Tag: Failover

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!

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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.

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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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How to Find a Cellular Failover Solution for Home Office/ Remote Work

When it comes to failover Internet connections, any type of Internet service can be used to backup another. However, due to the reliability of a cellular Internet connection, this is typically the recommended service type. Since the service comes through wirelessly from cell towers, it is less prone to service outages. Unlike wired services, which are run underground in most cases and can easily be broken. 

If you require Internet service in order to work remotely from home or run a home office, then you should consider a failover connection. This can be quite an overwhelming process when you first get started. We hope this article will help guide you through. 

Selecting a Cellular Provider 

Another benefit of cellular services is that they are quick and easy to install. Some users will start by contacting the same service provider as they use on their cell phones. This is an easy way to verify where you have coverage. If needed, check coverage maps from other providers to compare. 

Also think about whether you need 4G LTE or 5G service. Currently, the fastest 5G service is limited to small areas within large cities. Other 5G services will provide similar performance as 4G LTE, so it’s worth verifying this with the carrier if it’s not clearly defined on their map. You may also want to look into how much bandwidth your common applications use. This will help determine how much bandwidth speed you need from the cellular provider. 

Keep in mind that in any case, cellular bandwidth speeds are variable. They will differ with regards to the frequency band(s) your cellular router is connected to, along with its signal strength and quality. Other factors such as the user load on the cell tower you’re connecting to can also affect your speeds. The best approach is to place the cellular router in a part of your location where signal and speeds are most stable. If you find the only place like that is outside, an external antenna can always be added. 

Purchasing a Data Plan

Once you’ve decided on a cellular provider to use for your home office or remote work, you’ll need to purchase a data plan. If you have coverage from multiple providers, check with each to compare what data plans are offered. These plans will typically differ with how much data they allow you to use over the course of a month, as well as the price. If you’re not sure how much that is, you can utilize our data usage calculator to assist. We’ve also outlined typical usage for common applications such as VoIP, Video Calls, and VPN to help you determine how much data you may need. 

You’ll find that in most cases usage required for your most important applications can be well under 1 GB of data. This is the amount of data that 5Gstore includes with their current failover plans. Any additional data used will be priced at $10 per 1 GB. For more information, check out our Data Plans here. 

Finding an Appropriate Failover Router

The cellular provider will give you an activated SIM card along with the data plan. This will be inserted into the cellular router. What do you need to look for exactly? Are there any specific features you need like VPN or QoS support? What about the hardware – do you need a certain number of Ethernet ports? Use our router advisor to help narrow down the options. 

Have you selected a cellular provider to use? If so, do they have 5G service in your location? Even if they do, is it necessary to use your applications successfully? As we stated earlier, determining how much bandwidth speed your applications require will help answer this. 

Consider how you might limit your data usage when on your failover connection. This is easiest when you push only your mission critical devices/ applications (e.g. your VoIP phone and computer) over the failover connection. This can be possible by keeping your failover network separate from your primary one. 

Or, you may opt for a multi-WAN router that takes both connections and handles the failover itself. These routers usually support load balancing rules, which can also help with managing usage. Load balancing differs between router manufacturers, but generally speaking, it allows you to send specific connections over a single Internet service as needed. For example, you can have your VoIP setup to connect to either your primary or failover service while all other devices/ applications can only use your primary service. 

Where to Start?

Whether you’re looking for a separate failover router or something that can connect to both your primary and failover connections, here are some popular solutions:

Contact the experts at 5Gstore (phone, email, or chat) for assistance with finding the appropriate router and failover plan for your needs. 

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How Can Peplink’s SpeedFusion Technology Improve Starlink Performance?

Starlink is a satellite internet service developed and operated by SpaceX, a private American aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company founded by Elon Musk. The service aims to provide high-speed internet access to remote or underserved areas around the world by using a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites. 

The company has launched several batches of satellites into orbit since 2019, with the goal of eventually having thousands of satellites in its constellation. Their aim is to provide internet speeds of around 100 megabits per second (Mbps) with latency of around 20 milliseconds. This is significantly faster than current satellite internet services, which can have latency in the hundreds of milliseconds and speeds of around 25 Mbps. However, just like with cellular connections, throughput and latency are not guaranteed. 

