Switch to 4G when the cable modem stops working
Switch to 4G when the cable modem stops working
I need a solution to connect your cable modem to the Netgear router and switch to 4G automatically if the modem fails. Right now you're handling the failover manually, but you want a device or setup that does this automatically.
We handle this on several of the sites I back with my work, though we'll need a 4G device connected to your router and then configure Administrative Distance for static routes. Just like your primary ISP, you'd set its distance to 0 and the 4G to 100. This signals it to prioritize the main ISP route first unless it's unavailable, in which case it would forward traffic through the second route—your 4G connection.
If this approach is used, it is completely wrong unless you start applying PBR or adopt the proper method for dual home failover.
Consider a Mikrotik hAP AC2 priced at $70. It's a solid router with native Android and iOS support, plus a hotspot via its USB port. Just connect your phone to the USB and enable tether on your device, and it's ready to go—no awkward setup needed.
The optimal choice is swapping your router for one with Dual WAN capability and automatic failover. The key is selecting a model that uses USB for WAN connectivity. @mynameisjuan likely mentioned the most affordable choice. My Synology Rt2600 AC works with 4G LTE via USB but costs around $200 USD. Another viable path is purchasing a 4G LTE modem equipped with an Ethernet port, then pairing it with a router that features dual WAN ports for failover setup. The decision hinges largely on your budget. The earlier recommendation seems the most cost-effective and straightforward at the moment. However, the stability of your cable internet should also be evaluated—if you experience frequent outages, that could affect reliability. Personally, I’m on cable with several annual disruptions, mainly due to aging infrastructure from the power company.
The issue is that you're getting 5GB of data on 4G but it's not enough for your needs—gaming, chatting, and background tasks are using it. The connection isn't consistently strong, with drops every few months and slow fixes for SNR. You're considering switching to a 4G modem or a MiFi device, or upgrading your phone plan.