Category: 5G

Why 5G is a Beneficial Backup to Fiber Internet

In today’s digital age, having a reliable internet connection is essential for both personal and professional activities. With the increasing use of cloud-based applications and remote work, a strong and stable internet connection is a necessity. While fiber internet is the most reliable and fast internet connection available, it can still face disruptions due to various reasons such as network maintenance, hardware failure, or natural disasters. This is where mobile broadband comes in as a beneficial backup to fiber internet. With mobile broadband as a backup, you can ensure a continuous internet connection even in the event of a disruption to your fiber internet. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses that rely heavily on a stable internet connection. 

The Connections

Fiber Internet, or fiber-optic broadband, is a type of internet connection that uses fiber-optic cables to transmit data. These cables are made of thin strands of glass or plastic that are capable of carrying large amounts of information over long distances at high speeds. In a fiber-optic broadband connection, data is transmitted through these cables using pulses of light. The light signals are sent down the cable using lasers, and they travel at close to the speed of light. This allows fiber-optic broadband to offer much faster internet speeds than traditional broadband connections that use copper wires.

In comparison, mobile broadband refers to wireless internet access that is delivered through a mobile network operator’s cellular network. The signal is broadcast over the air from cell towers. This allows users to connect to the internet using their mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or cellular modems/ routers, while on the go. It uses a technology called Long-Term Evolution (LTE/ 4G) as well as 5G, to provide high-speed data connections. Users can connect to the internet by either using their mobile device’s cellular data connection or by using a mobile broadband modem that is connected to their device.

The Benefits of Mobile Broadband

Since the connection is mobile, it provides increased flexibility to your internet connection. With a mobile broadband connection, you can easily move around and work from any location with cellular coverage. This means that you can work from home, at the office, or even while on the go. Additionally, a mobile broadband connection is not dependent on any physical infrastructure. So, you can be up and running on a cellular network in a matter of seconds to minutes. 

Having a cellular backup in place can be a cost-effective alternative to installing a second fiber or other wired connection. Especially for smaller businesses or individuals who do not need high-speed internet all the time. Plus, when a second line is run, it’s generally done through the same trench as the first connection. This puts you at higher risk of losing both connections should something happen to the lines. You could of course have a new trench run, but that adds to the cost and time of installation. 

Also, with regards to payments, you generally have more options for data plans. In certain cases you may choose the amount of data you need and pay as you go. Some plans can be adjusted as your needs change. The 5Gstore failover data plans, for example, are about $10 per month for 1GB of data.

Mobile broadband is typically easier and faster to deploy than fiber internet. Fiber internet requires physical infrastructure such as cables and installation. Mobile broadband can be quickly set up by simply plugging in a USB style modem or connecting to a hotspot device, or cellular router. This means that you can quickly switch to a mobile broadband connection in case of an emergency, reducing downtime and productivity losses. 

Even in the event of an outage, fiber Internet connections take much longer to repair in comparison to cellular connections. Reliability is one benefit of using mobile broadband as a backup. They are highly resilient and less susceptible to outages compared to traditional broadband since service is provided over the air. Even if a natural disaster takes out the cell towers, providers now have mobile command units that can broadcast signals. 

Redundancy is key. Using mobile broadband as a backup to fiber internet provides redundancy to your internet connection. They are designed with redundancy in mind, meaning they have multiple layers of backup systems in place. It is essential for business continuity as it ensures that your business operations are not disrupted in case of an internet outage. With mobile broadband in place, there’s a better chance you won’t lose connectivity. You can rest assured that your business operations continue to run smoothly.

Conclusions

Both fiber Internet and mobile broadband have their advantages and disadvantages, so using them together can help provide more redundancy. If you’re looking for a fast and reliable Internet connection and are willing to pay for it, fiber Internet is a great choice. However, if you need a 24/7 Internet connection that’s also portable and easy to set up, mobile broadband is a good addition.

In fact, using mobile broadband as a backup Internet connection can be a smart choice for both individuals and businesses. In a business setting, having a redundant connection to the Internet can be essential, as downtime can lead to lost productivity and revenue. With mobile broadband, businesses can have a backup connection that’s always available in case of an Internet outage. Additionally, mobile broadband can be helpful for people who work from home or in remote areas where fiber Internet may not be available.

Looking for more information on cellular backup? Reach out to our team for assistance by phone, email, or chat!

By 5G , ,

Comparing Peplink WiFi Access Points: Which AP is Right for Your Network?

Wireless access points are essential for providing reliable and high-speed internet connectivity in a wide range of environments, from small offices to large buildings and campuses. Peplink is a popular brand that offers several WiFi Access Points (APs) with varying features and capabilities. We’re going to compare some of Peplink’s popular AP models to help you choose the right one for your needs.

