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Asus 4G-AC55U w Vodafone Mobile Data SIM

  • 27-07-2016 6:18am
    #1
    heavydawson
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,230 ✭✭✭


    Hey all,
    I work from home two days a week and have been using the land-line DSL connection for that purpose since we moved in 2 1/2 years ago. We're a good distance from the exchange, so our speed tops out at 3.5Mbits/sec. I bought a decent DSL modem/router combo to maximize the stability and throughput of the line - http://www.asus.com/Networking/DSLAC68U/
    It's done a pretty good job thus far, but the nature of the work means it's starting to get data heavy, and thus I'd like to increase the bandwidth as far as I can until some form of FTTH arrives on the scene in my area (so 2025-ish).
    For now the best bet seems to be LTE. Imagine LTE aren't servicing my area yet (I'm in Tipperary), but my phone has generally excellent 4G coverage........outside my house. Inside I can struggle to get a 2G signal, mostly due to foil-backed insulation in the walls.
    In the attic, there's no insulation in the rafters so the signal is perfect. When we built the house, I ran some CAT6 up there, and now I'm thinking of buying this:
    https://www.asus.com/ie/Networking/4G-AC55U/
    Seems to support the Vodafone 4g spectrum. Would be using this in a Dual WAN configuration with the existing DSL connection.
    My monthly usage is in or around the 50GB mark, so I'd be using the 50GB mobile data plan with a hard-stop once the limit is reached, and switching over to the DSL once that happens.

    What are peoples experiences with using the VF mobile data SIMs with non-Apple devices such as this type of router?

    Also, does anyone know if VF offer any combo bundles? i.e, if I want:
    * Vodafone @ Home DSL +
    * 50GB Mobile Data Plan Bill Pay +
    * Red Bill Pay Mobile Phone €55
    , is their any way to combine them and/or discount for the fact I'm using 3 of their services?

    I'm currently with Eir for the DSL, but VF are cheaper from all I've been repeatedly told.


Comments

  • #2
    ED E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,170 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    Sounds like you've done your homework before posting, refreshing! This really should be in Midband(4G isnt really broadband) but the mods can move it.


    Main bits
    • Aluminium insulation => Definitely want external antennas
    • If you're doing this as a serious project for work, buy something that supports LTEA at CAT6 or above so you can benefit form near term upgrades
    • Test 3's network in your area, if you can get outdoor coverage with them then you can have unlimited data for €20/mo
    • Triple play deals are normal, speak to Vodafone sales about a single billing account for all of them

    As Huawei are one of the OEMs building the masts they're the #1 choice for in home equipment too. The E5186 is king of the roost here, if I were in your position I'd buy a TP link load balancer, the 5186 and a basic DSL modem(if you keep the DSL). That means changing one technology doesnt mean rebuying every bit at once.


  • #3
    heavydawson
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,230 ✭✭✭heavydawson


    ED E wrote: »
    Sounds like you've done your homework before posting, refreshing! This really should be in Midband(4G isnt really broadband) but the mods can move it.


    Main bits
    • Aluminium insulation => Definitely want external antennas
    • If you're doing this as a serious project for work, buy something that supports LTEA at CAT6 or above so you can benefit form near term upgrades
    • Test 3's network in your area, if you can get outdoor coverage with them then you can have unlimited data for €20/mo
    • Triple play deals are normal, speak to Vodafone sales about a single billing account for all of them

    As Huawei are one of the OEMs building the masts they're the #1 choice for in home equipment too. The E5186 is king of the roost here, if I were in your position I'd buy a TP link load balancer, the 5186 and a basic DSL modem(if you keep the DSL). That means changing one technology doesnt mean rebuying every bit at once.

    Great tip on the Huawei. Good to future proof indeed
    So I already have the the DSL modem I mentioned above (the ASUS DSL-AC68U). That's sitting beside the master phone socket downstairs. That also supports Dual WAN, so I can patch the Huawei in the attic to one of the 1GbE ports on the back of that box.
    As I'd be putting the Huawei box in the attic where there's no insulation in the rafters, I'm pretty sure I won't need the external antennae. At least when I bring my phone up there, the 4g signal is perfect.
    That's really helpful! All ears from anyone else who's used the Huawei or other 4g modems in conjunction with the Vodafone mobile data SIMs (3 is not a runner in my area)


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