A 5G router receiving a cellular signal and creating a WiFi hotspot for industrial devices in a factory or construction site, highlighting its use in hard-to-wire areas.

How can I use a 5G router to provide a WiFi connection for my devices in an area that is hard to wire with Ethernet

Written by: Jens Zhou

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Published on

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Time to read 6 min

Jens Zhou, Technical Support Engineer at Robustel

Jens Zhou is a Technical Support Engineer at Robustel, specializing in industrial IoT and edge gateway applications. He is experienced with the configuration and deployment of EG series devices, and well-versed in network communication, industrial protocols, and common wireless technologies. He is dedicated to providing practical tutorials to help engineers efficiently build smart systems.

Summary

This guide provides a straightforward solution for getting high-speed WiFi in locations where traditional wired Ethernet is unavailable or impractical.

We'll walk you through why a 5G router is the perfect alternative and provide a clear, step-by-step process for setting up a  5G router for WiFi using a cellular connection.

By the end, you'll be able to create a reliable wireless hotspot for all your devices, no matter where you are.

Introduction

Isn't it frustrating? You need to connect a new piece of equipment on the factory floor, set up a temporary monitoring station at a construction site, or get a production line online, but there's one massive problem: no Ethernet port in sight. Running new cables through a busy industrial environment is disruptive, expensive, and sometimes, just not feasible. In my experience, this is a common roadblock that delays critical operations. But what if you could bypass the wires entirely and get an internet connection that's just as fast and stable?

Let's be clear: you can. The answer is using a  5G router for WiFi. This technology isn't just a simple mobile hotspot. We're talking about powerful, industrial-grade devices like the   Robustel R5020 Lite, a solution designed for mission-critical applications that delivers secure, high-speed 5G connectivity. It harnesses the speed of 5G cellular networks to create a robust WiFi network for all your devices. Forget about slow, unreliable connections; with features like dual-SIM automatic failover for continuous uptime and a hardened, penetration-tested operating system, you get a genuine, reliable alternative to wired broadband that you can set up yourself in minutes.

How to Use a 5G Router for WiFi in Hard-to-Wire Areas

In this guide, I'll show you exactly how to transform a powerful cellular router into your personal WiFi command center. It's easier than you think!

Why Choose a 5G Router for WiFi?

Before we dive into the setup, let's talk about why this is such a game-changer. For years, if you didn't have a physical cable, you had to compromise on speed and reliability. A modern industrial  5G router for WiFi changes that equation completely.

  • Unbeatable Flexibility and Mobility: You can set up an internet connection anywhere you have a cellular signal. A construction site, a temporary event, a vehicle, or that remote corner of your property—they're all fair game.
  • High-Speed, Low-Latency Performance: 5G isn't just fast; its low latency makes it feel incredibly responsive. This is crucial for video calls, streaming high-definition video, and even online gaming, providing an experience that rivals traditional fiber connections . You can learn more about 5G's impact on our daily lives from authoritative sources like the  GSMA.
  • Rock-Solid Reliability: Industrial-grade routers are built for continuous operation. Many, like the ones we'll discuss, support dual SIM cards for automatic failover . If one carrier's network drops, it seamlessly switches to the backup, ensuring you stay online.

This combination of performance and flexibility is what makes using a  5G router for WiFi the perfect solution for hard-to-wire environments.

A 5G router receiving a cellular signal and creating a WiFi hotspot for industrial devices in a factory or construction site, highlighting its use in hard-to-wire areas.

Prerequisites: What You'll Need

Before we get started, let's make sure you have everything you need on hand.

  • 1 x Robustel R5020 Lite Router: The heart of our setup.
  • 1 x Active SIM Card: This can be from any carrier. Ensure it has an active 5G data plan.
  • 1 x Computer: A laptop or desktop to access the router's configuration interface.
  • 1 x Ethernet Cable: To connect your computer to the router.
  • Antennas Connected: Ensure the WiFi and cellular antennas are already securely attached to the router.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your 5G Router for WiFi

 Ready to get started? Let's begin. Here is a practical, step-by-step method for using a 5G industrial router to provide WiFi access to other devices.

