5G Router_Advice please
Discussion
So the only broadband supplier in our area has put up the price by another £10 / month for our service. So I’m looking to see if we can save a few quid using a 5G router to get a similar service. It looks like 3 and EE 5G are available in our area.
I have to say our incumbent suppliers service is good but their prices are steep as they have a monopoly. Currently we have a 400mbps plan (FFTP), so will only switch if we can get parity using 5G whilst making a cost saving.
So, whats the best / best value 5G router that has at least 4 ethernet ports?
Can you use a NAS, CCTV as normal as you do with a fixed line router?
Anything else to think about?
I have to say our incumbent suppliers service is good but their prices are steep as they have a monopoly. Currently we have a 400mbps plan (FFTP), so will only switch if we can get parity using 5G whilst making a cost saving.
So, whats the best / best value 5G router that has at least 4 ethernet ports?
Can you use a NAS, CCTV as normal as you do with a fixed line router?
Anything else to think about?
Huawei B818 was the king of 4G - so Huawei 5G CPE Pro 2 may be worth a look.
Doesn't have 4 ethernet ports, but I'd always use a switch anyway to connect NAS etc.
Also take a look here:
https://www.broadbandbuyer.com/store/5g-routers/
But how much are you paying for FTTP compared to an unlimited 5G provider?
Doesn't have 4 ethernet ports, but I'd always use a switch anyway to connect NAS etc.
Also take a look here:
https://www.broadbandbuyer.com/store/5g-routers/
But how much are you paying for FTTP compared to an unlimited 5G provider?
Captain_Morgan said:
Cctv may pose a issue if your chosen provider doesn’t offer a static ip and instead uses cnat, this may or may not be a issue and will depend on your cctv platform and how you access it externally.
I usually access through the Synology DS CAM, but sometimes use the Reolink or Foscam App. Ive heard that CCTV may be an issue on a mobile router, but also that many access it OK. I’m not an out and out techie, so generally need things like this explaining in simple laymens terms.
Ham_and_Jam said:
£40 / month saving to be had.
Blimey that is either expensive FTTP or I guess free/ cheap 5G data? FTTP will always have a higher uptime of quality connection. Using mobile data can be reliant on many factors, weather, location of mast, other users inn area etc.
It may be better for 5G - but I struggled for 2 years with 4G and the B818.
FunkyGibbon said:
Blimey that is either expensive FTTP or I guess free/ cheap 5G data?
FTTP will always have a higher uptime of quality connection. Using mobile data can be reliant on many factors, weather, location of mast, other users inn area etc.
It may be better for 5G - but I struggled for 2 years with 4G and the B818.
Just realised I hit the wrong number on the calcs. Its a £30 saving. £15 v £45.FTTP will always have a higher uptime of quality connection. Using mobile data can be reliant on many factors, weather, location of mast, other users inn area etc.
It may be better for 5G - but I struggled for 2 years with 4G and the B818.
Yeah it’s expensive as we don’t have BT infrastructure they have a monopoly on the pricing. On the plus side it is pretty much flawless with regards speeds and uptime. Can’t remember it being down in the few years we’ve had it, and that’s the worry of switching to mobile. Don’t want to save a few quid and end up with a piss poor service.
barryrs said:
I have the netgear orbi which has worked perfectly but again short on ports.
Only 4G available at the moment with circa 100mbps download speeds, but when 5G is available in my area it’s a free upgrade with 3 so wanted to future proof the router.
Have you got the Nighthawk? Only one I can see that has 5G.Only 4G available at the moment with circa 100mbps download speeds, but when 5G is available in my area it’s a free upgrade with 3 so wanted to future proof the router.
It’s got excellent reviews, but eye wateringly expensive @ £749. All options open at this point, but that’s definitely one for the long game in terms of payback.
I suppose you can add an ethernet switch?
https://store.netgear.co.uk/product/mr5200-100eus?...
Ham_and_Jam said:
What were your main issues?
Very variable speeds even with/without external aerial.Typically 8meg down and 4 up.
But that could vary between 0 - 100 down and 0 - 45 up.
To get the reliability I needed to work from home I had 3 4g routers each on different network s connected to a load balancer.
Expensive way of doing it, yet still not 100% reliable.
I'm now on FTTP 900meg package for 60 and would not look back.
YMMV if you live in a strong 5g area.
That said I would not swap FTTP bank to mobile data.
I think your best first bet is to make sure you can get reasonably consistent coverage on your phone, be it 4G or 5G. And would be worth trying different providers. I think EE have the strongest network "typically", but different locations will vary.
If you're in a city centre with 5G coverage, you may get the speeds you're after....I'm out in the sticks and get between 50mbps and 80mbps download, typically 5-6mbps upload (I'm wondering if that's down to the transmit power of my Huawei router....the mast's a fair way away and not line of sight by any stretch).
EE's network was a good 4x faster than 3's where I am. EE are, however, more expensive (my 4G coverage is £20 per month). They can do a static IP address if you really needed one. But for consumer grade ccTV/NAS access that may not be needed.
If you're in a city centre with 5G coverage, you may get the speeds you're after....I'm out in the sticks and get between 50mbps and 80mbps download, typically 5-6mbps upload (I'm wondering if that's down to the transmit power of my Huawei router....the mast's a fair way away and not line of sight by any stretch).
EE's network was a good 4x faster than 3's where I am. EE are, however, more expensive (my 4G coverage is £20 per month). They can do a static IP address if you really needed one. But for consumer grade ccTV/NAS access that may not be needed.
Be careful with your supplier if you want access back in to your home network.
Dynamic DNS doesn’t work on Voda 4G for me, it reports a WAN address and not the actual internet IP so you can’t get back to your device without using some other means.
