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5g router supporting passthrough

Hi,

OpenReach have bungled my FTTP install and it's looking like we'll be a few months before they can get it fixed. My ISP has offered an unlimited data SIM while waiting for it to be fixed, but only provide a 4G modem (without ethernet).

I have my own router (UDM) and I'm a little precious around avoiding things like double-NAT as I host some services from home and work's VPN has a fit about it.

I've had a look and it seems like there's a load of 5g routers listed on eBay, but no clear consensus on whether or not they support passthrough with various firmware versions.

I can get ~150mbit down on my pixel 8 over 5G so speeds should be ok here.

Is there a recommended 5G router with ethernet than can just be put into bridge/passthrough mode? Bonus points if it's one I can install OpenWRT on it so it's not useless once openreach pull their finger out.

Many thanks
 
Quite a lot of the ZTE/Huawei/Zyxel 5G routers will support pass-thro. I have a ZTE MC7010 which does so (and can also be mounted outdoors). It's a bigger ask to find OpenWrt support (though it's been a while since I looked into that).
 
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I can get ~150mbit down on my pixel 8 over 5G so speeds should be ok here.

What happens if you set the phone to 4G?

When I tried EE's network here, 5G gave a strong signal but only around 130Mbps, "limiting" to 4G gave up to 230Mbps.

I'm on Three with weaker 5G signal strength but far better speeds.
 
Last edited:
If a commercial variant of OpenWRT is acceptable, the Teltonika TRB500 might be something to look into.


 
Thanks all.

Looks like ones that support OpenWRT etc. are a little out of the range I was hoping to pay, and I've been informed I'll be sleeping on the sofa if I buy another piece of networking hardware that ends up in a cupboard within six months, so it looks like I'm back to ex-ISP second hand options that I can get shot of when the fibre gets lit up.

The local branch of the nationwide purveyor of naff second hand electronics has an unlocked ZTE MC888 and an unlocked Zyxel NR5103E in stock for collection. Looks like both support bridge mode, and have reasonably similar reviews - is there a consensus on which is better?

Thanks again.
 
What happens if you set the phone to 4G?

When I tried EE's network here, 5G gave a strong signal but only around 130Mbps, "limiting" to 4G gave up to 230Mbps.

I'm on Three with weaker 5G signal strength but far better speeds.
About 80/75mbit on 4G, but I am in a suburb with some interesting geography that means 5G isn't available inside in less tall buildings, so I expect the 4G is reasonably saturated around here
 
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Thanks all.

Looks like ones that support OpenWRT etc. are a little out of the range I was hoping to pay, and I've been informed I'll be sleeping on the sofa if I buy another piece of networking hardware that ends up in a cupboard within six months, so it looks like I'm back to ex-ISP second hand options that I can get shot of when the fibre gets lit up.

The local branch of the nationwide purveyor of naff second hand electronics has an unlocked ZTE MC888 and an unlocked Zyxel NR5103E in stock for collection. Looks like both support bridge mode, and have reasonably similar reviews - is there a consensus on which is better?

Thanks again.
@The Wee Bear thoughts?
 
I do love the Zyxel NR5103E, and it does support IP Passthrough, but I can't offer any thoughts on that feature as it's something I never use.

I've had all 5 of my Zyxel routers for years now and all have been totally reliable, only thing negative that happened was that one of the power supplies packed in, but I just bought a replacement on Amazon and it works a treat.

I've not had the ZTE MC888, but had the ZTE MC801A, which was a great router too.

Either router would you just fine tipping5224, just get which ever one you can get the best price on. (y)
 
Thanks all.

Looks like ones that support OpenWRT etc. are a little out of the range I was hoping to pay, and I've been informed I'll be sleeping on the sofa if I buy another piece of networking hardware that ends up in a cupboard within six months, so it looks like I'm back to ex-ISP second hand options that I can get shot of when the fibre gets lit up.

The local branch of the nationwide purveyor of naff second hand electronics has an unlocked ZTE MC888 and an unlocked Zyxel NR5103E in stock for collection. Looks like both support bridge mode, and have reasonably similar reviews - is there a consensus on which is better?

Thanks again.
One important thing to bear in mind, was that just after launch there was a faulty batch of NR5103E routers that wouldn't connect to 5G tripping5224.

I got all mine from ebay a little later than launch and all my routers were fine, just make sure that you can return it should you be unlucky enough to get one of these. :)
 
I do love the Zyxel NR5103E, and it does support IP Passthrough, but I can't offer any thoughts on that feature as it's something I never use.

I've had all 5 of my Zyxel routers for years now and all have been totally reliable, only thing negative that happened was that one of the power supplies packed in, but I just bought a replacement on Amazon and it works a treat.

I've not had the ZTE MC888, but had the ZTE MC801A, which was a great router too.

Either router would you just fine tipping5224, just get which ever one you can get the best price on. (y)
Thank you, went with an ex- Three NR5103E as I could pick it up today. Connects to 5G no bother. Speeds aren't bad, but I am getting some dropouts. Looks like I've got a bit of tuning to do, but I can now do my weekend on-call from home rather than work which is a definite plus! IP is passed transparently through to my UDM which is perfect.

Is there an idiots guide to config around anywhere? Looks like selecting the bands more carefully might be beneficial, as would moving the actual router around the flat.

Thanks again for your help everyone.
 

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