Vodafone GigaCube Overview

The Vodafone GigaCube is a home broadband router designed for fast and flexible internet access using Vodafone‘s 4G and 5G mobile networks.

It is a plug-and-play device that does not require a phone line, providing broadband through cellular signals with speeds comparable to fixed-line connections.

Specifications

  • Model: Huawei 5G CPE Pro (H112-370) for 5G plans; Huawei B818 for 4G plans (4G model is discontinued)

  • Network Support: 5G NR (Non-Standalone & Standalone), 4G LTE bands (700 MHz to 3500 MHz)

  • Chipset: Huawei Balong 5000

  • Wi-Fi: Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for 5G model; Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) for 4G

  • Wi-Fi MIMO: 4×4 MIMO for 5 GHz; 2×2 MIMO for 2.4 GHz

  • Ethernet Ports: 2 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports (one supports LAN/WAN)

  • SIM Slot: Nano SIM card

  • External Antenna Ports: 2 TS-9 ports (external antennas optional)

  • Memory: 4GB NAND Flash, 8GB DDR4 RAM

  • Dimensions: Approx. 99mm x 107mm x 215mm (Huawei 5G CPE Pro)

  • Weight: Approx. 765-773 grams

  • Number of Devices Supported: Up to 256 simultaneous connections

  • WLAN Encryption: WPA, WPA2, WPS

  • IPv6: Supported, with dual stack

Key Features

  • High-Speed 5G & 4G Broadband: Supports top theoretical download speeds up to 2.8 Gbps (Huawei chipset limit), though Vodafone network speeds generally cap at around 1 Gbps.

  • Wi-Fi 6 Technology: Provides faster and more stable wireless connections with increased simultaneous device capacity.

  • Plug and Play Setup: Simply insert SIM, plug into power, and start; no professional installation required.

  • Dual-Band Wi-Fi: Supports 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands for flexible connectivity.

  • Multiple Device Connectivity: Supports up to 256 connected devices simultaneously, ideal for large households or small offices.

  • Ethernet Ports: Allows wired connections for devices needing stable and fast internet.

  • Portability: Can be moved easily; ideal for temporary setups or travel within network coverage.

  • External Antenna Support: Improves signal strength in weak coverage areas.

Performance

  • Download Speeds: Up to around 2.8 Gbps theoretical peak (hardware capability), actual Vodafone 5G network speeds up to 1 Gbps typically.

  • Upload Speeds: Up to 300 Mbps theoretical peak.

  • Real-World Speeds: Average download speeds vary but typically range between 150-250 Mbps depending on location and network conditions.

  • Low Latency: Suitable for streaming, gaming, and videoconferencing.

How do the Vodafone GigaCube 5G max speeds compare to the 4G GigaCube?

The Vodafone GigaCube 5G offers significantly higher maximum speeds compared to the 4G GigaCube.

Vodafone claims the  5G GigaCube can deliver up to 1 Gbps maximum download speed, with realistic average speeds typically ranging from 150 to 200 Mbps, and in some cases reports show speeds around 250 Mbps depending on location and network conditions.

In contrast, the 4G GigaCube service offers maximum speeds around 23-35 Mbps on average, which is substantially slower than the 5G version.

In summary:

  • Vodafone GigaCube 5G max download speeds: Up to 1 Gbps claimed; averages around 150-250 Mbps in real-world use.

  • Vodafone GigaCube 4G max download speeds: Average around 23-35 Mbps.

Hence, the 5G GigaCube delivers roughly 5 to 10 times faster download speeds than the 4G model, making it a much better choice for high-demand internet activities like 4K streaming, gaming, and working from home.

Pricing

  • Typical plans start at around £30-35 per month.

  • Contract options include 24-month plans and 30-day rolling contracts.

  • Data allowances range from 100GB to unlimited data options.

  • Upfront cost varies between £15 and £150 depending on plan and contract length.

  • Vodafone pricing can be slightly higher than some competitors but offers extensive UK network coverage.

Setup and User Manual Insights

  • Setup consists of plugging in the GigaCube, inserting the SIM card, and powering on.

  • The device creates a Wi-Fi hotspot automatically; users can connect via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

  • Up to two devices can be connected via Ethernet at once.

  • Management is via a web interface or Vodafone app for settings and monitoring.

  • Supports firmware updates over the air.

  • Quick start guides offer step-by-step installation instructions.

Summary

The Vodafone GigaCube 5G router is an excellent solution for users seeking flexible, high-speed broadband without the need for fixed-line installation.

Its advanced 5G technology, Wi-Fi 6 support, ease of use, and robust performance make it well-suited for modern homes and small business environments with multiple devices.

The pricing is competitive within the UK market, and the setup is friendly for non-technical users.