[ale] [OT] Building a home 'landline' using the cellular network

[Mark Ulmer]

Robert,
I've recently implemented 2 remote location networks on T-Mobile. I 
purchased 4G LTE Wireless Gateway/Wifi/Routers with SIM Card slot (not 
locked to any provider).

First location is in the North GA Mountain area and that's soo much 
better than the previous HughesNet (Satellite). I'm able to run 
Netflix/Prime video as well as 5 clients, security cameras, nest 
protect, thermostat and all is running perfect without any slowdown. 
On-site network is wired and wireless.

Second location is at a cattle ranch in Texas. It's very remote, yet 
working good on T-Mobile. The 4G router I got doesn't even have a power 
switch so as power there drops and returns, the entire network returns 
live. On-site network is wired and wireless. Running pan-tilt-zoom 
'cow-cam'. Not getting full 4G signal there, so the HD streaming is 
hit-miss.  SD streaming and controlling camera is very responsive. Again 
no VPN in to this network.

Things to note:
- A the full mobile (unlimited) account add. Data only / tablet plans 
will not do.
- I haven't been able to VPN into these network I believe due to 
T-Mobile NAT (but maybe I haven't looked at all the options).
- Routers when placed remote need reboot schedules (which I have 
configured) in case various issues arise. Scheduled reboot saves me from 
having to fly to Texas.

Basically, I believe servicing your network over cellular is more 
do-able today and I suspect VOIP/Streaming would not have issue as long 
as your are getting a strong 4G signal/connection. Each additional 
number to my normal Mobile plan was $20-25 per month. I've very happy I 
did these remote locations this way.

Mark


On 1/5/2020 9:24 PM, Byron Jeff via Ale wrote:
> E-911 typically is provided by the VOIP provider, typically at a rate of
> $1.50 per month. You'll also need a DID if you want people to call you.
> 
> This whole process is easier if your cell connection out is a data one.
> Essentially once you have cell data based internet it's little more than
> getting a VOIP adapter (I have a Linksys PAPT2), putting it on cell
> internet, configure your VOIP adapter, and plugging in a phone. I've done
> this with cable/phone internet along with Google Voice to carry the home
> number on several occasions.
> 
> As for power outages, my current Comcast home phone never works when the
> power is out. In 2020 world where cell phone penetration is in the high 90%
> range, I'm not sure it's that pressing an issue anymore. BTW, the cell
> towers almost always work through power outages, so as long as there's a
> UPS available, it's likely that the GSM Cell, VOIP adapter, cordless phone
> system would have power and would continue to work.
> 
> BAJ
> 
> On Sun, Jan 05, 2020 at 06:58:54PM -0500, Stephen R. Blevins via Ale wrote:
>> On a non-technical level, give some consideration to making sure your
>> system will interface with E-911 correctly.  In a moment of "panic" one
>> of your users may try to use this system to get emergency help.  Also,
>> what are your expectations for the system if the power goes our.
>> Typically, the POTS system works when the power is out.  Just a thought.
>>   YMMV
>>
>> Stephen R. Blevins
>> stephen.r.blevins at gmail.com
>>
>> On 1/5/20 4:03 PM, Robert Tweedy via Ale wrote:
>>> Hi Ale,

>>> >From what I've looked at so far, it looks like I'd need a GSM gateway or similar device to ultimately make the connection to the cellular network, along with a Linux system running something like Asterisk or FusionPBX and the associated cards/hardware to interface with the POTS wiring inside the house (just looking for a simple party-line style setup at the moment; no need to handle multiple extensions/numbers and no desire to buy expensive VoIP/business-class phones). Any suggestions on where to start with something like this, or any pitfalls that you may have experienced when setting up something like this yourself?
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> Robert
>>>
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-- 
Mark Ulmer
470.695.0550