So, you may be wondering, how might you make your Starlink connection more reliable? Enter Peplink SpeedFusion Connect (SFC). Peplink is a company that specializes in developing networking solutions for businesses and organizations. They offer a range of products, including routers and other networking devices, that can help connect computers, devices, and networks together. Their SpeedFusion technology runs just like a VPN tunnel. It is used to combine multiple Internet connections together to create a single, fast, and reliable connection for use with a Peplink router. 

The goal of SpeedFusion is to provide a way for users to improve the performance and reliability of their Internet connection by using multiple connections from different providers, such as broadband, cellular, and satellite. SpeedFusion can be used to load balance traffic across multiple connections, seamlessly failover to a secondary connection in the event of an outage, and bond connections for more bandwidth, all while providing improved security and privacy through the use of encryption.

Seeing that cellular and satellite connections can be sporadic and unreliable on their own, Peplink technology helps them to behave more like wired services. Congestion on the network and latency spikes are the biggest factors to consider with wireless services. Ways to mitigate these issues include increasing the number of WAN connections that you are using. Though, even if you are only using two WANs, there are still ways that the Peplink SpeedFusion can be configured to improve performance. 

Here are some tips: 

  • Avoid bonding multiple Starlink connections together as this could create more issues with performance.
  • Important part of the SFC connection is how to get it connected and how to route your traffic
    • The default configuration is already optimized for best performance, but it is a matter of making changes to the WAN connection priority. This is what controls whether the SFC tunnel runs with just Hot Failover between connections, or bonds them.
    • With connections in different priorities, you have Hot Failover. With connections all in priority 1, you have bonding. This is what allows you to have connections active simultaneously so that bandwidth can be bonded and real time/ mission critical traffic can be routed over this connection. 
  • If you would like to have the benefits of both Hot Failover and bonding, simply create sub tunnels (i.e. one for Hot Failover and one for Dynamic Weighted Bonding).
Sub-Tunnel #1: Hot Failover
Sub-Tunnel #2: Dynamic Weighted Bonding
  • To get the traffic routed as needed, this is where the outbound policy comes into play. This can be done at the local admin page or through InControl 2.
    • The big difference is that SaaS is only possible via InControl 2. 
    • Add more redundancy by using the priority algorithm and prioritize your tunnels
    • Use your Dynamic Weighted Bonding tunnel to protect your real time traffic. Route regular traffic over single WAN with hot failover tunnel.
    • Local configuration is the same as on InControl 2, but does NOT support SaaS or regional based routing. 
Default Outbound Policy Rule for Regular Traffic
Custom Outbound Policy Rule for Mission Critical Traffic
Viewing Outbound Policy Configuration from the Local Web Admin
  • Use WAN smoothing over Dynamic Weighted Bonding when seeing high packet loss. Otherwise Dynamic Weighted Bonding can be more helpful without increasing your data usage.
  • Firmware: Upgrade to version 8.3.0 to use TCP Ramp up. This improves the handling of Upload/ Download TCP traffic, which is important because Starlink uses TCP acceleration. This also helps with congested LTE networks. It is the initial duplication of traffic and allows for more bandwidth. 
  • If Starlink goes up and down, elongate the health check interval.
  • MTU for Starlink is 1500.

Have more questions about using Starlink and Peplink together? Reach out to our team via phone, email, or chat!

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How Can a Cellular Failover Help My Business?

Cellular routers are a type of networking device that allows you to connect to the internet using a cellular network rather than a traditional wired connection like cable or DSL. They are often used as a backup or failover option for businesses and organizations that need a reliable internet connection as frequently as possible. This would be because they may not have access to a stable wired connection, and cannot afford much downtime.

There are several benefits to using a cellular router for failover:

  • Reliability: Cellular networks are generally more reliable than wired connections, especially in areas where the wired infrastructure can be damaged or not yet installed.
  • Flexibility: Cellular routers can be used in any location with a cellular signal, making them a great option for businesses that need to be able to connect from any location
  • Cost-effective: In many cases, cellular data plans are more cost-effective than traditional wired internet plans. While prices can vary, wired services like cable or fiber can generally cost around $100 to $300. In comparison, many cellular data plans are around $25 to $100. 
  • Easy setup: Cellular routers are easy to set up and don’t require any special infrastructure or installation. They can be up and running in less than a day. 

