4G Failover for Internet/Phone in Bushfire Region

1Kenobi on 03/01/2019 - 15:33
Last edited 03/01/2019 - 15:34

Hi

TLDR; we need an automatic 4G failover internet option and need to know which modem and plan for 4 months per year.

We have a home based business, a young baby, and live in a bushfire prone area.

We have NBN but in a bushfire we would have no internet/phones etc etc (we have battery backup).

Additionally 4G would give us access to video and the ability to turn on our fire pumps remotely if we have evacuated or are away.

There are 2x 4G towers nearby (optus/vodafone).

Ive searched the internet but still am not clear what modem or 4G plan to use.

The NETGEAR 4G LTE 2120 seems like an option but the reviews on amazon are variable.
https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/netgear-4g-lte-modem-lb2120-100…

Any clues appreciated,
S

Computing Modem Router

Comments

  • ausdday on 03/01/2019 - 15:52
    +2

    It depends on what type of NBN you have as well. Ideally, what you really need is NBN modem with LTE/4G support, that will automatically switch to LTE/4G when the NBN is down. TP link has a few models that do that.

    https://www.tp-link.com/au/products/list-4691.html

    In the menu, you can choose:
    WAN - NBN only.
    4g/lte - $g/LTE only.
    WAN Priority - NBN, and only use 4G/LTE when NBN is not available.
    4G/LTE Priority - 4G/LTE, and only use NBN when 4G/LTE is not available.

    • 1Kenobi on 03/01/2019 - 21:37

      Thanks

  • Sunny84 on 03/01/2019 - 16:45
    +2

    Who is your ISP as some nowadays include modems with simcards for 4G fallover like Telstra/Vodafone

    https://www.telstra.com.au/broadband/extras/modem

    • 1Kenobi on 03/01/2019 - 21:35

      Nbn with IiNet
      No failover with standard modem unfortunately

  • mskeggs on 03/01/2019 - 18:57

    Sunny84 correctly links to voda and Telstra as the suppliers with auto failover included.

    I think your approach needs a bit more consideration, however.
    4g will be extremely likely to fail in a scenario where there is a local fire. At best it will be very congested.

    By far your best bet is to get to know the local bush fire volunteers and your neighbors so they know you and you them for when a disaster is at hand.

  • the Unforgiven on 04/01/2019 - 17:03

    I could only wish for 4g, I have 3G if available

    ATM it says 'emergency calls only'

    It just went back to 'no service'

    I want ADSL, but they won't give it to me as I got nbn satellite

    at least with ADSL, I don't get lag when I talk to someone over the internet

    I hate the 21st century :(

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