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Cheapish 4G router with 2X2/4X4 external ports

detailme

Casual Member
Hi new to the forum, already learned lots trawling through the wealth of knowledge on here.
I am looking to buy and 4G router to install in our caravan. Last year we found some of the locations had zero signal on our iPhone 12's. I also don't want to have to tether my phone to multiple devices in the van.
We don't need blistering speeds, good 4G will suffice.Will be used to stream content on TV's, iPads etc.
I will be installing a Poynting puck antenna (dependent on router) to the roof of the caravan.
A Teltonika Cat6 model ticks a lot of boxes although I would rather not spend that much.

So ideally Cat6 minimum, antenna inputs, wifi failover/connection to hotspot would be nice.
Also to note I wouldn't dismiss opening a router to add additional SMA connections to gain 4x4 mimo at the right price etc

Thanks you for your time chaps
Chris
 
ZTE MF286d

@detailme welcome to ispreview forums, the ZTE MF286d is between £30 to £70,
It can be debranded and out of the 3 I have purchased, they are never locked to 3.

They can be used in bridge mode and failover mode, you can set dns, you can attach 2x2 or 4x4 antenna, they can also run Openwrt if you need something more flexible.

At the end of the day, a Teltonika is a router running customised openwrt, and I cannot justify paying their price for a CAT6 router, when a CAT12 is available for £30.
 
Last edited:
ZTE MF286d

@detailme welcome to ispreview forums, the ZTE MF286d is between £30 to £70,
It can be debranded and out of the 3 I have purchased, they are never locked to 3.

They can be used in bridge mode and failover mode, you can set dns, you can attach 2x2 or 4x4 antenna, they can also run Openwrt if you need something more flexible.

At the end of the day, a Teltonika is a router running customised openwrt, and I cannot justify paying their price for a CAT6 router, when a CAT12 is available for £30.

Hi and thanks for taking the time to reply. Yes I agree on the teltonika. The MF286d was on my shortlist anyway (thanks to this forum). I’ve read a fair bit on them. Couple of questions. 2x2-will that be using the oem SMA connections? If so and pairing with a 2x2 antenna, what download speed would be expected (very roughly of course).
Also, you mention 4x4-has the correct antenna connections been identified yet as it didn’t seem conclusive on one of the threads I was reading? Be happy to crack it open

Cheers
Chris
 
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Must remember, the MF286D only supports 1x external antenna despite having 2 ports. What isn't advertised is that the 2 ports are high band and low band primary carrier only.

For a second port for 2x2MIMO needs modifying.
 
I am looking to buy and 4G router to install in our caravan. Last year we found some of the locations had zero signal on our iPhone 12's.

@detailme
If you have been searching the forum you have probably come across some of the solutions I use on the move in my campervan. As you have a caravan I am assuming 4G is not needed on the move just when your are pitched up.

If you are referring to sites or particular pitches where there is no signal wandering around with an iPhone you probably will not get much better through a puck antenna. Weak signals may require directional and height.

I'd recommend a multi provider solution (even physical changing of SIMs if not automated) as you will invariably not know what is there until you park up.

I currently use a fixed router when out using an Alcatel Linkhub HH71 (Cat7 £50 eBay) and an EE MIFI (Cat 7 £25 unlocked) for second provider. The Alcatel will take 2 x 2 but I use it with internal antenna (fibreglass roof). If I am on site with poor 4G reception or I find 5G present I hoist either the MIFI or a dual SIM 5G phone (in a waterproof pouch) on a 5 metre telescopic flag pole tethered to a GL.iNet Beryl (Openwrt) travel router.
(If budget not restricted my NR5103E soap dispenser has also proven itself - but a bit big)

In my view if touring the important thing is to get the best out of any mast you come across rather than spending money on functionality that simply may not be there or require time consuming config.

I am not proposing you tether your iPhone 12, many cheaper Android 5G phones are available which have excellent modems for LTE Advanced and 5G on N78, N28 etc.
 
@detailme
If you have been searching the forum you have probably come across some of the solutions I use on the move in my campervan. As you have a caravan I am assuming 4G is not needed on the move just when your are pitched up.

If you are referring to sites or particular pitches where there is no signal wandering around with an iPhone you probably will not get much better through a puck antenna. Weak signals may require directional and height.

I'd recommend a multi provider solution (even physical changing of SIMs if not automated) as you will invariably not know what is there until you park up.

I currently use a fixed router when out using an Alcatel Linkhub HH71 (Cat7 £50 eBay) and an EE MIFI (Cat 7 £25 unlocked) for second provider. The Alcatel will take 2 x 2 but I use it with internal antenna (fibreglass roof). If I am on site with poor 4G reception or I find 5G present I hoist either the MIFI or a dual SIM 5G phone (in a waterproof pouch) on a 5 metre telescopic flag pole tethered to a GL.iNet Beryl (Openwrt) travel router.
(If budget not restricted my NR5103E soap dispenser has also proven itself - but a bit big)

In my view if touring the important thing is to get the best out of any mast you come across rather than spending money on functionality that simply may not be there or require time consuming config.

I am not proposing you tether your iPhone 12, many cheaper Android 5G phones are available which have excellent modems for LTE Advanced and 5G on N78, N28 etc.

Hi meatball, I have indeed come across your posts today. Very interesting with real world findings. Lots to ponder but thank you so much. Off too look on eBay at dual sim 5G phones
 
Too cheap may mean not suitable for UK (no N28). Go for models/version supported by main providers (EE/Voda) and check specifications.

5G remains around £150+

A good late 4G or MIFI may suffice?

Check with this forum before any uncertain purchase. There is a lot of high priced rubbish on eBay.
 
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Too cheap may mean not suitable for UK (no N28). Go for models/version supported by main providers (EE/Voda) and check specifications.

5G remains around £150+

A good late 4G or MIFI may suffice?

Check with this forum before any uncertain purchase. There is a lot of high priced rubbish on eBay.

Great I will thanks. I’ve been annIphone user since B.C so have no idea on other phones. Found a beryl for £45 already so that’s a win.
For clarity, phone/modem at top of mast, wires down into the van to the beryl?
 
Great I will thanks. I’ve been annIphone user since B.C so have no idea on other phones. Found a beryl for £45 already so that’s a win.
For clarity, phone/modem at top of mast, wires down into the van to the beryl?
I wouldn't keep the phone outside, it will get very hot/cold. Put it in a ventilated box at least.
 
I think it's worth mentioning on this thread that I installed OpenWRT on a Linksys WRT32X some years ago to ensure a good experience (not too low-end) and have run it in production since. More recently, I've obtained two Teltonika RutOS devices and the user experience is like night and day.

A comparison might be Gentoo GNU/Linux to Ubuntu in terms of the user experience. These I've also used in production, albeit when a university student.

I also chose a D-Link 24-port switch for its OpenWRT support but dread going that route in the future due to the low-bang for time investment. OpenWRT is great as an AP and for low power and low capability device but it's bad as a firewall compared to OPNsense which I run in production, and lacking in the user experience compared to RutOS.
 
Good point from Lucian as always. But if very hot you need to be careful of any kit in the van or near inside roof.

Depends on cost of phone/mifi as it can easily be broken, stolen or damaged. In a lot of cases you would just have it indoors or under awning. You can put the pole up and down.

You can be as simple or complex. beryl is happy with both iPhone or android tether. But you could just use the phone/mifi hotspot but will need charging more often. As highlighted I use Chargie on 5 g phone.

Beryl good for site WiFi but in most cases these are appalling and I only use if no mobile signal.
 
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