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.

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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!

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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! 

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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.

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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!

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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
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How to Maximize WiFi Coverage: Tips and Tricks

In today’s world, having a strong and reliable WiFi connection has become an essential aspect of our daily lives. Whether it is for work, entertainment, or education, we all rely on our WiFi network to keep us connected to the world. However, it’s not uncommon for people to struggle with weak signals, slow speeds, and poor coverage. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips and tricks that can help you maximize your WiFi coverage and ensure that you have a strong and reliable connection.

Position the Router in a Central Location

One of the most important things to consider when setting up your WiFi network is the location of your router. The router should be positioned in a central location within your home to ensure that the signal is distributed evenly. Avoid placing the router in a corner, behind furniture, or in other areas where it may be obstructed by walls or other objects. By positioning the router in a central location, you can ensure that the signal reaches every corner of your home, giving you optimal coverage.

Use a WiFi Extender or Additional Access Points

If you live in a large home or a multi-story building, you may find that your WiFi signal does not reach certain areas. In this case, using a WiFi extender or access point can be an effective solution. A WiFi extender is a device that boosts the signal from your router, increasing the coverage area of your network. When choosing a WiFi extender, make sure to select one that is compatible with your router and provides fast and reliable speeds. A WiFi access point is similar to an extender in that it creates a wider coverage area in which to connect to the network. However, while WiFi extenders can connect wirelessly to the main WiFi router, access points generally have to be connected with an Ethernet cable. Of course, if you opt for hardware that supports “mesh,” then you can connect at least some access points wirelessly. 

Avoid Physical Obstructions

Another important consideration when it comes to maximizing WiFi coverage is to avoid physical obstructions. Walls, doors, and furniture can all interfere with your WiFi signal, reducing its strength and range. To minimize these obstructions, you can place the router on a high shelf or mount it on the wall. You can also make sure that there are no large metal objects between the router and the device you are trying to connect to, such as refrigerators or metal filing cabinets.

Reduce Interference from Other Devices

In addition to physical obstructions, other devices in your home can also interfere with your WiFi signal. Devices such as microwaves, baby monitors, cordless phones can all cause interference, reducing the quality of your WiFi connection. To minimize interference, you can try to keep these devices as far away from your router as possible, or move them to a different channel. Surprisingly, things like fluorescent lights and mirrors can also cause interference, so also be mindful of their distance from the WiFi.

Upgrade to a Higher-Gain Antenna

If you are still struggling with weak signals, you may want to consider upgrading to a higher-gain antenna. Antennas with higher gain are designed to concentrate the WiFi signal in a specific direction, providing greater coverage and reducing the amount of interference from other devices. By upgrading to a higher-gain antenna, you can improve the quality and strength of your WiFi signal, giving you a more reliable connection. Of course, this is only possible if your WiFi device has external antenna ports available. 

Change the Channel of your Router

Another factor that can affect the quality of your WiFi signal is the channel that your router is using. If there are many other WiFi networks in your area, your router may be competing with them for bandwidth, causing slow speeds and weak signals. To avoid this, you can try changing the channel of your router to a less congested one. Most routers have an option in their settings to select the channel manually. You can use a WiFi scanner app to determine which channels are the least congested in your area and choose one of them for your router.

Hopefully, with the provided tips and tricks, you can make the most out of your WiFi hardware. Should you still have issues, see if the hardware has a firmware update available. While it might not be the answer, it’s always a good first step for troubleshooting your issue. You might also consider testing the hardware in another location to compare results. This is a good way of ruling out environmental factors that can be causing interference.

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T-Mobile Home Internet Users See What Can Happen with a Bad Firmware Update

When it comes to updates or upgrades, it may be a good rule of thumb to say that, “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” However, with concerns around security, it’s a good idea to keep your electronic hardware up to date when security patches are made available. 

This is something that tens of thousands of T-Mobile home internet users have encountered as of last week. Due to a software update, users reported their service had stopped working. The reason not all of their 1.5 million users (as of Dec 2022) were affected was because the update was only sent to a certain model modem – Sagemcom Fast 5688W.

The problem caused the modems to be cut off from the carrier’s network. This then prevented them from being reset from T-Mobile’s end, according to the Mobile Report. What makes matters worse, is that customers’ only solution is to swap out the modem for a completely new unit. 

Not surprisingly, T-Mobile has stopped the update from being pushed out. The update was supposed to fix an issue of unintended reboots that had impacted the Sagemcom routers, so they continue to work with the manufacturer on next steps.  

