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.


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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Technology On The Road -> 6 of one half doz of the other--maybe
Post Info TOPIC: 6 of one half doz of the other--maybe
flyone


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6 of one half doz of the other--maybe
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Don't know if anyone will be able to help but here it goes.  I have narrowed my choice of internet access to two methods.  The big question now, is one method better than the other? Both will probably be with Verizon, cost will be the same. I will use the method for full time Internet access while at home and on the road.  #1--- Pantech UML290 usb modem, with cradlepoint CTR35 router.  #2--- Jetpack 451OL MiFi hotspot.  Both have external antenna ports, which is important to me.  Is one faster than the other? Is one more stable than the other? Looking for a reason to pick one over the other.  Please help.

 

Thanks

Flyone



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Technomadia


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We don't have specific experience with those units ourselves... so can't offer any advice there.

But one other consideration is just the basic MiFi vs. Aircard & Router question.

As techies, we kinda like having our aircard separate from the routing device so that we can play around with different routing options. With a MiFi, you're sorta stuck with what the package offers. Also, with having an air card, we have the flexiblity/back-up to plug the card directly into one of our laptops and using it directly.

For ease of use, the MiFi is a great choice - as you don't have to worry about individual components - they are pretty much plug-n-play devices. For us, we found the limitations of configuring a hotspot/MiFi device to be annoying. But then again, we like to fiddle. Not all do.

So, in your decision making - I'd also take that into account.

For the devices in specific - do a google search on them, and see what crops up in reviews. We, and many others, tend to publicly voice our opinions on the tech that annoys us.

- Cherie

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Bill Adams


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As long as all of the devices you plan to use are wireless the Mifi will likely do just as well as the separate air card and the router. I like the option of having an Ethernet port (available with the router option) but I have rarely used it. The speeds will be the same with either option so it really sort of is a "6 of one" kind of choice.


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3Gstore_Matt


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As others have pointed out it's really what you want to get out of the device. The MiFi's are nice because you can take them with you if you go on a walk or somewhere you don't have power. The router is nice because you get a large WiFi range, which would mean you wouldn't need to carry the MiFi assuming your not going to far. This would allow you to keep the device central if you plan to get an antenna too making it more convenient.

Keep in mind that the CTR35 also supports WiFi as WAN, so if you went the MiFi route you can always add the router too, if you find yourself using more than 5 devices or need Ethernet connectivity.

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Loki


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I had to make the same decision a few weeks ago and decided in favor of the air card/router alternative because of the greater flexibility. I bought the WiFi Ranger and the Millenicon unlimited plan that comes with an aircard, and when it arrived a few days ago, it took me less than 10 minutes to get everything up and running.The Ranger provides LAN, WiFi and cellular connectivity with an  auto-failover function. The installation was one of the easiest things I ever encountered in the internet space, and I can hardly imagine how a MiFi device could be any easier to install.



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janni


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Have the Millenicom plan here also. 20 gb/59.99 per month. Just bought a cradlepoint router this week and have two computers, Kindle and Galaxy using this. I have been using a Novatel 760 modem (Verizon) Had Millenicom for over a year and satisfied.


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