WHAT IS FAILOVER?

Failover is a mechanism that allows a device to automatically switch to another network connection when its primary connection, such as a wired or wireless internet connection, becomes unavailable. This ensures that the device can continue to function and access the internet even if the primary connection is lost or disrupted. The goal of failover is to minimize disruption and maintain the availability of the system as much as possible.

Failover systems can be configured in a variety of ways. It can either be a totally automatic switch between WAN connections, or more of a manual switch between networks. Routers that provide automatic failover will support multiple WAN connections rather than just one. They will have some sort of automatic check in place to verify if the Internet connection is up or down. These checks allow the router to detect the outage of a connection and then switch to another available WAN connection that it has also verified is up or online. Aside from a possible difference in bandwidth, it’s likely you won’t notice the failure with these routers. 

Manual failover is going to be similar to using a single primary WAN connection through any router. Once a user detects the connection is down, they will need to manually switch their connection from the router that has failed, to one that is online. While this is not ideal for all users, it can certainly be more affordable. 

There are also multi-WAN, failover routers that support different manners in which failover operates. Normally, when a higher priority WAN connection is established, the backup connections are in an active, but passive state. While they are ready to connect, they do not actually establish a connection until the higher priority fails. This is also known as a cold standby state. 

The backup connections can also be in a completely active state where they are connected at the same time as the higher priority WAN. Traffic may or may not be routed over the backup while the primary WAN is connected – unless you’re using load balancing. This is what we typically call a hot standby state. The backup is already connected to the Internet and therefore the failover switch is much faster. 

Overall, failover systems are an important component of a robust and reliable network. They help to ensure that the system can continue to function even in the event of a failure.

USING A CELLULAR BACKUP

There are several situations in which cellular failover, in particular, can be useful. If a device is connected to a wireless network and the wireless signal becomes weak or unstable, the device can switch to a cellular connection to maintain a stable internet connection. Cellular failover can also be helpful in areas where wired internet is not available. Or, in cases where the primary internet connection is lost due to a line fault, power outage or other issue.

Cellular failover is often used in business settings, where a stable and reliable internet connection is critical for productivity. It can also be useful for individuals who rely on internet connectivity for important tasks, such as email or online transactions.

In order to use cellular failover, a device must be equipped with a cellular modem and have a cellular data plan in place. This is where the 5Gstore team can assist. We’ll determine which cellular failover router is best for your need. You can then pair it with one of our failover data plans. 

There are many different router solutions you can consider. Some cellular routers are just that. They have a cellular modem built in and allow for local connections via Ethernet and WiFi. They do not support any wired WAN connections and therefore cannot support an automated failover process. For example, the Inseego FX2000e or Inseego Skyus 160. These routers can stand alone. You may also put them into a passthrough mode and connect them to your existing router. For example, you would unplug your primary WAN once it has failed, and replace it with the cellular router’s connection). 

Other routers, like the Peplink Balance 20X, not only support a built-in cellular modem. They also have an Ethernet WAN port where you can connect your primary wired WAN. This will support an automated failover process since both the cellular and Ethernet WAN connections live in the same router. 

SELECTING THE APPROPRIATE ROUTER

The 5Gstore sales team can help to guide you towards the best solution for your needs. However, you’ll need to do a little research yourself as well. Some things to ask yourself include how and where you will be using the router. Are there specific devices that must have close to 24/7 connectivity? Are there devices that can survive without a connection temporarily? 

Keep in mind that there are a few key factors to consider when selecting a cellular failover router:

  • Carrier coverage: Make sure the router is compatible with a carrier that has good coverage in your area. It’s also a good idea to check the carrier’s data plans, their reliability and customer support.
  • Network speeds: Consider the speeds offered by the router and carrier, as well as the router’s ability to handle multiple devices. This is particularly important if you’ll be using the router for business purposes or if you have a lot of devices that need to connect to the internet.
  • Security: Look for a router with robust security features, such as a firewall, VPN support, and encryption. You can rest assured that any router you purchase from the 5Gstore will have all of these features. 
  • Ease of use: Consider the user interface and management tools of the router. You’ll want a router that is easy to set up and manage, particularly if you’re not technically savvy. While the user interfaces differ from one manufacturer to another, our team is trained to provide support for any of the products you purchase. 
  • Cost: Determine your budget and look for a router that offers the features you need at a price you can afford.
  • Brand reputation: Do some research on the brand and read reviews from other users to get a sense of the router’s reliability and customer support.

