connection speeds are, of course, limited by network coverage. I have a solid 4G connection in my office with a moderately fast transfer rate. When I compared this with the same connection on my iPhone 15 Pro, the difference in speed was significant; the dedicated antennas provided a far more robust and faster connection.
This Wi-Fi 6 router has a simple design and is easy to set up, but it does carry a steep price. On top of the router itself, you also have to factor in the need for a data SIM. However, if you’re in a location without a standard broadband connection, the Devolo WiFi 6 Router 3600 5G LTE is a great solution and incredibly easy to use.
Devolo WiFi 6 Router 3600: Price & availability
- How much does it cost? £399
- When is it out? Now
- Where can you get it? Widely available
The Devolo WiFi 6 Router 3600 5G LTE is widely available and can be purchased in the UK for £399 and in the US for a similar amount, though it’s not widely available at present. As well as being available directly from devolo.co.uk, you can also purchase it at Amazon.com.
Devolo WiFi 6 Router 3600: Design
Specifications
Ports: 1× 2.5GbE LAN/WAN, 1× 1GbE LAN
Connectivity: Dual-band WiFi 6 (2.4 & 5 GHz), nano-SIM (5G/LTE)
Size: 113 × 113 × 223 mm
Accessories: Power adapter, quick-start guide
The design of the Devolo WiFi 6 Router 3600 5G LTE is slim and stylish, with a tall, upright build and a compact footprint that makes it easy to position on a shelf or tuck away at the back of a desk. During this test, I found it sat very neatly on a window shelf, which helped achieve the best possible network connection in my local area.
Overall, the design is simplistic, with good-quality plastic used for the outer casing and a minimalist front panel showing a discreet Devolo logo and a straight line of indicator LEDs for power, 5G, 4G, 3G, and WiFi strength. At the base, there’s the WPS quick connection button, one of the reasons this particular router is so quick and easy to use.
The tall design accommodates the internal hardware, including six integrated 4×4 MIMO antennas that help provide a strong, robust signal. There’s no need for external antennas, so it looks stylish and discreet.
On the back of the unit is a row of connectors, with a USB-C and FXS port for more traditional VoIP or landline connectivity, two LAN ports (one 2.5Gbps and one 1Gbps), and the on/off switch. There’s also the AC input for the power adapter. On the side, there’s a good amount of venting to keep the internal components cool.
Where it differs from most routers is on the base; here, there’s a small sliding door. Pull it back to reveal the nano SIM slot. For this test, I used a Vodafone unlimited data SIM, which slotted in with a reassuring click before the door slid back over, sealing the SIM inside.
Devolo WiFi 6 Router 3600: Features
The main focus of the Devolo WiFi 6 Router 3600 5G LTE is for use in locations without a standard broadband connection, such as a new office, on-site, or even while camping in a van. However, unlike some of the mobile routers I’ve tested recently, this model requires mains power and isn’t designed to be portable unless you have a power station to plug it into, such as the Jackery Explorer 1000. It’s for use in places where you wouldn’t otherwise have a proper internet connection.
Although it relies on a network SIM, it’s also possible to plug it into an existing broadband network. For example, if you’ve moved into a new office without internet, you can use the Devolo router and a SIM to get online temporarily. Once broadband is available, you could still use the router to boost the Wi-Fi 6 speeds if your existing router only supports Wi-Fi 5.
Compared to mobile routers, the signal strength is stronger. If you’re further away from the router, it behaves more like a standard office Wi-Fi router, thanks to the 4×4 MIMO antennas.
When it comes to connection, you can either use a nano SIM (as I did during testing) or plug it directly into a broadband connection. You can use 5G or 4G connectivity depending on your network coverage.
On the back, there are three main ports: a 2.5Gbps LAN port and a 1Gbps LAN port. These let you plug into a wired network for faster connection, or connect to a broadband line once installed.
In terms of wireless security, there’s WPA3 encryption, so if you’re using it on site or in a new office, your connection remains secure.
It supports over 100 connected Wi-Fi devices. Of course, actual speeds will depend on your mobile network coverage, but in a standard office setup, checking emails or occasional video calls, the router handled the load without issue.
There’s also a mobile app or web interface for monitoring traffic, seeing connected users, and changing passwords. It’s simple but useful.
