Question 5G modem recommendations?

[gazimuth]

i am looking to get into 5G networking but i cannot use phones for this use case. who can recommend a good 5G sim or esim modem? usb or rj45 interface works. the dumber the device the better. i just need it to transfer data back and forth and not do anything else on its own (such as phoning home)

 

[Ralston18]

What is your current network environment?

Modem, router, modem/router (if combined), number of network devices?

Transfer data back and forth between what - two PCs? More than 2 PCs.

Other devices: external drives, NAS, etc..

 

[gazimuth]

It's for WAN use, not LAN. What I need is mobile internet for a single PC.

 

[Ralston18]

Something like these eSim routers?

[Not a recommendation or endorsement. Just attempting to narrow down the requirements,]

esim router

Also:

Reviews

Budget?

 

[gazimuth]

I was imagining something completely different however the form factor you posted is even better for me. The only issue I see is it's not unlocked so I would have to renew the plan with the manufacturer which is a deal breaker. Something like this but unlocked (ie. accept eSIM from different providers) would be perfect for me if such a thing exists.

(It can be either SIM or eSIM. The main requirement is I need the ability to pay any recurring fees with either paper cash or crxpto, regardless of how the device itself is purchased)

 

[bill001g]

Your best option is to ask the provider you plan to use what router they would recommend. The thing people do not seem to know is that the sim is only a security device the router must have the proper radio chips that will work on the provider network. Not as big a issue as years ago but there are still some router that do not have the ability to run on certain radio bands. They generally list the bands but I have not look at this in detail for the 5g stuff, then again "5g" does not always mean the same thing between providers.

In general a unit you can actually place outside and then connect to a normal indoor consumer route tends to be the best at getting a strong signal.

 

[COLGeek]

It's for WAN use, not LAN. What I need is mobile internet for a single PC.

Why not use the hotspot on a 5G smartphone (unlocked)? If ethernet is required, use a USB-C to ethernet adapter between the phone and the PC and enable ethernet tethering on the phone.

This can be very effective. Just last week, while visiting a family member with internet issues, we watched a live event via a setup like I just described and it was flawless. We were also in a very rural area, that happened to have solid cellular connectivity.

 

[cruisetung]

https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-M6-Pro-International/dp/B0CKY7NBJ2

Claims: AT&T Unlocked Version. Compatible with Most GSM and CDMA Carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint

Refurbished
https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-Mobile-Hotspot-Router/dp/B0BN4TNJGR

Don't support eSIM though