12v 3/4G mobile router for Texecom Connect use?

[Nintendofan]

I use a Texecom Connect via my Virgin Media broadband and rely on it to tell me when my son gets home from school (as well as my home security)

I had a full day of no internet yesterday, pre planned maintenance work as Virgin had sent a letter but it got me thinking about alternate internet access.

Has anyone ever use a 4G GSM router that's small enough to be powered by an alarm panel (utilising the battery backup if needed) and a PAYG sim for the data exclusively for the alarm system only? If so what model did they use and is it reliable?

I did think about permanently using an old iPhone and creating a 'personal hotspot' and keeping it plugged into the mains but was unsure how long this would last.

Any other suggestions that don't rely on my Virgin broadband?

cheer.

 

[secureiam]

I have plugged my phone into my router, virgin broadband in modem and use a router that can use either the virgin or dongle, it gets powered by the router.

As for data consumption, you may be able to see how much the app is using to work out what is the best option for you.

Texecom haven't yet released there 4g enabled smart com which is under test so I keep getting told.

 

[SFK]

Paul,
There is the 3G/4G Wireless router that takes sim USB dongle in its side and transmits the internet over its wifi.
I have used these as emergency internet backup.
But they are power hungry with the switch mode power supply being 1Amp at 12V (12W).
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=TL+MR3420&_sacat=0

sfk

 

[Sally2000]

I also use Virgin broadband. Using a Draytek router with a 4G dongle for the rare occasions of broadband failure. Great piece if kit.

 

[Nintendofan]

Cheers guys, I was thinking more of a device like this and a cheap monthly data sim rather than a full blown router but was unsure on the reliability running it 24/7
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/745...OHAT:alternative:7457876:mIHvUJaO5TjmsldAcUvL

The 4G enabled Smart Comm sounds good but depends on the costs, their existing GSM Com is quite expensive.

 

[scott1980]

Don't forget that with Connect being a free service, it can't be 100% relied upon. Texecom's servers are down occasionaly so regardless of your home broadband, it's still not a guaranteed means of signalling. The "dual path" Smartcom that is rumoured is likely to come with some kind of subscription costs due to mobile data usage.

 

[Nintendofan]

Don't forget that with Connect being a free service, it can't be 100% relied upon. Texecom's servers are down occasionaly so regardless of your home broadband, it's still not a guaranteed means of signalling. The "dual path" Smartcom that is rumoured is likely to come with some kind of subscription costs due to mobile data usage.

I have a 3rd party GSM voice dialler that’s activated on a genuine alarm. The smart com is as a backup to that to give exact zone information etc. but mainly to make sure my son leaves and gets home from school safety.

Saying that I’ve found the Smart Comm to be pretty reliable so far especially compared to my old ComWifi it replaced.