Sierra Tri-Fi Performance Dock

 If you don’t already know, Sprint has released a new hotspot that is compatible with their nationwide 3G network, their 4G WiMAX network (available in about 60 cities; coverage is not being expanded further), and their brand new 4G LTE network: the Sierra Tri-Fi Hotspot.

Similar to the Overdrive Pro hotspot, the Tri-Fi does NOT have traditional external antenna ports that you can use with a typical antenna. There are antenna ports on the hotspot, but they are ONLY for use with Sierra’s Performance Dock, an accessory that will soon be available from Sprint to help with your 3G or 4G signal.

Since you can’t plug in a traditional antenna and there are currently no amplifiers available that will boost Sprint 3G and 4G signal, many users are very interested in the Performance Dock - including us! We got one to test right away.

The way the dock works it simple. Just set the hotspot in the dock and it makes a direct connection to the two ports, as well as the USB port (see picture below), and it acts as an antenna for your Sprint signal. Unlike a standard antenna, the dock requires power. You can either use the traditional wall plug, connect it to your computer via USB and let your computer power it (please note: plugging the dock into your computer will ONLY power the dock. It will not tether the hotspot to your computer for internet access. You will still need to connect via WiFi).

Since LTE isn’t available in Illinois yet, we were only able to see how the dock helped with 3G and 4G WiMAX. We were not incredibly impressed with the results. We saw NO boost whatsoever on the WiMAX side, and only a slight boost on 3G (from -81db to -77db).

If you are ONLY concerned about Sprint 3G signal, you would be much better off going with an amplifier solution, like the popular Wilson Sleek. If you want to be able to boost 4G as well, the dock might be worth a try, as long as you aren’t expecting a significant signal improvement.

If you’re ordering the Tri-Fi with Sprint service from 3Gstore , you can add the Performance Dock to your order for $59.99. If you already own the Tri-Fi, you can pick up the Performance Dock at a Sprint store (3Gstore will not be stocking the dock).