I was poking around for a USB C 5G/LTE modem that I can run either off my laptop or plug into my router as a secondary WAN. Has anyone messed with something like this?
The secondary WAN is common, but I usually need some sort of DC power input instead of a single USB C cable that I can put into my laptop.
UPDATE:
So I dove in and bought a Sierra Wireless EM9293 and a special enclosure from thewirelesshaven. This enclosure allows you to put the EM9293 into USB mode rather than PCI-E mode by pushing a 1.8v signal on pin 21. Remember to get a heat sink and 4 total antennas.
The USB 3.0 Micro connector is asinine and wish they did a USB C connector instead.
Updated the firmware to SWIX65C_02.17.08.00 and applied the firmware on boot. Threw in a SIM card and installed drivers. Worked really well and needed no external power aside from the USB 3.0 cable. Additionally, this was recognized in my MikroTik RB5009 as LTE1 and ran fine off of the 5v 1.5A USB 3.0 port. Just need to get a longer cable to make it to the window.
GL.iNet travel routers would like to have a word with you.
They have multiple versions available.
I’ve used GLinet but I find I have to power cycle them every day or so to keep working. Otherwise they’re cheap and workable. Probably wouldn’t trust them as a backup link.
I haven’t found a way just to pass through instead of being double nated.
I have one for the office but it still requires a 12v input
I haven’t used that, but I did rent a pocket wifi while on a trip once. It worked really well.
I looked into this about a year ago. Most of the mobile modems I came across require DC power, or were far too expensive to be practical.
What I ended up doing was buying a used android phone hooked up to a mobile router.
It’s also doable to use a DC to USB adapter, depending on the modem’s power draw. Make sure the device falls within the power delivery specs for the cable you’re using though
Yeah I’m limited to 1.5a 5V. Which is a very small window for me to work with. Honestly a CAT4 or CAT6 modem is more than enough for the things I want to do
