Community Forums

DennisZ · 01-03-2022, 03:41 PM

Looking to replace my OLD Wifi Ranger, it is one of the originals and will not stay connected reliably. I want to know if there is any range difference between the Poplar and Spruce models, i.e. coverage throughout the coach. I’ve seen some pictures of the Poplar with 4 antennas, but most show only 2, so I guess that is the current configuration. Looking for the best solution.

Thanks
Dennis

docj · 01-03-2022, 07:33 PM

Don't judge the two devices by the presence or absence of external antennas. Nor should you make a decision based on the projected maximum WiFi range of the two devices.

A comparison chart of all WiFiRanger indoor routers can be found here: https://wifiranger.com/solutions/#indoor

Yes, the maximum range of the Poplar is listed as 750 ft compared to to 500 ft for the Spruce, but basing a purchase decision on this difference would be foolish IMO.

Notice that the data throughput rates for the Spruce are much faster than for the Poplar (1200 Mbps compared to 300 Mbps on WiFi). The Spruce is also a dual-band device (2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz) whereas the Poplar is only a single band device.

Those are the differences you should care about IMO. If you want the WiFi range of the Poplar, I would recommend getting an Aspen which has all the throughput capabilities of the Spruce plus the 750 ft WiFi range.

astrocamper · 01-03-2022, 09:08 PM

I started with the Poplar because the Spruce wasn't in stock. I felt limited with the single radio and bought the Spruce when it became available. I use the Poplar in another application at my astronomy pier after the upgrade.

I like the faster interface performance and the two radios give me more flexibility.

The range of the Spruce is plenty. I can access it from inside my house with the unit about 50 feet away outside and going through trailer and house exterior walls.

DennisZ · 01-11-2022, 06:53 PM

Well, I just got an Aspen, got it today. I’m trying to tether it to my MR1100 via ethernet, it tries to connect, but gets stuck on getting an IP address via DHCP, then it drops out. Is there any trick to get it to connect via ethernet. I can tether it via USB, but would prefer ethernet if possible

Thanks
Dennis

DennisZ · 01-11-2022, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DennisZ

Well, I just got an Aspen, got it today. I’m trying to tether it to my MR1100 via ethernet, it tries to connect, but gets stuck on getting an IP address via DHCP, then it drops out. Is there any trick to get it to connect via ethernet. I can tether it via USB, but would prefer ethernet if possible

Thanks
Dennis

Update:
Got the Ethernet to work, but, had to unplug the USB cable to the MR1100, when it’s plugged in the ethernet connection dies, and comes back when it’s unplugged again.

docj · 01-11-2022, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DennisZ

Update:
Got the Ethernet to work, but, had to unplug the USB cable to the MR1100, when it’s plugged in the ethernet connection dies, and comes back when it’s unplugged again.

You can't have two active connections between two devices. That creates what is called an IP address conflict. You're essentially "confusing" the Ranger with respect to which connection it should use.

If you try plugging both cables in again and then go to the Status page of the Ranger's control panel you will see that a couple of connections are highlighted in yellow. That's how the Ranger tells you there's a conflict.

If you want to keep the USB connection active so it can charge the hotspot, you can set the hotspot's admin controls so that the USB is used only for power, not data. Alternatively, you can set the Ranger so that the USB port is used for charging only.

DennisZ · 01-12-2022, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docj

You can't have two active connections between two devices. That creates what is called an IP address conflict. You're essentially "confusing" the Ranger with respect to which connection it should use.

If you try plugging both cables in again and then go to the Status page of the Ranger's control panel you will see that a couple of connections are highlighted in yellow. That's how the Ranger tells you there's a conflict.

If you want to keep the USB connection active so it can charge the hotspot, you can set the hotspot's admin controls so that the USB is used only for power, not data. Alternatively, you can set the Ranger so that the USB port is used for charging only.

FYI, disabling the USB data on the WFR would still not let it work, I had to turn it off in the MR1100, but all is good now.