5G LTE router with eSIM - what's available?

[sparkplug]

I'm considering upgrading my router to something which will accept eSIM - preferably 5G.

I know about the Peplink Transit Pro E and the Teltonika RUTM52

Is there anything else on the market I should be considering?

 

[MrC99]

Not something I've looked at but there also seems to be the MicroTik ATL 5G R16 ?

It seems to be the eSim functionality that's rare ATM - perhaps use a "cheap" 5G eSim capable phone plugged into the USB socket of a separate router until availability improves?

 

[squibb34]

My neighbour went with a Zyxel, with an unlimited sim deal at £20 pm. It seems to work well & set-up was simple enough. He gets around 50 mbps at present - we are about 1/2 mile from the mast, which his flank wall faces, so he is planning on investing in a signal booster.

 

[sparkplug]

Couldn't see anything on the Zyxel site that supports eSIM, but thanks for the suggestion anyway.

 

[sparkplug]

Not something I've looked at but there also seems to be the MicroTik ATL 5G R16 ?

It seems to be the eSim functionality that's rare ATM - perhaps use a "cheap" 5G eSim capable phone plugged into the USB socket of a separate router until availability improves?

Used to use MicroTik a lot in my last couple of work places. Mainly for managed switches but also smaller routers/switches (HEX-S)

Didn't even know they did products like that. Very interesting, will dig into it a bit more. Their stuff was generally very good value while still being good quality.

The phone suggestion would work, but I'm not in any screaming hurry to swap. Just seeing what was out there really. I'm also trying to be a bit careful with the number of devices I have powered in the van and while a phone doesn't use much power, neither do the other seven computers / microcontrollers - until you start adding up their total consumption.

 

[MrC99]

The other possible issue with USB tethering and a phone is whether the router can sufficiently power the phone (assuming the phone can accept power over the USB while providing network connectivity). Just for giggles I may try this with an ASUS router I have here.......

 

[sparkplug]

I would expect it's OK as the phone has it's own battery anyway.

I used to power a Raspberry Pi Zero from my old Netgear M1 router without issue