Hi guys,

Just looking for some info/experience from those who use a backup internet connection to play online with.

Im currently living abroad in a place where consistent internet connection from ISPs can be tricky. Im a cash game player and usually the sites I play on are able to reconnect in time for me to finish any hands during the quick drops I have. But occasionally, especially recently, Ive had a few lost hands that cost me large pots due to this issue. This is def problematic because Im playing 500nl-1knl and the losses can be annoyingly large.
I play on a powerline adapter ethernet connection with fairly low speeds but the speeds are more than fine for online poker and even video streaming etc. Its the disconnects, that my ISP says are unavoidable, that are the major issue.

The ideas I have so far are:


4G hotspot from my iPhone:

Pros: cheap, only costs what I need to pay for with my pay as you go plan.

cons: may not connect in time to save hands or may need to start hotspot before each session for my laptop to sit on unused until needed (may cost extra, Ill have to test this method out)


USB Dongle/Mobile Broadband box

pros: next cheapest option, can plug and play and the MBBs can emit wifi elsewhere

cons: will cost upwards of 200-300 for the product, also may not connect quick enough or incur extra cost if needed to sit on while my normal ethernet connection runs. Im not sure about this so any advice/knowledge is appreciated


Dual Wan Router

pros: would guarantee a second connection when the main drops, can also improve overall speed as well, and would likely be the optimal solution for this problem

cons: router costs from 300-1k (still worth it imo but expensive) and I would have to pay for a second isp monthly. The major con right now is that I don't even know if a second ISP would be able to come and set up their connection in my apartment with the first ISP in use. Not sure how this stuff works, but that will be a question for both ISPs I guess.


If you have anything to add about the above that can help me out or any advice on other ideas that I may not be aware of, please let me know. It will be greatly appreciated!


Thanks,
BCP