Community Forums

steve258 · 05-28-2013, 07:51 PM

I want to improve my wifi reception at campgrounds while in my MTH.
I don't like to "go to the office" or sit by the laundry room to get on the
web with my Macbook or iPad. Which is best, booster or repeater? I would
also use a portable external antenna on my roof ladder.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Steve258

docj · 05-28-2013, 08:11 PM

There are several companies that make products that will help you avoid sitting in the laundry room. The technical term for what you are looking for is a router with "WiFi as WAN" capability which simply means it is capable of using the local WiFi the same as it would any other internet source, cable, DSL, etc.

We have such a system made by one of these companies https://www.wifiranger.com/ and have used it to make connections to WiFi systems when campground managers have told us "you won't be able to connect to the WiFi from your site". Our system consists of a high power router with an external antenna which is slaved to a second router which has multiple Ethernet ports for connecting with devices without built-in WiFi. Together the two units work together to provide a two-radio solution which maximizes throughput and reduces delays caused by re-transmission.

As I said at the beginning of the post, there are several other companies, including Cradlepoint and Pepwave who make similar products. After you have researched the issue and read the many posts that will follow mine, feel free to ask me any questions you may have about the general topic or WiFi Ranger products in particular.

Izzyblueye · 05-29-2013, 05:29 AM

I can't tell you what will work, I have been researching this for a long time. However, I can tell you what will NOT work and that is Alfa 36NHR - High gain. I returned mine for credit from Amazon. We spent days trying to get it to work, it finally damaged my laptop so it will not pick up a WIFI signal of any kind now. Sounds to me the the o/p has a workable solution.

njs42 · 05-29-2013, 05:42 AM

We have experienced good results with our JefaTech repeater. Of course these repeaters cannot improve the characteristics of the camps wifi system. If too many people are on the same antenna, particularly if they are streaming, they hog up the bandwidth anyway so while it is better, it is not a panacea. JEFA Tech: Long Range WiFi Repeater Kit for RVs I use the 15dBi antenna. Simple to use and good support from Jefatech.

Becoming your own hot spot by using your cell phone or a system like Mellinicom.com provides is a very effective method of improving your wifi capacity. Cost vary as much as the systems but check out your cell phone plan and look at Mellinicom and see what your think. Many different plans and prices.

Gorlininc · 05-29-2013, 06:32 AM

Hi.

I'm traveling and working in my motorhome. The Internet is a must. I bought a WIFI RANGER. It really works well. It will pick up wifi signals my computer can't find. If the CG Internet signal is weak at your site, you can now receive it. However, if their system is slow then no system can help that.
I can use it at most CG I goto, and suffices.
If the CG system is really bad, I do travel with AT&T and Verizon hot spots. Between the 3 of them, I always have service so far.
I am heading to the parks just outside Yellowstone, so I'm hoping it all works up there.
Safe travels
Rick.

vsheetz · 05-29-2013, 11:10 AM

Dual Radio wireless-N Smart WiFi Repeater HOW2R1 Hi-Gain Outdoor Wireless-300N
mounted to a flagpole mast held by a flagpole buddy to the ladder
http://www.flagpolebuddy.com/1.html

docj · 05-29-2013, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njs42

Becoming your own hot spot by using your cell phone or a system like Mellinicom.com provides is a very effective method of improving your wifi capacity.

In order not to confuse the OP, let's clarify your post to note that cell phone or MiFi hotspots have nothing to do with improving your ability to receive campground wifi. The cellular network is an excellent way of getting online but the OP was asking about how to improve reception of the local wifi network.

eddieelk · 06-10-2013, 02:45 PM

This past winter in South Texas, I was getting a weak wi-fi signal. I went online to Walmart and ordered a plugin antenna and 15' cord.I taped the antenna up on the roof
and ran the cable thru a window, and got a strong signal. Total cost was about $15.00. Eddie Elk.

Bbspinstl · 06-11-2013, 07:00 AM

Steve258'

In the July issue of Motorhome magazine on page 81 there is an article titled " Improve Wi - Fi Reception ". I won't go into detail but I suggest you check out this web address.
Www.ampedwireless.com for complete details.

docj · 06-11-2013, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bbspinstl

Steve258'

In the July issue of Motorhome magazine on page 81 there is an article titled " Improve Wi - Fi Reception ". I won't go into detail but I suggest you check out this web address.
Www.ampedwireless.com for complete details.

As far as I can tell the devices made by this company are primarily designed to provide better wifi coverage throughout a large house, an office building, etc. It appears that the devices are designed to work with wired internet connections of the type you would have with cable, dsl, etc. Nowhere did I see any reference to using the devices to connect to a wifi source and re-transmit it within a house or RV. I could be wrong about this but it wasn't obvious on the website.

The products that are often discussed on this forum for use by RVers have the ability to use "WiFi as WAN" which is the ability to "capture" a wifi signal and distribute it within an RV in the same way you would with a wired internet connection. Such products are made by WiFiRanger, Cradlepoint, and Jefa and others.