By considering these factors, you can find a cellular failover router that meets your needs. A solution which provides reliable internet connectivity when your primary internet connection goes down. 

For further information and assistance, please reach out to our team by phone, email, or chat!

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How Can Peplink SpeedFusion Connect VPN Help Me?

As Peplink experts, 5Gstore receives questions everyday about SpeedFusion. What is it? How does it work? How can it help my business? We’ve put this information all in one place to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about this exciting technology. Do you need to know more or want to discuss if a SpeedFusion deployment is right for you? Contact the experts at 5Gstore and we’ll come up with a solution for your business’s unique needs.

What is SpeedFusion?

SpeedFusion is Peplink’s patented technology that powers enterprise grade VPNs. By tapping into the bandwidth of any WAN link – cable, DSL, cellular, etc – SpeedFusion turns your multiple connections into a single bonded connection.

What can SpeedFusion be used for?

SpeedFusion has three technologies designed to address specific problems.

SpeedFusion Hot Failover

In the event of a WAN disconnection, Hot failover will transfer your traffic to another connection while maintaining session persistence. For example, if a WAN connection breaks during a video conference, the video conference can still continue without having to hang up or call again.

5Gstore utilizes SpeedFusion Hot Failover in our day to day operations at our warehouse. Our primary internet connection is a wired Comcast connection, and we use Verizon LTE as our backup connection. We’ve created a SpeedFusion Hot Failover connection and run all of our traffic through that connection. All of our data flows over the wired connection first so we don’t use any unnecessary cellular data, but the instant that the wired connection fails, Hot Failover seamlessly switches all of our traffic to the LTE connection.

A traditional failover or load balancing router would lose all of the network traffic on the internet connection that fails dropping calls with our customers, interfering with our ability to ship products, and preventing us from running our business. Thanks to SpeedFusion Hot Failover, if an internet connection fails, no customer or employee is even aware there was an outage. 5Gstore holds quarterly ‘fire drills’ where we’ll purposely disconnect our primary connection to ensure our systems all function in the event of a real outage.

SpeedFusion WAN Smoothing

WAN Smoothing utilizes intelligent algorithms to fill in connectivity gaps, trading bandwidth for greater connection resiliency. WAN Smoothing minimizes latency and reduces the impact of packet loss. This is useful for times when you need connection reliability and responsiveness more than speed.

WAN Smoothing uses two or more internet connections simultaneously for the purpose of increasing reliability and consistency of a connection. If you can’t afford dropped packets or need minimal latency for applications such as live streaming audio/video, WAN Smoothing makes that possible.

SpeedFusion Bandwidth Bonding

Bandwidth bonding combines data at the packet level, enabling you to combine the speed of more than 18 connections (dependent upon which router model you’re using). This is useful for situations where bandwidth is scarce, such as at a remote site or in a moving vehicle. This technology also enables branch offices to connect to the head office at greater connection speeds.

If you are opening a branch office in a location where internet connectivity is slow or unreliable, Bandwidth Bonding can save the day. By bonding the speeds of multiple DSL lines, offices can experience increased reliability by utilizing multiple connections at once, and aggregate the bandwidth of multiple connections into one faster pipe.

What makes SpeedFusion different from Load Balancing?

Load balancing allows a single router to have multiple active internet connections, however load balancing has its limitations. First, load balancing doesn’t allow a single user to take advantage of the speeds of multiple connections. If you have three 10Mbps DSL lines, all a single user would ever see is 10Mbps. If the internet connection that user is being balanced to drops, that user would lose connectivity completely while the router fails them over to another available connection. VoIP phones would be disconnected, web sessions would sign out, and any downloads in progress would be dropped. Load balancing provides more bandwidth across an entire network, but does NOT combine the speeds of multiple connections or allow for session persistent unbreakable internet connectivity. Only SpeedFusion can provide this!

