Tag: hotspot

Working Through a Blackout: Powering Up with Smart Solutions

Blackouts can be incredibly disruptive, leaving you in the dark both literally and figuratively. However, in today’s tech-driven world, there are ways to keep working even when the lights go out. By utilizing some smart strategies and investing in the right equipment, you can stay productive during a power outage. In this article, we’ll explore how to work during a blackout, from choosing the right hardware to tapping into alternative power sources.

1. Invest in a Router with a Built-in Battery Backup or External Battery Pack

In an increasingly connected world, a stable internet connection is essential for remote work, even during a blackout. To ensure uninterrupted internet access, consider investing in a router with a built-in battery backup or an external battery pack designed to keep your router running. Some advanced routers come equipped with battery backups that can provide several hours of connectivity, allowing you to stay connected to the web and continue working.

In addition, plan on using a cellular Internet connection in case your primary Internet Service Provider (ISP) also fails during the blackout. You can opt for a router that works with a cellular modem and supports failover. Or, look at using a mobile hotspot. Testing different cellular providers in advance can help determine which service works best in your location.

2. Choose a Laptop with a Reliable Battery

When it comes to your computer, a laptop is your best friend during a blackout. Laptops typically have built-in batteries that can provide several hours of usage. Always make sure your laptop’s battery is fully charged. When a blackout occurs, you can extend its life by reducing screen brightness and closing unnecessary applications. Having an external power bank for your laptop is also a good idea for prolonged blackouts.

3. Identify Other Devices that Require Power

Take a moment to consider all the devices you’ll need to continue working. This might include monitors, printers, and external hard drives. For these devices, having a surge protector with a built-in battery can provide some extra power during an outage. However, for prolonged use, or for high power devices, consider alternative power solutions such as a generator.

4. Utilize Your Vehicle

If you have an electric vehicle with an outlet, you’re in luck. Many electric vehicles (EVs) have power outlets that can be used to charge your laptop or other devices. Keep an adapter on hand to make use of this resource during a blackout. For non-electric vehicles, you can use an inverter to hardwire your car to power essential devices, though this should be done with caution to avoid draining your car’s battery excessively.

5. Explore Solar Power Options

Harnessing the power of the sun is an eco-friendly and reliable way to keep your devices running during a blackout. Consider investing in a solar-powered battery pack. These devices use solar panels to charge an internal battery, which can then be used to power your essential devices. This is an excellent long-term solution that can be used even when there’s no blackout to provide sustainable energy. 

6. Test Your Setup Before a Blackout

Before you find yourself in a blackout situation, it’s crucial to test your setup to ensure everything works as expected. Charge your laptop, battery packs, and any other devices you plan to use. Check that your router’s battery backup is functioning correctly, and make sure your vehicle’s power source is accessible and operational. Testing your setup in advance will give you peace of mind and ensure that you’re well-prepared when the lights go out.

Conclusion

Working during a blackout is not only possible but also increasingly feasible thanks to modern technology and alternative power solutions. By investing in the right hardware and planning ahead, you can maintain your productivity even when the power grid fails. Whether you opt for a router with a battery backup, a laptop with a reliable battery, or solar-powered devices, being prepared for a blackout can make all the difference in staying connected and productive during challenging times. Remember, the key is to plan, test, and adapt your setup to your specific needs, ensuring that you can continue working no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

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How to Boost the 4G/5G Signal to Your Vehicle’s Hotspot

Staying connected is essential these days. Whether you’re on a road trip, commuting to work, or on a worksite, having access to reliable internet is crucial. This is where a vehicle’s WiFi hotspot comes in handy. However, a weak 4G/5G cellular signal can hinder your ability to maintain a connection. In this blog post, we’ll explore some ways to boost the cellular signal to your vehicle’s WiFi hotspot.

Move to an area with stronger cellular signal

The first step to boosting the cellular signal to your connected vehicle is to move to an area with a stronger cellular signal. The strength of the cellular signal can vary depending on your location. In general, urban areas tend to have better signal strength than rural areas. If you’re in a rural area, try moving to a location with better reception, such as a high point like a hill or an area with fewer obstructions like trees or buildings.

