Wifiranger Aspen router question

[Jcgso8432]

I just purchased the WiFiranger (Winegard) Aspen 5g router. I would like to add an external antenna, but the cost of the Everest is almost $600. Are there any other cellular, LTE antennas that will work with the Aspen? The antenna connection looks like an Ethernet port, which I know it is not, but I don’t know the correct term and the antennas on the router, do not disconnect, so no standard antenna inputs. TIA for any assistance.

[docj]

First of all, the reason the Everest costs as much as it does, is that it is NOT an antenna. It is a full-functioned, self-contained dual band router that connects to the Aspen or other WiFiRanger indoor router. Yes, the connection does look like an Ethernet port, because that is exactly what it is.

There are no ports on the Aspen for adding an external antenna.

[Jcgso8432]

So, would I be better off with just the Everest? My wife wants to be able to work from the RV, using her laptop and phone simultaneously.
Thanks docj

[docj]

Originally Posted by Jcgso8432

So, would I be better off with just the Everest? My wife wants to be able to work from the RV, using her laptop and phone simultaneously.
Thanks docj

Using a phone and laptop simultaneously is not really a relevant concern. If the phone connects to the cellular network it is already connected to the internet, the only question is how will you connect the laptop to the internet?

Everest does provide a more powerful WiFi transmitter than does Aspen alone, but how much of the time does your wife expect to use park WiFi as a means of getting to the internet? IMO if she is working from the RV she's going to discover that she needs a more reliable connections than just park WiFi. Often, people who work from their RVs end up with more than a single cellular source.

One of the advantages of having an indoor router, such as the Aspen, as well as a rooftop one, is that hotspots and/or phones can be tethered to the indoor router's USB port. Up to three such devices can be tethered by adding an inexpensive powered USB hub.

The first thing you need to decide is how will your wife obtain internet access for her laptop? Do you already own a hotspot? Are you considering purchasing either the Aspen or the Everest with integrated modems? What cellular carriers do you plan to use?

Feel free to ask additional questions.

[Jcgso8432]

She wants to use cellular for phone and internet for her computer. We have had poor experiences with Wi-Fi in rv parks. She said it needs to be reliable, with little or no dropouts. She sometimes has to download or upload files and on a rare occasion, do video calls.
We currently have Verizon service and would consider having AT&T as well, for backup.
Thanks
I guess my main goal is to get the service she needs and hopefully spending under $1,000. If I can get her up and running, it means we can go out on the road more.

[docj]

Originally Posted by Jcgso8432

I guess my main goal is to get the service she needs and hopefully spending under $1,000. If I can get her up and running, it means we can go out on the road more.

I'd recommend getting Verizon and AT&T hotspots and then using them together in a MultiWAN configuration in an Aspen router. That would allow the two internet connections to "support each other." Your costs would easily stay within your budget.

Your biggest problem will be getting enough data per month to support her usage. Since you aren't full-time RVers her usage won't be a severe as some people have.

[lemodrop9344]

I work full time from my RV. While my GB consumption varies month to month, the type of work I do is similar to your wife's. As long as you stay away from streaming movies, I doubt you will use more than 100 GB in a billing month. This assumes long weekend trips & extended trips up to two or 3 weeks. In a given billing month, I very rarely exceed 100 GB's & I'm full time.

As you have discovered, RV park WiFi of any quality is a bonus. Use it if available.

As far as cellular carriers.... AT&T & Verizon will generally have the best coverage, with AT&T normally a little faster. T-Mobile is improving. A lot depends on where you roam & camp.

I'm not familiar with the WiFi Ranger/Winegard products (Peplink fan here), however, all of the major players make decent products.

Docj provides sound & reasonable advice & what he is suggesting certainly makes sense.


Good luck & safe travels!


PS: I do stream media, but, I have my hardware configuration set up so I know where I consume my data.