4G internet in the home works as follows:
1) You have box with a mobile phone module and SIM which connects to the mobile phone network.
2) The box either makes a WiFi signal, or is connected with a network cable to an existing WiFi network in the house
Sounds simple! The performance is pretty good, as the speed test from our home system shows.
The trick is to have the 4G box located in the best position for the 4G signal, and this is often at odds with the best location for the production of a WiFi signal, a mains supply for the 4G box or a cable route to your existing WiFi.
All the major networks offer an all-in-one solution (generally with a 200GB per month SIM), but it is not always successful usually being based on a a pretty cheap piece of Huawei equipment. Also, as you rent it, you get to pay over and over again.
If you Google ‘4G Router’, you’ll find there are plenty available. Choose one with a wired network port as well as a WiFi capability. Look out for SIM only deals - SFR (Red) recently had 200GB per month for €15.
There are also some more industrial products and these are not always a more expensive solution. They are designed for outdoor installation, typically up with the TV aerial, (good 4G signal) and get their power over their network cable. This allows a decent WiFi system to be installed as a separate choice, ensuring an optimal solution. You can even cascade several of them, if 200GB per month is not enough! The downside is, not being a consumer product, setup and installation tends to be a bit more involved.
Two things that sometimes mean 4G broadband is not a straight replacement are i) no Static IP addresses and, ii) port forwarding not being possible. In many cases, a workaround or alternative can be found, but bear this in mind if you know you need either.
If you’d like to discuss a 4G solution for home broadband, contact us.
