There are situations that it is difficult, expensive or impossible to get cable or glasfiber internet connection to a shop. In these cases, mobile internet (through LTE) can be a solution.

What is needed to setup internet in a shop with LTE connection?

• USB LTE dongle
• LTE modem / router with WIFI capability.
• SIM card with, preferably, unlimited data plan.
• Optional: UTP cable to hardwire the MIXIT PC in the mixing room

Before buying the hardware:

LTE internet bandwidth depends strongly on the signal strength. To experience comfortable use of MIXIT, a 4G LTE connection is required with medium too strong signal strength. Be sure that this is the case before buying the required hardware. Most LTE providers will have a map that shows the coverage of their services. 

Available hardware:

There is hardware available for every budget. For smaller body shops a commercial router with be sufficient. For lager Body Shop a industrial router is advised.

Below I have listed 2 options per class:

• Consumer class, for small businesses
• Industrial class, for middle sized businesses.

I expect that large businesses will have access to internet by cable or fiberglass and their own IT department.  

Consumer products:

HUAWEI 4G Wingle E8372 USB dongle:

This is the cheapest option available. The USB dongle can be plugged in to the MIXIT PC for direct access to the internet.

Pro’s:

Direct access to the internet with full bandwidth (internet is not shared with other devices).

• Cheap
• No cables

Con’s:

• Internet cannot be shared with other devices.

For more info visit: https://consumer.huawei.com/en/routers/e8372/

 

Asus RT-AC68U router

This router is the best price quality value, the router is cheap for its kind and is valued for the strong WIFI signal. This router is also mash ready, with one or more extra units, the WIFI coverage can be easily extended. To use mobile LTE internet on this router a USB LTE dongle is required.

Pro’s:

• Connect the MIXIT PC to the internet with Wi-fi or connect with a UTP cable.
• Wi-fi throughout the shop
• Wi-Fi 1900 Mbps
• Best price quality ratio of its class.

Con’s

• A USB LTE dongle is needed for mobile internet.

For more info visit: https://www.asus.com/be-nl/Networking/RTAC68U/

 

Industrial products:

HUAWEI 4G Router 3 Pro

This is a 4G modem/router with a strong LTE antenna’s for extra signal mobile internet signal strength. The router has a SIM card slot build in.  

Pro’s:

• Double 4G LTE antenna’s for extra durable signal strength
• Build in SIM card slot.
• Capable for high LTE internet speed 300 Mbps
• Intended for small business / startups

Con’s

• Not mash ready.
• Wi-Fi 1900Mbps

For more info visit: https://consumer.huawei.com/en/routers/4g-router-3pro/

 

Enterprise 4G LTE-A Router Cat 6

WIFI requirement and LTE bands differ per region. This company has a solution for Europe, UK, America and Australia. Very durable industrial routers for larger companies.

Pro’s:

• Industrial router
• Capable for high LTE internet speed 300 Mbps
• Router ever different regions.
• Build in SIM card slot

Con’s

• High price
• Wi-Fi 1200Mbps

 For more info visit: Outdoorrouter.com