topic Re: 4G Connectivity Backup in Broadband & Landline

4G Connectivity Backup

Old_Guy — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 15:28:38 GMT

I have just ordered my 4G Backup Connectivity Device and whilst waiting for it I thought I would clear some things up.

I do not use the EE SmartHub Plus WiFi but leave it turned off and use my own Deco Meshnet System - can the 4G Backup Deice connect to this.

If not can I leave the network cable plugged in and use this rather than a WiFi connection.

If yes to above does it have to be connected directly into the back of the hub or can Plug it into a network switch upstairs to get a better signal

Thanks

Re: 4G Connectivity Backup

XRaySpeX — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 15:42:14 GMT

The Connectivity Backup device may only be used in conjunction with the supplied EE SH. It may be connected to it by either Ethernet or WiFi. See Set up Connectivity Backup . It may work thro' an Ethernet Switch. Try it!

Re: 4G Connectivity Backup

Old_Guy — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 16:24:13 GMT

I am using the EE SH just not its WiFi. So as long as it will work via network cable either directly into the SH or via a switch I am happy - I just didn't want to have to turn the SH WiFi back on again!

Re: 4G Connectivity Backup

Old_Guy — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 12:49:22 GMT

In answer to the question it will not work via my mesh WiFi but only with the WiFi from the hub itself.

It will happily however run connected to a network switch so I can leave the WiFi from the smart hub off.

This way as the hub is downstairs the Connectivity Backup Device is in a bedroom close to a window facing the EE cell tower

Now to test it - I am on FTTC so can I just remove the plug from the phone socket in the wall?

Re: 4G Connectivity Backup

bobpullen — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 13:53:00 GMT

Surprised that the mesh WiFi doesn't work. The Connectivity Backup just serves as an alternative WAN connection for the EE hub. I wouldn't have thought it cares much about what WiFi interfaces are in use 🤔

This assumes you have the mesh connected in access point mode though and not as a second router on your network (which could well lead to wonkiness).

Re: 4G Connectivity Backup

XRaySpeX — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 13:53:38 GMT

Yes, that'll do it.

Re: 4G Connectivity Backup

Old_Guy — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 13:57:08 GMT

Re the mesh WiFi - it is in access point mode with the SH doing all the routing stuff but with its WiFi turned off.

I started WPS on the mesh system and pressed the WPS button on the connectivty hub and waited 10 minutes and it didn't connect. I then connected it to the switch via cable and it connected within a minute or so

Re: 4G Connectivity Backup

bobpullen — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 14:15:39 GMT

Ah right, I misunderstood - that's expected.

The Connectivity Backup will only WPS pair with the EE hub and that's going to require that WiFi is enabled. As you've since discovered though, a wired connection to the EE hub is fine 👍