From WiFi to Cellular for non geeks

[Johnontheroad]

I’ve read most of the recent posts about switching from WiFi to Cellular. And, I agree... although I’ve only understood some 25% of the geek language. So I’m looking for some advice that I can understand.

I have a Mobley SIM in a United 4G LTE hotspot, a prepaid Verizon SIM running in my old 6620 Jetpack, and the WFRanger GoAC to combine the signals. I find the WFR has frequent hang ups and requires a lot of resetting.

So if I read all the posts one of the recommended “upgrades” would be to buy a Pepwave MAX BR1 Mini, put both SIMS I have in it, and scrap everything else.

I used to be a geek, but retirement laziness and old age have dulled my technical abilities but I think I will be able to figure out how to set this up. But is this the right hardware choice? So any comments and suggestions are appreciated as I wade into the newer tech with both eyes open.

[docj]

John:

If your WiFiRanger isn't working the way you want it to, I suggest we work with you to get it working before you run off and buy another router. There's no reason why you shouldn't be able to get the Ranger to do exactly what you need.

What model Ranger do you have? What software version are you running? What's the serial number of your device (the number beginning with 77 or 78)?

Please send me this information by PM. Once I get your answers I'll have a better idea what's going on.

Joel (AKA docj)

[vsheetz]

I have a cellular hotspot device. I have a simple wifi repeater.

I only power on the one needed.

The wifi network name and passcode are the same in both, so computers and printers and such will connect to either one without any changes.

Simple. Works.

[turbopilot]

Originally Posted by Johnontheroad

So if I read all the posts one of the recommended “upgrades” would be to buy a Pepwave MAX BR1 Mini, put both SIMS I have in it, and scrap everything else.

You are correct today's LTE-A infrastructure just about eliminates the need to "borrow a WiFi signal" at campgrounds. There are some exceptions (mostly out West were coverage is less complete than in the East) but a good installation of the PepWave Mini will allow WiFi as WAN for that rare situation.

If your choice is a PepWave BR1 MINI I have a coupe of suggestion:

1. To future proof your purchase you should get the LTE-A model (model number is MAX-BR1-MINI-LTEA-W-T). Two reasons you want that model of the PepWave BR1 Mini. First LTE-A is much faster and the future of LTE. Second this model has the more advance CAT 6 modem with includes many more LTE bands. More bands means better reception and wider availability on the 4 wireless carriers.

2. Your installation of the PepWave BR1 Mini should include exterior LTE antennas (2 for MIMO). If you want the best WiFi as WAN reception the unit should have an external WiFi antenna. All antenna leads need to be as short as possible. Alternatively you can mount the Mini in a weather proof box on the roof with short leads to the antennas. Mounting the Mini inside the coach with rabbit ears will work but you will see significantly slower internet speeds and will likely get very poor or no cell coverage in fringe areas.

Good luck. When it is all installed it is much easier to operate than the WiFi Ranger and you will see much better internet performance in most locations.

[Smitty77]

Unless you want to spend the money, an fine if you do, work with Joel (docj) on reviewing your GOac settings. Ours is rock solid, and has been. Once I got it dialed in and set up, and it does have lots of settings that can effect behavior, it's been relatively seamless in changing from my various sources of data.

-I have a Unite Explore, with Mobley SIM, fed by roof top MobileMark MIMO antenna - tethered to the GOac. I use that the bulk of the time lately, due to travel locations.
-A few times the last year, I've been in places where my Verizon S8 phone, with gfUnlimited Data, had better cell tower support then the ATT feed to the Unite Explore. When this takes place, I unplug the USB to the GOac from the Unite Explore. I activate the HotSpot on the Verizons Samsung S8. I wait a bit, usually just a few minutes, and the WifiRagner GOac automatically detects the Samsung S8's hotspot, and connects to that signal. (I could go into the Control Panel on the GOac, and connect faster manually, but since it's setup to be automatic, I usually just do something else when changing over to the Samsung S8.)

When I go, the phone goes with me, and I turn of HotSpot to conserve battery power on the phone. So when I get back to the coach, I reactivate the HotSpot, and with the few minutes again, and back online with the GOac.

I have many data consuming devices (DirecTV Genie, Oppo BluRay, ROKU, and a few other odd's and ends, hard wired connected to the GOac via CAT6 cables, and a hub up by the entertainment cabinet. This reduces more WiFi hopping and corresponding drops in data speed by wireless connection.).

The WiFiRanger GOac, when properly setup, should provide you a stable platform to support your inside the coach, and outside too (GOac has a pretty strong WiFi broadcast!) signal. You've spent the money on that unit already, take the hour or so of working with Joel, and or Tech Support at WiFi Ranger, to review your settings... Then try it for awhile and see if you are supported by it.

If not, well it cost you sometime. And then you can go spend more coin on other gear. And that other gear, will also require proper Administration Type Setup - which if not done properly, well... back in the same position again...

Best of luck to you,
Smitty

[docj]

Originally Posted by Smitty77

Unless you want to spend the money, an fine if you do, work with Joel (docj) on reviewing your GOac settings. Ours is rock solid, and has been. Once I got it dialed in and set up, and it does have lots of settings that can effect behavior, it's been relatively seamless in changing from my various sources of data.

-I have a Unite Explore, with Mobley SIM, fed by roof top MobileMark MIMO antenna - tethered to the GOac. I use that the bulk of the time lately, due to travel locations.
-A few times the last year, I've been in places where my Verizon S8 phone, with gfUnlimited Data, had better cell tower support then the ATT feed to the Unite Explore. When this takes place, I unplug the USB to the GOac from the Unite Explore. I activate the HotSpot on the Verizons Samsung S8. I wait a bit, usually just a few minutes, and the WifiRagner GOac automatically detects the Samsung S8's hotspot, and connects to that signal. (I could go into the Control Panel on the GOac, and connect faster manually, but since it's setup to be automatic, I usually just do something else when changing over to the Samsung S8.)

When I go, the phone goes with me, and I turn of HotSpot to conserve battery power on the phone. So when I get back to the coach, I reactivate the HotSpot, and with the few minutes again, and back online with the GOac.

I have many data consuming devices (DirecTV Genie, Oppo BluRay, ROKU, and a few other odd's and ends, hard wired connected to the GOac via CAT6 cables, and a hub up by the entertainment cabinet. This reduces more WiFi hopping and corresponding drops in data speed by wireless connection.).

The WiFiRanger GOac, when properly setup, should provide you a stable platform to support your inside the coach, and outside too (GOac has a pretty strong WiFi broadcast!) signal. You've spent the money on that unit already, take the hour or so of working with Joel, and or Tech Support at WiFi Ranger, to review your settings... Then try it for awhile and see if you are supported by it.

If not, well it cost you sometime. And then you can go spend more coin on other gear. And that other gear, will also require proper Administration Type Setup - which if not done properly, well... back in the same position again...

Best of luck to you,
Smitty

FWIW my GoAC has been online for ~14 days at the moment and I think the only reason it rebooted then was because I bumped its power cord! My Elite, which I have operating as a repeater on my property, has been online without reboots for >30 days. When setup properly WiFiRanger routers are quite stable.

Joel (AKA docj)