Ready for Millenicom/3G/4G and routers -- sanity check - RV-Dreams Community Forum

cheryls-other-half · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ready for Millenicom/3G/4G and routers -- sanity check

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

I should stay out of commenting on this, since you don't listen to me anyway.

The 291 jetpack is a better choice than the 290 since it supports both more Verizon frequencies and XLTE. You can use its USB cable to hook it up like a USB modem and ignore that it is a little wireless router. It will also show you your usage and the 290 will not.

You do need the external antennas for the SOHO, so include them in your price comparison. You can use a CPE or other Ethernet wifi source with the SOHO, but you have to be the one to configure it. The Mobile knows how to configure the Mobile and Sky. The Go and SOHO can handle a cable, DSL or other Ethernet input in addition to USB or Wifi as WAN.

Even boosted, which I can do, most campground wifi is slow and flakey. I want a 4G amplifier and antenna more than a boost to outside wifi.

cheryls-other-half · RV-Dreams Family Member

Millenicom/3G/4G and routers -- sanity check

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

RE: Ready for Millenicom/3G/4G and routers -- sanity check

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Have you talked to Millenicom to see if all you can get is the SIM card?

I know I can set static IP addresses by MAC address with the SOHO since it is in the manual. I haven't downloaded the Go2 manualto see if they also support setting static IP addresses by device. If I needed to have separately addressed LANs I would use a more normal router, the kind you buy at Wal-Mart, Staples, etc., wired to the Ethernet port and kept on its own subnet. I have these kinds of routers laying around for various reasons and you probably have at least one.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill and Linda wrote:
bjoyce wrote:
Even boosted, which I can do, most campground wifi is slow and flakey. I want a 4G amplifier and antenna more than a boost to outside wifi.
Bill J

A comment on campground Wifi as you indicated: As we travel Linda and I have seen a steady reduction in the quality / speed / connectivity of campground Wifi over the last couple of years. More and more campgrounds seem to be able to say they have a Wifi signal. They make no assurances that it is actually usable.

We’ve had the equivalent of the WFR Mobile with the same CPE which we built 3 or so years ago. Pont is, as Linda has said recently, LTE is going to be used most of the time for us due to the lack of speed and moreover lack of usability of campground Wifi. We are not talking about streaming or some such usage, we’re referring to email and and some surfing.

Your right: “I want a 4G amplifier and antenna more than a boost to outside Wifi.” Right now we’re using a UML 295 tie-wrapped to a Wilson Sleek with a roof mounted antenna. Not the best RF design in the world, but it works till we get all band LTE i.e. XLTE amps.

Bill N

Right now we have the best campground wifi we have seen since May here at Coeur d'Alene RV Resort in Post Falls ID, around 1Mb up and down from Frontier. We are not using it since Verizon and AT&T have LTE here that is testing in the 6 to 10Mb both up and down. I also have no big downloads planned while we are here. In May we were at Eugene Kamping World Campground in Coburg OR and it had 12Mb down and 1Mb up on Centurylink. That was nice and a bit of a surprise. Most of our good wifi comes when driveway camping. That is when we like having wifi boosting equipment, since the router is in the house and we are parked a ways away.

We have not bought a Sleek, but I think about it when in flaky areas like Chimacum WA. In the next few weeks we will be traveling a lot and might regret having nothing that boosts our 4G. We had 3G boosting equipment, both from Wilson and MaximumSignal, but I confirmed it did not work for 4G with either Verizon or AT&T.

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

As far as I know Millenicom will not provide just the sim. Why would they??

Steve, the SKY will work well within the confines of an RV park. It is not going to have much more range than that, though. And as discussed above, wifi in parks is suspect in most cases.

You need to optimize FIRST for cellular, then for wifi IMO. Don't ignore wifi, but money allocation should be towards cellular first. With that as background I would be looking at a "modern" cellular modem - one that handles LTE and AWS spectrums. If you have an older modem no reason not to use it to start with, but you WILL want an AWS/LTE modem. Soon. If you care about speed at all.

The optimal setup for "most" people is going to be: Go2, Mobile, Millenicom Pantech 291.

A substitute for true "techies" that need NO ASSISTANCE in networking might be: SOHO, Ubiquity M2 pico or NS2 as a CPE, Millenicom Pantech 291. That will be cheaper, but needs more "attention" and knowledge.

I'll have a revised and heavily augmented ebook out on CPE's sometime soon - available through Technomadia. Adding configuration stuff right now....it is up to 50+ pages....I find it hard to "stop" adding to it.

cheryls-other-half · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mitch snips (as usual...)

Jack Mayer wrote:
As far as I know Millenicom will not provide just the sim. Why would they??

... The 3gstore happily sold me the (provide your own equipment for the millenicom option with the simm)...and also bought an indoor 3g/4g antenna for the 290 pantech modem that was onsite.
...makes good sense...
You need to optimize FIRST for cellular, then for wifi IMO. Don't ignore wifi, but money allocation should be towards cellular first. With that as background I would be looking at a "modern" cellular modem - one that handles LTE and AWS spectrums. If you have an older modem no reason not to use it to start with, but you WILL want an AWS/LTE modem. Soon. If you care about speed at all.

