Community Forums

Canuck53 · 06-12-2018, 06:27 AM

Looking to how people use the Additional ports on a wireless router. The WiFi ranger or other boosters have ports, what do you hook up to the ports on the back side of the router?

PbdBlue · 06-12-2018, 07:24 AM

We have two NAS hard drives and two Android Media players (one for the main tv + one in the bedroom) on our router (Peplink Soho). The hard drives contain recorded movies, TV shows + provide storage for pictures, data, etc. Like the WR it can take WAN input from cell, wifi or a Ubiquity Bullet. Many times when we're remote we have none of those options so in that case it basically performs as a router (w/o internet) to provide entertainment off the hard drives.

docj · 06-12-2018, 08:09 AM

WiFi Ranger "indoor" routers have Ethernet ports as well as a USB one. A few years ago, before the proliferation of wifi-enabled devices, I used to use the Ethernet ports a lot. These days I find I have less and less need for them; everything I need to connect has wifi. Even my PLEX media server communicates with the network via wifi.

As for the USB port, it is primarily intended to connect a cellular modem or Jetpack-type hotspot. The Ranger can both provide power and move data via the USB tether which frees its radio up to just having to communicate with your network devices.

Jim A · 06-12-2018, 10:54 AM

I use a NUC PC as a Plex media server, similar to Joel. I had connected it via wifi, but on rare occasions I have buffering problems, especially with HD video. I recently connected it via an ethernet port instead, and have not seen buffering problems since.

PbdBlue · 06-12-2018, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim A

I use a NUC PC as a Plex media server, similar to Joel. I had connected it via wifi, but on rare occasions I have buffering problems, especially with HD video. I recently connected it via an ethernet port instead, and have not seen buffering problems since.

+1. I too tried wifi for awhile but ran into occassional buffering issues. In our rig it was pretty easy to get ethernet to the two media centers. No more issues

Canuck53 · 06-12-2018, 08:37 PM

Thanks for the ideas. So media servers it is. Do you power these down while driving?

PbdBlue · 06-12-2018, 09:39 PM

Because we’re off the grid (and internet) for a good portion of our travels I elected to go with Kodi rather than Plex. Movie files are stored on the Nas drives. Passenger can watch tv/movies on an IPad while we’re travelling. So to answer your question regarding powering down the answer is not always. I’m using 4TB 2.5” laptop drives so hopefully a little more robust than 3.5” drives. So far (~10 months) no issues.

Jim A · 06-12-2018, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canuck53

Thanks for the ideas. So media servers it is. Do you power these down while driving?

I do, simply because I have no reason to leave it powered on. We don't have a need to watch movies while driving.

I use a 2.5" USB external hard drive to hold my video files. I also use a flash drive for last minute recordings from my home Tablo OTA recorder that I don't have time to watch before departing on a trip.

computerguy · 06-18-2018, 06:18 PM

Ethernet (wired) is more reliable than wireless so I wired my motorhome up.
Ethernet connects:
1) 6 port switch
2) Desktop computer Ethernet port
3) Wally satellite receiver
4) Sony smart TV
5) WifiRanger EliteAC
6) Magnum Magweb
7) additional Ethernet port in front of rv

Canuck53 · 06-19-2018, 05:39 AM

Thanks some additional good ideas.

Dav L · 06-19-2018, 07:06 AM

I share computerguy's thoughts, wired is better than wireless from a reliability perspective. Of course it can be a PITA to implement. But while the RV is apart for other things, pull the wire.

Bedroom:
1) 24 port switch
2) [Mod Edit] TPMS, serial devices, IR devices, ethernet devices, media systems, climate control, lighting control, security, CAN devices, etc)
3) ELK security system
4) LG smart TV (I use ethernet for control, not the "smarts on the TV")
5) WifiRanger EliteAC (setup in Bridge Mode to myFirewall). Dirty side of the network.
6) Denon Receiver
7) Z-Wave automation hub ("myZWave")
8) myFirewall (VPN server plus firewall)
9) ethernet to front of RV
10) NVidia Shield Android TV box
11) XBox1
12) lots of extra ethernet ports for future

Front
1) 8 port hub wired to rear ethernet
2) Denon receiver
3) Samsung TV
4) DirecTV receiver
5) WiFi access point (connects laptops, phones, WiFi automation hardware, etc)
6) Android TV box
7) extra ethernet drops for future

Jim A · 06-19-2018, 11:22 AM

I thought I was overkilling using a small 5 port router, but I used them all quickly. I still connect quite a few things using wifi, such as a laser printer. I hated adding even more cables to the rats nest up there, but it was definitely worth it. Cat5 cable and connectors are cheap, if you have the time and the access to do it. You won't regret it.