The Devolo WiFi 6 Router 3600 5G LTE makes a strong impression in testing with its integrated mobile modem for fast 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6 support, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, incredibly easy setup, and impressive flexibility. However, it comes at a premium price, and the companion smartphone app still needs improvement.
This new 5G router from Devolo is designed to deliver high-speed internet via mobile networks in areas with poor coverage, making it suitable as a backup solution at home, for travel use in holiday homes, or while on the move with a power station.
The suggested retail price is €449.90, although online retailers currently list it from around €395. The package includes the router, a 36-watt external power supply, a LAN cable, an RJ11 telephone cable, and a quick-start guide.
Nano SIM Support for 5G, 4G, and 3G Networks
The SIM card slot is located at the bottom of the device and is protected by a cover. It supports only nano SIM cards and is compatible with 5G, LTE-A, and UMTS standards (4×4 MIMO for downloads and 2×2 MIMO for uploads). The antennas for mobile connectivity are built inside the device, making it easier to carry around, such as in a backpack. In theory, the router can achieve download speeds of up to 4,700 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 1,250 Mbps over a mobile network.
Unlock SIM Before Use
One critical note: before inserting the SIM card into the router, it should be unlocked to avoid PIN entry prompts. This can be done via another device. The Devolo Home Network app, used to configure the router, does not currently allow users to enter a SIM PIN. If the SIM is locked, the only workaround is to access the router’s web interface via the IP address, username, and password listed on the bottom of the device. The web interface includes an option to unlock the SIM and save the PIN for future use. However, both methods can be unnecessarily complex for inexperienced users, highlighting the need for Devolo to update its app with this essential feature.
Wi-Fi 6 for Modern Devices
Laptops and smartphones can connect using dual-band Wi-Fi 6, delivering speeds of up to 3,600 Mbps. The router supports advanced features like WPA3 security and OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) for more efficient data distribution across connected devices. It’s compatible with Wi-Fi standards 4, 5, and 6 (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax), operating on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies with 4×4 MIMO. The 2.4 GHz band allows speeds up to 1,200 Mbps, while 5 GHz can reach up to 2,400 Mbps. Impressively, the router can support over 100 simultaneous Wi-Fi connections.
High-Speed LAN and Telephony Support
In addition to wireless connectivity, the router includes two LAN ports for wired connections. One supports 2.5 Gbps (WAN/LAN), while the other is a standard 1 Gbps LAN port. The highest possible data transfer between two devices could be achieved via a combination of LAN and Wi-Fi, depending on the setup.
Not Battery-Powered – Requires an Outlet
Despite its compact dimensions (223 x 113 x 113 mm) and mobile capabilities, the router requires a constant power supply and is not water-resistant. This limits its portability to scenarios where a power source is available, such as use with a portable power station in a park or during a vacation in a camper or holiday apartment.
Setup and Management – Not Just Through the App
Once the SIM card is unlocked, setup is straightforward: insert the SIM, plug in the router, and it connects to the mobile network automatically. No additional configuration is required for the basic setup. Default Wi-Fi credentials are printed on the bottom of the router and also provided as a QR code on the back, making it easy to connect devices immediately.