00:00 💰 The speaker prioritizes minimizing recurring tech costs, believing that expensive options don't always guarantee better performance.
00:40 💻 The speaker works remotely as a system admin, needing reliable internet for downloads, video conferencing, and streaming.
01:08 📱 Initially, the speaker relied on phone hotspots and public Wi-Fi like Starbucks, but found hotspots often unreliable.
01:22 🤝 The speaker and their partner use a T-Mobile family plan with multiple lines, which they find cost-effective and suitable for their travel needs.
01:50 💵 The speaker highlights the importance of checking for corporate or military discounts to reduce monthly costs.
02:17 🔄 The speaker finds ways to compensate family members for their portion of the phone plan, avoiding regular monthly payments.
02:44 ⚙️ The speaker opted for a GL.iNet Spitz X750 router, a customizable device that uses a SIM card for internet access, instead of branded, expensive hotspot solutions.
02:58 🔄 This router functions similarly to home routers but includes a cellular modem, allowing for mobile internet connectivity.
03:27 💸 The speaker criticizes companies that resell similar hardware with expensive monthly plans, highlighting the cost-effectiveness of their own setup.
03:54 🛠️ The router runs OpenWRT, open-source software that allows for extensive customization, though the speaker emphasizes its simplicity for basic use.
04:23 🛡️ The speaker avoids mainstream routers that require extensive personal data and account creation, prioritizing privacy.
04:53 🔑 The GL.iNet router only requires basic login credentials, emphasizing simplicity and user control over data.
05:07 🕵️ The speaker expresses concern over locked-down routers that monitor network traffic, advocating for devices that respect user privacy.
05:20 🛑 The speaker emphasizes the unnecessary nature of network monitoring by router companies, advocating for simple internet access.
05:33 📶 The router supports both 2.4GHz (longer range, slower speed) and 5GHz (shorter range, faster speed&t=333) Wi-Fi networks, allowing for flexible connectivity.
06:16 💾 The router includes a SIM card slot and an SD card port, offering options for internet connectivity and file sharing.
06:30 🔌 The router features USB and Ethernet ports, enabling connections to external storage and wired networks, respectively.
06:59 📏 The speaker highlights the router's compact size and simple setup, emphasizing its user-friendly design.
07:13 📲 The router automatically recognizes inserted SIM cards, similar to a cell phone, and supports different carriers.
07:28 ⚙️ The only essential configuration is adjusting the TTL (Time To Live&t=448) setting to match the carrier's requirement, ensuring optimal speed.
07:56 ⚙️ Adjusting the TTL setting to 64 in the router's configuration ensures optimal speed by mimicking a phone's connection.
08:23 🤫 The speaker considers this setup a "guarded secret" as carriers don't promote it, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional internet.
08:38 🛡️ The speaker uses a backup router with the same settings for redundancy, minimizing downtime in case of hardware failure.
09:07 📍 The router's constant connectivity allows for tracking the rig's location if stolen, providing added security.
09:21 💸 The speaker finds cellular boosters unnecessary, as their setup works well for a fraction of the cost.
09:49 📶 The router uses LTE (3G/4G&t=589), which provides reliable coverage and speed for their needs, despite lacking 5G.
10:28 📡 LTE's lower frequency offers better range compared to 5G, which is designed for short-range, high-speed transmissions.
10:57 💰 5G routers are deemed too expensive for the added benefit, with LTE proving sufficient for their internet requirements.