Many of today’s businesses need fast, flexible, and reliable internet connections without the long-term commitment of fixed-line installation. Food trucks operating point-of-sale (POS) terminals, construction sites with on-site office trailers, and pop-up events like concerts, for example, all need access to reliable, high-performance internet on location to succeed.

Free, basic public Wi-Fi solutions often look like easy and accessible options. But public networks are often unsecured, exposing the data and privacy of the business and its customers to potential intrusion and theft. Likewise, using a cellphone as a personal hotspot is not a scalable or reliable solution for a team or a large operation. Event operators, for example, often need to connect dozens or even hundreds of devices and support high-bandwidth applications that require stable, low-latency connections to be profitable.

Combining a dedicated Wi-Fi device with powerful and flexible 5G, which offers superior speed at a better price point than satellite and represents a significant upgrade over 4G LTE’s capabilities, is always the better choice for temporary private business networks. This guide will walk you through how to get a robust temporary internet solution up and running using modern hardware and services.

How to deploy temporary Wi-Fi in 4 easy steps

Step 1: Choose the right device

There are many devices available that specialize in providing powerful and secure Wi-Fi and 5G network connectivity. A major advantage of professional-grade Wi-Fi solutions is the dual-SIM feature many of the routers offer. This provides users with two internet connections using different phone plans or carriers. If one carrier’s signal drops, the device automatically switches to the other, ensuring a continuous and reliable internet experience.

With so many different types of devices, it can be difficult to figure out which is the right fit for your deployment. Choosing will depend on your specific temporary network needs:

  • Mobile hotspots maximize portability and are designed to be simple to deploy. They are perfect for a small team or individual who needs to work from a coffee shop, hotel, or any location with cellular data coverage. With a long-lasting battery, a powerful hotspot device can provide a Wi-Fi connection for many users.
  • Fixed wireless routers offer greater performance and support more connections over mobile hotspots. They are ideal for larger sites or permanent temporary internet requirements where they can act as a central access point and provide much wider Wi-Fi network coverage than a portable hotspot. They are plug-and-play, making them easy to deploy without needing a professional internet service provider (ISP) to run cables.
  • Outdoor fixed wireless access (FWA) devices are ideal for rural and remote environments where a distant cell tower is the only source of broadband, and a high-gain cellular antenna is needed to provide a reliable internet connection. Outdoor FWA solutions are specifically designed for this challenge, with powerful built-in directional antennas that can connect with a strong signal from far away, even in areas where a cellphone has poor reception. These devices are built with rugged, weatherproof housings to withstand extreme conditions. A single Ethernet cable provides power and the high-speed internet connection to an indoor Wi-Firouter. Some Wi-Firouters also provide dual-WAN capabilities, allowing the 5G broadband connection to be used as failover for a primary wired internet connection.
Unlock lightning-fast 5G internet almost anywhere

Step 2: Set up high-speed internet

Deploying temporary access devices is generally designed to be straightforward but can still present some complications. After purchasing a data plan from a compatible carrier, inserting the SIM card into the device, and powering it on, the device will broadcast a Wi-Fi network. Users can then easily connect laptops, tablets, and other devices using the Wi-Fi name and password found on the device’s screen or in the mobile service app.

To ensure users get the best signal, however, it will be necessary to choose where to deploy the device. This is potentially more complex. Where the device is deployed can significantly affect signal strength and quality, as radio frequencies can be deflected by some materials used in interior and exterior walls.

The simplest way to optimize device placement is to use a mobile app to find the strongest 5G signal. The app will monitor signal strength and quality to a smartphone as it’s carried through a building to provide an accurate picture of the ideal location. For outdoor antennas, mobile apps can be used to help align the antenna towards the nearest cell tower.

Step 3: Configure and manage network access

Every temporary Wi-Fi network, but especially those meant for longer term deployments, will need to be managed post-deployment to ensure they are functioning properly and remain up to date. Managing one or more temporary network can be challenging, but cloud-based platforms simplify everything, making it easy to deploy, monitor, and manage Wi-Fi and 5G access connections from anywhere:

  • Web-based or software dashboards enable administrators to configure, manage, and maintain an entire fleet of devices from a single screen.
  • Centralized control enables remote configuration, diagnostics, and firmware updates to a single or a group of devices, eliminating the need for on-site technicians.
  • Data and usage alerts and reports can be configured to prevent costly data overages on an internet plan, which is ideal for businesses without unlimited plans.

Step 4: Secure the network

A temporary or mobile internet setup shouldn’t sacrifice security. In fact, ensuring a temporary private network is secure is critical for protecting sensitive data and maintaining business integrity. Many devices are equipped with built-in enterprise-grade security protocols, such as advanced encryption, secure boot, and firewalls. Businesses can, and often should, go further, if the devices can be configured to support:

  • Separate guest Wi-Fi networks, which keep visitor traffic isolated from the primary business network while still providing guests with high-quality connectivity.
  • Virtual Private Network (VPN), which creates a secure tunnel for all data traffic and offers an extra layer of protection that is ideal for employees accessing the network remotely.
  • Remote management, which enables granular control over device settings, allowing remote IT teams to enforce security policies and manage user access across an entire network of devices, in real time if necessary.

Temporary high-performance internet with Inseego

Inseego provides powerful and reliable Wi-Fi and 5G connectivity for all your temporary internet needs. Our devices are engineered for peak performance, offering a comprehensive solution for anything from short-term mobile projects to long-term deployments.

Our MiFi X PRO 5G mobile hotspot delivers all-day connectivity with Wi-Fi 6 for up to 32 devices. For more demanding or long-term setups, our Wavemaker FWA routers offer lightning-fast speeds and Wi-Fi 6 for up to 64 devices. They include powerful directional antennas, making them ideal for both urban and remote locations, while dual-SIM functionality provides seamless carrier failover for uninterrupted service.

Deployment is simple with the Inseego Mobile app, which helps you find the best device placement. Once deployed, the cloud-based Inseego Connect platform allows you to manage every device in your fleet remotely, with centralized control, diagnostics, and data usage alerts.

All our devices come with enterprise-grade security features built-in, including advanced encryption, VPN support, and firewall settings, ensuring your temporary network is protected from the start.

Talk to our experts to learn which Inseego solution is right for your temporary Wi-Fi and 5G network access needs.