BT Smart Business Hub with 4G backup

[#1]

Thank you to everyone who has helped me with this.

I have tried all sorts of combinations and have nearly got there.

One idea was to use the ZTE MF286D as my main router instead of the BT Business Smart Hub and put the Smart Hub into Bridge Mode.  That did not work because I cannot find anywhere on the ZTE Router to set up my NO-IP DDNS service that allows me remote access to my CCTV system.

Originally, when I tried to use the ZTE to power my wired network, it would not give me any Ethernet internet on my PC's, but did work if I connected it directly to ONE PC only.

I have overcome that by changing the IP Address of the ZTE to 192.168.1.1 instead of the default  192.168.0.1, and hope I have set up the DHCP IP Pool correctly by again just changing the zeros to ones. 

So my current set-up is:

Everything is running fine via my Plusnet Broadband and BT Business Smart Hub.  If that service goes down again, all I have to do is disconnect the ADSL cable from the BT Hub, and switch on the ZTE Router.  Both Routers are plugged into a network switch so I presume if I do not disconnect the ADSL cable, when the FTTC broadband starts working again, I could have issues with two broadband signals trying to supply my network.

With Plusnet down, all I lose with this setup is remote access to my CCTV pictures.  My Ring doorbells keep working as does my WiFi calling on the mobiles, which we need in large parts of the house.

With my limited IT skills, I think I have gone as far as I can with this now and very much appreciate everyone's help

[#2]

Everything is running fine via my Plusnet Broadband and BT Business Smart Hub.  If that service goes down again, all I have to do is disconnect the ADSL cable from the BT Hub, and switch on the ZTE Router.  Both Routers are plugged into a network switch so I presume if I do not disconnect the ADSL cable, when the FTTC broadband starts working again, I could have issues with two broadband signals trying to supply my network.

Not quite, when you switch on the ZTE, you will also need to switch off the BT Hub, otherwise you will have two DHCP servers amd gateways on the network and devices will get very confused.

[#3]

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@RG58 wrote:

... I cannot find anywhere on the ZTE Router to set up my NO-IP DDNS service ...

A quick internet search tells me -

ZTE MF286D DDNS Support

The ZTE MF286D (a 4G LTE router commonly provided by carriers like Three in the UK) supports Dynamic DNS (DDNS) functionality, including compatibility with NO-IP as a provider. However, based on user reports and documentation, the built-in DDNS client can be unreliable—such as failing to register updates properly—and may require troubleshooting or workarounds.

Key Details on Support

• DDNS Feature Availability: The router includes a dedicated DDNS section in its web interface (typically under Advanced > Application > DNS or Dynamic DNS). This allows configuration of providers, hostnames, usernames, and passwords. Screenshots and reviews confirm this for the MF286 series, which the MF286D belongs to.
• NO-IP Compatibility: Users have explicitly configured NO-IP on the MF286D. For example:
  • The router's DDNS client supports generic/custom providers, which aligns with NO-IP's standard protocol (DynDNS-compatible). You enter your NO-IP hostname, username, and password (or update key) in the fields.
• General DDNS Providers Supported: While exact lists vary by firmware, it typically includes DynDNS, No-IP, and others like Dynu. Custom settings allow flexibility for NO-IP.

How to Configure NO-IP DDNS

1. Access the Web Interface:
   • Connect to the router's Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
   • Open a browser and go to 192.168.0.1 (default IP).
   • Log in with admin credentials (default: username admin, password on the router label or admin; change this for security).
2. Navigate to DDNS Settings:
   • Go to Advanced > Application > DNS > Dynamic DNS (menu may vary slightly by firmware version).
   • Enable DDNS.
3. Enter NO-IP Details:
   • Service Provider: Select "No-IP" if listed, or "Custom/Other".
   • Hostname/Domain: Your NO-IP hostname (e.g., yourname.ddns.net).
   • Username: Your NO-IP account email.
   • Password: Your NO-IP password or IP update key (recommended for security).
   • Interface: Select WAN or the active internet connection (e.g., cellular).
   • Click Apply or Save.
4. Verify:
   • Check the status (should show "Registered" or "Connected").
   • Test by pinging your NO-IP hostname from an external device—it should resolve to your public IP.
   • If your IP changes (common on mobile/4G), the router should auto-update NO-IP every 5–30 minutes.

