A 4G router without a fixed IP SIM card is a router that you cannot reliably reach from the internet. For remote access to your CCTV system to work, you need a permanent, public IP address assigned to that router. That is what a fixed IP SIM card provides.
The Problem with Standard SIM Cards
When a standard consumer SIM card connects to a 4G network, the mobile operator assigns it a dynamic IP address. This address changes every time the router reconnects - which it will do regularly, because 4G networks are always-available rather than always-on services. A busy mast will disconnect idle devices to free capacity.
When the IP changes, any port-forwarding rules configured in your NVR's remote access setup become useless. The IP address they were pointing at no longer belongs to your router. You lose remote access until someone manually reconfigures the system with the new IP address. On a remote unmanned site, that is not acceptable.
Dynamic IP SIMs and DDNS: Some installers try to work around dynamic IPs using Dynamic DNS (DDNS) services. This can work but adds complexity, requires the router to keep a DDNS hostname updated, and still results in brief access outages every time the IP changes. A fixed IP SIM is cleaner, more reliable, and not significantly more expensive.
What a Fixed IP SIM Card Provides
A fixed IP SIM - also called an M2M SIM, IoT SIM, or static IP SIM - is assigned a fixed, public IP address that never changes. Every time your router connects or reconnects to the 4G network, it presents the same IP. Port forwarding works reliably. You can bookmark your NVR's remote access URL and it will always work.
Fixed Public IP Address
The same IP address every time the router connects. Port forwarding stays valid. Remote access is permanent.
Multi-Network Coverage
M-Connect SIMs from Millbeck use multiple UK networks. If EE signal drops, the SIM switches to Vodafone or Three automatically.
Data Management Portal
Monitor usage, set data alerts, and manage multiple SIMs across multiple sites from a web portal.
APN Configuration
M2M SIMs use a dedicated private APN for added security. We provide the APN settings for your router configuration.
M-Connect Fixed IP SIM Cards from Millbeck
Routerstore.com supplies M-Connect fixed IP SIM cards from Millbeck Communications - a UK IoT SIM specialist with over 25 years of experience in cellular connectivity. M-Connect SIMs are available on flexible monthly plans with a range of data allowances. They work in any unlocked 4G or 5G router.
Data usage tip: Set usage alerts in the management portal at 80% of your monthly allowance. This gives you time to upgrade the plan before you hit the cap. Most CCTV sites use 20-50GB per month on active monitoring.
How to Configure Your Router with a Fixed IP SIM
- Insert the SIM card into your router (SIM slot 1 if dual SIM)
- Log into the router web interface (default: 192.168.1.1)
- Navigate to Network - Mobile (or Interfaces - Mobile)
- Enter the APN provided with your SIM card
- Save and apply. The router will connect to the 4G network
- Check the router dashboard - it should show the fixed IP address assigned to your SIM
- Configure port forwarding in the router to your NVR's LAN IP address and ports
- Test remote access using the fixed IP address and port from an external connection
Full step-by-step APN and port forwarding configuration is in our 4G CCTV Installation Guide.
How Much Data Do You Need?
| Usage Type | Typical Monthly Data | Recommended Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Event-only remote viewing (occasional alerts) | 5-15 GB | 20 GB plan |
| Moderate monitoring (daily check-ins) | 15-40 GB | 50 GB plan |
| Active monitoring (frequent live streams) | 40-100 GB | 100 GB plan |
| High-traffic multi-camera site | 100 GB+ | Unlimited / custom plan |
Data estimates based on H.265 encoding at standard quality. 4K streams will use significantly more data. Local recording to the NVR hard drive does not use SIM data.