Public questions and answers for Comset

Question 1

Are there universal thresholds I should aim for in RSRP/RSRQ/SINR?

Accepted Answer

There aren’t universal numeric thresholds for RSRP, RSRQ and SINR that apply to all devices and networks. Each technology (4G/5G) and modem model has its own typical ranges. What matters most is how readings change over time and whether they meet your real-use needs. Use your device manual or Comset guidance to identify the target ranges for your specific hardware, then compare readings across time and locations rather than relying on a single snapshot. Practical approach: record RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, serving band and cell, plus latency and real throughput for both download and upload. Do repeat tests at similar times of day and with the same antenna setup. If a site shows higher SINR but lower throughput, check whether the bottleneck is congestion or backhaul and test with real traffic to confirm suitability.

Question 2

What site details should I provide to keep a DIY install on track?

Accepted Answer

For a self-install, the more you scope, the likelier you’ll pick the right hardware and avoid surprises. Start with a practical site picture: location, the installation type (fixed, vehicle, outdoor), and which mobile carriers or SIM types are available. Note the number of devices and the required interfaces (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, serial, GPIO/relay/PoE), plus power availability and the operating environment. If you’ll need remote access or business-continuity features, state those clearly; antennas and mounting often drive cost and feasibility. Next, provide a fuller spec so Comset can tailor a complete kit rather than a single product. Include uptime targets, antenna position and cable length, enclosure or mounting constraints, who will manage the router, how many units you plan to deploy, and whether alerts, VPN or remote rebooting are required. With that practical site picture, Comset can propose a router/antenna kit that fits your job and, if you approve, supply a formal quote and installation considerations.

Question 3

How should I plan data usage and choose a CCTV plan?

Accepted Answer

Start with how many cameras you’ll have and whether each camera streams continuously or only on events. Estimate per-camera data use and multiply by the number of cameras to get a monthly figure; continuous high-definition video can run into hundreds of gigabytes per month, while event-based clips use much less. If you can, store video locally and push only substreams remotely to reduce uplink requirements, and factor in audio, firmware updates and user access. Size the SIM plan for sustained upload capacity and headroom, not just the number of cameras. Run a small site trial to measure actual data usage, and adjust plans or add data controls as needed. If coverage varies, consider features like automatic failover and remote management so the system stays online and controllable even when one link is congested or down.

Question 4

So how do I choose between two carriers or two SIMs on the same network?

Accepted Answer

Typically two different carriers provide the strongest redundancy because you avoid a single network outage affecting both SIMs. If both SIMs sit on the same network, you still gain some resilience for plan management and failover behavior, but the geography and core network diversity is limited. If you can’t get two carriers, we can design a resilient setup using the same-network SIMs by configuring health checks, failover timing, and preferred SIMs, and by testing under realistic outages at the site. This includes defining health-check targets, failure thresholds, retry timing, and the conditions for returning to the primary service. Comset can review site conditions and propose the best approach, and help plan a site-specific failover test.

Question 5

Do I need 5G and redundancy, or is 4G enough?

Accepted Answer

CM685V-6 is a 4G Cat 6 router, which suits many stable business and monitoring tasks. CM950W adds 5G capability and dual-SIM redundancy, aimed at higher availability and possible performance gains when 5G is available. The best choice depends on your site: check 5G coverage at the installation, whether you need automatic failover between SIMs, and your uptime goals. If 5G coverage is uncertain or uptime is critical, CM950W may be worth it; otherwise CM685V-6 can be a cost- and complexity-reducing option. Comset can help match your application to the right model.

Question 6

Which exact bands and interfaces should I check on a model for my site?