Potential Issues and Fixes

• Common Problems:
  • Registration Fails: Status stuck on "Not registered" even with correct details. This is a known bug in some firmware versions (e.g., Three-branded units). Causes include special characters in passwords or carrier restrictions.
  • Firmware Limitations: Carrier-locked versions (e.g., Three UK) may have restricted menus or buggy DDNS. OpenWrt custom firmware adds robust DDNS support but voids warranty and requires technical setup.
  • No Public IP: On CGNAT-enabled mobile plans, DDNS won't work for inbound access (use port forwarding only if you have a static/public IP via APN like 3internet on Three).
• Troubleshooting:
  • Password Tip: Use alphanumeric-only (A-Z, 0-9) for the update key—no special characters.
  • Reboot and Reset: Power cycle the router; if needed, factory reset (hold reset button 15 seconds) and reconfigure.
  • Workarounds:
    • Run a DDNS updater script on a connected PC/Raspberry Pi (e.g., using ddclient software pointed at NO-IP).
    • Flash OpenWrt for advanced DDNS (supports NO-IP natively; guides available on GitHub for MF286D).
  • Firmware Update: Check for updates in the web interface (Advanced > System > Firmware Update). Three pushes automatic updates, but manual ones may be available from ZTE.

Evidence from Sources

• Reviews (e.g., 4G LTE Mall) list DDNS as a standard advanced feature for the MF286 series.
• SetupRouter.com provides screenshots of the MF286 DDNS page, confirming the interface exists.
• User forums (e.g., Elisa OmaYhteisö) report successful NO-IP attempts on MF286D, despite glitches.
• Dynu Systems provides ZTE DDNS guides, adaptable to NO-IP.

If configuration fails, contact your carrier (e.g., Three support) for firmware checks or consider a dedicated DDNS client on your network. For official manuals, search ZTE's support site for "MF286D user guide" (DDNS is covered in advanced sections).

[#4]

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@RG58 wrote:

... I cannot find anywhere on the ZTE Router to set up my NO-IP DDNS service

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Another thought !

Is your CCTV system running on a PC ? - If so, you could run a DDNS updater script/app on that !

[#5]

No, it is running on a NVR.

[#6]

I still cannot see that option.  

Here is my interface:

I have written to ZTE for an answer.

Thanks

[#7]

By the way.

Only one mobile network provider (3) provides a public IP address (and seemingly only if you use  the "3internet" APN and only on 4G not any residual 3G).

Any DDNS service is likely to fail with the ZTE device for that reason as well.

You are stretching what mobile networks can achieve quite a long way.

[#8]

I have just approved the images in post #21.

[#9]

Thanks @Townman !

@RG58  your first image in reply #21 shows that you are in "Wireless Broadband Mode"

As @markhawkin said, it is unlikely that DDNS would work over mobile 4G as you won't have a public IP address (due to CGNAT), and therefore the ZTE might be hiding the irrelevant DDNS configuration menus in that wireless mode.

Try changing to "Cable Broadband Mode" to reveal the configuration options for the ZTE's WAN (FTTC) interface,

and then see whether the DDNS menus appear (as reply #18) - given that your Plusnet FTTC will have a public IP address.

[#10]

The menu is still not visible in Cable Broadband mode.

The last time our Plusnet was down, it lasted over 6 days.  It is unlikely to ever be that long again, and even if it does, I can live with no DDNS so long as the rest of the network can be up and running via 4G

I will wait for a response from ZTE and post it here in case it is of any use to anyone else.

Thanks anyway.

[#11]

Just had confirmation from ZTE. The MF286D does not have a DDNS option. Not a problem. Everything else works fine.

[#12]

@RG58 

As neither your ZTE or the BT hub can provide all the features you are looking for and have sketchy automatic failover capability,  the obvious thing to do is use a different router (with dual WAN) and connect the BT hub in 'bridge mode' to the primary WAN, and the ZTE in 'bridge mode' to the secondary WAN/LAN port.

I have looked for a router that has good automatic failover capability, definitely has DDNS, better WiFi, and has an easy to use configuration management.

Take a look at reviews of the Synology RT2600ac

The specs can be found here - synology.com/download/.../RT_Synology_RT2600ac_datasheet_enu.pdf 

You can get second hand examples of this very capable router on eBay for around £45. (one of several shown below)

Note that despite being an older model, Synology still maintain the firmware updates (latest was 28th October 2025).

That *should* do everything you want.

If that interests you, it also appears to be capable of supporting L2TP, which means that you could use A&A's L2TP service to give you a static IPv4 address which doesn't change regardless of whether the router's WAN is switched to FTTC or 4G, therefore making your need for DDNS irrelevant, enabling you to remotely view your CCTV even when failovered to 4G.