Sharing RV park's internet w/2 laptops

[lukidog]

I know there must be a simple way to share an RV park's internet connection between 2 laptops but I can't seem to think it through. When we stop at a park that gives you a unique password to their internet connection (so that only one computer can sign in at a time), could I set up our Cradlepoint CTR 500 to share the connection with our 2 laptops?

I know how to set up the Cradlepoint with a modem, but am lost when it comes to this scenario because I'm not sure how to get the signal to the cradlepoint. Maybe the Cradlepoint isn't the way to go... any other ideas?

Thanks,
Mary

[John Hilley]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lukidog I know there must be a simple way to share an RV park's internet connection between 2 laptops but I can't seem to think it through. When we stop at a park that gives you a unique password to their internet connection (so that only one computer can sign in at a time), could I set up our Cradlepoint CTR 500 to share the connection with our 2 laptops? I know how to set up the Cradlepoint with a modem, but am lost when it comes to this scenario because I'm not sure how to get the signal to the cradlepoint. Maybe the Cradlepoint isn't the way to go... any other ideas? Thanks, Mary

You need a router like the Cradlepoint CTR-35 that can use WiFi as the WAN connection. The WiFi Ranger also works in this mode.

[kjburns]

Connectify would probably be the simplest method. The second laptop would connect to the first laptop.

[mrschwarz]

You can also create an ad hoc network with one laptop and share the connection with the other laptop.

[texnet]

The answer to your cradlepoint is yes. You need a Wifi device on the LAN port of the CTR500. That will provide you the connection to the parks Wifi. I use a Ubiquiti Bullet mounted on the ladder with CAT5 running into the coach to the Cradle Point.

[Billieg]

So, are you totally confused? Buy this unit and get great reception with the ability to hook up to 5 computers.

JEFA Tech: Long Range WiFi Repeater Kit for RVs

[Outlaw45]

just get a wifi ranger. problem solved. mine works great.

Outlaw

[lukidog]

Thanks for the great suggestions. For our situation, I think the Connectify is probably the best solution. DH has a Windows 7 computer and mine is XP so it looks like his will be the host computer.

I think I know just enough to be dangerous if I try to set up an ad hoc network. And I don't want to have to buy any more equipment. We're going to a rally this month that offers a pay-to-use internet connection, so I think we'll give Connectify a try when we get there. Cheaper than reactivating our Verizon USB modem and the location isn't the greatest for Verizon.

Thanks again for the help.

Mary

[DonnaB]

And the simplest way is to ask for 2 of those passwords and give the other to your husband. When the park has wifi that they limit to one via a password, I just smile and ask for a 2nd, telling them that my husband & I don't share computers and they always smile knowingly and give it quickly. I've never been turned down.

[padre44]

Another vote for Connectify. Worked great for me when I was tethering my Blackberry. Easy free download and installation.

[Billieg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by padre44 Another vote for Connectify. Worked great for me when I was tethering my Blackberry. Easy free download and installation.

I don't want to pay $60 a month for internet service which I will use up in a few days and then pay an arm and a leg for more and hope I can get a signal where I'm at. There are so many free wifi spots all over so why not take advantage of them?

The biggest problem you have in a CG is the weak signal. No matter what you have if the signal is weak it won't work. The Jefa system finds signals and amplifies them so even a weak signal becomes a good one. We went to a CG last week where they wanted $10 a day to hook up to wifi. I just plugged in the Jafa system and found a good free signal and hooked up to it. It finds signals from a mile away so there is usually one you can hook up to. I don't work for Jafa-tech but they have one great product.

[DennisZ]

I use a WIFI Ranger, you put the password that the park gives you into it and it will connect with up to 5 PC's. I use mine with the external Booster and a cellular USB modem, if the wifi signal is weak to you RV, it will be full strength with the booster, and if you don't have wifi at the park, the modem will automatically connect if cell service is available. https://www.wifiranger.com/

Dennis

[heyduke]

another vote for connectify

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billieg I just plugged in the Jafa system and found a good free signal and hooked up to it.

Uhhh... here in WA state that's illegal and people can and have gone to jail over it!! If you connect to free WIFI like Starbucks even that may be illegal, but if it's someones personal site or one that is reserved for their customers then it's illegal.