Pepwave AP One AC Mini

The Pepwave AP One AC Mini is a compact and budget-friendly AP that supports the 802.11ac standard. It has a maximum throughput of 867Mbps and a single Ethernet port. It can be powered by PoE, making it easy to install in locations where power outlets are scarce. The AP One AC Mini is ideal for small deployments or locations where cost is a primary concern. It’s a good choice for homes, small offices, coffee shops, or retail stores where only a few users need access to the internet at a time.

Pepwave AP One AX Lite

The Pepwave AP One AX Lite is a newer model that supports the latest WiFi 6 (802.11ax) standard. It has a maximum throughput of 1.2Gbps and two Ethernet ports. Like the AP One AC Mini, it can be powered by PoE. The AP One AX Lite is a good option for those who want to future-proof their wireless network. WiFi 6 is the latest standard, and it offers faster speeds, lower latency, and improved performance in crowded areas. The AP One AX Lite is a good choice for small to medium-sized deployments, such as small businesses, schools, or hotels.

Pepwave AP One AX

The Pepwave AP One AX is a high-performing connectivity device designed to act as an access point to broadcast Wi-Fi from a router that doesn’t have Wi-Fi, or to add additional range/coverage to an existing Wi-Fi network. It features Simultaneous 802.11ac/ax/b/g/n and 802.11ac/ax/a/n and 4×4 MU-MiMo (more on this below). The AP One AX is a good choice for medium-sized deployments that require higher throughput. Max throughput is up to a whopping 2.4Gbps and it comes with 1 multigigabit Ethernet port. It’s suitable for larger offices, conference rooms, or retail stores with a moderate number of users.

Peplink AP One Rugged

The AP One Rugged, is designed for industrial use. It features a durable metal enclosure, supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi standards, and has a variety of mounting options. Its tough exterior allows for smooth operation in -40°F/-40°C to 149°F/65°C environments. It’s resistant to shock, vibrations and electromagnetic waves with the certifications to back it up. Maximum throughput on this model is 866Mbps and it comes with 3 Ethernet ports for any hardwired connections you may need to attach. 

Pepwave AP One Flex

The AP One Flex 802.11ac Outdoor Access Point includes an IP55 enclosure, integrated directional MIMO antenna, and supports simultaneous dual-band WiFi 5. Max throughput is up to 866Mbps via 5Ghz. You might opt for this AP in industrial locations like warehouses because of its protection from dust and low-pressure water jets from any direction.

Pepwave AP Pro AX

Manufactured in an IP67 metal enclosure, the Pepwave AP Pro AX is the highest-end AP offered by Peplink. It supports the latest WiFi 6 (802.11ax) standard and has a maximum throughput of 1.2Gbps. It has 1 Ethernet port and can be powered by 802.3at PoE+. The AP Pro AX is ideal for larger deployments that require high-speed connectivity and multiple Ethernet ports. It’s suitable for large offices, schools, or hospitals with a high number of users.

Pepwave AP Pro 300M

Like the other Pro models, the AP Pro 300M has an IP67 metal enclosure. The device features dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, support for up to 256 concurrent users, and a range of up to around 2000 feet. The AP Pro also includes multiple security features such as WPA2 encryption, MAC address filtering, and guest network support. The device can be managed remotely using the InControl cloud management platform and is suitable for use in high-traffic public areas such as hotels, restaurants, and offices.

Pepwave AP Pro Duo

Another model that is housed in a metal IP67 enclosure, is the AP Pro Duo. This access point is designed for use on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, simultaneously. It has a maximum data transfer rate of 1167Mbps and can support up to 60 simultaneous clients per radio. It can be powered over Ethernet as it has support for 802.3at. Average coverage range is up to 2000 ft. If additional coverage is needed, it has 4 external antenna ports for attaching WiFi antennas. 

What Do They All Have In Common?

Wireless mesh is something each AP will support on the latest firmware. Mesh allows users to connect multiple access points wirelessly rather than all through an Ethernet connection. All models, with the exception of the Rugged, also have MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output) support. This offers significantly increased efficiency to your network. Now multiple client devices can receive data simultaneously through MU-MIMO and beamforming antenna technology, which concentrates and steers radio signals towards specific client devices. MU-MIMO is particularly useful in environments where multiple users are accessing the same wireless network simultaneously, such as in busy public places or in homes with multiple devices connected to the same network. 

Each AP will be capable of utilizing up to 16 SSIDs. This gives businesses and other heavy users the option to set multiple SSIDs and manage them all differently. For example, if you have a business with multiple offices, you could set up a SSID for each office area. For management of these settings, you can either access the local web administration page, or add them to Peplink’s InControl 2 cloud management service. 

