Connect a cell to a Wi-Fi router for internet access.
Connect a cell to a Wi-Fi router for internet access.
Hi everyone, newcomer here – excited to join the forums! I’m facing a challenge: I need to move back with my family, and their connection is really poor. They’re on 12GB monthly data caps with speeds under 500kbps. They used dial-up before I upgraded them. This situation keeps getting worse. I’ve bought the (super good) $19 Vision R2 phone and plan to activate it soon. I’m trying to figure out how to use it effectively for multiple devices. Details: Phone – Visible (ZTE) R2 Wi-Fi Router – Archer CR700. What steps should I take? Should I get more equipment? Any budget-friendly suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks all! Edit: Sorry if I wasn’t clear, but the Archer CR700 is mine. My family already owns it, and I’ll bring it when I return. It’s great where I am, but their connection is an issue. The problem is real – I’m hoping for some guidance. Thanks!
This appears to be a Docsis 3.0 gateway. Are you certain that’s the one you’re using? Since this implies internet access through your cable provider, it suggests faster speeds are possible. The speed varies based on the router and its firmware. Some routers let you connect mobile devices via USB, though not all do, and I don’t have a complete list. I note the Synology RT2600AC can handle this scenario. DDWRT third-party firmware might also support it, but you must verify compatibility and be prepared to flash the router—this could potentially damage it.
You might skip the router entirely and rely on PdaNet+, adding the client wherever you need a connection. It’s straightforward, often functional, and lets you work around carrier limits for tethering if possible.
I was puzzled until I recalled what PdaNet was. It's surprising it's still active. I might try it, though I'm not sure if my phone will get a reliable Wi-Fi connection across many areas. What's the best affordable choice then? Is the CR700 too weak for this setup? Should I watch out for certain technical terms that would help? I've heard about WAN and WISP, but I'm not clear on how they apply here with my phone, cellular data, and a USB port connected to the router. Looking at the back of my CR700, it has several USB ports, but I'm not sure if that's enough. It seems to depend on the firmware, but I also want to know if the router can receive Wi-Fi from the phone wirelessly.
PdaNet appears to be the most cost-effective choice. The CR700 seems unsuitable here because it mainly functions as a modem, and even then, most routers would restrict its use as a phone source.
Typically, routers don't offer a way to share Wi-Fi between devices directly. That's a common limitation.
If it matches the model number, it's not a router but a gateway. It includes an integrated Docsis 3.0 cable modem and won't suit your needs. Generally, routers don't get this use case, as most users rely on LTE gateways with SIM cards or hotspot features on their phones.
They have a phone or LTE gateway with weak Wi-Fi but strong cellular signal. They need solutions beyond just boosting or repeating the signal.
If the gateway supports Ethernet and offers a way to turn off WiFi, you connect via a Wireless Access Point. Typically, a gateway functions as a modem/router in one unit. Occasionally you might encounter an LTE modem without a router, using just a regular router—though this doesn’t involve your phone; the gateway or modem handles the connection to the LTE signal.