Mobile Wi-Fi Receiver & Signal Booster - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Howard · Host

Mobile Wi-Fi Receiver & Signal Booster

Mr Geek · RV-Dreams Community Member

I have an earlier version of this device. It works well but is more complicated than USB and other external WiFi adapters.

It is a WiFi bridge optimized for RVs with a high powered radio connected to a high gain antenna. Bridges need to be configured whenever more than one access point is available. This is not hard to do using a browser, but it helps to know something about IP networking. A bridge receives the wireless signal and connects to the computer using ethernet cable.

The main advantage is the fact that the antenna is mounted on the roof and more likely to get a better unobstructed line-of-sight to a park's access point antenna.

The antenna unit is made to be permanently mounted on the RV roof. An access hole in the roof brings the ethernet cable inside where it connects to the power supply which uses 12 volt from the coach. The computer and signal meter also connect here. This power supply is typically mounted inside a cabinet.

WiFi is still hot spot technology. You must be close enough to an access point to get a good signal. This device does enable you to connect farther away than the typical built-in WiFi available in your laptop. The link guage indicates signal is available, but not the SSID. If the WiFi provider charges for Internet access, you must still pay and authenticate.

Max Signal · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jack Mayer has a great section on Park wifi and best ways to increase signal.

http://www.jackdanmayer.com/communication.htm

-- Edited by Max Signal on Thursday 1st of December 2011 05:21:02 AM

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

I would suggest that you wait for the release of the WiFi Ranger Air. This is not the same as a WiFi Ranger and not as expensive. It is expected to cost around $100 and you will be able to wire tie the unit to your Batwing antenna and use the existing Winegard cabling to make the necessary connection. Range is stated to be around 250M and can be setup to either pull in a distant wifi network or take the signal from your existing internet connection and broadcast it over great distances.

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

I agree with Bill. You should wait for the AIR - at least to check it out. There are MANY other ways to capture wifi and repeat it locally on your own network. From homegrown devices, to simple USB adaptors that plug into your laptop directly (no local network). I cover many of the variations on my website.

I'm currently testing a new device, the PepWave Surf OTG (On the Go) that is a device similar in function to the WiFiRanger, but with somewhat less flexibility. A report will be available later.

The AIR is going to be a state-of-the-art device for wifi capture. You can see some pictures of it here, and a better description (first 4 pictures).

MikeH · RV-Dreams Family Member

I own a Cellphone Signal Booster, I use that in conjunction with a smart phone and connect through it to the internet, so far I've had good luck in just about all locations except out west in the middle of BFE.

As long as I had service within about 6 miles of a camp I can still get enough reception to use my data connection. Of course it works with phone calls as well as checking email and such :P. Cell Phone Booster I own the 801247, works well and had enough cable to run the antenna to the top of our rig which is the best place for it!