Install a cellular signal booster

A cellular signal booster is a device that can improve the signal strength in areas with weak cellular signals. These boosters work by amplifying the cellular signal from the nearest cell tower and broadcasting it inside your vehicle. Due to their wireless boosting capabilities, they can improve the cellular signal on any nearby cellular device. This means you can use your cell phone as well, which might provide a connection when your car’s hotspot cannot. 

The first step in installing a cellular signal booster is to determine the type of booster that is right for your needs. There are several factors to consider, such as the size of your vehicle (e.g. car/ truck or RV) and the strength of the cellular signal in your area. Once you’ve determined the right booster for your needs, you’ll need to install it. This can involve mounting an external antenna on the roof of your vehicle, running cables to the booster unit, and placing the booster unit inside your vehicle.

Use an external antenna

If you can confirm the hotspot uses an external antenna port, an external antenna can help. You can mount the antenna on the roof of your vehicle for optimal reception. There are several types of external antennas available, including magnetic mount, glass mount, and permanent mount antennas. You’ll need to choose the type of antenna that is right for your vehicle and your needs.

Once you’ve chosen your antenna, you’ll need to install it. This can involve running a cable from the antenna to your vehicle’s hotspot or to a booster unit. The installation process will vary depending on the type of antenna you’ve chosen.

Change your carrier plan

If you’re still experiencing poor cellular signal, consider upgrading to a carrier plan with better coverage in your area. Different carriers have varying coverage areas, so it’s important to research which carriers have the best coverage in the areas you plan on traveling. In addition, some carriers offer plans with features like unlimited data or hotspot usage, which can improve your overall internet experience.

Get on the Road

Boosting the cellular signal to your vehicle’s WiFi hotspot can help improve internet speeds and connectivity. There are several ways to boost the signal, but finding the best solution can be a bit daunting. Contact the experts at 5Gstore to discuss your project. They can provide personalized guidance and help you determine the most appropriate solution to ensure a reliable and efficient connection for your vehicle’s WiFi hotspot. So, get on the road with confidence and enjoy seamless connectivity on your journeys.

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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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How Can I Get 5G Service in My Car?

If you’ve been looking for information on how to connect your car to 5G service, look no further! T-Mobile has announced that they will be offering a postpaid plan with unlimited voice, 5G and Wi-Fi hotspot data for select 2022 BMW vehicles.

T-Mobile calls their new connected car plan, Magenta Drive for BMW. It will cost you $20 per month with autopay, plus taxes and fees. Note that SMS messaging isn’t supported. It’s available now and supported on the 2022 and newer BMW iX and x4 models. 

If you’re currently a T-Mobile subscriber, simply add it onto your existing wireless plan. However, if you do not subscribe to T-Mobile, customers would need to set up a new line. Users can sign up through the My BMW app.

T-Mobile also states that customers using more than 50 GB of data per month will see lower speeds during congestion and video streams on smartphones and tablets are typically restricted to SD quality.

“In 2019 we lit up the first nationwide 5G network, and today we mark another milestone that builds on our 5G leadership,” said Callie Field, president of T-Mobile Business Group, in a statement. “In another 5G first, we’ve delivered America’s first 5G connected cars, and we’re honored to do it together with BMW, who entrust their vehicles’ connectivity to T-Mobile.”

More technically speaking, the BMW vehicles support 5G connectivity for both T-Mobile’s lower band n71 (600 MHz) “Extended Range 5G” and mid-band n41 (2.5 GHz) “Ultra Capacity” 5G. Per a T-Mobile spokesperson, the vehicles include an embedded SIM and a 5G antenna, along with personal eSIM capabilities. The in-car personal eSIM support is required so customers can add their BMW to an existing mobile phone plan, leverage the 5G antenna and provide in-car Wi-Fi hotspots. Note that WiFi connections are limited to 10 at a time and will have unlimited 5G hotspot data. 

Other features include the ability to leave your phone at home by using in-car calling on the user’s personal cell phone number. Also, the plan supports voice calls on the carrier’s nationwide network.

This new data plan is the result of a long-term agreement between T-Mobile and BMW. Their simple goal is to deliver unlimited voice calling and unlimited 5G data to the automaker’s vehicles.

AT&T and Verizon have also announced 5G connected car deals with major automakers. AT&T signed a 5G auto deal with GM in August 2021 while Verizon signed one with Audi this past February. Those carriers will start with select year 2024 models.

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