Selecting an Access Point

When choosing a Peplink AP, consider factors such as the size of the deployment, the desired throughput, the number of Ethernet ports needed, and the budget available. Peplink offers a range of APs to fit different needs, and choosing the right one will ensure that your wireless network is fast, reliable, and secure. Here are some other key factors to consider when making your choice:

Coverage area: Consider the size of your business and the number of devices that will be connected to the network. Make sure the access point provides adequate coverage to meet your needs.

Bandwidth: Choose an access point that can handle the expected level of network traffic. You want to make sure it’s capable of handling the bandwidth provided from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). A high-bandwidth access point will ensure that your users can access the internet quickly and smoothly.

Ultimately, the best WiFi access point for your personal or business use will depend on your specific needs and budget. It’s best to take the time to research different options to find the one that is right for you.

Let us assist you with your decision! The 5Gstore team is available Monday through Friday and can be reached via phone, email, or chat!

By 5G , , , , ,

Why having a Static IP Address on your cellular failover improves email deliverability

A static IP address on a failover cellular connection can be a valuable tool for improving email deliverability. We are going to explore the reasons why having a static IP address is important for this. We’ll also look at how it can benefit businesses that rely on email communication. Lastly, we’ll show you an example configuration using GoDaddy. 

What is Failover?

A failover cellular connection is a backup internet connection that is used when the primary connection fails. This is important for businesses that rely on the internet to operate, as it ensures that they can continue to operate even if their primary internet connection goes down. Failover cellular connections are often used in conjunction with routers or other networking equipment that can detect when the primary connection is down and automatically switch to the cellular connection.

Why a Static IP?

When sending emails, the recipient’s email server checks the IP address of the sender to determine if the email is legitimate. If the email is coming from a dynamic IP address, which is common for cellular connections, it can raise a red flag for the recipient’s email server. This is because dynamic IP addresses are often associated with spam or other malicious activity.

By contrast, a static IP address provides a consistent and reliable source for email traffic. It allows email servers to easily verify the sender’s identity and ensure that the email is legitimate. This can greatly improve email deliverability and reduce the chances of emails being flagged as spam or blocked altogether.

In addition to improving email deliverability, a static IP address on a failover cellular connection can also provide other benefits for businesses. It can make it easier to manage network traffic and allow for more advanced networking configurations. It can also help to improve network security, as static IP addresses are less susceptible to hacking or other malicious activities.

Configuration Tip

As an example, let’s say you’re hosting your DNS with a provider like GoDaddy. Configuring your DNS to use a secondary static IP address can help to improve email deliverability and reduce the chances of your emails going into the spam folder. Look below for step-by-step directions specifically for GoDaddy. Note that other providers’ directions may differ. 

Step 1: Log in to your GoDaddy account

Log in to your GoDaddy account using your username and password.

Step 2: Navigate to your domain management

Once you have logged in, click on the “My Products” option in the top-right corner of the screen. Then, select “Domains” from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Select the domain you want to configure

From the list of domains, select the one you want to configure for the secondary static IP address.

Step 4: Access DNS management

On the domain management page, scroll down to the “DNS” section and click on the “Manage DNS” button.

Step 5: Add an “A” record

In the DNS management page, scroll down to the “A (Host)” section and click on the “Add” button. For the “Host” field, enter the name of your email server (e.g., “mail.yourdomain.com”). In the “Points to” field, enter the secondary static IP address for your email server. Then, set the “TTL” value to the desired duration (e.g., 1 hour).

Step 6: Verify changes

Once you have added the “A” record, make sure to verify the changes by checking that the new record is displayed correctly in the “DNS Management” page.

Step 7: Wait for propagation

DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate fully, although it typically happens much faster. Be patient and allow some time for the changes to take effect.

Step 8: Test your email deliverability

After the changes have propagated, test your email deliverability by sending a test email to a few different email addresses (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, etc.). Check the spam folder to see if the email was flagged as spam or if it was delivered to the inbox.

Remember to always monitor your email deliverability and make necessary changes as needed to ensure your emails are being delivered successfully.

By 5G , , ,

Boosting Cellular Connection Speeds: How Antennas Can Help Improve Bandwidth

As more of our lives depend on technology and the Internet, it’s important that we have a fast and reliable connection. For wired Internet services, that might not be such a problem. What if you’re relying on mobile broadband Internet service? With the advent of 5G technology, cellular networks have become even faster, offering lightning-fast download and upload speeds to users. However, there are still many areas where cellular connectivity is weak, and users struggle to get high-speed internet.

