Simple broadband backup over 4G/5G

mcast123

mcast123

mcast123

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I'm looking for a super simple router with a sim card slot and a compatible network subscription. I just want to turn it on, plugin a cat6 cable and connect to the internet at home with one laptop. It doesn't have to be hugely fast, just gets me online for work.

Can anyone recommend something simple? I've been reading websites that go into great detail about router types, it's getting confusing.

Thanks.
 
Depends how much you want to pay but the MR600 is super simple plug and play. (There is the cheaper MR6400 but IMO a false economy these days due to slower LAN and WAN support).

EDIT: 5G routers are still pretty expensive right now.
 
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mcast123 said:
I'm looking for a super simple router with a sim card slot and a compatible network subscription. I just want to turn it on, plugin a cat6 cable and connect to the internet at home with one laptop. It doesn't have to be hugely fast, just gets me online for work.

Can anyone recommend something simple? I've been reading websites that go into great detail about router types, it's getting confusing.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
if you dont mind packaged, vodafone has it included in their pro ii version an automatic failover. it includes the unlimited sim. Do weight up if it is worth and fits your requirements
 
There are plenty of cheap 4G routers around. Unless you are lucky enough to live in an area where the reception is amazing, then expensive ones are a waste of money. The MR600 is certainly a good buy. I have a cheap Zyxel.

Your bigger problem is finding a SIM that is cheap and will remain "alive" for long periods without use. Most SIM's have time limits on the data, and you must use at least once every six months, or they stop working altogether. I use a 3 SIM that will live for two years, but it's shockingly expensive to actually use it.

It is worth considering using your phone instead.
 
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SpellowHouse said:
There are plenty of cheap 4G routers around. Unless you are lucky enough to live in an area where the reception is amazing, then expensive ones are a waste of money. The MR600 is certainly a good buy. I have a cheap Zyxel.

Your bigger problem is finding a SIM that is cheap and will remain "alive" for long periods without use. Most SIM's have time limits on the data, and you must use at least once every six months, or they stop working altogether. I use a 3 SIM that will live for two years, but it's shockingly expensive to actually use it.

It is worth considering using your phone instead.
Click to expand...

Can I throw any main mobile network sim in the MR600? I'll make sure I flip over to it at least once a month, or will probably just have the laptop on it 24/7.
 
mcast123 said:
Can I throw any main mobile network sim in the MR600? I'll make sure I flip over to it at least once a month, or will probably just have the laptop on it 24/7.
Click to expand...

Some SIM's require a phone to activate them in the first place, but apart from that the routers seem to accept anything, as long as it has a data allowance.
 
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Mikey said:
Been looking at this option too, but looking for one that runs in Modem only mode as the WAN failover side is managed by a firewall etc.
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I have a Zyxel. In those, "modem mode" is called "passthrough mode". Just look at the instructions from the manufacturer's website to see if they mention passthrough mode.

My routers is 192.168.1.1, and I manually set the Zyxel to 192.168.0.1, which allowed me to talk through my router to the modem and set things up like passthrough mode. I'm not an expert at this stuff, but it was very simple.
 
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