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Cellular Routers vs Cell Phone Hotspots: What to Use for Business Failover

Businesses depend on reliable and stable internet connections to operate efficiently. In the event of a primary internet outage, having a backup solution is essential to minimize downtime and maintain productivity. Two common solutions for business failover are using a cell phone hotspot or a cellular router. While both provide a connection to a cellular network for Internet access, they do not offer the same benefits. We’d like to take a closer look at each of these solutions and compare their pros and cons. 

Cell Phone Hotspot

A cell phone hotspot is a feature offered by most modern smartphones and cellular providers. They allow you to share your device’s cellular data connection with other devices via WiFi. This option is convenient and easy to use, especially for single users (like remote workers) or small businesses with minimal internet needs. Pros of using a cell phone hotspot for business failover include:

  • Portability: A cell phone hotspot can be used anywhere and is easy to transport, making it ideal for remote workers or businesses that require frequent travel.
  • Affordability: A cell phone hotspot is a low-cost alternative to a cellular router, especially if the device is already owned by the business. Most carriers also include hotspot services with your data plan. 
  • Ease of use: To operate the hotspot on your phone, you simply need to turn it on, then turn it off when you’re done. There’s really nothing to it unless you want to adjust its name or password. 

Cons of using a cell phone hotspot for business failover include:

  • Availability: Hotspots are not meant for 24/7 use. Keep in mind that this is someone’s cell phone, so they will take it home when they leave the office. This makes it impossible to run any hardware like security cameras. They are also battery powered. You can keep them plugged in 24/7 to avoid losing power, but this shortens the battery life. 
  • Accessibility: If you have a shared printer and files on your primary network, these items will not be accessible. This is because your computer will be connected to the cell phone hotspot network. 
  • Failover: When your primary Internet connection fails, you will need to manually switch all critical devices to the hotspot, creating some additional downtime. 
  • Limited data & bandwidth: Most cell phone plans offer limited data allowances, which can be quickly exhausted by multiple devices connecting to the hotspot.
  • Limited User Support: Hotspots can usually only support up to 15 devices and only wireless connections. There are no Ethernet ports available for wired connections. 
  • Limited WiFi Range: The wireless range from hotspots are normally limited to 30ft or less. This can be even more degraded when you have interference in the environment. 
  • Limited interoperability: Some users may opt to use their hotspot with a WiFi as WAN router (or tethered to a router with USB WAN port) that can extend their WiFi range and user support. However, this can create issues with some applications working properly. If possible, it’s best to put the hotspot into a bridge/ passthrough mode, but this is not normally a supported feature on hotspots.
  • Unreliability: The reliability of a cell phone hotspot can vary depending on the location and network coverage. They also do not have external antenna ports to help with signal strength. All of this makes it unsuitable for businesses that require a consistent internet connection. 
  • Security risks: Sharing your cell phone’s internet connection with other devices can pose security risks, especially if sensitive data is transmitted.

Cellular Router

A cellular router is a standalone device that connects to the internet via a cellular network. This option is ideal for any user, but is generally used by businesses with more complex internet needs and larger teams. Pros of using a cellular router for business failover include:

  • Reliability: Cellular routers are designed to provide a consistent and stable internet connection, making them ideal for businesses that require close to 24/7 uptime.
  • Failover: Cellular routers can sometimes connect with your primary Internet connection and provide automatic failover between connections. This means all your devices (critical and non-critical) can be connected to the same network, if needed. You don’t have to manually switch devices from your primary to backup network. 
  • Bandwidth: Cellular routers can handle more data and support several devices, making them suitable for larger businesses.
  • Security: Cellular routers come with built-in security features to protect your network and data from threats.
  • Antenna Connections: Most cell phones do not have external antenna connections, but routers generally do. This makes it easier to increase signal strength and quality directly to the device. 

Cons of using a cellular router for business failover include:

  • Cost: Cellular routers are more expensive than cell phone hotspots.
  • Complexity: Cellular routers can be more complex to set up and manage, especially for small businesses with limited IT resources.
  • Size: Routers are usually larger in size and will require constant power for 24/7 use. 

As you can now see, the choice between using a cell phone hotspot or a cellular router for business failover will depend on the specific needs of your business. For remote workers, travelers and small businesses with minimal internet needs, a cell phone hotspot may be a suitable and affordable option. Hotspots are great for temporary use and provide a simple failover solution. For larger businesses with complex internet requirements, a cellular router may be the better choice for its reliability, bandwidth, and security features. However, either solution could be suitable for many applications, so it’s important to consider the differences.

