4G/5G Routers - Network Backup

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NateWon

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#306702 15-Aug-2023 12:10

Hello, (Hopefully this is in the right place :)

Im looking for a router with simcard support as a backup, BUT Im not sure about performance - and wondering if anyone had any recommendations.

Our Fibre Terminal lost power last week, and needed a new power cord/plug to start again, the technician said we are using an old box "Theres not many of these around anymore". But wouldn't offer the option for us to install a new one even if we paid.

Long story short, I work from home and the Hotspot on my phone hasn't provided enough connectivity for me to complete all of my Jobs.
So looking at options for a Cell powered router as a backup.

So question is, do these routers provide anymore connectivity than a cell phone/hotspot - i.e. More Power - More speed maybe?
30M down, 3M up via hotspot this morning.

Starlink will be a little to expensive, unless I can signup for a month during these periods.

Any recommendations?

coffeebaron

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#3116086 15-Aug-2023 12:26

I use Draytek LTE routers for this. Speeds will depend on tower capacity and whether or not you add an external antenna. I have sites that will do anything from around 30-100+Mbps down and 10-30 up.

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Jiriteach

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#3116108 15-Aug-2023 12:56

I use Spark Portable Broadband for this exact purpose and use their 4G router. Spark Smart Modem 2.

Since I have a full Ubiquiti setup - failover is instant. If fibre drops - traffic is routed via my SSM2 via 4G.
Never had any issues with the setup and works very well.

I have tried another 4G/5G routers but the problem is getting a sim at a cost effective price with decent gb allocation. You also cannot use the sims from the wireless broadband plans in other 4G/5G routers are they are hardware locked.

Thanks

-- opinions expressed by me are solely my own. ie - personal

NateWon

29 posts

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#3116545 16-Aug-2023 08:01

coffeebaron:

I use Draytek LTE routers for this. Speeds will depend on tower capacity and whether or not you add an external antenna. I have sites that will do anything from around 30-100+Mbps down and 10-30 up.

Thanks, Ill have to look into the devices performance and see if there is much benefit in going down this route.

Jiriteach:

I use Spark Portable Broadband for this exact purpose and use their 4G router. Spark Smart Modem 2.

Since I have a full Ubiquiti setup - failover is instant. If fibre drops - traffic is routed via my SSM2 via 4G.
Never had any issues with the setup and works very well.

I have tried another 4G/5G routers but the problem is getting a sim at a cost effective price with decent gb allocation. You also cannot use the sims from the wireless broadband plans in other 4G/5G routers are they are hardware locked.

Thanks,
Im wondering whether a mobile router may work better, if there is performance benefit there (Better antenna?) then I could use it in other situations.

AQuietPlace

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#3117236 17-Aug-2023 17:00

I currently use a NetComm NL19MESH like this one https://techsupplyshed.co.nz/products/netcomm_nl19mesh_dsl-fibre-4g_router_ac1600_tech_supply_shed with my 2Degrees SIM. Works well as a fail over, supports external LTE antenna via SMA connectors on the back and runs off 12VDC: https://support.netcommwireless.com/products/NL19MESH