4G Routers & WiFi Extenders
Internet for the part of a property the house cannot reach. A solar 4G router turns one SIM into WiFi for several cameras where there is no fibre and no power, a solar extender carries the house WiFi out to a shed or a gate, and a panel aerial lifts a weak 4G signal. For a camera that carries its own SIM instead, see 4G security cameras.
How to choose a 4G router or WiFi extender
Start with what the site already has
No internet on the site at all: a 4G router takes a data SIM and makes its own WiFi network, so every WiFi camera on it runs on one plan. Internet at the house but not out at the shed, the gate or the workshop: a WiFi extender picks up the house WiFi and carries it further, with no SIM and no second plan, and for a gate or a bore a kilometre or more away, several long range extenders link in a chain. Some 4G at the spot but only a bar or two: a panel aerial on a 5m lead moves a 4G camera antenna up a post or onto a roof, where the signal is stronger.
One SIM, or one per camera
A 4G camera carries its own SIM, so three cameras means three plans. A 4G router carries one SIM and shares it over WiFi, so three WiFi cameras run on one plan, and a phone or laptop on site joins the same network. Every device on the router draws from that plan, and a camera that streams around the clock uses far more data than one that sends motion clips, so size the plan for the busiest camera.
WiFi reach
Both routers and both extenders broadcast 2.4GHz WiFi, the band outdoor cameras use and the one that carries further outdoors. The VIM-4GSOLR5 is rated to 300m in open line of sight and the VIM-4GSOLR to 50m in the open. The VIM-WIFISOLR extender carries the house WiFi up to 150m further, and the VIM-WIFISOLR5 relays it up to 300m a unit, with up to 10 units linked for 2.5 to 3km and the speed dropping at each hop. Walls, sheds, trees and a rise in the ground cut those figures, and the WiFi radio in each camera limits the link as well, so mount the unit high (2 to 6m on the VIM-4GSOLR5 and the VIM-WIFISOLR5) with a clear view of the cameras.
Signal first, then the router
A router cannot make coverage where there is none. Stand at the mounting spot with a phone on the network you plan to use: if it shows 4G, the router will connect, and height helps it hold the signal. Both routers cover Band 28, the 700MHz band Spark, One NZ and 2degrees rely on for rural coverage because it reaches furthest. The 3G networks have closed, so anything bought for a remote site needs to be 4G.
Solar through a New Zealand winter
Each unit runs on its own panel and battery: two panels totalling 30W with 30,000mAh on the VIM-4GSOLR5 and the VIM-WIFISOLR5, a 15W panel with 20,000mAh on the VIM-4GSOLR, and a 15W panel with 26,000mAh on the VIM-WIFISOLR extender. Face the panels north, clear of branches and roof shadow, and tilt them steeply so they still catch the low winter sun. The battery holds the network up overnight and through cloud. A long run of southerly weather is the real test, so for a site in the south, in a valley or under bush, the larger panel and battery is the safer choice.
Compare the range
 4G router, 30W |  4G router, 15W |  WiFi extender, 30W |  WiFi extender, 15W |  4G aerial | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does | Turns one SIM into WiFi for several cameras | Turns one SIM into WiFi for nearby devices | Carries existing WiFi up to 300m a unit, no SIM | Carries the house WiFi further, no SIM | Lifts a weak 4G signal for one camera |
| Needs | A Nano SIM with a data plan, and 4G at the spot | A data SIM, and 4G at the spot | Working WiFi within reach of the first unit | Working WiFi at the house, within range | A 4G camera with a screw-on SMA antenna |
| Reach | Up to 300m line of sight | Up to 50m in the open | Up to 300m a unit, 10 linked for 2.5 to 3km | Up to 150m further | 5m lead, 10 to 12dBi gain |
| Power | Two panels, 30W, 30,000mAh | 15W panel, 20,000mAh | Two panels, 30W, 30,000mAh | 15W panel, 26,000mAh | No power needed |
| Suits | A yard, a compound or a building site from one mounting point | A shed, a campsite or a smaller yard | A far gate, bore or shed, with one unit or a chain | A barn, an office or a sleepout the house WiFi does not reach | A camera in a gully, behind a ridge or under trees |
| See | 4G Router 30W Twin Solar | Solar 4G WiFi Router | Long Range WiFi Extender | Solar WiFi Extender | 4G panel aerial |
Buying guides
4G Router & WiFi Extender Buying Guide NZInternet where the house cannot reach
WiFi Security Camera Buying Guide NZWhether your signal reaches
4G Security Camera Buying Guide NZSolar, PTZ and zoom compared
Solar Security Camera Buying Guide NZWhat runs through a southern winter
Related
4G Security Cameras WiFi Security Cameras Wireless Security Systems Trail Cameras Accessories Security Cameras & Surveillance Equipment
Common questions
Do I need a 4G router or a 4G camera?
One camera on a site with 4G: a 4G camera is simpler, with its own SIM and nothing else to mount. Two or more cameras, or cameras plus a phone or laptop on site: a 4G router runs them all on one SIM and one plan, and the WiFi cameras on it need no SIM of their own.
Which SIM card works?
A data SIM on Spark, One NZ or 2degrees, or on a brand that uses their networks. The VIM-4GSOLR5 takes a Nano SIM, and if a reseller SIM such as Skinny or Warehouse Mobile needs an APN, that is one setting in its app. No SIM comes in the box.
Do the WiFi extenders need a SIM?
No. They pick up the WiFi from the house router and carry it further: up to 150m on the VIM-WIFISOLR, and up to 300m a unit on the VIM-WIFISOLR5, which links up to 10 units for 2.5 to 3km. The house needs working internet and the first extender has to sit within reach of it. For a site with no internet at all, use a 4G router.
Can I plug in a recorder or a cabled camera?
Not on the VIM-4GSOLR5 or the VIM-WIFISOLR5, which have no network cable port and connect everything over WiFi. They suit WiFi security cameras that record to their own memory card or to the cloud.
Will it keep running through winter?
With regular direct sun, yes. Face the panels north, tilt them steeply and keep them clear of shade; the battery carries the network overnight and through cloudy spells. A long run of heavy cloud can still run it down, which is why the VIM-4GSOLR5 and the VIM-WIFISOLR5 carry twin panels and the largest battery in the range.
How much data will my cameras use?
That depends on the cameras, not the router. Motion clips use little, a camera streaming around the clock uploads a great deal, and every camera on the router draws on the same plan. Pick a plan with room for video, and set cameras to record on motion where you can.