Deco mesh with dual 4G modems

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1024kb

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#319564 8-May-2025 13:47

Client lives rurally, no fibre for you. His TP-Link Deco mesh consists of 2 x X50, 2 x M5 & 1 x X20 4G. Internet is provided by a Skinny 4G modem. Understandably, there's often a struggle to maintain consistent performance by the time you add in security cameras, his WFH office & everything else. He wants to boost his internet connection by adding a second Skinny 4G modem.

What's the optimal setup for this? Do we add a small, load-balancing router between the 2 x 4G modems that feeds back into the mesh? If so, what would be a recommended product? Or do both X50 get a single 4G modem each? Or some other solution that I haven't thought of yet?

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trig42

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#3371485 8-May-2025 14:00

Has he looked at Starlink? May be better than 4G.

KiwiSurfer

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#3371498 8-May-2025 14:47

trig42:

Has he looked at Starlink? May be better than 4G.

Maybe not -- my observation at several sites is Starlink struggles with multiple users as described in the OP. But definitely worth a try if they're willing to spend the money.

Another possibility could be to look at the 4G router itself -- upgrade to a newer model? find a better place for it with better reception? etc.

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#3371505 8-May-2025 15:56

Yeah, tried Starlink. Rejected. Twin 4G is the chosen internet access.

RunningMan

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#3371511 8-May-2025 16:06

Is two 4G modems (presumably) connecting to the same cell site going to be significantly better? Presumably they will both get hit with the same congestion at the same time.

1024kb

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#3371532 8-May-2025 17:21

The performance will drop to double what it is now, theoretically.

nztim

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#3371537 8-May-2025 17:41

1024kb: The performance will drop to double what it is now, theoretically.

No it will not, the 4G is is not unlimited airwaves, neither is Starlink, at least with starlink you are more likely to hit two different cell satellites

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#3371539 8-May-2025 17:48

RunningMan:

Is two 4G modems (presumably) connecting to the same cell site going to be significantly better? Presumably they will both get hit with the same congestion at the same time.

Thinking outside the square: Operate two different wifi networks -- one attached to Network A and another attached to Network B (e.g. Vodafone + Spark). Maybe work out which is the better network and put more traffic on the better network. This has some interesting pro and cons... However wouldn't be useful if both networks are covered by RCG which is a possibility if it's a rural location -- RCG as far as I know just puts everyone in the same capacity 'pool'.

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noroad

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#3372168 11-May-2025 10:54

1024kb: Client lives rurally, no fibre for you. His TP-Link Deco mesh consists of 2 x X50, 2 x M5 & 1 x X20 4G. Internet is provided by a Skinny 4G modem. Understandably, there's often a struggle to maintain consistent performance by the time you add in security cameras, his WFH office & everything else. He wants to boost his internet connection by adding a second Skinny 4G modem.

I doubt very much doubling up two LTE routers on the one network will help in any meaningful way. I would suggest improving the reception on the existing one is a much better choice. Connecting external aerials and/or relocating the LTE router to an optimal position is well worth investigating. If the person can buy an "unlocked" LTE service (not bound to the carrier device) then I have obtained excellent results by using a dedicated directional LTE router like this https://www.gowifi.co.nz/mikrotik/lhggm&eg18-ea.html

noroad

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#3372170 11-May-2025 10:59

noroad:

Connecting external aerials and/or relocating the LTE router to an optimal position is well worth investigating.

https://antennashop.co.nz/product-category/antennas/carrier/skinny/

1024kb

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#3372190 11-May-2025 13:18

noroad:
1024kb: Client lives rurally, no fibre for you. His TP-Link Deco mesh consists of 2 x X50, 2 x M5 & 1 x X20 4G. Internet is provided by a Skinny 4G modem. Understandably, there's often a struggle to maintain consistent performance by the time you add in security cameras, his WFH office & everything else. He wants to boost his internet connection by adding a second Skinny 4G modem.

I doubt very much doubling up two LTE routers on the one network will help in any meaningful way. I would suggest improving the reception on the existing one is a much better choice. Connecting external aerials and/or relocating the LTE router to an optimal position is well worth investigating. If the person can buy an "unlocked" LTE service (not bound to the carrier device) then I have obtained excellent results by using a dedicated directional LTE router like this https://www.gowifi.co.nz/mikrotik/lhggm&eg18-ea.html

Damn, that Mikrotik has some serious spec, can't ignore that level of performance. That RouterOS gives me a headache - from their forums it seems I'm not the only one. But once it's properly configured the performance is solid.

There is a YAGI antenna connected, although I haven't examined the alignment yet. There is a software product that combines with OpenWRT router firmware, Speedify, that combines multiple internet connections into one fat stream. Do we spend $500+ up front for Mikrotik 4G modem or a not-insignificant subscription for VPS / VPN & bonding.

Looks like I'll be doing a cost / benefit analysis to justify the choice.

noroad

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#3372193 11-May-2025 13:59

Damn, that Mikrotik has some serious spec, can't ignore that level of performance. That RouterOS gives me a headache - from their forums it seems I'm not the only one. But once it's properly configured the performance is solid.

There is a YAGI antenna connected, although I haven't examined the alignment yet. There is a software product that combines with OpenWRT router firmware, Speedify, that combines multiple internet connections into one fat stream. Do we spend $500+ up front for Mikrotik 4G modem or a not-insignificant subscription for VPS / VPN & bonding.

Looks like I'll be doing a cost / benefit analysis to justify the choice.

Whats the current RX level?