It all started with a simple question: Could I replace my fiber internet with 5G? I had an extra 5G SIM card from my Mobile Network Operator (MNO), and recently I'd been thinking hard about lifestyle inflation and my fixed costs.
So, why not experiment? I figured it might be interesting, maybe even fun.
The Obvious Choice: A Dedicated 5G Router
At first glance, the most straightforward solution would have been to purchase a dedicated 5G router. These devices are specifically designed to connect to 5G networks and distribute the connection to multiple devices in your home. They're reliable, efficient, and require minimal setup.
However, there were 3 drawbacks to this approach:
- Cost: Dedicated 5G routers are often quite expensive, especially when compared to the DIY solution I eventually pursued. As someone looking to reduce costs, dropping a significant amount on a new piece of hardware didn't align with my goals.
- Lack of Challenge: While a dedicated router would have been easier, it wouldn't have been nearly as fun or educational. There's something satisfying about repurposing old gear and creating a unique solution.
- MNO Scrutiny: Using a phone as the 5G modem had an unexpected benefit. It's harder for my MNO to question my usage when it's coming from a device that looks like a regular smartphone. This added a layer of flexibility to my internet usage that a dedicated router might not have provided.
The Quest for Affordable Gear
I didn’t have a 5G phone lying around, so I took to Swiss eBay to find one. I wanted something cheap, and the hunt became surprisingly thrilling. I’d spend evenings scrolling through listings, checking specs, and making sure the phones actually supported 5G and at what speed. I came across some great deals on used phones with cracked screens, like the Oppo Reno 5G.
There were a few bumps along the way, though. I remember the excitement of finding a Google Pixel 4a 5G for almost nothing, only to realize it was labeled incorrectly—it wasn’t the 5G model. I ended up sending it back, but the thrill of the chase made it all worthwhile.
Why Not Just Use the Phone as a Hotspot?
Once I had my hands on a 5G-capable phone, I thought I could just use it as a wifi hotspot. Easy, right? Well, not so fast. I quickly learned that Android phones cap the number of connected devices to around 10. With all the smart devices in my home—phones, laptops, TVs —10 devices just wouldn’t cut it.
The Perfect Pair: An Old Phone and an old Router
I started researching alternative solutions and discovered that many Asus routers were compatible with Android USB tethering right out of the box. This led me to search for used Asus routers online. I found an old Asus RT-AC68U router with a USB 3.0 port that seemed perfect for my needs. The plan was straightforward: use one of the affordable 5G phones I had acquired as a 5G modem and employ the Asus router to distribute the connection throughout my home.
How to set up?
Here’s the step-by-step process I followed:
- Connecting the Phone to the Router: use a USB cable and connect to the USB 3.0 of the router.
- Enabling USB Tethering on the Phone: On the Oppo, I navigated to Settings, then Network & Internet, and finally to Hotspot & Tethering. Here, I enabled the USB Tethering option, which allowed the phone to share its internet connection via the USB cable.
- Configuring the Router: I accessed the router's admin panel by typing 192.168.1.1 into my browser. In the settings, I looked for the USB Application or WAN section, where I selected USB Modem mode. After saving these settings, the router was able to recognize the phone as a modem.
The Outcome: A Budget-Friendly 5G Setup
To my delight, the setup worked better than expected. The router managed the connections without any issues, and I had a fast, reliable 5G network covering my entire house. The best part? It didn’t cost me much more than the price of a used phone, an old used router (<100$) and a bit of time.
The setup is reliable and the USB Tethering never stops by itself on the Oppo, my wife can use it in home office and didn't see any difference with our fiber internet!
