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Old 09-08-2014, 02:10 PM   #1
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Sorting through the maze: Wifi as WAN + 4G

I've been searching through the forum and various posts, but I'm still not sure I have found the perfect solution.

Our usage:
- 2004 Winnebago Journey 36
- mainly weekend trips to non-campground/rv park locations
- perhaps a dozen or two nights in rv parks on one big annual trip
- downloading movies, music, books (not streaming) on occasion
- fairly heavy uploading of photographs
- prone to frustration with weak 3G/4G and campground wifi

From what I have read so far, the Wifi Ranger set up with an external antenna and a usb 3G/4G might be the more expensive option, but I have two concerns:
- can I use a wilson 3G/4G direct connect or proximity booster with the modem and still connect to the Go2?
- wiring options (being able to mount the wilson in front for cell phone use while on the road (DW desire)

Given our limited time on the road, I am wondering if separate wifi (Pepwave) and a wilson booster for our phones (with hotspot) is a better option. Concerns:
- Setting up a single network for all to connect to would be ideal (2 laptops, android tablet, Kindle, printer, and camera)
- Concerns over the performance of the wilson (Mobile 4G)
- Instead of adding more data to my plan, a jump to the Millenicom Mifi on a monthly plan might add better reception

Any suggestions or comments appreciated. Anyone have experience with the Mifi in more remote/rural areas? Mifi + antenna? I'm fairly savvy on tech items, but by no means an "enthusiast" or professional. I AM incredibly frustrated by weak signals.
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Old 09-08-2014, 02:51 PM   #2
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we are in the same boat and I would like to add to your very detailed list:

Even though we typically travel with a MacBook Pro, we would prefer any WiFi booster, MiFI, or other solution to be setup-independent of a PC (so many require you to plug in to the USB port)
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Old 09-08-2014, 03:13 PM   #3
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Mifi Verizon-------------

BamaBob, Verizon has a special on for the MIFI 5510L for $49.95 with a $50.00 rebate, 4 Gigs @ 30.00 per month. Two Gig @ $20.00 per month.

Used one at the Forest River Rally that a neighbor three spots down just turned it on in his unit, supplied me with the PW. Worked so good as soon as I returned to Florida I bought one.

You do not have to plug in to the MIFI to make it work. Just turn it on, it does the rest. Comes with a wall/usb charger. Works like a cell phone. Any where your
cell/smart phone will work, the MIFI will work.

Now, no more WIFI problems when traveling.
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Old 09-09-2014, 06:51 AM   #4
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Probably the ideal situation would be to have both the Wifi Ranger and a Wilson cellular booster. The Wifi Ranger makes it so convenient to manage multiple devices and connect them to different "hosts". Whether you use a MiFi device, or a smartphone hotspot, the Wifi Ranger will help manage and control those and other available wifi connections. However when there is no useable wifi and you need a cellular data connection in a poor cellular signal area, a cellular booster also is needed.

There are several reasons to like the WiFi Ranger.

It gives you your own firewall protected network for your rig. All your devices log into your own private network even it you are using open wifi as a source.

The WiFi Ranger monitors all the wifi sources available and will connect the internal network to the source with the best throughput, whether it is your mifi source or other available networks.
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Old 09-09-2014, 08:54 AM   #5
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So, after doing more research, there is no inexpensive solution to connectivity. I believe we are going to do it in stages. Stage one is to boost the cellular signal to get better signal for our smartphone/hotspots. This will have to wait a little while, as both Wilson and Maximum Signal are currently working on production for 4G LTE boosters more suitable for RVs.

After we have the cellular boost, we'll evaluate how much we are staying in areas where wifi might be a factor and look at adding the wifiranger (RV Pack Ti).

If we can use the cell phones for LTE, cost should be around $1100 total with a slight bump to data on our existing plan running an extra $70 per month when we are on the road. Now...patience while waiting for the LTE kits to hit the market.
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Old 09-09-2014, 09:25 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DAISY BOYKIN View Post
BamaBob, Verizon has a special on for the MIFI 5510L for $49.95 with a $50.00 rebate, 4 Gigs @ 30.00 per month. Two Gig @ $20.00 per month.

Used one at the Forest River Rally that a neighbor three spots down just turned it on in his unit, supplied me with the PW. Worked so good as soon as I returned to Florida I bought one.

You do not have to plug in to the MIFI to make it work. Just turn it on, it does the rest. Comes with a wall/usb charger. Works like a cell phone. Any where your
cell/smart phone will work, the MIFI will work.

Now, no more WIFI problems when traveling.

(I see you found this forum as well )

How were the speeds? I have the ability to 'teather' my MacBook or DW's iPad to my iphone but the speeds were not that impressive...

This sounds like something we will be very interested in getting once we retire!

My only problem with a MiFi now is it is a monthly plan - really only need it when we are on the road - when we are home we have 'blazin internet

One thing we have been looking at was a WIFI Booster antenna. Some of these antennas claim to be able to pull in a WIFI signal from 2 miles away

Anyone out there have any eperience with these?

EDIT: OK it looks like the WIFI Ranger is "the" solution for WIFI Boosting - expensive though!

https://www.wifiranger.com/solutions-mobileti
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Old 09-09-2014, 06:01 PM   #7
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Be very cautious about claims of pulling in wifi from 2 miles away.

Yes, it can be done, but typically you need clear line of site or over open water. Plus the right equipment, of course. An RV rarely has clear LOS for 2 miles to the AP.