In order for the cellular service to provide an adequate connection, the cellular device must have a decent signal. There may be good bandwidth speeds too, but both cellular signal strength and bandwidth speeds are quite variable. This is due to differences in things like environment and the frequency in which the cellular connection is broadcasting. So, we recommend users perform a site survey at their location to help determine if an antenna may help. Of course, in some cases users may opt instead for a wireless signal repeater/booster. These come as kits that are made for boosting signals to multiple cellular devices simultaneously.  

An antenna is a device that is designed to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves. In the context of cellular networks, antennas are used to capture signals from nearby cell towers and transmit them to the user’s device. They also send signals from the user’s device back to the cell tower. By using a high-quality antenna, users can improve their signal strength and achieve higher speeds. Want to see how it works? Check out our video below. 

What Affects Cellular Performance?

In cellular networks, the antenna is a critical component that determines not only the signal strength, but coverage area and data rate of the wireless link. The signal strength is a measure of the power of the received signal at the receiver’s antenna. The coverage area is the region around the cell tower where the signal strength is sufficient to maintain a reliable connection with the user’s device. The data rate is the maximum achievable speed of data transfer between the user’s device and the cell tower.

Several factors affect the performance of the antenna in cellular networks. One of the primary factors is the distance between the user’s device and the cell tower. The farther away the user’s device is from the cell tower, the weaker the signal strength, and the lower the data rate. This is because the electromagnetic waves from the cell tower follow an inverse-square law, which means that the power of the signal decreases with the square of the distance from the source.

Another factor that affects the antenna’s performance is the obstructions between the user’s device and the cell tower. Obstructions can be natural, such as trees, hills, and mountains, or artificial, such as buildings, walls, and vehicles. Obstructions can cause attenuation, reflection, and scattering of the electromagnetic waves, leading to a decrease in signal strength and data rate.

Interference is another factor that affects the performance of the antenna in cellular networks. It can be caused by other wireless devices operating in the same frequency band or by noise sources such as motors, generators, and power lines. Degradation in the the signal quality, increases in the error rate, and reductions in the data rate can also be possible.

Types of Antennas

There are several types of antennas that can be used to improve cellular speeds. Each have its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common types of antennas used in cellular networks include:

  • Omnidirectional Antennas: These are the most common type of antenna used in cellular networks. Omnidirectional antennas transmit and receive signals in all directions, making them ideal for use in areas where there are multiple cell towers or where the user’s device is moving around.
  • Directional Antennas: As the name suggests, directional antennas transmit and receive signals in a specific direction. These antennas are ideal for use in areas where there is only one cell tower or where the user’s device is stationary.
  • Yagi Antennas: Yagi antennas are a type of directional antenna that is designed to provide high gain and long-range coverage. These antennas work best where there is line of sight to the cell tower, meaning little to no obstructions in between. They are often used in more remote areas where there is a weak signal and speed.
  • Panel Antennas: Panel antennas are another type of directional antenna that is designed to provide high gain and long-range coverage. These antennas do not require line of sight and are also used in more rural areas.

What Can You Do?

To overcome challenges, and improve the performance of the antenna in cellular networks, several techniques and technologies have been developed. One of the most effective ways to improve the antenna’s performance is to use a high-quality antenna. Specifically, one that is optimized for the specific frequency band and radiation pattern. For example, some directional antennas are tuned to a specific frequency. This generally results in a higher boost than antennas with wider frequency ranges. 

Another technique to improve the antenna’s performance is to use multiple antennas in a system, known as Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO). MIMO technology allows the user’s device to transmit and receive multiple data streams simultaneously using several antennas. This can increase the data rate and reliability of the wireless link. It is commonly used in modern cellular networks to achieve high-speed internet connectivity and support advanced applications. Things like video streaming, gaming, and virtual reality.

Using an antenna to improve cellular speeds is relatively easy, and most cellular modem/ routers come with external antenna ports. Users can purchase a high-quality antenna that is compatible with their device and if needed, connect it using an adapter. Once connected, the antenna will begin capturing signals from nearby cell towers. It then transmits them to the user’s device, resulting in improved connectivity. 

If you’re ready to see how an antenna can help you, check out our guide to selecting the right antenna. The 5Gstore team is also ready to assist you with any questions, Monday thru Friday. Reach us by phone, email, or chat!

By 5G , , , , , , , , ,

5G Carrier Aggregation: How T-Mobile Does it Better 

T-Mobile has been called the best carrier because of a recent cellular report. Though, they want to keep taking their network to the next level. And that’s just what they’re doing, according to President of Technology Neville Ray. He spoke in a keynote at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona yesterday and announced that T-Mobile achieved something epic. They made the world’s first four-carrier aggregation data call on its 5G SA network with a commercial device and reached speeds above 3.3 Gbps.