While the device itself is straightforward, you can use it in various ways, as a mobile router, a fixed router, or a hybrid, depending on your needs.
Devolo WiFi 6 Router 3600: Performance
At the start of the test, I wanted to know: Is this router better than tethering from my mobile phone or using a mobile router? How easy is it to set up? And, if I connect it to broadband, would I see a boost in Wi-Fi performance over my existing setup?
Setup was one of the easiest I’ve experienced: plug it in, install the SIM, and either use WPS to connect or manually enter the password, depending on the device.
When connecting it to my office broadband (currently served by a very old router), I simply plugged in the network cable and was able to get online immediately.
I found the design made it easy to position, and I like the simplicity. It’s relatively tall but discreet, with just one power cable going to the socket.
I used the router both in the office and out in the van on-site. In both cases, WiFi performance exceeded that of my phone when tethering to devices, but the signal strength did seem to be on par with the Nighthawk M7 Pro, although it did slightly lag on connection speed. The LED status lights on the front give you a quick update on connectivity and power.
The layout of the ports on the back is also clean; the two LAN ports make it simple to connect to a NAS or network switch. The FXS port for landline/VoIP is unusual but a nice addition.
Used as the sole Wi-Fi source in the office, I connected a MacBook Pro, Asus Pro P6, iPad, Android phone and iPhone 15 Pro, all without issue.
Even 7 metres away in the studio and through a wall, the 5G connection remained stable, only just behind the connection speed of the Netgear Nighthawk M7 Pro for general use, but it did offer a far more robust signal for file uploads. When it came to a comparison with tethering to my iPhone 15 Pro, it was simply streets ahead in performance.
Moving the router to various locations confirmed how much it depends on signal strength. In my office, I got 4G–5G with two bars. In the van, deep in the New Forest, results were more varied; some areas had no signal at all.
At the start of the test, I had several questions about why I would need a mains-powered router that worked on a mobile SIM, the first being whether it was better than using my mobile phone to tether to my devices. The easy answer to this was yes, not only was the connection speed faster, but I could have all of my devices connected at once without the system falling over. When it came to a mobile router, the download speeds for the M7 Pro were actually faster; however, the upload speeds were far better and more consistent with the Devolo.
The other two queries I had were whether it was easy to set up, and on this front, yes, this was one of the easiest routers that I have used; it was just straightforward. Then, when used in the studio and connected to the old router, it significantly boosted connection speeds.
As a permanent solution for cellular network connection, the Devolo WiFi 6 Router 3600 is a great choice that’s simple to use and install.
Devolo WiFi 6 Router 3600: Final verdict
As a solution for getting online when moving into new premises, working on site, or even going on holiday and needing a solid connection for the whole family, the Devolo WiFi 6 Router 3600 5G LTE is a superb option.
I particularly liked the LAN ports, ideal for connecting to a NAS or creating a small network. And because it’s Wi-Fi 6, it can be used to boost older routers once you have a broadband connection installed.
The speed of the connection from the Devolo WiFi 6 Router far outstripped tethering to my mobile phone, and you have the added bonus that your phone reserves battery life. However, when compared to the compact Nighthawk M7 Pro, the speed of the connection wasn’t quite as good, and despite the size, the signal strength for the Wi-Fi was about the same. However, the M7 Pro is far more expensive, and the Devolo feels like a more permanent solution.
Like any mobile router, it can also act as a fallback. If your broadband goes down but connectivity is essential, you’ve still got 5G to rely on. Yes, it’s expensive at nearly £400, but as a dependable solution for getting yourself or your office online before a wired connection is available (or instead of one), it’s a solid investment.
Should I buy a Devolo WiFi 6 Router 3600?
|
Value |
Expensive but worth it if you’re moving into an office without broadband |
4 |
|
Design |
Minimalist and stylish, the unit fits neatly into almost any space |
4 |
|
Features |
One of the most flexible routers available, supporting both SIM and wired internet |
4 |
|
Performance |
Excellent 5G speeds in good coverage areas; significantly better than tethering |
4 |
|
Overall |
In full-speed 5G areas, this is a superb option. In others, it still offers strong WiFi performance |
4 |
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