How does the battery backup option work on the High Speed Home Internet NOK 5G21 Gateway device. When the device gets unplugged or losses power, the device configures to battery operation, then the WiFi is disabled. I also tried using Ethernet. Neither connection method works. In the manual it says “During battery operation, neither Wi-Fi nor Ethernet connections are supported.” What is the use to have battery backup if WiFi nor Ethernet connections are supported? How can I use the device during battery operation?

It just replaces the original power supply and plugs into the barrel connector on the back of the gateway, NOT the UPS plug on the device.

That is correct. I was sold on the idea that it has a battery backup to operate during a power outage. While the battery has its use it's pretty useless when you can't monitor the signal from the phone application.

I was wondering the same thing. The battery would be great for moving your device around the house, checking for the best signal. But soon as you unplug it it shuts off and reboots, when it comes back on it has no wifi or internet connection. It does show Bars, but that’s not alot of help, since there are cell 2 connections.

Yes, I was trying to move around my house on battery to test 5G signal but then I couldn't log into the thing without wifi! Makes no sense at all. I really thought mine was defective until seeing I'm not alone.

Supports the phone jack that is not enabled or used? Just a thought. Many of the cable gateways that subscribers have voice service and use a connected “landline” phone use the built in battery to provide a connection when the power goes out. This supports lifeline and other services.I also thought the built-in battery would support the gateway cell connection when the AC power was out but like you have discovered it does not. Disappointed in this.

NOK 5G21 Gateway Battery Backup | T-Mobile Community

ChuckEgg_com
Network Novice
4 years ago
Thanks for this very informative thread!

I use an EcoFlow RIVER Max Portable Power Station which holds 576 Watt Hours on a full charge. This power station has a variety of outlets: 110v for electronics and appliances, also 5v USB jacks and three different types of 12v jacks.

I connected my T-Mobile Gateway to my power station and as someone else noted in this thread, the Power station battery is powered twice as long by using the 12v to the T-Mobile Gateway rather than the 110v to the T-Mobile gateway.

110v to T-Mobile Gateway ≈ consumes 15 amps ≈ backup power for 38.4 hours
12v to T-Mobile Gateway = consumes 7 amps = backup power for 82.3 hours.

So, during a power outage, it’s not likely I’d power the gateway for 24/7, but I could theoretically stream video to a tablet and keep tablets and phones charged for 2-3 days using only the power station.

https://ecoflow.com/products/river-max-portable-power-station?variant=39335175979081
tomwil
Bandwidth Buff
4 years ago
007BondMI6 wrote:

Thanks where is this plugging in the back of the can got a pic?
WildBillPDX
Roaming Rookie
4 years ago
It just replaces the original power supply and plugs into the barrel connector on the back of the gateway, NOT the UPS plug on the device.
007BondMI6
Bandwidth Buddy
4 years ago
WildBillPDX wrote:

Pics:

Thanks where is this plugging in the back of the can got a pic?

Thanks
WildBillPDX
Roaming Rookie
4 years ago
Pics:
WildBillPDX
Roaming Rookie
4 years ago
Purchased it from Amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089SQFCBW?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_asin_title
I need to take a few pictures and will upload soon.
007BondMI6
Bandwidth Buddy
4 years ago
WildBillPDX wrote:

Installed the battery backup yesterday and so far seems to be good, easy solution. It comes with two cables and multiple adapters. One cable works directly from the 12v/3.5a plug to the gateway. This unit replaces the gateway’s power supply and provides the 12 volts directly.

Could you post some pics?
Link to where to buy?

Thanks
WildBillPDX
Roaming Rookie
4 years ago
Installed the battery backup yesterday and so far seems to be good, easy solution. It comes with two cables and multiple adapters. One cable works directly from the 12v/3.5a plug to the gateway. This unit replaces the gateway’s power supply and provides the 12 volts directly.
WildBillPDX
Roaming Rookie
4 years ago
Just found this one at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089SQFCBW?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_asin_title

I’ve had it plugged in to charge overnight and plan to test today. It comes with several adapters for the plug.
RobNC
Transmission Trainee
4 years ago
Agreed; the previous 4G-LTE device had a battery which maintained WiFi connectivity during power outages. This functionality didn’t carry over to the 5G cylinder device from Nokia. Many of us, including myself, relied on the built-in battery backup for power outages lasting on the order of minutes to hours, for things like ring doorbells or NAS devices (Plex) using UPNP (neither of which are supported by this 5G device).