“We are working with industry leaders around the globe to move the 5G ecosystem forward for the benefit of wireless customers everywhere,” said Neville Ray, President of Technology at T-Mobile. “With the most advanced 5G network in the world, T-Mobile is at the forefront of wireless innovation, spearheading new capabilities so we can continue raising the performance bar and enable future transformative applications that require a seamless and robust 5G connection.”

Four-Carrier Aggregation

Carrier aggregation is a technique used in LTE and 5G networks to increase the data transmission rates and capacity by aggregating multiple frequency bands or carriers into a single logical channel. By combining multiple carriers, the available spectrum can be used more efficiently, enabling higher data speeds and more reliable connectivity.

In their test, the Un-carrier merged four 5G channels of mid-band spectrum – two channels of 2.5 GHz Ultra Capacity 5G and two channels of 1900 MHz spectrum – creating an effective 225 MHz 5G channel. That’s like taking four separate highways and turning them into a massive superhighway where traffic can zoom faster than before. Customers with the Samsung Galaxy S23 will be among the first to experience four-carrier aggregation later this year. More devices will follow.  

VoNR (Voice over New Radio)

With VoNR, T-Mobile is moving voice traffic to 5G so customers stay consistently connected to 5G. In the near-term, customers connected to VoNR may notice slightly faster call set-up times. This means less delay between the time they dial a number and when the phone starts ringing. But VoNR is about more than just a better calling experience. Most importantly, VoNR brings T-Mobile one step closer to truly unleashing its 5G SA network. This is because it enables advanced capabilities like network slicing that rely on a continuous connection to a 5G core. 

Today VoNR is now live in six cities – Cincinnati, OH; New Orleans, LA; New York, NY; Portland, OR; Salt Lake City, UT; and Seattle, WA. The carrier will expand this technology to additional cities covering more than 100 million people in the coming months.

By 5G , , , ,

When Will T-Mobile’s 2G Network Shutdown?

T-Mobile recently posted that their 2G network is scheduled to be retired on April 2, 2024. The carrier’s process of turning down these services does not include the deactivation of devices. It is imperative that you deactivate any T-Mobile 2G devices before the end of the March 23, 2024, billing cycle to avoid on-going billing of the service. 

Can I Still Use My Current Device?

With regards to voice devices, it will need to support Voice over LTE (VoLTE). This must also be VoLTE 911 capable. If the device does not, you will need to upgrade or replace your device to ensure continued voice calling and coverage.

For data only 4G/LTE devices, manufacturers advise that certain devices configured as DATA ONLY may no longer attach to the network after the sunset due to a default voice-centric setting. When these devices attach after the sunset they will attempt to request voice-centric signaling and will get a response from the network saying they are attached as data-centric. The module will see the mismatch and scan for another network that supports 3G voice-centric. This may prompt a “No Service” condition and the device may fail to connect. 

Manufacturers are advising customers operating DATA ONLY devices (but contain a data/voice module) to undertake one of the three options below:

  1. Swap out the device for a Data only device 
  2. Execute the appropriate AT+ command based on your device to disable the VoLTE and IMS services to make the configuration data-centric
  3. Perform a firmware update to resolve the issue. Check with the device vendor if it can be reconfigured to data-centric AND all voice and IMS services disabled. This is normally accomplished using a firmware update from the vendor.

Should you require any assistance finding an appropriate data only device, ask the 5Gstore sales team about our cellular modems and routers. Contact us today by phone, email, or chat!

By 5G , , ,

Why a Static IP Address – Pros & Cons

There are two types of WAN Address: Static and Dynamic. A Static Address is fixed and never changes – think of a house. A Dynamic Address can change at any point – think of a motorhome. How do they differ? Which one will be best for your usage needs? Why is this important? 

The Internet has become an indispensable tool for communication, entertainment and work. Having a stable and reliable IP address is essential for many reasons. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of having a static IP address for your personal or business use. 

Pros of static IP address

  • Devices with static IP addresses are always assigned the same address, making them easier to locate, manage, and troubleshoot.
  • Static IP addresses make it easier to set up remote access to a device, such as remote desktop or VPN connections. With VPN you can connect more than 2 locations together, to expand multiple locations/offices into one. You may remotely access things like your security cameras, smart thermostat, or your home/ office computer to retrieve important files. 
  • Businesses can host their own websites and other online services, ensuring that their customers can access them at all times.
  • They’re better for anything requiring VoIP protocol, like video chat because it allows for seamless and uninterrupted communication
  • More reliable for geolocation services
  • Allows for potentially faster bandwidth speeds
  • Better online gaming experience. Gaming servers often require a static IP address to ensure stable connections and reduce lag. A static IP address allows you to host games and join servers more reliably, which can greatly enhance your gaming experience.
  • Better for failover: You can enter the static IP of your failover into your DNS so email gets delivered vs. going to spam

