With fast internet connection slowly becoming a basic need for people, it makes sense to worry about your internet when traveling. You could be planning to travel to Europe for a vacation, work trip or visit a friend/family.
If you want to carry your router, then it may work in Europe, but that will depend on the module you use. For instance, wireless routers, work just fine. On the other hand, wired routers, need local security authority.
Will Your US Router Work In Europe?
A router bought and connected to the internet in the US might work in Europe. However, this will depend on the module you have.
Some modules, like wireless routers, will work just fine. This is because a wireless router will transmit data through radio waves.
The modem receives data from a signal issued by your ISP, then creates an individual IP address for each device. That means you can swap out cards from your service provider and enjoy the new connectivity in the new location.
On the other hand, for a wired router, you need a local security authority. Now, say you want to shift your network from the US to Europe, you need to change the regulatory domain. This could require some skills.
Also, you have to switch from American transmission (T1) to European (E1). T1 is a data carrier signal, usually around 1.544Mbps, with 24 channels. Therefore it needs a digital connection called a customer/digital switching unit (CSU/DSU).
E1, on the other hand, has 2Mbps data rates, with 32 channels and 64Kbps speeds.
Unless your route can accommodate both connections, then you may not be able to achieve interconnection between your T1-designed router with the E1 networks in Europe.
How Different Is The Internet Connection In Europe From In The US?
In recent years, the world has grown into a smaller village with each waking moment. A significant part of this development was fast internet connection between different parts of the world.
However, with broadband deployment technologies being different in other continents, it is hard to use devices internationally.
The European broadband deployment is service-based competition. On the other hand, US technologies are majorly facility-based. Keep reading to learn more about routers and internet connections in the US and Europe.
· Internet connection in the US
In the United States, more households have connections to next-generation access networks (NGAs). These networks run at speeds of 25Mbps, covering over 80%. The subscribers get a high-speed internet connection via optical backhaul technology.
NGA networks in the US include fiber-based access networks, advanced wireless networks, and upgraded cable networks. Usually, these networks support advanced digital services like converged IP addresses and have high upload speeds.
· Internet connection in Europe
Europe is a vast continent with massive internet connection demands. Russia is leading in the market, while Germany, Turkey, and the UK are close behind. Nowadays, most internet consumers use their mobile phones.
Wired broadband technologies in Europe include copper cables (xDSL), optical fiber cables, power lines, and coaxial cables. For wireless deployment, there are many approaches, including satellite solutions, fixed radio like WiMAX, and mobile radio solutions like LTE and HSPA.
From the comparison, you can note that wired methods are the best for fast internet. Routers also work best with wired deployment. It assigns a local IP address to the device and allows the transmission of data packets between a device and the internet.
Do you want some more information about internet differences? Here’s a video:
How Can You Get Wi-Fi In Europe?
One of the common problems you have to solve when traveling somewhere new is the internet connection. When you travel to Europe, you only need your phone, laptop, or tablet.
Once you have a device with the same data network, say 4G, LTE, or 5G, then you can access Wi-Fi in Europe through the following alternatives:
- A global plan– Some internet providers offer global plans. This means you can get a basic package to use at home and an international one when you travel to Europe. Once you land in Europe, the global plan automatically activates. However, this alternative is expensive because it means you will be roaming.
- Use free Wi-Fi – Most hotels, cafes, restaurants, and Airbnb have free Wi-Fi hotspots. Some connections will need you to request the password, while others, like hotels in large cities and airports, do not have any protection. The downside to using Wi-Fi hotspots is the slow speeds, and the connection is not full-day coverage.
- Buy a SIM Card – A premium SIM Card is another viable alternative. The SIM Card comes with data, SMS, and call plans to get you through your stay in Europe. However, you should unlock your phone to receive European Sim Cards. The only downside is that most countries may not allow you to buy a Sim Card without a valid address in the country.
- Pocket Wi-Fi- This is the best choice if you need constant Wi-Fi. You buy a smaller modem, which you can use to connect up to 10 people to the internet. If you do not wish to buy one, you can rent the pocket Wi-Fi.
Can You Travel With Your Router?
Yes, you may carry your router. However, you need to switch it off. According to electronic device policies for many airline companies, you should only have devices with the ‘safe mode’ option turned on during the flight.
However, if you have a device that sends or receives a communication, which defines the router, you have to switch it off when flight attendants request it. Most airlines go a step further to list Mobile Routers as forbidden items during flights explicitly.
In general, router freedom in Europe follows three main rules:
- Net Neutrality regulation– People can choose their digital equipment freely, including the one you carry from the US on your vacation
- Location of the Network Termination Point (NTP)– these are regulations determining if the router should be owned by the Internet service provider or an individual. This helps NRAs define the jurisdiction of the NTP.
- The third set– depends on the legislation and administrative acts of member states and enacted by National Regulatory Agencies, NRAs.
Final Thoughts
Traveling is fun, but you need an internet connection to share those memories. The options in Europe are endless. You can choose to buy a SIM Card, hop onto your hotel’s Wi-Fi or use data roaming features on your phone.
Alternatively, you can carry your router from the US and try to make it work in Europe. While it is possible to establish a connection, is it worth the trouble? Share your experience with your internet woes in Europe and help out a fellow traveler.