Accepted Answer

To be sure a Cat 4 or Cat 6 model fits your site, verify the bands and hardware interfaces match your needs. Check the model’s official band list and the SIM service requirements to confirm Australian carrier support, and confirm available interfaces such as Ethernet ports, serial (RS-232/RS-485), GPIO or relay, plus VPN and remote management features. For many Australian deployments, Band 28 (700 MHz) is common, but you should verify the exact bands supported by the model and the carrier’s requirements for your location. Because actual results depend on tower load, signal quality, antenna placement and site conditions, perform a site test with the chosen model or have Comset compare models for your site. The final choice should reflect the required bands, interfaces, reliability and management features, not just the maximum speed rating.

Question 7

How do I confirm a router model actually has RS-232/RS-485 and GPIO in firmware?

Accepted Answer

RS-232 and RS-485 are different electrical standards; check the product manual for exact ports, pinouts, voltage levels and isolation so you don’t mix them up. Also confirm how many GPIOs are provided and whether a relay is supported, and verify these features are present in the current firmware and accessible from the device software. If you share your target models and the devices you need to connect, Comset can review the exact hardware interface list and firmware notes to confirm whether RS-232, RS-485, GPIO and relay support are available in the version you’d deploy.

Question 8

Can you share a quick requirements sheet I can use?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have a simple one-page requirements sheet you can fill out to guide model choices. It typically covers: installation type (fixed or mobile), available network (carrier and bands), required interfaces (LAN, Wi‑Fi, serial, GPIO, GPS, PoE), power and environmental limits, uptime/redundancy needs, and preferred remote management method. Using that sheet helps keep the shortlist practical rather than a list of specs. If you want, we can tailor a starter sheet for your site and walk you through filling it out.

Question 9

What quick tests should I run first to triage speed?

Accepted Answer

Start with a quick, controlled triage: verify the router is registered on the expected carrier and band, and capture current RSRP, RSRQ and SINR along with the serving cell ID. Then compare performance using a known-good antenna or a different router on the same SIM to see if the problem follows the hardware or the radio path. Review WAN health-check results, recent reboots, VPN status, and logs for errors. Do a short speed test at several times of day to see if the issue is time- or load-related. If you can share time-series data with us, we can help interpret what the readings are telling us about radio quality, antenna path or configuration.

Question 10

How do I decide between backup-only and full-time internet for our site?

Accepted Answer

Whether you need backup-only or full-time internet depends on how critical the connection is. If outages would stop cameras, alarms, EFTPOS or other essential services, you’ll want a router designed for permanent operation with automatic failover and remote management. If the fixed service is usually reliable and outages are brief, a backup-only setup that automatically takes over can be enough. A practical way to decide is to map your uptime needs and list the devices and interfaces that must stay online. Share your site location, approximate number of users, whether you need remote access or VPN, and whether you want an external antenna. With that information, Comset can narrow to a simple, well-matched model rather than an over-specified unit.

Question 11

What data usage figures would push me toward 4G instead of 5G for my site?

Accepted Answer

The key is the actual data your application uses and how predictable that usage is. If your site mainly sends small telemetry messages, alarms or occasional remote management data, 4G can be sufficient, especially where uptime and reliability matter more than peak speed. If you have many devices or need higher capacity during busy periods, 5G may be warranted. To decide in practice, estimate daily data usage by multiplying the size of typical messages by their frequency and the number of devices, then add VPN and remote-management overhead. Compare that total to the data plan you’re considering and factor in any expected growth. Comset can compare the current range once you share the site, carrier, traffic pattern and uptime requirement.

Question 12

Should I consider EMI shielding or a dedicated grounding bus when mounting inside an electrical cabinet?

Accepted Answer

Yes. EMI from nearby power electronics and the cabinet's metal structure can affect router performance and signal quality. Plan for RF-friendly placement and adequate ventilation. Use a dedicated grounding point for the router and connected devices, and include transient protection (surge/ESD) close to the power input. Keep power cables away from data/antenna lines, and route cables to minimize noise. If you're unsure, Comset can review your cabinet layout and advise on antenna exits, grounding practices and safe distances from noisy components.

Cellular Antennas and MIMO

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