TIPS Anyone still using SIM+Router for internet?

[dghundt]

Looking for a stable internet back up system for our tiny office if our fiber goes down.
2-3 simultaneous voip calls maximum.
EHR cloud charting with 4 simultaneous employees.
Not excited about using Starlink, but our Hughesnet backup does not supply a router that can go into bridge mode. That means if we have to use Hughesnet backup, I become an old fashioned switchboard operator for all our LAN cables. Then again when fiber internet is restored even though our Cisco wired router has dual WAN ports specifically for this purpose.

 

[wardmundy]

If you have T-Mobile connectivity, you cannot beat Calyx Institute Unlimited SIM for $500 a year. Use our referral code, and we both get an extra month of service. We've used them for years without a hiccup.

 

[wardmundy]

@dghundt: See also https://nerdvittles.com/traveling-gypsies-road-warrior-tips-for-taming-the-internet/

 

[chris_c_]

You can buy an unlocked cellular router like these here Netgear models:

Fixed Wireless Internet Solutions – Home Cellular Gateways

Get reliable broadband where wires can’t reach with NETGEAR fixed wireless internet solutions. Perfect for rural areas and remote work. Start your setup today.

www.netgear.com

And plug it into your second WAN port on your Cisco router.

 

[islandtech]

I have a small remote office running a gl inet gl-x3000 with a Calyx sim.
Tailscale on the router allowing the 2 phones, 2 workstations,1 printer, and 1 camera to connect to the home office.

 

[wardmundy]

Whatever router you choose, just be sure it's 4G/5G and not the old ($200 cheaper) 4G LTE models which are verrrrry slow by comparison. We're in the mountains with (barely one bar) T-Mobile service, but I can put the gl-x3000 up in the window upstairs and still get 300 Mbit download speeds. MUDI 7 works equally well if you prefer a model with mobility. If you happen to use Eero Pro 7 routers, they provide failover to these GL-iNet devices with an easy to configure WiFi connection. And all of the GL-iNet routers now support the Tailscale VPN.

 

[kenn10]

I have fiber as well but have a cable modem for failover on my router. I was able to get a 5 Meg cable feed for $10/month ( I already had the cable modem.) Its slow but enough for voice calls and some data. I would have gone the cellular route but cellular where I am is almost non-existent and neither Verizon or T-Mobile will offer the cellular internet solution here.

In western North Carolina, we lost all forms of POTS, VOIP, cellular communications and internet for over 2 weeks after hurricane Helene and all that worked here was Starlink. I'm just not willing to pay that much for it since we are in a limited availability area and have to pay ridiculous demand charges (about $250) and equipment fees just to sign up. Starlink does not offer all speed tiers in all areas and we only have the top tier $130/month available here. Check you address on the Starlink site to see what is offered there.

So you likely have various options and will need to see what you can get at the office location.

 

[wardmundy]

I have fiber as well but have a cable modem for failover on my router. I was able to get a 5 Meg cable feed for $10/month ( I already had the cable modem.) Its slow but enough for voice calls and some data. I would have gone the cellular route but cellular where I am is almost non-existent and neither Verizon or T-Mobile will offer the cellular internet solution here.

In western North Carolina, we lost all forms of POTS, VOIP, cellular communications and internet for over 2 weeks after hurricane Helene and all that worked here was Starlink. I'm just not willing to pay that much for it since we are in a limited availability area and have to pay ridiculous demand charges (about $250) and equipment fees just to sign up. Starlink does not offer all speed tiers in all areas and we only have the top tier $130/month available here. Check you address on the Starlink site to see what is offered there.

So you likely have various options and will need to see what you can get at the office location.

Starlink Roam might be a better fit. $10 a month gets basic services and you can go unlimited when the hurricane passes by. Free month with our referral link: https://www.starlink.com/residential?referral=RC-3860544-70661-65