Best 5G Dongle/Modem for a Desktop

tonydav on 20/06/2024 - 07:59
Last edited 20/06/2024 - 08:14

I have a desktop computer standalone in an area with average reception. We're looking to put a 5G modem onto it. After recommendations on something that has good reception and can be bought outright.

I could also connect it via UTP if a standalone router would be better (and probably a more flexible option in terms of moving it to a good spot for reception).

My initial thoughts were something like the Huawei B818 but with 5G as I've used that and was excellent. I'm not sure such a thing exists though?

Computing Mobile Broadband Modem

Comments

  • Mechz on 20/06/2024 - 08:20

    What's the budget?

  • tonydav on 20/06/2024 - 08:23

    I'm thinking around $500 for the router.

  • Mechz on 20/06/2024 - 09:00
    +1

    GL.iNet GL-X3000 (Spitz AX) 5G NR AX3000 Cellular Gateway Router, Wi-Fi 6, Multi-WAN, & Detachable Antennas, Dual-SIM, OpenVPN & WireGuard, OpenWrt, MU-MIMO, RV Internet https://amzn.asia/d/0bKveBeg

    15% off $699. Not quite down to budget but probably the most reputable brand.

    Otherwise this one looks decent

    • tonydav on 20/06/2024 - 09:09

      Thoughts on this vs the TP-Link AX3000 5G? Similar cost.

  • GordonD on 20/06/2024 - 10:05

    A 5G phone.

    A 5G phone tethered to a GL.iNet travel router.

    Sure a dedicated 5G model/router is going to have better reception, but you say you are in an average reception area. A 5G phone is good enough in that circumstance, and, hey what, its also a 5G phone.

    • tonydav on 20/06/2024 - 10:47

      That's probably what I'd do. Actually I'd just hotspot my phone as even my desktop has wifi. But this is for a client and they don't have a phone lying around.

      Hence why I want to get a 5g router.

  • GordonD on 20/06/2024 - 11:00
    +2

    https://www.thegoodguys.com.au/inseego-mifi-x-pro-5g-1002499…

    $216

    You don't need the wifi. But it also has ethernet.

    One obvious shortcoming is that it is Telstra (only?).

    • tonydav on 20/06/2024 - 11:27

      That looks worth considering. They only have telstra reception here so I'd be putting in a boost 365 day sim.

    • freedomj on 21/06/2024 - 09:02

      • does it have an accessible SIM slot?

      • A non Telstra plan on the Telstra network should work?

    • GordonD on 21/06/2024 - 09:16

      Too late now. All gone.

  • jinkerjinx on 20/06/2024 - 11:03
    +1

    i assume nokia fastmile products don't suit.. but if you do consider them, don't get the 5G-24W-A which is older/inferior to the newer 3.1/3.2 etc (ie 5G12-13W-A)

    • arctan on 30/06/2024 - 14:44

      hey mate whats the difference between 5G-24W-A and 5G12-13W-A? I can't seem to find the later on ebay.

      • jinkerjinx on 01/07/2024 - 14:38

        from a whirlpool forum post "Apart from dimensions (internal construction – antennas, heatsink – has changed significantly) by far the greatest difference is switch from *Snapdragon X50 to newer X55 5G modem module – all Optus bands (and not just n78(3500MHz)) are supported for 5G and the addition of Stand Alone (SA) mode means dependence on LTE bands for communication is no longer required resulting in better performance. Also, X55 now integrates LTE/4G (no need for separate LTE module) as well so reducing overall reliability and power requirements (many users reported v1 overheating).

        Overall, it seems the newer version [v3], even if more expensive, is a much better value long-term…

        https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/276527682546?itmmeta=01J1P90G4FB…

        https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/285932044471?itmmeta=01J1P90G4FR…

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