Cons of static IP address

  • Setting up a static IP address often requires a fee from your ISP.
  • Limited pool of addresses: In some cases, there may not be enough available static IP addresses to meet demand, leading to long wait times.
  • If a device with a static IP address needs to be moved or changed, its IP address must be manually reconfigured, which can be time-consuming and challenging for non-technical users.
  • They are visible to the outside world, whereas non-static (or dynamic) is not visible to the outside world.  It would be important to have firewalls enabled or other features to block unnecessary access.
  • They make users easier to locate.
  • They may use more data – since the IP is publicly accessible on the internet – and there are bots scanning, looking for vulnerabilities.

Making Your Decision

Taking these pros and cons into consideration, a business may choose to use a static IP address over a dynamic IP address for a variety of reasons. Those might include hosting services, remote access, security, VPN, or compliance for credit card processing or healthcare, for example. On the flip side, a business may opt for a dynamic IP address due to cost, flexibility (if things can change with their needs), or privacy. 

A static IP address can offer more stability and security than a dynamic IP address, making it a good choice for businesses that rely on network services or remote access. However, a static IP address may be more expensive than a dynamic IP address, and it may require more management and configuration. So, for personal users, or small businesses, it might not make sense. Before making a decision, look at your business needs and day to day operations to determine which address type will be best.

Should you need a static IP with your cellular data plan, 5Gstore’s Failover Data plans are now offered with this as an option. If you have any questions, please reach out to our team by phone, email, or chat! 

By 5G , ,

What Do 5G Symbols Mean on My Phone

In the past, we’ve discussed the technical factors surrounding 5G, such as frequency bands and the airwaves at which 5G operates (low, mid, and high). But what about the different terminology used by cellular providers and those 5G icons on your phone that indicate your cell phone’s signal strength? If you’ve wondered what those 5G, 5G Ultra Wideband, 5G Ultra Capacity, 5G Plus, and 5G C-Band symbols mean on your phone, you’re not alone. This is often a lot of confusion surrounding these 5G symbols. 5Gstore is here to explain exactly what they mean. Read on — this article will discuss the meaning behind 5G, 5GUW/UWB, 5GUC, and 5G C-Band symbols.

What is 5G?

When you hear 5G, you may think of the hype that surrounded its rollout in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Today, about 90% of America’s population has 5G available. Even if you’re in the 10% of the country that doesn’t yet offer 5G in your location, your smartphone is likely 5G-compatible and you have experienced 5G speeds in some capacity at a certain point.

The 5G signal strength is what providers like to call “5G Nationwide.” 5G is currently the most widely available service in America. Theoretically, 5G has the potential for 10 Gbps speeds; in reality 5G alone is similar to 4G LTE speeds. 5G service may provide you with enough speed to watch a high definition or 4K video; however, it may not be fast enough to handle multiple streams at the same time. 

What is 5G Ultra Wideband?

This is where 5G Ultra Wideband comes in. As Verizon’s highest-performing 5G, 5G Ultra Wideband (5G UW) can be up to 10x faster than 4G LTE. This makes it capable of handling multiple audio or video streams simultaneously. T-Mobile® and AT&T have similar 5G networks. T-Mobile calls this signal “Ultra Capacity,” or “5G UC.” AT&T calls it “5G Plus.”

What is C-Band?

You may also encounter “C-Band,” which is part of Verizon’s Ultra Wideband network. C-Band simply operates in a different section of 5G and is one of the newest types of 5G. It can be extremely fast and can support large amounts of data. C-Band is currently not widely available due to its limited range. 

5G Symbols

So what does that 5G symbol on your phone mean? 5G devices will display specific 5G icons connected to 5G Nationwide. These devices include those connected to Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile networks:

  • T-Mobile: T-Mobile’s Ultra Capacity network may display a “5G UC” symbol. A 5G icon without the “UC” indicates that you’re connected to a slower 5G network. This is what T-Mobile refers to as “Extended Range.” 
  • Verizon: Verizon will show 5G UW (or 5G UWB) when connected to 5G Ultra Wideband. C-Band does not have its own indicator, so it falls under 5G UW for Verizon (or 5G+ for AT&T). 
  • AT&T: AT&T icons may display “5GE,” which is actually 4G LTE. AT&T simply got creative with their advertising in 2020 and came out with “5G Evolution.” 5G Evolution is supposed to be faster than traditional LTE, but its speeds are not quite as fast as you might expect from 5G. Unfortunately, it still appears on some phones. 

