The Huawei B535 232a LTE CPE is a robust and reliable 4G LTE router designed primarily for home and small office environments, offering solid performance and a good feature set for its price range.
Here is a detailed review covering its technical specifications, real-world performance, and key features:
Huawei B535 232a LTE CPE Overview
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| LTE Category | Cat 7 (LTE-Advanced) |
| Max Download Speed | Up to 300 Mbps |
| Max Upload Speed | Up to 100 Mbps |
| Supported LTE Bands | B1, B3, B7, B8, B20, B28, B32, B38 |
| 3G Support | UMTS Bands B1, B8 |
| Wi-Fi Standards | Dual-band 802.11ac (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz) |
| Wi-Fi Speed | Up to 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, up to 867 Mbps on 5 GHz |
| Wi-Fi Security | WPA2-PSK, WPA/WPA2-PSK, AES, TKIP + AES |
| Ethernet Ports | 1 LAN/WAN port + 3 LAN ports (Gigabit Ethernet) |
| Antenna Ports | 2 SMA connectors for external LTE antennas |
| SIM Card Slot | Nano-SIM |
| Power Consumption | Less than 12 W |
| Dimensions | 219 mm (W) x 138 mm (H) x 25.6 mm (D) (without socket) |
| Weight | Less than 330 g (excluding power adapter) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 40°C |
| Software Features | DHCP server, NAT/NAPT, VPN pass-through, firewall, multi-APN, IPv4/IPv6 support |
Performance and Features
LTE Connectivity:
The Huawei B535 232a LTE CPE supports LTE Cat 7 with 2×2 MIMO, enabling theoretical download speeds up to 300 Mbps and upload speeds up to 100 Mbps.
Real-world tests show stable speeds often exceeding 150 Mbps downlink and 70 Mbps uplink under good signal conditions, making it suitable for streaming, gaming, and general internet use.
Wi-Fi Capability:
Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) supports up to 64 connected devices simultaneously.
The 5 GHz band can deliver speeds up to 867 Mbps, providing fast and stable wireless connections within the coverage area.
However, Wi-Fi performance can degrade through walls or obstacles, which is typical for routers in this class.
Ethernet and Ports:
Equipped with four Gigabit Ethernet ports (one configurable as WAN or LAN), the B535 allows wired connections for devices requiring stable, high-speed internet.
The Huawei B535 232a LTE CPE two external antenna ports enable users to connect high-gain antennas to improve LTE signal reception in areas with weak coverage.
Network and Security:
The Huawei B535 232a LTE CPE supports advanced networking features such as NAT, DHCP, VPN pass-through (L2TP, PPTP), firewall with URL filtering, port forwarding, and DMZ.
It also supports IPv4 and IPv6 dual-stack networking, with optional CLAT for IPv4 device access on IPv6-only networks.
Ease of Use:
The device is designed for indoor use with a simple setup process.
It supports APN management, multiple APNs for data and remote management, and an easy-to-use web interface for configuration.
The Huawei B535 232a LTE CPE also supports WPS for quick Wi-Fi connections.
Power and Design:
The Huawei B535 232a LTE CPE is energy efficient, consuming less than 12 watts, and has a compact, sleek design suitable for home or office environments.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Solid and stable 4G LTE speeds | No 5G support |
| Dual-band Wi-Fi with good device capacity | Wi-Fi speed drops noticeably through walls |
| Multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports | Must be plugged into power (no battery) |
| External antenna support for better reception | Slower than fastest fiber broadband |
| Supports up to 64 connected devices | Limited to LTE Cat 7 speeds |
How does the huawei b535 232a lte cpe compare to other LTE routers in speed and connectivity?
The Huawei B535 232A LTE router compares favorably to other LTE routers in terms of speed and connectivity, particularly in the mid-range 4G category.
Speed Comparison
The Huawei B535 232a LTE CPE supports LTE Cat 7+, offering theoretical maximum download speeds of up to 400 Mbps and upload speeds up to 150 Mbps.
This is higher than many typical LTE Cat 7 routers that usually cap at 300 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload, such as some earlier B535 versions or competitors in the same class.
Real-world speeds often vary depending on network conditions, but the B535’s support for LTE-Advanced and carrier aggregation allows it to deliver faster and more stable connections compared to basic LTE routers capped at lower categories.
Connectivity Features
The router supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with 802.11ac standard, providing combined Wi-Fi speeds up to 1200 Mbps and the ability to connect up to 64 devices simultaneously.
This is on par or better than many competing LTE routers that often support fewer devices or slower Wi-Fi standards.
It includes 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports (1 WAN/LAN configurable + 3 LAN), which is a strong point for wired connectivity, enabling fast and reliable connections for multiple devices.
The Huawei B535 232a LTE CPE has 2 SMA connectors for external LTE antennas, allowing users to boost cellular signal reception in weak coverage areas, a feature not always present on lower-end LTE routers.
Additional Advantages
The router runs Huawei’s HarmonyOS, enabling smart device integration and management, which adds value for users invested in Huawei’s ecosystem.
It supports multiple LTE bands (B1, B3, B7, B8, B20, B28, B32, B38), ensuring broad compatibility with various carriers worldwide.
It can also function as a backup router with fixed broadband via its WAN port, providing flexibility for home or small office use.
| Feature | Huawei B535-232A | Typical Mid-Range LTE Router |
|---|---|---|
| LTE Category | Cat 7+ (up to 400 Mbps DL / 150 Mbps UL) | Cat 7 (up to 300 Mbps DL / 100 Mbps UL) |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Dual-band 802.11ac (AC1200) | Often 802.11n or basic 802.11ac |
| Max Wi-Fi Devices | Up to 64 | Typically 30-50 |
| Ethernet Ports | 4 Gigabit (1 WAN/LAN + 3 LAN) | Usually 3-4 ports, some only 100 Mbps |
| External Antenna Support | Yes (2 SMA connectors) | Varies; often none or 1 port |
| Smart OS Integration | HarmonyOS | Usually basic firmware |
| Price Range | Mid-range (~$150-$200) | Mid-range ($100-$200) |
Summary
The Huawei B535 232a LTE CPE is an excellent mid-range 4G router that balances speed, connectivity options, and ease of use.
It is ideal for users who need reliable high-speed internet access in areas without fiber or cable broadband.
Its dual-band Wi-Fi and multiple Ethernet ports make it flexible for home and small office setups, while external antenna support helps improve signal strength in challenging locations.
Though the Huawei B535 232a LTE CPE lacks 5G support and cannot match the speeds of fiber broadband, the B535 offers a strong LTE Cat 7 connection with stable performance and good coverage.
Its comprehensive networking features and security options further enhance its appeal as a dependable wireless gateway.
If you are looking for a cost-effective LTE router with solid performance and multiple connectivity options, the Huawei B535 232a LTE CPE is a compelling choice.
Let me know if you want a comparison with other LTE or 5G routers or advice on optimal antenna setups for this model.
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