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Are Jetpacks good for 24/7 use?

Hi,

I'm planning on using a jetpack for an internet connection, I plan on using it to access some home automation equipement at a cabin. The area only has 3G service. Can I expect to have the jetpack stay connected continously without need to be reboot? I want to be able to access it remotely and I won't be there to reboot, I need a reliable connection. I'm planning on using the 5510, any idea of the reliability of it?

On another note, I need an ethernet connection, currently not available for 3G areas. The only router with ethernet only runs on 4G, anyone know of any 3G wifi / routers with an ethernet port? If not I'll go with a wifi - ethernet adapter but I'd rather not need extra hardware.

Thanks,

Jerry

Comments

dimap52

Reliability over a 24 hour period seems to be a problem with these hotspots. They tend to go dormant after a period of time, either they are set to sleep after a period of non activity, or from network or hardware issues.

Accessing these remotely might pose a problem also because some of these units block incoming traffic and don't implement port-forwarding as a work around. This means devices like cameras that initiate M2M communications don't work. M2M use is specifically prohibited in the TOS I believe, though I might be mistaken on that.

You might manage to get a hotspot to work the way you are wanting, but prepare to be disappointed if it doesn't.

unknown

Not to mention if you don't have unlimited data I wouldn't use it 24/7 in any case.

jpl_812

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll try setting it up and just use my G3 to see if it will work. If so I'll pick up the 5510 and give that a try. I'm not to worried about the data use, at this point I'm going to start with a thermostat link, if that works I may add a camera, then I'll really need to worry about data use.

DWMCC

I have been using the 5510 jetpack for 3-4 months as a thermostat link at our vacation home. Unfortunately, the jetpack seems to lock up and shut itself down every 10-14 days but will occasionally stay on for 2-3 weeks w/o a problem. When it shuts itself down, we have to unplug the power adaptor and remove & reinstall the battery to get it back on so it does not appear to be a normal timeout. Not sure what is causing the problem and Verizon does not seem to have any answers. We considered the Home Fusion system but wanted to avoid the system required antenna since we have good cellular signal strength inside the home and the jetpack works great when it is on. Would appreciate comments from anyone else having the same issue.

John_Getzke

Hello,

I would advise against purchasing a MiFi for the purposes you posted here. A MiFi is not a very reliable device to leave on 24/7. Reboots and stalls are common with these devices as another user mentioned. MiFi's are at thier best as a travel companion from one place to another or while you are in a pinch without any other sources of internet. Something where you use it for a brief period and then power it down until it is needed again.

A much better alternative would be to purchase a USB modem and a Cradlepoint router. Cradlepoint routers interface directly with VZW USB modems and are more likely to stay online/connected than a MiFi. Cradlepoint routers also come with Ethernet ports which solves one of your other problems.

Webcams are going to be a problem on a 4G LTE device. I am not aware of any webcamera services or devices that work on the new network out of the box. You would most likely need to purchase a several hundered dollar static IP Address from VZW to get it to work. The only other realistic work around is to run a PC that is VPN connected to a VPN server that will allow the traffic through. However, without a mechanism or neighbor to automatically reboot the router/PC and auto VPN connect when there is a hiccup, your plan is not likely going to be worth the effort.

Verizon_Support

Dear Dwmcc,

Good afternoon. I am sorry to hear of the difficulties you are experiencing with your jetpack. It would be my pleasure to provide some clarity with your jetpack use.

Our jetpacks are devices that create a personal Wi-Fi hotspot for customers using a VZW Mobile Broadband service to connect to the Internet. It is not suggested for jetpacks to be turned on 24/7 at all times. This may incur large unwanted data usage from being left on 24/7. It is recommended that jetpacks are turned off after each use. In addition, if the device is not plugged in, it will lose battery and power off. Our Home Fusion system may be something you want to look into. For more information regarding our Home Fusion click http://vz.to/SvRKUO Should you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us. Have a great day!

Thank You,

MichelleS_VZW

VZW Support

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSUPPORT

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