USB Broadband Problems

USB broadband works by connecting a wireless broadband modem to the computer's universal serial bus; or USB port. This modem establishes a data connection on an associated wireless network, and the USB connection allows the computer to interface with the network with minimal configuration. Because USB modems are typically small and sleek, users may drop them, step on them or otherwise subject the devices to harsh conditions. Physical damage resulting from this abuse can cause the modem's radio to function sporadically or stop working altogether. In addition, the devices tend to protrude from the computer's USB port, and pressure on the device can damage the universal serial bus connectors.

USB broadband, according to the British technology website Broadband Genie, relies on commercial wireless networks to facilitate a data connection to the Internet. Users who travel into areas with poor wireless coverage may experience intermittent service, lower than expected speeds or a complete service interruption. In addition, the Australian technology website Broadband Expert notes that different types of USB broadband modems work with different wireless carriers' networks, and users cannot typically move from network to network with the same USB adapter. For this reason, USB broadband users may need to purchase new hardware, when switching wireless providers.

Some wireless carriers advertise USB broadband speeds of up to 7.2 megabits per second, commonly expressing this speed as 7.2Mbps. Broadband Genie points out that these speeds require optimal wireless conditions and a strong signal, though many users fail to reach the advertised speeds. Instead, typical USB broadband users can expect speeds of between one and two megabits per second, as of July 2011. Some wireless carriers may also employ different wireless technologies than others, and these network differences may cause users to experience different speeds -- despite a common physical location. Older USB broadband modems also may not support the carrier's highest speeds, and users who purchase refurbished or used devices may consistently receive slower than expected connections.

In its Frequently Asked Questions -- or FAQ section -- the wireless carrier Virgin Mobile notes that USB broadband modems may not support all computers or operating systems. Though this carrier's modems work with the Apple Mac OS X operating system and several versions of Microsoft Windows, the devices will not work with computers running Linux. In some cases, users must also install special drivers and software to use a USB broadband modem, so users who cannot install software on their computers may be unable to use the devices.