For some users session persistence is not required and failover between multiple links of a load balancing router is enough. Peplink provides 7 incredibly powerful load balancing algorithms and customizable rules that put you in complete control of network data priorities. Just set your traffic priorities, including VoIP and custom application traffic with a few clicks and let Peplink take care of the load-balancing and optimization details. Peplink load balancing routers support PepVPN instead of SpeedFusion. PepVPN allows a simple VPN connection to other Peplink routers, although without the benefits of SpeedFusion. Branch offices that don’t require SpeedFusion performance can still connect up to a SpeedFusion capable router at the headquarters and still participate in the larger mesh network for remote connectivity.

What is required to create SpeedFusion Connections?

In order to create a SpeedFusion connection you’ll need a minimum of two pieces of Peplink technology with SpeedFusion capabilities. This typically consists of a primary unit, installed at a headquarters or data center location with access to a high speed internet connection, and a second unit that is mobile (in the case of cellular bonding) or installed at a remote or branch office. A SpeedFusion VPN tunnel is created between the two locations, and using the powerful outbound policy settings on the Peplink router, all or specific traffic is routed over the bonded connection.

Let’s use the diagram above to show how SpeedFusion can make VoIP calls unbreakable for a business. The headquarters location has a Balance 710 router installed. Each branch office for the business located across the country gets a Balance router with SpeedFusion capability, spec’d based on the office size and throughput requirements. The remote office routers are easily set up to route all VoIP traffic over the SpeedFusion connection to the main headquarters router. Because each remote office has at least two internet connections, if one connection were to fail, VoIP traffic would seamlessly continue on the second internet connection uninterrupted!

This sounds great, but is SpeedFusion easy to set up?

Yes! SpeedFusion setup takes minutes, compared to the time and effort it takes to configure a typical VPN between multiple sites. Just check out our setup videos here. The Peplink user interface is graphical with easy to understand options. Helpful icons provide more information where it is needed without making deployment a burden.

SpeedFusion deployments are even easier when leveraging InControl 2, Peplink’s cloud based management tool. InControl 2 can automate SpeedFusion deployments for hundreds of sites simultaneously in just a few minutes meaning you don’t have to configure each router individually! InControl 2 is free for the first year with every Peplink router, included with the extended warranty, or a low yearly cost per device.

SpeedFusion and InControl 2 are part of a larger concept called SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network), a revolutionary way to approach the simplification of branch office networking and assure optimal application performance by using centrally controlled and managed WAN virtualization. SD-WAN is WAN virtualization, which allows for intelligent, secure, and centrally managed and monitored connectivity. Read more about SD-WAN here.

VPN Feature Comparison

What if I want to take advantage of SpeedFusion but don’t have a second location for a second router?

Simply Bonding

5Gstore has created SimplyBonding for exactly those situations. SimplyBonding uses Speedfusion technology to bond multiple 3G, 4G, DSL, or cable connections into one fast/reliable/unbreakable connection. Utilizing Speedfusion typically requires a Peplink router on both ends of the connection – one at the location where you need the bonded connection, and another at another location with a high-speed internet connection to bond the connections and send the data back to the primary location via VPN. SimplyBonding eliminates the need for this dual-router setup. SimplyBonding requires just ONE router, which will be configured to connect to our hosted service – WE handle the bonding and VPN for you!

SpeedFusion Connect – SpeedFusion Cloud

SpeedFusion Cloud is Peplink’s infrastructure that provides access to a global network of SpeedFusion endpoints and technology without requiring additional hardware. Leverage the global reach of public clouds to ensure that you get the fastest response time and the most reliable connection. Enjoy Bandwidth Bonding, WAN Smoothing, and unbreakable connectivity from any compatible router. There’s no need to invest in core hardware, setting up, or even maintenance. 

FusionHub

Peplink’s FusionHub virtual appliance is much like a virtual router. It is used as an alternative to running SpeedFusion on router hardware. It’s also an alternative to Peplink’s SpeedFusion Cloud service. It’s important to note that unlike a hardware only SpeedFusion connection, a public IP address is not needed. This is because a public IP address can be supplied from the cloud service running the FusionHub appliance. Of the supported cloud services, Amazon Web Services seems to be the most popular, but Peplink supports multiple services.

