Why add 4G/5G backup?
Even the best broadband can wobble—maintenance, local faults, wayward diggers. That doesn’t have to become downtime. With a Zappie-managed backup router, your connection flips to mobile data in seconds, so your team keeps taking payments, answering calls and working in the cloud—no frantic tethering, no drama.
How our solution works
Pre-configured hardware
We ship and install a TP-Link Omada or DrayTek Vigor 2865Lac, set up for your network, VLANs and VoIP priorities.
Automatic failover
The router continuously checks the primary link; if it drops or degrades, traffic moves to 4G/5G automatically – then fails back when stable.
VoIP-friendly QoS
We prioritise SIP/voice so calls stay clear on the backup link. We can also throttle non-essential traffic during an outage.
Managed SIM & monitoring
Zappie supplies the data SIM, sets sensible alerts, and provides monthly reports so you know failover actually works.
The hardware we recommend
TP-Link Omada (4G/5G-ready)
Ideal for offices and retail where you want simple cloud management, guest Wi-Fi options and tidy, scalable networking. Works seamlessly with Omada switches and access points for a clean, single-pane-of-glass setup.
DrayTek Vigor 2865Lac (embedded LTE + Wi-Fi)
Great for sites that value robust VPNs, strong firewalling and advanced traffic shaping. The “Lac” model brings LTE and fast dual-band Wi-Fi in one box – perfect for branches and pop-ups.
TP-Link Omada
4G/5G Backup Router
- Automatic failover to 4G/5G (model dependent)
- VoIP-friendly QoS to prioritise calls
- Cloud management & alerts (Omada SDN)
- VLANs & VPN for secure networks
- External antenna options for stronger signal
DrayTek Vigor 2865Lac
4G/5G Backup Router
- Built-in 4G LTE with auto-failover
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (ac)
- Advanced VPN & firewall security
- VoIP QoS & traffic shaping
- Remote monitoring & outage alerts
Designed for clear calls on backup
Bandwidth planning: Allow ~100 Kbps per active call (incl. overhead). As a rule of thumb, one call ≈ 45 MB/hour; ten concurrent calls ≈ 450 MB/hour—handy for sizing data plans.
Right codecs: We configure Opus or G.711 based on your environment.
Keep voice first: QoS and optional VLANs make sure Teams/VoIP beats background syncs when you’re on mobile data.
Where 4G/5G backup pays for itself
Retail & hospitality: Keep tills, PDQs and click-and-collect live.
Clinics & professional services: Maintain bookings, calls and remote sessions.
Construction & pop-ups: Day-one connectivity; stays as backup when fibre arrives.
Multi-site businesses: A consistent, managed template for every branch.
What you get with Zappie (and what you don’t need to worry about)
Site survey and antenna advice for tricky signal areas
Router pre-build, on-site install and number-port-safe QoS
Managed multi-network data SIM options
Health checks, alerts and monthly failover test guidance
Friendly human UK support
No complex dual-WAN designs to maintain
No DIY config rabbit holes or guesswork
Quick FAQs
Will my IP change on backup?
If your apps need a fixed IP, we can provide a VPN tunnel so services keep working even on mobile data.
How fast is 4G/5G?
It varies by location. We advise on the best network and antenna placement to maximise speed and stability.
How do we test it?
We run a controlled switch test at install and recommend a monthly pull-the-plug rehearsal – five minutes that saves hours later.
Ready to make outages a non-event?
We’ll specify the right router (TP-Link Omada or DrayTek 2865Lac), supply the SIM, configure VoIP-friendly QoS and monitor everything. Result: your internet – and your phones – just keep working.
Get in touch via the form below.
