Advice for building my own solution

[Valicore]

Hi all,

I am new to this world and trying to figure out how all this works. I have a Mobile Citizen reseller hotspot, and it doesn't seem to mind the IMEI of the device - I have used it in a ton of different phones that it's not provisioned for, as long as the APN is correct. I am going back and forth between just getting a Cradlepoint router, or building my own using one of the routers from The Wireless Haven. I am leaning towards building my own because I love stuff like that. One big question I have is the modem - it seems easy to buy one inexpensively on eBay, but many of the inexpensive ones seem to use the same chipset but are branded from manufacturers like Dell or HP - do they all work as well? Thanks for helping out a total noob, and apologies if this isn't the right place to put this!

Thanks,

TL

[Didneywhorl]

Building them is the best!

To be honest, I've seen the ebay buys to be a crapshoot. The branded ones are a gamble. IF you want to save some cash and take the gamble, give it a go, but I'll bet they offer zero returns for non functioning modems and no support for the modem either.

I try to support the US based businesses, even if the product is made elsewhere.

[Valicore]

Building them is the best!

To be honest, I've seen the ebay buys to be a crapshoot. The branded ones are a gamble. IF you want to save some cash and take the gamble, give it a go, but I'll bet they offer zero returns for non functioning modems and no support for the modem either.

I try to support the US based businesses, even if the product is made elsewhere.

Thanks a ton for your reply. Do you know if there are any recommended builds or build guides for someone that uses a Mobile Citizen reseller hotspot right now?

[BillA]

Thanks a ton for your reply. Do you know if there are any recommended builds or build guides for someone that uses a Mobile Citizen reseller hotspot right now?

A late reply, but I would recommend the thewirelesshaven.com shop.
They got a good selection of routers and modems at reasonable prices, with full support including returns.

[BDF1234]

I was in your position not long ago trying to make a decision about what route to go. I knew I wanted something better than the Mofi 4500 I was using. After a lot of analysis (probably over-analysis), I finally decided to jump in and build my own. I bought the modem and related parts from The Wireless Haven, and combined it with a Raspberry Pi 3B+ for the router. No regrets at all. I'm really happy with it. I would def recommend The Wireless Haven, for the reasons listed above by BillA. Especially as a newbie, I felt a lot more comfortable knowing I would be able to get some help. Plus its cool that they are a small business serving such a unique need. And have set up this awesome web forum to further provide help and share ideas.