Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!
We're new to the site, so this will be our "first-time caller" vs. long time listener message.
We plan to begin full-time RVing in 18 months and will purchase the Datastorm internet technology. My question is related to a router. I'm about to replace my desktop workstation with a laptop and we already have another laptop. Currently we connnect to the internet via "Clearwire" with my desktop hooked to the router (It's a Linksys about 4 years old) and the laptop connected wirelessl. I'd like to purchase a wireless router and connect both laptops. But, I'd like to make a purchase that will work in our fifth wheel.
Your Datastorm will most likely come with a router as part of the package. Any wi-fi router will work with it. Your installer should also set everything up for you.
Sounds like any router I buy now (I really need to upgrade for our soon-to-be two laptops) will work fine with the DataStorm system. Thanks for the info!
Just a bit more info. Satellite modems work just like DSL or cable modems, they use an Ethernet port which any wireless router or wired switch will work with. You might have to move the router IP address to work, causing some to think the router does not work. But this can also happen with DSL or cable since I had the IP address issue with my cousin's DSL. A good dealer will supply the router or help you set it up and will know just what to do. Cellular internet does need a special router since they work with USB, ExpressCard or PCCard instead of Ethernet.
__________________
Bill Joyce, 40' 2004 Dutch Star DP towing an AWD 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Journal at http://www.sacnoth.com Full-timing since July 2003
Hi all. We have Motosat and love it . we use two laptop computers. works any where we go unless under tall trees. Ours is mounted on the roof of our Motor Home. My Hubby (Jack) is great at adjusting it when we need it. From time to time it does. If you have anymore questions let us know. We have used ours for 3years.
Gerryann & Jack
__________________
Gerry & Jack In our Condo on wheels! Driving a 40' Tuscany MH and a Vue for the tow vehicle Full time RV'ers from Oct/2005 http://gerryannsglassbeads.blogspot.com/
Be sure to set up security (password protection) on your wireless router.
I had someone who parked next to me express extreme disappointment that they could not connect to my Wi-Fi and use my satellite Internet connection. He said that he always tries to get a site next to someone with a DataStorm, because most owners leave their Wi-Fi completely open to the public.
Note that it is not just a problem with someone using your bandwidth (which is a bit limited to start with). They may also be able to access any of your computers or printers that are on your wireless network.
I agree with Tom about securing your Wi-Fi, but I also think that having an open wi-fi is like leaving the Open House sign on your home. If you welcome them they will come (maybe there will be free donuts). And your guests are not always friendly (though many may be). And for the bad ones, their scary downloads, and mischief will be traceable to your account ip addresses and mac addresses. If you don’t have the technical muscle to bounce the naughty ones, then simply keep the door locked and take down that open house sign in your virtual front yard.