Hi Nik, sorry I have been using the wrong terminology. I intend to use a GS108, which I have been calling a ‘network hub’, it is in fact an ‘unmanaged switch’. And what I was referring to as a ‘switch’, I should have been calling a ‘managed switch’.
Hope that makes sense?
Such a shame after all this planning!
I bought a 2 year eSIM from EE (UK), but it wouldn’t install.
Peplink Support are unable to help, and, EE do not support eSIM’s in routers, only phones and tablets 
.
I have no choice but to return the eSIM.
Unfortunately, it looks as though installing the MAX BR1 Pro 5G up a mast with an Antenna Max, is not a viable option - Shame as this would have been a great solution for me.
Why? If the eSIM is valid you should be fine. What was the problem?
Hi Martin,
This was the error message displayed.
Failed to activate eSIM profile. Please contact your mobile operator
Subject Code: 8.2.6, Reason Code: 3.8, MessageID: MatchingID is refused
With the news this morning that 3 and Vodaphone are merging there will only be three networks in the UK, EE, O2, 3/Voda.
So whilst there are lot of retailers, with just three networks my options are limited.
O2 eSIM purchased last month, installed fine, but poor reception/bandwidth, contract cancelled.
I have previously tried 3 and Voda, both were poor.
EE (incorporating BT) is the biggest network in the UK, had my phone with them for years, and currently the BR1 Pro 5G when tethered to it, performs fine.
For diversity, I did want an eSIM from a different network, but that does not look possible.
I did pass the error message to EE, but as soon as they realise it is a router, end of conversation, they only support phones and tablets.
I guess all networks will be the same, and will not support routers.
I was disappointed that Peplink Support couldn’t help further.
I had to cancel the eSIM whilst withing the 14 day cooling off period, otherwise I would have been stuck in a 24 month contract.
Just a comment on the wisdom of raising your antennas in a maritime environment - in the absence of land interference, range for LOS comms is directly proportional to the SUM of the antenna heights. So for talking to your dinghy, adding a few meters makes a big difference - but since most cell operators are already on fairly high towers/locations, adding a few meters to your mobile altitude doesn’t really help - and the cable losses (as pointed out earlier) can take out any gains.
If you are commonly located behind relatively low land masses (between you and the cell system tower), then additional elevation may help, since the antenna now sees over the obstacle. Not a common situation for yachts, but certainly possible.
for antenna placement with wifi wan consider who is broadcasting the wifi signal and what angle their antennas are set at. some marinas use directional antennas aimed right at boats so putting high up might cause issues for wifi.