Cellular internet backup
Keep taking payments during outages with internet backup.
A cellular backup line switches in automatically when your main connection fails, keeping your registers and phones operating.
Automatic failover during an outage
A cellular line switches in automatically when your main line fails, keeping your payments, phones, and door codes operating until service is restored.
Pick your kind of placeChoosing a place changes the timeline to show what keeps working there during an internet outage.
- Card reader
- Desk phones
- Door codes
- Register
Names and times are an example.
Network access controls
By default, every network can use your backup. Individual networks can be excluded, so guest Wi-Fi can stay off cellular while card terminals and phones use it.
- Card terminalsPaymentsOnline · main line
- PhonesDesk and cordlessOnline · main line
- Door codesKeypads and locksOnline · main line
- Guest Wi-FiCustomers and visitorsOnline · main line
Names and times are an example.
Backup internet connection options
A gateway manages your internet traffic. Compare a cellular backup against adding a second wired internet line alongside your first.
| Cellular backup line | Second wired line | 5G business internet | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second path | Cellular network of a different carrier | A second wired line alongside the first | A 5G modem that is the only internet line, at a site with no wired line |
| Reaches the gateway | Modem plugs into any PoE port and reaches the gateway through a tunnel over the network | A gateway WAN port: up to 4 on the Cloud Gateway Ultra and Max, up to 6 on the Cloud Gateway Fiber | Plugs into the gateway WAN1 or WAN2 port, powered by a PoE adapter |
| Gateway decides | Takes over when the main line fails, hands back when it returns | Fails over between the lines, or balances load across both | Treats the 5G modem as a standard internet connection; with more than one line it can fail over or balance load |
| Needs | Its own data plan, and signal measured inside the building first | A free WAN port on the gateway | A 5G Max model or the 5G Backup, and its own data plan |
Cellular hardware options
Available cellular devices include the LTE Backup Pro, 5G Backup, 5G Max, 5G Max Outdoor, and Dream Router 5G Max.
Installation process
- 1
Site survey and measurement
Cellular signal is measured inside your building before quoting a backup. Coverage is agreed before installation.
- 2
Device placement
Your backup unit mounts where signal is strongest and reaches your gateway through a tunnel over your local network.
- 3
System configuration
Networks are assigned to your backup. A data cap and a warning threshold can be set on your cellular device.
- 4
Handover and testing
Your main line is disconnected on purpose and your changeover is observed. Handover lists detail what is covered and not covered.
Common questions
- What keeps working during an outage?
Card terminals, registers, and phones keep operating. Door codes and guest Wi-Fi at a rental home also keep working on your cellular backup.
- What happens to a card payment in progress when the line drops?
Switchover is automatic, and usually only a transaction already in progress is affected.
- How does the system know to switch back?
Traffic returns automatically when your main service is restored. Each changeover is recorded in a log.
- Can the backup be a second carrier's cellular signal and what does it need?
Yes, your backup uses a different carrier network from your main line. Your setup requires its own data plan, and cellular signal is measured inside your building first.
- Does the backup cover a fire alarm or elevator phone line?
No, a cellular internet backup is not a listed fire alarm or elevator phone communicator. Those lines stay on a carrier or a listed cellular service.
- Can a 5G line be the only internet line at a site?
Yes, a 5G modem can be the primary internet connection. Plugged into a gateway WAN port and powered by PoE, 5G Max models and 5G Backup work as a standard line for sites with no wired service.
Book your backup installation today
Call or request a walkthrough to keep your business operating during internet outages.