Temporary internet provision - big ask!

[Ditto]

We have some school infrastructure works that are over-running. As a result it appears we may be without internet access for a couple of inset days and maybe 1 or 2 school days. We have plans to overcome these challenges, but it highlights the importance of some redundancy. Two questions really:

 

 

• Is anyone aware of short term options. For example, short term satellite hire, 4G tethering. Something that whilst maybe not supporting 300 pupils, but would support either a dozen office/SLT staff? Oh, BTW, would need to be installable in 7 days!
  
• Longer term built in redundancy for internet access.
  

 

In truth, it may be that we will be without power, rather than just internet access, but for now I want to focus on internet connectivity. The topic of backup generators is not something I think we'd be considering at this point, but if anyone has this on site, do let me know.

[rogerdnixon]

4G router (if you have 4G coverage)? Maybe something like Proroute H820 LTE 4G Router

[Meldrew]

I don't know if they would hire kit out (you could ask...), but I would have a look at Solwise. I have terrible broadband speeds, so I purchased a 4G router from Solwise for around £90. Looks like they don't stock that any more, but do have one for £143 inc VAT. You'd need a 4G SIM, but the one I got is on a 30 day rolling contract, so you could get one and just use it for a month?

 

Anyway, I'd recommend calling Solwise and see if they can help you - I've heard very good things about them which is why I went there myself.

 

Meldrew

[rich_tech]

Most Draytek routers support 4g failover, it only gets awkward when you want Vpns, we had to switch to cradle point routers for that as we had to do lan access

 

Draytek and a dongle with a prepaid sim may be your easiest route to just web access

Edited August 25, 2017 by rich_tech

[john]

See if someone like Oz can help - https://www.simpliwifi.co.uk/ a sibling to OP Software a long standing friend of member of EduGeek. They do wifi for big events, festivals etc so would have some ideas I'm sure.

[SchoolsBroadband]

4g is a good bet but then you often don't get real world up addresses with them which can be a pain.

 

Alternatively adsl can be bought on a 30 day contract from a few isps and if an analogue line already exists that you can install it on then the isp can pay bt for an expedite install.

This is best efforts but we've had adsl and fttc installed within 48 hours in the past.

 

Dave