The optimal setup for "most" people is going to be: Go2, Mobile, Millenicom Pantech 291.

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

Good point, Mitch. I forgot that 3Gstore was reselling the Millenicom package. They are pretty flexible in what they do.

cheryls-other-half · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mitch snipped Steve's last post:

The Junkman wrote:
Ok.. if I can sit still for more than a couple days.. I will sign up on millincome.. get th the 291..order the go2, and the mobile antenna

Then I should be good to go.. I just want a plug and play system.. no special set ups for me.

sorry mitch , for popping in here..

But Steve: If (as it says in the other thread), your DRV install was waiting for your wifiranger install, you wont NEED to order one, as it's there! The wifiranger is technically the antenna, and usually packaged (I think) with the go2.

(but you will still need the 291, and millenicom account).

REMEMBER folks, I am not using the 291 jetpack (made by pantech), and am using the 290 usb modem (also made by pantech)

BECAUSE I have the 290 modem in my HOT little HANDS!!! Otherwise, I would also likely get the 291.

(a reminder, and please correct me if I'm wrong Jack/whomever...)

I believe that the main differences between the 291 jetpack by pantech that Millenicom is currently shipping, and the modem I will be using in my setup (besides it being a jetpack(rather then just a modem itself) is the fact that the 291 will cover the XLTE band (1700/2100Mhz) that Verizon is deploying in the FUTURE...

and I snip..(thanks technomadia)

Verizon’s Future Plans
Verizon will be rolling out what they are calling XLTE in major areas to increase network
speed and capacity. Very few Verizon devices currently support XLTE, so if you do not want
to get left behind, make sure that all your Verizon tech is compatible.*

* Page 48 of their great updated guide...

Yes, I am sure that I will be upgrading my equipment. But for now, my modem in the hand is worth not getting the 291 jetpack.

Please do make sure YOU guys get what you need, the 291.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mitch: The future is here. I am seeing XLTE with both my Samsung Galaxy Note 3 smartphone and the 291 in many places.

Technomadia · RV-Dreams Family Member

XLTE is rapidly rolling out. I'd spring the $99 (only $75 extra once you factor in the SIM card purchase for the 290) for the MHS291 to get the advancement. Plus, easy on device tracking to compare against your other bandwidth tracking methods.

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm also seeing XLTE fairly often. I sure as heck would not buy a device that did not support it. But in the case of Mitch he can wait and see....he can get it any time since he already has something that works.

On the Sky vs the Go......for Steve.

Again, the Sky is ONLY a wifi capture device - it does not handle cellular. If you also get a Pantech 291 you will have two separate systems. Two networks to assign devices to and two networks to switch between depending on your source of internet. If you don't care, that is fine. But if you have a NAS, a printer or any other "device" that you want seamless access to then my suggestion is that you "do care" and want to use a Go with the Sky. Or if you decide not to get a Sky and use a Mobile instead then you will want a Go to pair with it. You need something to plug the pantech into - I do not recommend pairing them wirelessly, although that can and does work. It just slows things down. Tethering is a better solution. IMO.

Actually my advice to most people is to take a "wait and see" attitude on either the Mobile or the Sky. Start with a Go and cellular (typically Verizon/Millenicom-based). The focus should be on cellular since wifi is "iffy" at best for a traveller moving through many parks. Get your cellular issues and setup resolved. Then see if you need better wifi capture. You will have capture from the Go, just not a device on the roof to improve it....that device on the roof is a: Sky, Mobile, or Marine. Or if a DIYer then it could be a CPE that YOU provision.

Start with the Go and some sort of Verizon-based cellular device. That is my general advice.

Technomadia · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jack Mayer wrote:

Start with the Go and some sort of Verizon-based cellular device. That is my general advice.

That's our general advice as well... but with the caveat that it will be more expensive to add on the external option later if you go with a WFR product. The packaged pricing does save you a $100 if you get them both upfront. So, that could be a consideration for some.

Technomadia · RV-Dreams Family Member

Didn't I read that you recently bought our book? It's all covered in there :) Specifically, read the 'Enhancing the Signals' chapter.

-- Edited by Technomadia on Friday 5th of September 2014 05:57:26 PM

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

It's in the book. The Mobile Internet Handbook book, not this one - .

Technomadia · RV-Dreams Family Member

As stated in the book... not all the booster options are out yet due to the recent FCC rules. This tech changes to often too list pricing & specific models in a book format.. so we're building that sort of content on the RV Mobile Internet Resource Center:

Here's our post comparing the Wilson mobile booster options, including specs, pricing and purchase options:
www.rvmobileinternet.com/resources/wilson-4g-booster-comparisons-sleek-vs-mobile-vs-dt/

MaximumSignal just announced their mobile amp is getting closer to being ready for sell. We'll have reviews out once we have ours in house and have run it through the paces.

