Utilizing a mobile phone as a hotspot in remote areas without internet access (for surveillance system linkage)
Utilizing a mobile phone as a hotspot in remote areas without internet access (for surveillance system linkage)
Fun project: I have to install a surveillance system on an abandoned home in a bad neighborhood with verified drug dealers on the street. I know because I spoke to them and they even offered. Doesn't seem like they sell the hard stuff but I don't want to find out. One of the guys even has an injury from a drive by. I'd call the Navy Seals to do the install but I think they have better things to do. Anyway, this place has no internet and there are no plans to install any. The owner is offering the use of an extra cell phone in hotspot mode. It is an Xfinity plan which unfortunately doesn't sell dedicated hotspots. I will be connecting 2 - 3 4K PTZ camera domes. There will not be much data usage other than a periodic logging into the camera to check the premises. Are cellphones used as hotspots reliable long term and can you have a cellphone plugged into a charger for weeks or months?
That's because they don't have their own wireless network. Xfinity relies on Verizon along with certain public hotspots. In some locations, they operate hotspots through utility providers. They've tried using their modem/router setups at both business and home addresses to offer hotspots, but many customers disable this feature for security reasons. It's unclear exactly how it works. Likely the Wi-Fi coverage is limited since they use Verizon resources. The range isn't as strong as a typical router with large antennas. You should also verify if hotspot data is part of your plan, as it may be restricted due to their network leasing agreements.
It's interesting you noticed that. I hadn't considered how data restrictions vary between hotspot and standard data types.
It could be restricted since most mobile plans, especially in the US, don’t provide unlimited mobile hotspot. Others have highlighted the drawbacks of keeping a phone active over time. 5G home internet options from Tmobile, ATT, or Verizon might be preferable if available locally. These plans often don’t impose a data limit and allow you to connect via their 5G modem/gateway with WiFi 6 without extra monthly charges or upfront hardware costs. However, if such options aren’t accessible or affordable in your area, the mobile phone hotspot remains the only viable choice.
I have a comparable configuration at home... A phone with unlimited data plus USB-OTG and Ethernet into any old router with Wi-Fi... working. (Latest?) Android devices may restrict charging to 70% if you connect to a charger continuously. The main issue I faced over two months was that the hotspot stops when someone makes a call.
That's a possibility. Your Synology RT2600AC can connect through the USB port, though device compatibility is somewhat restricted. Generally, you'll need to connect your phone to the router for improved WiFi performance. As I mentioned before, it’s always good to check your hotspot or tethering limits. Often, they drop packets when usage exceeds the cap, but I’m certain Verizon charges Comcast significantly for heavy data consumption on their network. It’s likely Comcast has its own data rules in place.
That's the setup, yes. (well, it's micro USB to eth) Something maybe relevant for your setup: There's no port forwarding on a phone hotspot Hotspot resumes after the call... my phone switches to Edge on an arriving call, maybe that's just a me problem
I’d likely consider a specialized cellular internet option (the type big providers offer), a dedicated data-only SIM card, and a router capable of handling either a SIM or a hotspot device. Alternatively, Starlink could be an option if you need remote data storage offsite. You might assume minimal usage, but if it logs activity—like when guests visit or pets roam—I’d prefer broader coverage beyond just the front door.