SpeedFusion Considerations

SpeedFusion Bonding does have limitations that are important to understand before considering a deployment. First, you must have enough bandwidth at the headquarters site, to support the total bandwidth of the remote site(s).

Consider The Speeds On Both Sides of Your SpeedFusion Connection

Example: You have a headquarters location with 50Mbps download, and 10Mbps upload speed. Your remote site has three 10/5 connections. 5 + 5 + 5 = 15 Mbps – 19% = 12.15 Mbps maximum upload speed. The headquarters only has 10 Mbps of upload speed available, so that is your upload capacity for the remote site if you are sending traffic to the internet. You still have the benefits of bonding for reliability, session persistence, and speed, you just can’t use the full capacity of the remote site links due to the bottleneck on the headquarters router connection.

Cellular users should note that bonded cellular connections suffer from “flow control” of TCP traffic at the carrier level, and 5Gstore cannot guarantee that bonding multiple cellular connections will result in faster speeds (however, the other benefits of SpeedFusion bonding remain, such as unbreakable VPN, session persistence, and 100% uptime as long as you have 1 healthy WAN). Cellular users must also consider tower capacity if bonding multiple connections from a single carrier. For the best results, we recommend bonding no more than two of the same carrier’s connections together, favoring bonding multiple networks together instead to ensure the highest availability of bandwidth.

What if I need support or have more questions?

5Gstore provides one year of technical support by phone on every purchase. We also have an extensive online support portal which includes manufacturer user manuals and documentation, along with 5Gstore created tip-sheets that go over specific features and troubleshooting. We have multiple Peplink Certified Engineers on staff who can help you with every step of your SpeedFusion solution from concept to deployment, and assist with any questions you may have before and after the sale. Contact 5Gstore for more information – give us a call, send an email, or reach out on our chat!

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5Gstore Now Sells & Support Digi 4G/5G Routers

5Gstore is excited to announce we are now stocking and shipping new products from award winning Digi. Digi has been a pioneer in the M2M/ IoT market for over 30 years. In this time, their products have adapted to evolving network standards, and optimized data communications around the most advanced protocols and emerging technologies. From radio frequency modems to gateways, cellular routers, and networking devices, Digi’s solutions have continually grown to serve the full breadth of applications across the IoT landscape. New products will include: EX12, EX50, IX10, and IX20. 

EX12

We’d like to highlight the EX12 Cellular extender first. This is great for users wanting a failover solution for their small network (i.e. POS systems, ATMs, Kiosks, etc). The EX12 has a built-in, carrier certified Cat4 LTE modem with redundant SIM slots. This allows for an additional failover with the same or different cellular carrier. Deployments are streamlined with installation accessories including an optional Remote Mounting Kit with a disposable battery pack for site survey, mounting bracket and a passive PoE injector for optimizing placement for the best cellular reception. If needed, a serial port for Out of Band management is also available. 

EX12

EX50

Next, for the power user, we have the EX50, complete with a 5G modem and redundant SIM slots. WiFi support is with the newest, version 6, and Ethernet ports support up to 2.5Gbps. This means users can achieve the full benefits of the cellular bandwidth over wired and wireless connections. Extended temperature range and multiple mounting solutions gives this unit the flexibility to be installed in more industrial environments. 

EX50

IX10

For a more ruggedized and compact solution, check out the IX10. This router offers low-touch and no-touch provisioning and features a Cat4 LTE modem (with redundant SIM slots) along with a RJ-45 serial port supporting both RS-232 and RS-485. Its flexible power and connectivity options make it a versatile choice for industrial, digital signage, ATMs, kiosks and other unattended retail applications that need to provide secure transactions.

IX10

IX20

Similar to the IX10, but larger and more feature packed, we have the IX20 with or without WiFi. This is available with a FirstNet ready modem and is prepared for any application. Its compact size and rugged hardware give any user a simple, yet advanced option for securing their network and providing automatic failover. The router supports advanced security (stateful firewall, MAC filtering and VPN), cellular redundancy (via Digi SureLink®) and management (SNMP, event logging, analyzer trace and QOS), facilitating use in PCI or NERC-CIP compliant applications. 

