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[Varche]

I am looking at switching from satellite Internet to 4G. There are a few firms here offering unlimited at prices that vary between about £20 to £45 a month.

For it to be effective I would need a router to serve all but one device by WiFi. the other is a PC or TV in a room seperated by quite a few thick walls. I currently serve it from my Linksys E1200 router via a 30metre Ethernet cable.

All the routers I have looked at like ZTE MF 910 have one ethernet connection - presumably for setting up. Am I right in thinking that could also serve my one device e.g. a TV box?

Another possiblity would be to use two routers (my Linksys) and a new one but I imagine that would lead to issues.......

Anyone get their household broadband via 4G (or 3G for that matter)? 

[aaronjb]

I think in the civilised world 4G internet is quite rare..

Anyway, for useful advice The ZTE MF910 I'm looking at via google has no Ethernet ports at all, just USB for configuration & power, so that's not likely to be what you want.

If you can find a device with at least one Ethernet port then you can either use that Eth to supply your TV or reconfigure your existing router in Switch mode (basically turning off the routing) and use that as a switch to give you more ports.  Realistically the most stable solution would be a single Eth port on your 4G router hooked up to a little standalone switch if you needed more than one port.  I'd probably do that given the low cost of a 4-port switch.

Or pick up something from here, perhaps, with Ethernet ports: http://www.3grouterstore.co.uk/

[aaronjb]

Or get your geek on and use a Raspberry Pi: http://www.g7smy.co.uk/?p=505

[Varche]

Or get your geek on and use a Raspberry Pi: http://www.g7smy.co.uk/?p=505

geek on? It seems to be permanently switched off. Endless having to enter Apple Ids,'itunes and icloud passwords have made my brain idull

Had a bloke here a few days ago and he demoe'd live Coronation Street(his choice not mine) Tv via 4g . It was quite stable and download was around 5Mb. We live a long way from the nearest mast

Switch something like this sounds a good idea. Thanks.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-Port-Ethernet-Network-HUB-Switch-Kit-5x1m-Leads-Sky-Xbox-Blueray-PS3-4-PC-/331677296200?hash=item4d3981e648:g:RuQAAOSw~bFWF8v-

[zirk]

Try it before you commit, any Windows or Andriod Phone will work as Router (WiFi), your need to get the phone as high as possible close to a window for good 4g/3g then test for WiFi Signal coverage, that will give you some idea what you may get from a stand alone 4g Wifi Router.

If you need to start attaching RJ45 Cable for additional Router access, I would personally stay away from anything that uses Dongles, they tend to be a bit touch and go in stand alone mode, ie, without there PC /Laptop Dash Board Software. Instead go for a dedicated 4G Router with muliti RJ45 Lan built in. (have a look at Maplins etc).

Another option is the like of Linksys etc, do Routers with 3g/4G Fallback, should the Broadband fail, that would work well, but again steer clear of Dongle plug in types and look at ones with a built in 3G/4G Mobile.
   

[aaronjb]

Switch something like this sounds a good idea. Thanks.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-Port-Ethernet-Network-HUB-Switch-Kit-5x1m-Leads-Sky-Xbox-Blueray-PS3-4-PC-/331677296200?hash=item4d3981e648:g:RuQAAOSw~bFWF8v-

Yes although for gods sake don't buy it from there It's £6 at Comms Express! Although shipping might make it closer in price: http://www.comms-express.com/products/tp-link-tl-sf1005d/

Personally I'd go with something a little less plastic and more metal like this: http://www.comms-express.com/products/tp-link-tl-sg105/
Or this: http://www.comms-express.com/products/netgear-gs105/

I've had both running without issue for years and they're rarely unplugged (I have less of a pathological hatred of Netgear than TB!)


What Zirk said, though - if you want to try it out you could use your phone as a hotspot for a while; just be aware of crippling costs if you go over your data allowance!

The site I linked to has a massive range of stand-alone 3/4G routers w/ 4 ports, though, which is probably the neatest (not cheapest) solution.

[zirk]

Had a bloke here a few days ago and he demoe'd live Coronation Street(his choice not mine) Tv via 4g . It was quite stable and download was around 5Mb.

We live a long way from the nearest mast

On the TV Streaming side, your need about 3Mb for 720p and around 5Mb for 1080p, those cheap NowTV Boxes work well using 3G+ (HSDPA) and 4G. 

On the dedicated 4G / WiFi / Lan Router Boxes, look at getting one with a separate 3g/4g Antenna socket for possible external Aerial use, as a lot of them share one of the WiFi Diversity Aerials on the Box for 4g Reception. Getting a good consistent throughput on 3G/4G in Medium to Weak areas is all about signal strength, signal strength and more signal strength.

[STEMO]

That's all very well, Zirk, but what about signal strength? 

[zirk]

That's all very well, Zirk, but what about signal strength? 

Well, the thing is Stemo, if your on PAYGO, just top up and buy some more, I personally tend to nick it hear and there from adjacent Networks, providing you dont take the piss, they hardly notice if some of there signal has gone missing.

If your stuck, and live out in rural areas with really bad coverage, eBay is your friend here, cheapest Signal Strength is from China but delivery times can be a bit daunting.

[STEMO]

That's all very well, Zirk, but what about signal strength? 

Well, the thing is Stemo, if your on PAYGO, just top up and buy some more, I personally tend to nick it hear and there from adjacent Networks, providing you dont take the piss, they hardly notice if some of there signal has gone missing.

If your stuck, and live out in rural areas with really bad coverage, eBay is your friend here, cheapest Signal Strength is from China but delivery times can be a bit daunting.

Very interesting   If I ever need some I'll make sure to order well in advance.

[zirk]

Very interesting   If I ever need some I'll make sure to order well in advance.

Your welcome Mr Stemo, if you have further problems with your signal strength, just remove the Sim Card, wipe the contacts with a slightly damp clothe, wait five mins then put the Sim back in the phone and switch back on.

[Broomies Mate]

Not much help to your original post Varche, but;

Download an app (iOS, but may be avaiable on Android) called WiFi Sweetspots. 

You basically connect to the WiFi network and walk around your house/office/wherever.  It'll give you an idea of how strong the signal is in any given location/room.  There are other more informative apps, but for a visual reference, and something simple to use, you can't beat it.