DSL vs MIFI

[golden]

I just got an email from Verizon Wireless that my home DSL is going to ablmost double in cost in the next two months. I don't know what speeds it has but my guess is that it is near the slowest of whatever DSL they offer, certainly not the fastest.

Since I'm in my MH four or more months every year and have to rely on wifi, I thought I'd investigate using mifi.

Those of you that have both or have used both, is the speed on mifi comparable to that of DSL? I would get the plan that has 5GB capacity.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[BryanL]

DSL and EVDO (3G cell as the MiFi uses) run at about the same data rates (1 to 3 Mb/s)

The problem with cell based I'net is that of access. In the western U.S., most fulltimers seem to think Verizon has the best network. I've got a Sprint data netowrk pre-paid MiFi via VirginMobile and find that its coverage for where I go in Nevada is rather pathetic (even at home). Then again, Nevada boondocking doesn't do cell access well on any network!

Many in the RV community go for cell modems that have provision for external antennas (which isn't the MiFi) and other stuff that will extend range and improve signals on both the cell and wifi sides of things. The MiFi is very convenient, though, and works well enough if you have a good cell signal.

If you get one of the new 4G devices and you hit an area with 4G coverage, the cell data rates can exceed that of the best home cable systems ( >10 Mb/s). Those devices are still rather expensive and the 4G access is rather rare as implementation is just starting.

Do take a look at pre-paid options and alternative providers such as Millenicom. Consider the equipment choices. Be careful about network choices and coverage. Consider your home location and where you travel for what works best.

[LibbyLA]

Golden,

I'm testing a Verizon smartphone as a mobile hotspot for a couple of weeks. Here in Baton Rouge, it's 4G and the throughput, both up and down, is faster than my Cox cable (I'm on the basic plan, as far as I know).

The downside of MiFi and mobile hotspot is the cost (I'm on the $50 for 4GB plan because I'll be using mine mostly on weekends, and not every weekend).

It's definitely not an inexpensive way to get internet access.

liz

[2912N]

Here at the house we have no land based 'net. Just Hughes Net sat service...which is HORRIBLE. (Across the board, slow spotty service, customer service is poor...grrrr)

I want to move over to the Verizon 4g, which is just now being activated here. Can I use Skype on it? Really want to video chat with the far off grankids.

[chiefneon]

Howdy!

I believe i read on one forum that the new Verizon 4G MiFi has and external antenna port. The 3G Verizon we have does not have an external antenna port so we use a "Leek" to boost the signal.

[Elkhartjim]

We use the MiFi 2200 for both S&B and Mh. We also use a Wilson Dual Band Amp w/ a trucker antennae when in fringe areas. Where we are presently, without the amp the EVDO reading is -95 to -105 and with the amp the reading is -50 to -55.The amp has a "card" that I velcro to the MiFi, not plug in. We are grandfathered in an unlimited data plan and average using 6.2 gigs per month. You know the MiFi also acts as a router where up to 5 devices can be connected at one time. The more connected the slower the speed however. We Skype with the grand kids with the MiFi also.

We recently traveled through the eastern part of Ok and had absolutely zero Verizon service. That has never happened any place else in the past three years of traveling with the MiFi.

Good luck in your decision making process.

[Alan_Hepburn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefneon Howdy! I believe i read on one forum that the new Verizon 4G MiFi has and external antenna port. The 3G Verizon we have does not have an external antenna port so we use a "Leek" to boost the signal.

Correct - we have the Verizon 4510L 4G/LTE mifi and it does have an antenna input. I think we paid $40 for it last month, and we're paying $80 a month for 10GB of data.

We had AT&T DSL at the house for several years and used campground wi-fi when travelling, but weren't happy with paying for the DSL line at home when we weren't there, and then AT&T tried to charge us a service charge for having long distance service, but not using it - we had specifically refused their long distance service when we got the DSL line and even though they straightened that out for us, we still decided we'd be better off with the mifi. AT&T was costing us about $70 a month for the land line in the house and DSL; now we're paying $10 more for a portable solution.

[Bill Adams]

Every land based internet connection (DSL in this case) is going to be faster than a cellular connection due to the reduced latency. You need to determine what's important to you.....speed or money. If you don't mind some slower speeds from time to time then you can make the move to cellular. If you want the best performance then you should likely stick with DSL. Most cellular providers have a 30 day trial period. If you want to give the service a whirl before you commit you should be able to do so.

[kjburns]

I'm on cable internet at home which runs at 50 mb for download speed. My last DSL line was a 7 mb connection which is still a lot faster than a 3G Mifi. We just bought a new house and one of the criteria was a fast cable or DSL connection. If you can get 4G, the cell connection might be comparable. If it's 3G in your area and you want more than basic email and browsing, keep the DSL line...or see if cable has a competitive product in your area.

DSL at our new house is only 1.5 mb, but cable is 50. It makes a huge difference if you're moving larger files or streaming video on Netflix.