Internet Reliability - New Router

[bantar]

If anyone was ever to use a cloud based software offering, you generally get redundant hardware in the network which helps uptime.  However, with cloud offerings, you are hosed if your internet is not reliable.  Also, most of us only have a single wire entering our buildings that provides the internet connection.  If it was severed, there is no backup.   I've found a router that can help keep your business online if your main service goes down.   It is called CradlePoint and the model that most businesses would want is the smaller AER1600.    What's unique about it is that it allows you to install a wireless SIM card in the router.   The router will automatically track the connectivity of your main internet connection and when it finds that the internet is down, it will automatically switch over connectivity to the wireless network.  Then, when the outage is over, it will return you to the main connection.  You would only pay for wireless data during an outage or however your wireless SIM card contract reads.    I believe this router is approximately

There are downsides to using this in failover mode.   If you are reliant on a static IP address for certain services, then those services would go down.   Your main internet provider is providing the static IP address, so if your main connection is down, so is your static IP address.  This might impact things like remote access, remote security camera viewing and a few other services.   Another downside to this is that your external IP address would be different at failover, so if you have any services tied to the external IP address, then these will not work.  For instance, my state inspection machines are tied to the external IP address.  They would not operate online until the main internet is resumed. 

While I'm on the topic of connectivity, shop wireless connectivity can sometimes be dicey.  I've found a good wireless access point that is used in schools, office buildings and outdoor venues.  It's scaleable to 100's of devices and has a directional signal (vs omni-directional) that puts more power towards the device communicating.   Small businesses, typically need 1-3 units.   It is called Ruckus Wireless AP Zoneflex R310.  It's about $350.   It has support for both public and private WiFi networks.

I hope this is in the right forum.  Internet connectivity and software go together in my mind.    I've not used either of these devices, but will be purchasing both.   I've done exhaustive research on them and believe that they are both worthy of consideration.   I'm in no way connected to either business.   I'd be happy to answer any questions on this subject if desired.

[ATLAuto]

This is great.  Thank you for that practical information!!

[lmcca]

we have been using cradlepoint for several years, in fact, just got our second one. We have a collision center that is cloud based on most of what they do and i guess the service side for repair information etc as well.  I got it because we switched from t 1 lines to cable, with the unreliability of cable i had to have a back up.  It has saved us many times, the longest was about 4 days without cable, ouch, but people never noticed any speed difference as its 4g and its really fast.

With the t-1's and other newer technology the down time is slight, in fact most phone companies have a 99 percent up time but its nice to have a backup to not slow you down etc.