The typical WifiRanger-type solution operates effectively in the 1/2 mile range and perhaps a little farther.
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Old 09-09-2014, 07:25 PM   #8
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Hi Cloudrnnr, I too was in the same quandary.I jumped on the WifiRanger/mobileTi bandwagon and have been very very pleased. I even went so far as installing the MobileTi under the dome of the Sat Dish (i gutted it as we don't want 'tv'). it has works perfectly.
i use the Verizon Mifi for LTe and have the WifiRanger go that path.. I also have an ATT iPhone for redundancy. I've been able to get great signals and connections via the wifi ranger.. but agree with Jack... claims of 2 miles are silly.
Now we all know that connecting to a CG Wifi is only part of it..USABILITY of crappy CG speeds is a whole 'nother issue.

the Wifiranger solves your "connect all devices ' issue very well also. we have AppleTv, 4 iPhones, 2 iPads, 2 MacBooks, and 4 windows laptops all connected and also stream movies on the Macbook to the Apple TV via wifiranger.
We haven't gone the Wilson route yet, haven't needed to as the Verizon Mifi has done pretty well so far. But i expect that as i travel to those outer regions, i will need to. Also excellent point , the WifiRanger comes with a 12v connector so it can be wired either way.

good luck, hope this info helps somewhat
-mike
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Old 09-10-2014, 07:32 AM   #9
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Mike, great info, thanks! Looks like that is the way we will go as well. I'm going to wait a bit to check usage--and to wait for production of a couple of broad spectrum boosters and antennae before jumping on the cellular amp as well. It sounds like Wilson is working on an RV specific packaging for the Mobile 4G that will provide wider area coverage inside the vehicle, and Maximum Signal is doing the same. For wifi, it looks like the ranger folks have it sewn up.

Quote:
Originally Posted by CigarBoy View Post
Hi Cloudrnnr, I too was in the same quandary.I jumped on the WifiRanger/mobileTi bandwagon and have been very very pleased. I even went so far as installing the MobileTi under the dome of the Sat Dish (i gutted it as we don't want 'tv'). it has works perfectly.
i use the Verizon Mifi for LTe and have the WifiRanger go that path.. I also have an ATT iPhone for redundancy. I've been able to get great signals and connections via the wifi ranger.. but agree with Jack... claims of 2 miles are silly.
Now we all know that connecting to a CG Wifi is only part of it..USABILITY of crappy CG speeds is a whole 'nother issue.

the Wifiranger solves your "connect all devices ' issue very well also. we have AppleTv, 4 iPhones, 2 iPads, 2 MacBooks, and 4 windows laptops all connected and also stream movies on the Macbook to the Apple TV via wifiranger.
We haven't gone the Wilson route yet, haven't needed to as the Verizon Mifi has done pretty well so far. But i expect that as i travel to those outer regions, i will need to. Also excellent point , the WifiRanger comes with a 12v connector so it can be wired either way.

good luck, hope this info helps somewhat
-mike
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Old 09-10-2014, 08:19 AM   #10
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Quote:
My only problem with a MiFi now is it is a monthly plan - really only need it when we are on the road - when we are home we have 'blazin internet
Prepaid MiFi are available
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Old 09-10-2014, 08:28 AM   #11
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I dunno, we keep it simple. We have a millincom device on verizon at 20gigs per month, and we have our iphones. We've travelled all over and very rarely have we had an issue with not being able to get good service from one or the other or both.

The mil. device is our main squeeze with the iphone as backup. If i were only traveling every couple of weekends, I think I would stick to my AT&T data and that be it.

Super interested in this topic of wifi ranger...
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Old 09-10-2014, 08:49 AM   #12
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If you're looking for a lower cost check out Ubiquity products. I have the NanoStation M2, $49 delivered thru Amazon. It connects via Cat5 cable. I measured up to 28 mbps download speeds, the fastest I've ever seen.

Link

I currently have it connected directly to one laptop. But it will be connected to my router so I will have connection to my local wifi devices with just one high gain connection to the remote wifi. I have a configuration issue which is beyond my tech knowledge & need some support from a friend.

Bill
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Old 09-10-2014, 09:03 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John Hilley View Post
Prepaid MiFi are available
AH HA!! Did not know that - thanks for the tip!
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Old 09-10-2014, 09:17 AM   #14
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I'll toss out a different idea altogether.. I'm too cheap to pay for more cellular data, so instead I invested in a Media Server and a WiFi Ranger and burned a ton of DVD's that we own to this new media server (151 movies or TV programs). The media server plugs directly into an Apple TV, but it is also connected wirelessly to theWiFi Ranger. This enables me to set up my own WiFi LAN and stream my own media (no cellular or campgroun WiFi necessary) to family members' iPhones, iPads, directly to our primary TV via the Apple TV hardwire, and it can strem to my other TV's wirelessly using a Sony BluRay that has WiFi capabilities. So it's just like being at home, except I don't need any internet access. Our kids watch these movies in their bunks while we are on the road, and we watch as a family on "movie nights."

The WiFi Ranger doubles as a WiFi signal boost too, so it can pick up signals at campground and/or use my Cellular service if I so desire it. It can be set up to switch between whatever signal is the best. I'm too cheap to use cellular data, so I don't usually do this, but the capability is there. I do use it to amplify campground WiFi and it works reasonably well WITHOUT their external antennae. But if WiFi Internet was really important to you, some of the above ideas sound better than mine..
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