Hi everyone.
I’m looking for cellular internet and a cellular router. I don’t need much, just the ability to connect a few computers but also a wireless printer.
I’m not looking necessarily for the cheapest, both Optus and Telstra look competent, but could anyone advise if their “modems” on prepaid have the ability to network?
Thank you!
$384 is quite on the pricy side. I was more looking at their entry level stuff for $100-150 as this is more a short term option.
Is it fair to assume they do not have router functionality?
You can get this one then:
https://www.dlink.com.au/home-solutions/dwr-922-wireless-n30…
On ebay its selling for $140
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/D-Link-DWR-922-4G-LTE-Router-NEW…
Yeah we have a few of them at our industrial site. Good for connecting to random network devices that aren't on the official network
If you're going with Optus,
Look out for a Huawei B818 on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, should find one in the $150 range.
If you want cheaper, the B525 should suffice.
Netgear Nighthawk M1 for Telstra
Actually re-reading, it looks like OP would be best off buying the modem new "on a Plan" with Optus. Cancel the "plan" any time, and pay out any remaining repayments on the modem.
Search secondhand Huawei B315, B525, B818. Shouldn't cost too much.
Optus b818 on the second hand market will be the best.
I purchased a new Huawei E5186 about 3 years ago from ebay (chinese seller) for under $100.
I choose it because it's what Optus used at the time (without the Optus logo) and I used Optus 4G.
I had no complaints about it regarding drop outs… it drops out say once a month, but I'm not sure if it's the modem, the wireless device or the optus network.
I see some people are trying to sell it 2nd hand for over $100! lol
I have an E5186, ran it as my primary Internet for 2 years in bridge mode to a proper router.
Experienced only 2 dropouts in that entire time.
Bought it for $25
It was pretty decent.. as I said, I'm not sure if the drop out was due to the modem, the wireless device or the optus network
I'm also thinking if the current Telstra Smart Modem Gen 2 with 4g backup would work for you.
Plenty of those around.
Suspect you'd need to hack it to get the SIM working without an active Telstra Internet Account.
Possibly.. not sure, never tried it. was just thinking out loud.
Be aware that if you have issues you will need to trouble shoot the issues yourself otherwise you will be at the mercy of the support staff, which is not very good. As you are asking and appear to not have done any homework you may want to ask your support staff or friends if they can help you with this and any issues that may occur.
That seems very reasonable.
I was more trying to work out if those smaller car, pocket 4g devices all the carriers offer will enable the hardware to communicate to each other or they don’t support that functionality. As long as the computer can print wirelessly I don’t really mind.
If it's going to be your primary intent connection, avoid battery powered devices.
They just aren't designed to run 24/7 and as a result their reliability is sketchy long term.
Plus local networking is easier with a wall powered, Ethernet capable device.
100% agree.
https://www.telstra.com.au/internet/mobile-broadband/nightha…