I’ve had a 4G line for a long time now as it was faster than my home broadband. Just called to cancel it as FTTP is coming to the area and I’ll be having that.
Dynamic DNS doesn’t work on Voda 4G for me, it reports a WAN address and not the actual internet IP so you can’t get back to your device without using some other means.
I’ve had a 4G line for a long time now as it was faster than my home broadband. Just called to cancel it as FTTP is coming to the area and I’ll be having that.
OP can you actually get 5G where you live? You'll need to check this with a phone first, borrow one or get a cheap SIM. . Not sure what prices you are looking at, only 3 offer cheap unlimited data, all the other providers are £30/m +, 5G costs more than 4G.
Do you really need 400Mb/s? Why not drop your package on current provider? 100 Mb/s will do anything you need.
Do you really need 400Mb/s? Why not drop your package on current provider? 100 Mb/s will do anything you need.
Edited by megaphone on Sunday 20th February 11:15
Edited by megaphone on Sunday 20th February 11:16
megaphone said:
OP can you actually get 5G where you live? You'll need to check this with a phone first, borrow one or get a cheap SIM. . Not sure what prices you are looking at, only 3 offer cheap unlimited data, all the other providers are £30/m +, 5G costs more than 4G.
Do you really need 400Mb/s? Why not drop your package on current provider? 100 Mb/s will do anything you need.
Yeah I can get 5G on EE or 3, just not sure how good / reliable the speeds when using as my main home internet.Do you really need 400Mb/s? Why not drop your package on current provider? 100 Mb/s will do anything you need.
Edited by megaphone on Sunday 20th February 11:15
Edited by megaphone on Sunday 20th February 11:16
I can get unlimited 5G on either network for £16. Most of the main carriers now offer unlimited 5G for £20 or less either direct or via their value brands (Smarty, ID mobile. Lebara etc).
Do I need 400mbps? Not necessarily, I could get by on the 175mbps they are offering for the same price as the 400mbps I was on. Just I have got use to the speeds when downloading etc, so would feel like a step back.
I’m not convinced the mobile route is the way to go, I’ve not had someone tell me how fantastic it is and that is has completely replaced their home broadband yet.
Would love to know where you can get unlimited EE for £16?
I'm paying £14 for 3 but can only get 4G, it is flakey, max I get is 30 Mb/s down but it varies, that's with dedicated 3 router and an external antenna. I'm in a busy suburb, EE is great, I hit over 100Mb/s on 4G on my phone.
There's a long thread running here on 3 4G BB, but does cover other suppliers and options.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I'm paying £14 for 3 but can only get 4G, it is flakey, max I get is 30 Mb/s down but it varies, that's with dedicated 3 router and an external antenna. I'm in a busy suburb, EE is great, I hit over 100Mb/s on 4G on my phone.
There's a long thread running here on 3 4G BB, but does cover other suppliers and options.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Edited by megaphone on Sunday 20th February 16:02
Ham_and_Jam said:
....
I’m not convinced the mobile route is the way to go, I’ve not had someone tell me how fantastic it is and that is has completely replaced their home broadband yet.
My 4G is fantastic and it's completely replaced my home broadband....well, almost I’m not convinced the mobile route is the way to go, I’ve not had someone tell me how fantastic it is and that is has completely replaced their home broadband yet.
Fastest traditional connection I can currently get is 12mbps (< 1mbps upload). As noted above, I get a lot more than that now. And it's generally reliable - I've kept my home broadband on as a fallback as, like you, I wasn't sure how stable it would be. But until this weekend it was fine. The storm took our local mast out for half a day though (mostly overnight), so we failed over to the trad' broadband.
To be fair the traditional broadband could have gone out just as easily. And the whole reason for me going the 4G route was I went through a period of variable speeds with traditional broadband.
All that said, if I was in an area that had fibre provision, I would have a fibre connection. I'd be prepared to pay more for it too, but not inordinately more as, frankly, two of us can work from home and have the kids using their devices on 4G speeds.
Other than checking out if your current cctv platforms will work with carrier grade nat (cgnat)
Have you considered:
Price?
5g modems seem to be north of £300
https://www.broadbandbuyer.com/store/5g-routers/?s...
Location/wifi coverage?
I understand that 5g signals penetrate buildings even less than 4g, this means you might not be able to locate your 5g router to cover the whole house with wifi, meaning you might have to buy ether a mesh system, an external antenna and / or wifi extenders (unlikely as you want high speed).
If you wanted devices hardwired then your potentially either running Ethernet cable to the nas and whatever else is hw or running antenna cable to the router.
You might be able to put the router in your loft and get a good 5g signal and wifi coverage as wifi has a easier time going through floors that walls but that still leaves getting to your wired devices.
A lot of these things you won’t know until you’ve got the hw in place to test.
Personally I’d ask if those costs and potential issues are worth the £10 hike.
Have you considered:
Price?
5g modems seem to be north of £300
https://www.broadbandbuyer.com/store/5g-routers/?s...
Location/wifi coverage?
I understand that 5g signals penetrate buildings even less than 4g, this means you might not be able to locate your 5g router to cover the whole house with wifi, meaning you might have to buy ether a mesh system, an external antenna and / or wifi extenders (unlikely as you want high speed).
If you wanted devices hardwired then your potentially either running Ethernet cable to the nas and whatever else is hw or running antenna cable to the router.
You might be able to put the router in your loft and get a good 5g signal and wifi coverage as wifi has a easier time going through floors that walls but that still leaves getting to your wired devices.
A lot of these things you won’t know until you’ve got the hw in place to test.
Personally I’d ask if those costs and potential issues are worth the £10 hike.
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