-- Edited by Technomadia on Friday 5th of September 2014 06:36:33 PM

Technomadia · RV-Dreams Family Member

The Junkman wrote:
Technomadia wrote:
As stated in the book... not all the booster options are out yet due to the recent FCC rules. This tech changes to often too list pricing & specific models in a book format.. so we're building that sort of content on the RV Mobile Internet Resource Center:

Here's our post comparing the Wilson mobile booster options, including specs, pricing and purchase options:
www.rvmobileinternet.com/resources/wilson-4g-booster-comparisons-sleek-vs-mobile-vs-dt/

MaximumSignal just announced their mobile amp is getting closer to being ready for sell. We'll have reviews out once we have ours in house and have run it through the paces.

-- Edited by Technomadia on Friday 5th of September 2014 06:31:04 PM
Perfect.. Thank you. Looks like the Wilson mobile is for us.
Where is the bes place to buy one?

There are links on the page linked above. Where is 'best' is highly dependent on your needs, current pricing, shipping policies and where you already do business with. I can't.. and won't.. decide that for you.

The Junkman · RV-Dreams Family Member

Update..Just ran across this.. Bought the wilson pro with trucker antenna.. Amazon had the best package price.

Works smokin too !

cheryls-other-half · RV-Dreams Family Member

Technomadia wrote:
XLTE is rapidly rolling out. I'd spring the $99 (only $75 extra once you factor in the SIM card purchase for the 290) for the MHS291 to get the advancement. Plus, easy on device tracking to compare against your other bandwidth tracking methods.

Augh.

Two months later, and I can only say... WISH I had taken your advise on the 291 vs the 290.

NOW I am getting problems with the 290 and the GO2, and WFR tells me that it's a pantech problem, and the 291 teethered works fine!

SIGH. ackkkk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OH WELL.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Mitch:

I know this is somewhat difficult for some, but you understand this stuff so I will comment:

We actually use a UML295 into the USB port of a Cradlepoint 95 for Verizon data. But we don’t use the Cradlepoint as the rig’s router as such. The Cradlepoint is simply the host for the 295 aircard and it feeds the WAN port into a simple Linksys 2000 router which also has GB LAN ports for the rig's internal hard-wired network. I use a mechanical switch to select between the Cradlepoint / 295 aircard and a CPE (Ubiquiti Pico or Bullet CPE) for camground WiFi.

I’m fully aware this can be more difficult for some, but it reduces the issues of firmware in one box for multiple devices – i.e. the WFR. 'Done it this way, or variations thereof, for years. I just like dedicate boxes even though “double NAT” can slow things down just a little bit as Neil (Neil and Connie) reminds us. But having it working all the time really makes up for an extremely minor reduction in speed and that is only sometimes in reality.

This configuration also allows easy control of all the things you mentioned, including static IP, etc. etc., in your OP.

You understand all this so I just make the comment. But sometimes the “all in one box and it does everything for you” is more trouble if you follow me; especially when you have to change devices such as the air-card, etc. Oh, and it does cost less money for the hardware – especially if you purchase the CPE independently and on line. Same device, much lower price as you know.

Just for future reference FWIW

Bill

cheryls-other-half · RV-Dreams Family Member

don't I know it...

As an FYI, I am thinking of moving my G02 GW, from living Room, into bedroom, and connecting a 1GB hub in Liv Room, with drops to TV/Server, and laptops, with a connection to bedroom for the Go2 and mobile.

I was just stating some (to me) obvious points.

We can all have the 'shoulda/coulda/woulda' regrets, but I've found it doesn't help doing that, so I avoid it, and try and move forward.

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

cheryls-other-half wrote:
... As an FYI, I am thinking of moving my G02 GW, from living Room, into bedroom, and connecting a 1GB hub in Liv Room, with drops to TV/Server, and laptops, with a connection to bedroom for the Go2 and mobile....

I wasn't aware of this plan. It's fine as long as there are no visible wires or cables, and you clean up the mess afterwards! smile

cheryls-other-half · RV-Dreams Family Member

cherylbrv wrote:
cheryls-other-half wrote:
... As an FYI, I am thinking of moving my G02 GW, from living Room, into bedroom, and connecting a 1GB hub in Liv Room, with drops to TV/Server, and laptops, with a connection to bedroom for the Go2 and mobile....

I wasn't aware of this plan. It's fine as long as there are no visible wires or cables, and you clean up the mess afterwards!

Just goes to show how pathetic the two of us are at communicating. We're sitting staring at each other, on our own laptops, and sending messages via

the INTERWEB to communicate with each other...

And, no, no visible wires.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

cheryls-other-half wrote:
cherylbrv wrote:
I wasn't aware of this plan. It's fine as long as there are no visible wires or cables, and you clean up the mess afterwards!

Just goes to show how pathetic the two of us are at communicating. We're sitting staring at each other, on our own laptops, and sending messages via
the INTERWEB to communicate with each other...

Ah yes, the tried and true: I’ll have my phone call your phone they’ll do lunch.