topic Re: Is there a way to use my 4g phone as a backup failsafe for my router ? in Tech Help - Software/Hardware etc

Is there a way to use my 4g phone as a backup failsafe for my router ?

geraldwy — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 04:17:34 GMT

I want to use an old mobile phone as a permanent backup for my router for if the internet server goes down. I am not talking about using my phone as a hot-spot but providing a 4g internet service for my router if its service fails whilst I am away from home.

Is this possible to tether my mobile service to my Plusnet Hub 2 or do I need to purchase a new router to achieve this ?

Re: Is there a way to use my 4g phone as a backup failsafe for my router ?

Dan_the_Van — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 08:03:04 GMT

Hi @geraldwy welcome to the forum.

You will need to buy a device which supports your requirement.

HTH

Re: Is there a way to use my 4g phone as a backup failsafe for my router ?

dvorak — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 08:43:18 GMT

Moderators Note

This topic has been moved from Broadband to Tech Help

Re: Is there a way to use my 4g phone as a backup failsafe for my router ?

geraldwy — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 08:45:19 GMT

Can you be a little more specific?

Re: Is there a way to use my 4g phone as a backup failsafe for my router ?

RealAleMadrid — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 10:26:18 GMT

@geraldwy You can't do this with a phone. A basic system that could do what you want would require a 4g Modem and the Plusnet Hub in bridge mode connected to a Dual Wan Router with failover to switch to the mobile network if he Broadband goes down. Could be expensive.😮

Re: Is there a way to use my 4g phone as a backup failsafe for my router ?

bobpullen — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 11:20:11 GMT

Some routers do actually support the ability to use a smartphone for failover. Can't be achieved with the Hub Two, but I know Asus have devices that offer the functionality.

Edit: another slightly different solution supported by Eero kit here.

Re: Is there a way to use my 4g phone as a backup failsafe for my router ?

geraldwy — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 11:41:14 GMT

Hi
Just to be clear I'm a Head of IT and been in the IT industry for some 30 years so I'm not asking for lessons.in IT basics. I'm looking for a real solution for this specific issue.

Re: Is there a way to use my 4g phone as a backup failsafe for my router ?

jab1 — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 12:35:46 GMT

@geraldwy : Both @RealAleMadrid and @bobpullen have given you possible solutions.

Re: Is there a way to use my 4g phone as a backup failsafe for my router ?

Dan_the_Van — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 12:43:11 GMT

@jab1

I expect he's after some free consultancy

Re: Is there a way to use my 4g phone as a backup failsafe for my router ?

Mustrum — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 12:43:31 GMT

It is odd why people come out with the claim of knowing something/30 years IT, yet who have no clue when it comes to basic network or connectivity practicality.

Re: Is there a way to use my 4g phone as a backup failsafe for my router ?

jab1 — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 12:46:10 GMT

@Dan_the_Van , @Mustrum I agree with both of you. Even I know the Hub2 has no no 4G function/compatibility, and I've never used - or seen one, in the flesh.

Re: Is there a way to use my 4g phone as a backup failsafe for my router ?

Browni — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 12:58:45 GMT

Reminds me of the old saying - Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.

Re: Is there a way to use my 4g phone as a backup failsafe for my router ?

geraldwy — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 17:37:15 GMT

Mate I'm sure I know more about networking than you ever will.

Re: Is there a way to use my 4g phone as a backup failsafe for my router ?

jab1 — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 17:42:28 GMT

Then, purely out of curiosity, why are you asking the question - a quick look at the spec of the Hub2 shows it has no 4G functionality, and even I, with minimal networking knowledge, know that to achieve what you want involves rather more than plugging in a mobile?

Re: Is there a way to use my 4g phone as a backup failsafe for my router ?

geraldwy — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 17:43:50 GMT

I didn't ask if it had 4g functionality though. I asked if was possible to tether my phone to this specific router. I thought that was quite clear in my description that I want to use my mobile phone.

Re: Is there a way to use my 4g phone as a backup failsafe for my router ?

geraldwy — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 17:44:32 GMT

Because I didn't ask that question. I wouldn't need to ask that question.

Re: Is there a way to use my 4g phone as a backup failsafe for my router ?

jab1 — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 17:46:51 GMT

@geraldwy wrote:
I didn't ask if it had 4g functionality though. I asked if was possible to tether my phone to this specific router. I thought that was quite clear in my description that I want to use my mobile phone.

I refer you to reply #5.

Re: Is there a way to use my 4g phone as a backup failsafe for my router ?

Dan_the_Van — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 18:21:57 GMT

@geraldwy

maybe I was a bit vague with my first reply, but some subsequent posts have provided an answer.

So are you looking to use a mobile phone or just 4 or 5g modem device to provide failover/backup

TP-Link have some xdsl modem/routers which support a USB modem plugged in directly with failover.

Bearing in mind your apparent skill set maybe you are better placed to search for the answer yourself

Re: Is there a way to use my 4g phone as a backup failsafe for my router ?

geraldwy — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 18:41:14 GMT

Ok I think you are saying it's not possible with the this router eg usb tethering. Are you certain or just guessing it's not possible with this particular router ?
I am certain I will be able to find an alternative solution but my focus is if this is possible with this router.
Getting there slowly ....

Re: Is there a way to use my 4g phone as a backup failsafe for my router ?

Dan_the_Van — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 18:52:51 GMT

I suggest you forget using the Hub Two for your failover/backup as it is a basic modem/router supplied by an ISP and does not have any Add-on options. It's just a basic modem/router for ADSL/VDSL or using the WAN port a router for connecting to a Modem or ONT for Full Fibre.