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Help with router selection
Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2020 2:52 pm
by Cmcoker
Hello,
Noob here, I am looking to use a mobile router as my home internet since we are moving to a rural area and the WISP said I need a 40ft tower.. we are not ready for that financial commitment. ATT only offers 1.5Mbps DSL at $50/mth, which seems steep.
I was hoping that I could get a decent connection, reasonable speed to do schoolwork, stream movies, etc.
I was wondering if anyone could help me determine which router/modem combo would be best. I use Verizon for my mobile and its has a spotty connection, my wife has googlefi, and att previously, with same spotiness. I'm not opposed to adding antennas, or a better modem, or whatever. I am not looking for bare bottom budget, but I am not unlimited in funds, so any suggestions ?
Thanks.
Re: Help with router selection
Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2020 2:45 pm
by Didneywhorl
Usually an easy start is the we826 router with a Quectel em12 or a Sierra em7565 or em7511 modem, using a mpcie to m.2 key B modem adapter.
Ive not used one, but a Cradlepoint CBA850 is popular and simple to setup.
Re: Help with router selection
Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:14 pm
by BillA
Cmcoker wrote: ↑Mon Mar 30, 2020 2:52 pm
Hello,
Noob here, I am looking to use a mobile router as my home internet since we are moving to a rural area and the WISP said I need a 40ft tower.. we are not ready for that financial commitment. ATT only offers 1.5Mbps DSL at $50/mth, which seems steep.
I was hoping that I could get a decent connection, reasonable speed to do schoolwork, stream movies, etc.
I was wondering if anyone could help me determine which router/modem combo would be best. I use Verizon for my mobile and its has a spotty connection, my wife has googlefi, and att previously, with same spotiness. I'm not opposed to adding antennas, or a better modem, or whatever. I am not looking for bare bottom budget, but I am not unlimited in funds, so any suggestions ?
Thanks.
Like Didneywhorl has suggested, the WE826 + modem is one of the least expensive options for a mobile router, but you will only get a single band 2G WiFi.
A bit cheaper is by using a modem in an external USB enclosure connected directly to a pc, but you won't be able to share your internet via WiFi to other devices.
Even cheaper is by using your existing phone connected to a pc using your existing mobile service (just make sure you've got unlimited data).
And the cheapest option is using "two cans and a string" ... lol just kidding.
Here's all you need to get started.
Mobile data service
https://wirelessjoint.com/viewtopic.php?p=5790#p5790
Mobile router/modem
https://wirelessjoint.com/viewtopic.php?p=6272#p6272
Antennas
At first you can try your service with the "stubby" antennas which comes with the router, and if you'd like to improve your signal/speed, you may want to get a pair of high gain external antennas.
https://thewirelesshaven.com/product-category/antennas/
And finally, to make it all work together, you need to flash the router with OpenWRT firmware.
https://wirelessjoint.com/viewtopic.php?p=6007#p6007
Re: Help with router selection
Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2020 10:54 pm
by Cmcoker
Thanks for the suggestions and links! I am thinking to give the 826 a try since it is in stock at The Wireless Haven and I would like to support the forum with my purchase, and the WG3526 is currently out of stock.
My wife reminded me I have a SmartRG router,
https://www.smartrg.com/product/residen ... t/sr400ac/, in a box of networking gear someone gave me, it has a USB connection for 4G WAN Failover but doesn't appear to be compatible with OpenWRT. So I am guessing this will not be something I could add a modem to and use? If it matters, I am thinking to try Simplemobile, there is a T-mobile tower less than 3 miles from the property that looks more promising than Verizon. ATT appears to have the best coverage (at least on paper) from my research, but have been reading of the issues folks are having with their unlimited plans.
From my reading, it seems modem CAT# and antennas will have more impact on improving signal quality and speed, so the specific router is less of a factor. Am I correct in that, or have I missed something?
If this is correct, would upgrading the modem to an EM7511 or EM7565 be worthwhile?
Bill, I noticed you offered help with setting up Simple mobile in the linked post about modems, I am too new to PM but I would appreciate having a hand if I run into trouble. Is there anything I should consider regarding the router/modem with Simplemobile?
Thanks for your help!
Re: Help with router selection
Posted: Tue Mar 31, 2020 11:38 pm
by BillA
Cmcoker wrote: ↑Tue Mar 31, 2020 10:54 pm
Thanks for the suggestions and links! I am thinking to give the 826 a try since it is in stock at The Wireless Haven and I would like to support the forum with my purchase, and the WG3526 is currently out of stock.
My wife reminded me I have a SmartRG router,
https://www.smartrg.com/product/residen ... t/sr400ac/, in a box of networking gear someone gave me, it has a USB connection for 4G WAN Failover but doesn't appear to be compatible with OpenWRT. So I am guessing this will not be something I could add a modem to and use? If it matters, I am thinking to try Simplemobile, there is a T-mobile tower less than 3 miles from the property that looks more promising than Verizon. ATT appears to have the best coverage (at least on paper) from my research, but have been reading of the issues folks are having with their unlimited plans.
From my reading, it seems modem CAT# and antennas will have more impact on improving signal quality and speed, so the specific router is less of a factor. Am I correct in that, or have I missed something?
If this is correct, would upgrading the modem to an EM7511 or EM7565 be worthwhile?
Bill, I noticed you offered help with setting up Simple mobile in the linked post about modems, I am too new to PM but I would appreciate having a hand if I run into trouble. Is there anything I should consider regarding the router/modem with Simplemobile?
Thanks for your help!
In order to be able to connect a modem in an external usb enclosure, the router must be flashed with OpenWRT firmware (like GoldenOrb, WiFix, etc), since that existing gear you have is not flashable, it probably won't work.
In order to maximize your performance, consider getting the highest CAT# modem you can afford (like a Sierra EM7511/7565 or Quectel EM12/20), and if that doesn't provide good enough speeds, then get a pair external antennas.
Forget what see "on paper", while it may give you a general idea about the signal, there's nothing better than actually trying it by borrowing a phone on all the different carriers and running some speed test in and around your home (borrow it for a few minutes from friends, family, or neighbors). Keep in mind, whatever speeds you get with a phone, the router will usually give you even better speeds specially with external antennas.
Once you have put all the modem/router parts together, able to access the router's setting from a pc, have a decent signal with Tmobile, and have purchased a SimpleMobile sim card, just send me a message and I'll help you activate it.