3G WAN interface hardware

darthfoolish

Hi,

I have just moved house, and my fixed line broadband speed is shocking (sub dialup performance at peak times), though there is supposedly fibre in the pipeline, don't know when/if it will arrive.

I'm out in the (UK) sticks, so no 4G, my best bet is 3G, which only one provider (EE) can deliver, the rest don't have coverage.

So, I was wondering if there was a device on the market which takes a SIM, and connects up via ethernet to my pfSense device? No wireless required, as this would add unnecessary expense.

I am aware of Mi-Fi devices, but these don't do exactly what I'm looking for, and I have seen a D-Link router which takes a SIM, but this is overkill, since I already have the pfSense router.

Any ideas?

Xamaba

I have configured pfsense to use a 4G dongle directly as a WAN port. The dongle I am using is the Huawei E8372. It is a bit of a hack but once done it works perfectly. I have been meaning to post the process in the forum but as ever, busy busy busy. I have two D-Link 3/4G routers DWR-113 (Requires dongle) & DWR-921 (uses SIM) both have wireless and work great I usually disable the wireless. Both devices work with pfsense the only issue to be aware of is double natting.

AndrewZ

USB modem or dongle. That's it.
Huawei should be the safe choice.

darthfoolish

Thanks, didn't think about dongles as my pfSense box doesn't have USB.

It's a Watchguard x550e, but I reckon I could solder a USB port to it, as it has the header.

I've seen some cheap 3G only Huawei dongles on ebay, so this may be worth a try, with not much to lose.

Sierra GX440 uses ethernet. There are two models, One for CDMA and one for GSM. This one is Verizon.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/291594186616

Edit: Beware of that seller. I have bought some with no MC7750 module inside. You cannot just add an MC7750 as they are tied to the AELOS firmware version. I salvaged the wifi module out to use with the ATT version. That was worth 50 bucks for me. Flakey seller.

BillBraskey

Cradlepoint has the goods: https://cradlepoint.com/products-and-services/accessories. I bought one of their routers when they were just a newcomer, and I was thoroughly impressed with their hardware, firmware, and their product lifecycle support. I still have that router and use it for setting up temporary networks in the wilderness.