Step 1: Initial Setup and Connection

First things first, you need to get connected to the router's configuration interface.

  1. Insert the SIM Card: With the router powered off, insert your activated SIM card into the desired slot (e.g., SIM1).
  2. Power Up: Connect the power supply and turn the router on. It's important to give it a full two minutes to boot up completely, initialize its software, and register on the cellular network.
  3. Connect Your Computer: Use an Ethernet cable to link your computer to one of the router's LAN ports. Make sure your computer's IPv4 network settings are configured to "Obtain an IP address automatically" (DHCP). This allows the router to assign your computer an IP address so they can communicate.
  4. Log In to the Web GUI: Open a web browser, type 192.168.0.1 into the address bar, and press Enter. You'll see a login page. The default username and password are both admin.
    • Insider Tip: If this router isn't fresh out of the box, its IP address might have been changed. You can easily find it by checking your computer's network connection details and looking for the "Default Gateway" IP. That's your router's current address.
A diagram showing the physical setup of a 5G router, with a computer connected via Ethernet cable and a SIM card inserted for configuration.

Step 2: Configuring Your WiFi Network

You're in! Now, let's create your WiFi network.

  1. Navigate to WiFi Settings: Once logged in, find the main menu and navigate to  Interface -> WiFi.
  2. Set Your Region: First, configure the  Country Code. This is important for regulatory compliance. You can find your country's two-letter code on the  ISO's official platform.
A screenshot of the Robustel industrial router

  1. Enable the Access Point: Switch to the  Access Point 2.4G tab (or  Access Point 5G for faster speeds if your devices support it). The R5020 Lite supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands 7. Toggle the  Enable button to the "on" position.
  2. Name Your Network: In the  SSID field, type the name you want for your WiFi network (e.g., "MyWorkshop_WiFi").
  3. Set a Password: For  Security Mode, select  WPA2-Personal. In the  PSK Password field, enter a strong, secure password for your network.
  4. Apply Changes: Click  Submit, and then  Save & Apply to make your new WiFi network live.
    • Insider Tip:   If you have the expertise, you can adjust other parameters, but these defaults are perfect for most projects.
The web interface of a 5G router showing the WiFi settings page where the SSID and password are being configured for a new wireless network.

And that's it! You can now disconnect the Ethernet cable, search for the new WiFi network on your laptop, phone, or any other device, and connect using the password you just created. You've successfully set up a  5G router for WiFi.

Conclusion: Your Connection, Your Terms

Let's face it, the days of being tethered to a physical Ethernet port are over. As we've seen, setting up a high-performance 5G router for WiFi is not only possible but surprisingly simple. For factories, construction sites, and any location where running cables is a headache, this solution isn't just a workaround—it's a strategic upgrade. By leveraging the power of a robust device like the Robustel R5020 Lite, you can deploy a secure, stable, and high-speed wireless network in minutes. You're no longer limited by existing infrastructure; you now have the tools and the know-how to create a powerful internet connection exactly where you need it, on your own terms.

FAQ

Q1: Can a 5G router completely replace my home broadband?

A1: For many people, absolutely. With the high speeds and low latency of modern 5G networks, a cellular router can offer a performance level that is comparable or even superior to many traditional DSL or cable internet plans. It's especially a great option if you're not satisfied with the wired internet providers in your area.

Q2: What kind of SIM card do I need for a 5G router?

A2: You'll need a data-only SIM card from a mobile carrier that offers 5G service in your location. It's crucial to choose a plan with a sufficient data allowance for your needs, especially if you plan on streaming video or transferring large files. Many carriers now offer unlimited data plans that are perfect for this use case.

Q3: How can I improve the signal strength of my 5G router?

A3: Location is key. Place the router near a window or on a higher floor to get the best possible cellular signal. Additionally, most industrial routers, like the Robustel R5020 Lite, use external antennas. You can often purchase higher-gain or outdoor-mountable antennas to significantly boost your signal reception, ensuring a faster and more stable connection.