Deutsche Telekom is offering the new technology DSL Hybrid since the middle of 2015. It combines a regular DSL connection with the cellular data network in order to reach higher bandwidths. Is this an actual solution or just a gimmick? Here are the pros and cons.
The Purpose of Hybrid
The customer gets a regular DSL connection besides a LTE-based SIM card which he puts into his router in order to establish a mobile broadband connection. From that point on the Telekom router decides which data to send over which of the two connections. It doesn’t only take care of the user needs, but also of the Telekom network. LTE is used only if the network really provides free resources.
Who Is This For?
This solution is clearly for the hillbilly’s with a weak DSL connection but a strong cellular data signal. If you are already connected to fiber or VDSL, you might not be interested in the Hybrid-idea.
Facts Only: Known Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast: Hybrid offers you a way better bandwidth than a single-way solution with DSL or LTE.
- Unlimited data: Unlike with every mobile broadband connection, this one offers you an unlimited amount of data.
- Redundancy: In case DSL or LTE fails, the internet connection can still be kept alive over the active line.
- Combination: According to information from the Telekom, Hybrid really combines both connections. A second IP address won’t exist. Therefore, the bandwidths really add up when downloading (or uploading).
- Reasonable monthly pricing: Deutsche Telekom offers Hybrid starting from 29,95 EUR monthly which is in the same range than the “DSL-only”-solutions.
- Phone connection included: Exactly as in the regular “MagentaZuhause” models, a landline connection comes along with Hybrid-version.
Cons:
- Purchase price: This technology is currently only supported by the Speedport routers of the Deutsche Telekom. It is proudly presented at 399,99 EUR for purchase or 9,95 EUR in monthly rent. Though, you’ll find it a little cheaper on ebay or amazon. Even the Deutsche Telekom offers the Speedport on amazon… cheaper than on their own site.
- Speedport: Generally speaking, the Speedport offers less features than the similar-priced FritzBox.
- Swaying connection: Whenever LTE is in the game, the response times of the connection will significantly increase and go up and down. With a high ping and jitter, it will get hard to play any kind of online game or other live applications. This is where you’ll feel the instability of a mobile connection.
- Technical issues: With LTE turned on, some users have trouble establishing connections to VPNs or using protocols as f.e. SSH. Deutsche Telekom is working on software patches for the Speedport Hybrid-router in order to solve those issues.
Bottom Line
If you are using the Internet for surfing and mailing and like watching videos on YouTube, Hybrid is perfect for you. But as soon as the application
s get more complicated, expect to be in trouble. The LTE add-on will likely cause problems here. Anyways, that won’t be the end! Finally, it is always possible to turn the LTE down completely and just use the regular DSL.
Therefore, Hybrid is an alternative way for everyone who likes being a fast hillbilly while not being afraid of the Speedport Hybrid – technically and financially.
Interested?
Once in the shop, please click on “Internet&Festnetz” and “MagentaZuhause Hybrid” in order to read more information and place your order.
Deutsch