I'm looking for an external modem that supports 5G, primarily for use as a backup to our very unreliable and slow WISP. I was using, until it failed, a Netgear LTE LB1120, with Ting. If 5G proves suitable, I may switch to T-Mobile or Calyx for primary service and drop our WISP entirely.
I'm running pfSense on PC Engines APU2 hardware, which will support mini-pci cards recommended here. However, the router is in the basement and I'd rather not run antenna cable. Instead, I'd prefer an external modem that I connect to the WAN port of the router.
I found this Peplink modem,
https://www.peplink.com/products/max-adapter/
But at that prices I'm seeing I want to make sure there aren't other / better options.
External 5G Modem Recommendations
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Didneywhorl
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Re: External 5G Modem Recommendations
The Max adapters are cool, I have two. You can build one for less, and be able to change the modem out if you want, it's just a USB modem adapter that comes with a modem that is setup to have Pepwaves name on it. I've torn mine apart. 
USB Adapter: https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/mini- ... dapter-v7/
Modem of choice: https://thewirelesshaven.com/product-ca ... 5g-modems/
Get an EM9191 with all the parts (Exactly what the Papwave Max adaper 5G is, literally exactly what it is): https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/modem ... enclosure/
Second part. I would NOT run more than 10 feet of USB cables unless you have 1010VAC power at the space the modem will go. Then get a powered USB cable. Otherwise it's a no go, as 5VDC doesn't travel well over even the best of USB cables.
So you're limited there.
USB Adapter: https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/mini- ... dapter-v7/
Modem of choice: https://thewirelesshaven.com/product-ca ... 5g-modems/
Get an EM9191 with all the parts (Exactly what the Papwave Max adaper 5G is, literally exactly what it is): https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/modem ... enclosure/
Second part. I would NOT run more than 10 feet of USB cables unless you have 1010VAC power at the space the modem will go. Then get a powered USB cable. Otherwise it's a no go, as 5VDC doesn't travel well over even the best of USB cables.
So you're limited there.
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Didneywhorl
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Re: External 5G Modem Recommendations
That would be a router. You can setup a gigabit router with the USB adapter and turn off its wifi radios. I do that A LOT. I place them outdoors inside 4x4 MIMO antennas and power via POE, like this one: https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/anten ... connector/
Router I like lately for this: https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/route ... ra-em9191/
PoE Power: https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/power ... gigabit-2/
Poe Splitter to power the router: https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/poe/p ... lug-tip-2/
Router I like lately for this: https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/route ... ra-em9191/
PoE Power: https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/power ... gigabit-2/
Poe Splitter to power the router: https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/poe/p ... lug-tip-2/