What to Look For on Your Phone

Note that not all phones are alike. For that reason, how they display their network details might differ slightly. Take a look below at some common examples. 

5G: This is simply 5G service. This 5G icon applies to all providers.

5GE: 5G Evolution is 4G LTE on the AT&T network.

5G+: 5G Plus is AT&T’s faster 5G service, and includes C-Band.

5G UW/ UWB: 5G Ultra Wideband is Verizon’s fastest 5G service.

5G UC: 5G Ultra Capacity is T-Mobile’s fastest 5G service available.

By 5G , , , , , , , , ,

How Does the New Search Feature Work at 5Gstore.com?

If you’re new to 5Gstore.com or have not spent much time reviewing our resources, we have several informative videos and blogs available. These cover a number of topics, how-to guides, and tips and tricks. All are related in some manner with the products we carry. We hope you’ll take a closer look, especially now since we’ve made it easier than ever to locate what you’re interested in!

Prior to today, the 5Gstore.com search box would provide suggestions to what you’re typing in, products, and a means to check Peplink serial numbers (for verifying warranty and license options). It will now include blogs and videos. Note that this will search only against the titles of the blogs and videos. See example below.

You can also search blog xxxx or video xxxx and only see blog or video matches.  When searching this way, it looks for matching words within the documents and videos – not just the titles!

Check it out today on 5Gstore.com!

By 5G , ,

Peplink Firmware 8.3.0: What’s Different?

It’s official! After several months of testing, Peplink is finally releasing new firmware, version 8.3.0. With this upgrade comes many new features as well as fixes. There’s quite a bit covered on this firmware so we’re going to only highlight some of these changes. For a detailed list of release notes, see here.

Among the new features Peplink is adding the following:

  • SpeedFusion – Dynamic Weighted Bonding (DWB) made the default traffic distribution policy, and TCP Ramp Up mode added
    • Peplink engineers have completed several tests using multiple types of WAN connections. They have made DWB the default policy for routing your SpeedFusion traffic because of the results seen. Faster speeds can be obtained due to the more intelligent detection of bad links and packet loss. Essentially, it is better at handling more diverse connections like cellular and satellite. TCP Ramp Up mode improves the handling of Upload/ Download TCP traffic, which is important because satellite connections like Starlink use TCP acceleration. This also helps with congested LTE networks. It is the initial duplication of traffic and allows for more bandwidth.  
  • Synergy Mode – Cascade multiple devices and combine the number of WANs to a single device virtually
    • Peplink’s Synergy Mode allows you to use multiple routers as one. This requires one Peplink router with an active Care plan to act as your synergy controller. This will be your main router that all secondary routers will connect to. These secondary routers are known as the synergy devices. The first one you connect does not need a care plan, but any additional devices will. The connection between these routers is known as the synergized link. Once the synergy device is activated, it will act as a modem or client device without a management or configuration option. This instead will be handled by the Synergy Controller. Note that the controller will display all the Synergized Device’s WAN interfaces, including Ethernet WAN, Wi-Fi WAN, and Cellular. It also will NOT work with Virtual WANs. Use this where your main router may be limited with regards to its supported WAN connections. If you need more cellular connections, or something that supports WiFi as WAN because your main router does not, or you simply want to have one place to manage all your hardware, Synergy Mode can be a great tool.
  • Virtual WAN on VLAN – Added Virtual WAN on VLAN
    • If you’re lacking WAN inputs, you can create a virtual WAN on a specific VLAN. For example, you simply need to trunk a VLAN (for each WAN) on your main router, connect an Ethernet switch, and then connect multiple WAN sources to that switch. The main router then allows this connection to be used on the WAN or LAN. This can be helpful for those utilizing a High Availability (HA) setup because WANs are treated differently than LANs with HA. If the switch in this example were to fail, it would not be recognized. This feature allows it to be. It’s also helpful if you’re limited on how many cables you can run to your router.  
  • MAX Adapter – When the MAX Adapter is connected to a Balance or MAX device, it will become a Cellular WAN instead of a USB WAN
    • This update makes it easier to recognize and manage your connection as a cellular one. Just like embedded modems, the MAX adapter will be displayed with detailed cellular information. Management of cellular settings such as the APN is now configurable.
  • InTouch & USB – Supports USB to serial adapters
    • With Peplink’s firmware version 8.2.0, they released a feature called “InTouch.” It allows folks to access IP based devices that sit behind their Peplink router. It works by leveraging SFC Protect (previously called SpeedFusion Connect), which means you must have an active SpeedFusion connection with data available. 8.3.0 firmware will allow you to connect to devices on the USB connection that are using a USB to serial adapter. This can be extremely useful for those who do not have a router model that has serial ports built in. Things that use RDP or VNC will now be supported.  
  • 5GH & Cat-20 Devices (product code contains -GLTE-S or -5GH) – Added 2x antenna mode for a cellular module
    • These modems typically use a 4×4 MiMO connection per modem. With this feature, you can now choose either 2 antenna mode or 4 antenna mode and that’ll allow you to use your existing Peplink Mobility antennas and take advantage of 5G. Of course, this means you will lose two of your antennas so you might lose a little bit of performance and signal capabilities or band capabilities. Still, this is helpful for users that are just starting to make the switch from a 2×2 MiMO modem.
  • Outbound Policy – Now supports client type as the source
    • The outbound policy rules are a way to control how the outgoing traffic on your network is routed over your WAN connections. Prior to the update, you could only specify the source as: Any, IP address, IP Network, and Client’s Associated SSID. With “Client Type” as an option, you can now create a rule that tells all smartphones to use your primary WAN only. This can help alleviate usage on a possibly limited backup Internet connection. 