Should you need assistance with determining your ideal solution, reach out to our team by phone, email, or chat! 

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What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Starlink with a Peplink Router

Starlink, the satellite-based internet service by SpaceX, has been making waves in the internet industry with its promise of providing high-speed, low-latency internet to even the most remote and rural areas. To make the most of Starlink’s capabilities, many users are opting to pair the service with a Peplink router. Peplink’s networking solutions are known for their reliability and versatility, but even more so their SpeedFusion technology. SpeedFusion allows for seamless failover and bonding between multiple Internet connections. 

We’d like to explore a few pros and cons we’ve found with using Starlink and Peplink together. In turn, we hope it will help you to determine whether it’s the right solution for your application needs. 

Pros of Using Starlink with Peplink Router

Reliable Internet

Starlink’s low latency and high bandwidth capabilities can provide a stable and fast internet connection, especially in rural or remote areas. The service’s satellite-based nature allows it to bypass many of the issues that can affect terrestrial-based internet connections, such as outages, slowdowns, and limited connectivity. With Peplink’s multi-WAN, failover support, you can enjoy reliable internet just about anywhere.

Backup Connection

In case of an emergency or if the primary internet connection goes down, Starlink can be used as a backup connection for critical services. With a Peplink router, you can set up a failover connection to automatically switch to Starlink if your primary connection goes down, ensuring that you never lose connectivity when you need it most.

Cost-effective

Starlink is more affordable compared to other satellite-based internet solutions. Peplink routers also tend to be less expensive in comparison to similar manufacturers, and generally offer more features. Most are capable of supporting the Starlink connection. It comes down to the number and type of Internet connections you plan on using that will determine which Peplink solution is appropriate for your needs. 

SpeedFusion Benefits

Peplink’s warranty/ Care plans include access to SpeedFusion VPN, which allows you to utilize multiple WAN links together as one high-speed link. This can provide an instant failover (meaning no downtime), as well as more bandwidth from bonding Starlink with other Internet connections. 

Load Balancing

Load balancing is a networking technique that evenly distributes network traffic across multiple Internet connections in order to maximize performance and avoid overloading of any single connection. The Peplink includes 8 total load balancing algorithms. These are rules which allow you to use Starlink only when its response time is the fastest or the latency is lowest compared to the other Internet connections. 

Cons of Using Starlink with Peplink Router

Limited Coverage 

Currently, Starlink’s coverage is limited to certain regions and may not be available everywhere. The service is still in its early stages and is only available in a limited number of countries, so if you live outside of one of these areas, you may not be able to use Starlink. However, as the service continues to grow, it’s likely that coverage will expand, so it’s worth checking back regularly to see if Starlink is available in your area.

Weather Dependent

Starlink’s performance can be affected by severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, which can disrupt the signal and cause slower speeds or even temporary outages. This can be a major issue for those who live in areas with frequent severe weather, and it’s important to keep this in mind when considering Starlink as a potential internet solution.

Equipment Cost

Starlink’s equipment and setup costs vary based on the type of install (home, business, RV). A Peplink router can also get costly if you maintain the warranty/ Care plan, which keeps the SpeedFusion VPN active. In addition, the cost of installation and setup can also be a significant factor, especially for those who live in remote or rural areas. However, it’s worth noting that the cost of Starlink and Peplink is likely to be lower than the cost of other satellite-based internet solutions, so it’s still worth considering if you need high-speed, reliable internet in a remote area. 

Configuration 

This is not a plug and play installation. Setting up Starlink to work with your Peplink router will require some configuration such as changing the router’s LAN IP address, SpeedFusion, and Outbound traffic rules. If you think you’ll need assistance, make sure you purchase from a certified Peplink partner like 5Gstore. We have guides available on the web and representatives on the phones who can assist as needed. 

Making a Decision

Using Starlink with a Peplink router can be a great solution for people who are looking for a fast, reliable and cost-effective internet solution, especially in rural or remote areas. However, it’s important to keep in mind the limitations of Starlink and the requirements of managing a Peplink router. If you’re considering using Starlink and a Peplink router, take time to think about what you’re needing to accomplish. Consider the Internet connections you will utilize, and the budget you have to spend. This will all help in making an informed decision as to whether using Starlink and Peplink is the right choice for you.  

If you still need assistance, please reach out to the 5Gstore team via phone, email, or chat!

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