IX20

Digi Remote Manager

For all Digi products you also have access to Remote Management via Digi Remote Manager. Digi RM is a cloud-based solution that facilitates easy setup, mass configuration, maintenance and support, even for thousands of devices. Digi Remote Manager lets you evaluate, update and configure your Digi enterprise routers and gateways — and the health of your network — at scale, after deployment. Digi RM also provides secure, out-of-band management access to Digi units through serial ports and command-line interface. 

Digi Remote Manager

Digi SureLink

In addition to Digi RM, all of Digi’s cellular products support the Digi SureLink “keep-alive” function. This makes sure the connection will be there when it’s needed. A programmable inactivity timer and a pro-active link integrity function are available. Digi SureLink includes link integrity monitoring, with three test options. 

Digi SureLink

5Gstore is delighted to bring you Digi products and is excited about this new partnership. If you are interested in these products and want to learn more, please reach out to the team at 5Gstore to learn more!

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SD-WAN Branch Solutions by Peplink

5G is in our scope! Internet technologies are advancing. Security risks are increasing, along with the number of local and remote connections to manage. Many companies find themselves in a state of urgency to find the best solution, but run into confusion trying to understand what they need and how it will work for them. Not to mention having the adequate support when required. Together with Peplink, 5Gstore can assist your team at every level.

First, familiarize yourself with the terminology. For example…

  • SD-WAN means Software Defined Wide Area Network. This is a virtual Internet connection rather than a physical one coming from the cable or phone company. When you hear about Peplink’s SpeedFusion technology, this would be considered an SD-WAN. SpeedFusion creates one connection from many by establishing a VPN link between 2 or more sites – whether those be physical sites using a Peplink or Pepwave router, or a virtual site like Peplink’s FusionHub or SpeedFusion Cloud service.
  • SaaS stands for Software as a Service. If you’ve used our Remote Power IP Switches, or a security camera such as those from Nest or Amazon, think of the mobile application you use on your phone to access the Switch or Camera. In other words, this is a cloud based application rather than an application you might download onto your computer.
  • Bandwidth Bonding is part of Peplink’s SpeedFusion VPN technology. This can take any WAN connection (Wired, Cellular, or WiFi) and combine the bandwidth speeds, LESS a 19% overhead. For comparison, that’s only about 5% more than the commonly used IPSec VPN. Still, it’s important to note that high latency differences between connections can also affect the overall bonded speeds. Working with our Peplink certified sales and support engineers, we can help provide insight on factors to consider and configurations that could help combat the issues individual WAN connections may be experiencing.
  • Load Balancing, in comparison to bonding, still can utilize all your WAN connections simultaneously. However, it does not combine them together. Instead, it allows devices and types of applications/ traffic to be sent over a specific WAN connection or multiple. If your individual WAN connections are fast and stable enough for certain connections, this could save on cost.
  • Failover and the different types of failover is a good transition here as with load balancing, you do not have session persistence like you would with SpeedFusion Hot Failover. This feature can be used alongside bonding since it’s essentially the base for the other SpeedFusion features (i.e. WAN Smoothing and Bonding).

With all this in mind, even if your company only has a few users, it’s possible your bandwidth and/ or network availability needs will continue to grow with the industry. If you don’t grow with it, your legacy setup could compromise business. This doesn’t have quite as much to do with bandwidth (LTE is still more than enough for some), but more so with security, as hackers continue to find new ways into our devices.

We’ve listed some popular branch solutions as example hardware solutions for your reference below. When needed, contact the experts at 5Gstore and we’ll help guide you through the rest of the process!

Balance SDX

  • Deploy at headquarter or datacenter
  • SpeedFusion VPN provides reliable and fast access to the network resources
  • Modular design offers flexible choices of interchangeable connection interfaces, upgradeable to 5G

MAX HD4 MBX

  • Wireless SD-WAN router with up to 4 bonded LTE connections ensures high performance and 100% uptime in remote branches
  • Access corporate network resources with SpeedFusion VPN in minutes, rather than weeks with wired line

MAX HD2

  • Wireless SD-WAN router with 2 bonded LTE connections for smaller mobile branches
  • Access corporate network resources with SpeedFusion VPN in minutes

MAX Transit Duo

  • Lightweight wireless SD-WAN router with 2 LTE slots for unbreakable connectivity to HQ resources
  • Great for pop-up site or “office in a box” type setup
  • Affordable, easily scalable and manage
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