Among the many improvements made, the one our team finds the most exciting is WiFi WAN has been added to the Balance 20X – just make sure you have a valid PrimeCare warranty. This Balance router is definitely becoming more versatile with this addition. WiFi WAN makes it possible to use a WiFi source as another WAN connection on your Balance 20X. This means if you have access to your neighbor’s WiFi network, you can use it as a backup if your own network fails to connect to the Internet. This of course is most helpful when your neighbor is using a different Internet service provider. If you have a mobile hotspot and need to extend its WiFi coverage and/or increase its device connections, WiFi WAN can help with that too. IP Forwarding is also now supported on WiFi WAN, in addition to BSSID steering on certain MAX models. 

With regards to cellular, 5G devices now have signal threshold settings and carrier selection. Peplink has added Band Channel Width details, SIM card priority settings, and support for SNMP on UTRAN Cell ID. 

Other improvements that we’re excited about include: 

  • GPS – An option to turn off GPS and GPS Forwarding services
  • OpenVPN WAN – Added site-to-site VPN mode
  • QoS – Added Application Queue – Bandwidth Control for Application
  • USB WAN – When USB Ethernet adapter or USB Dongle is plugged in, the USB WAN will connect automatically (rather than having to unhide this option)

Some minor improvements were made with name changes. Those include: 

  • PepVPN – Now called “SpeedFusion VPN”
  • SFC – “SpeedFusion Connect” is now called “SpeedFusion Connect Protect.” And “Home Sharing” is now “Relay Mode.”

Like with most firmware, there were of course some issues that needed to be resolved. Some that were covered include:

  • Cellular – Cellular firmware might fail to upgrade on LTE-US devices
  • Cellular – Device might not connect to InControl after upgrading the cellular firmware
  • SpeedFusion – Dynamic Weighted Bonding might drop packets unexpectedly for handling bufferbloat
  • SpeedFusion – UDP traffic might route to wrong sub-tunnel
  • Balance 20X – Setup Wizard configured IP Passthrough instead of Drop-in Mode
  • BR1 Mini HW3 – 2.4GHz Wi-Fi radio might not work after applying new changes
  • Cellular & 5GH – Cellular interface did not work on Verizon with custom APN settings on the device
  • System – HTTP Health Check might fail
  • System – YouTube blocking may not work

This firmware release supports the following devices: 

  • X Series EPX / SDX Pro / SDX / PDX / MBX / MBX Mini / 580X / 380X / 310X / 20X 
  • Balance 20X / 20 HW7-8 / 30 LTE / 30 Pro / One / Two / 210 / 310 / 310 Fiber 5G / 310 5G / 310X / 305 HW2 / 380 HW6 / 580 HW2-3 / 710 HW3 / 1350 HW2 / 2500 
  • MAX BR2 Pro HW4 / BR1 Pro 5G / BR1 MK2 / BR1 HW2-3 / BR1 Slim / BR1 Mini / BR1 Mini Core / BR1 M2M / BR1 ENT / BR1 ESN / BR1 PRO / BR1 IP67 / BR2 / BR1 IP55 HW2-4 / BR2 IP55 HW2-3 / HD2 / HD2 IP67 / HD2 Mini / HD1 Dome / HD1 Dome Pro / HD2 Dome / HD4 / HD4 IP67 / Transit Pro E / Transit 5G / Transit / Transit Duo / Transit Mini / Transit Core / Hotspot / On-The-Go HW2 / 700 
  • UBR UBR LTE 
  • Surf SOHO HW2 / SOHO MK3 
  • MediaFast 200 / 500 / 750 / HD2 / HD4 
  • SpeedFusion Engine SFE / SFE CAM 
  • FusionHub FusionHub
By 5G , , , , , ,