RV Private WiFi Network

[akgourmet]

I'm not an IT geek so this might be a stupid question, but how is this different than a wifi booster? We have a Alfa WiFi Camp Pro Kit 2 that allows for a private network in our 5th wheel. We connect 3 laptops, 2 cell phones, 2 smart TV's and a wireless printer to it (not all at once since there are only 2 of us). It was only $150 and one small box with an external antenna that I mounted on a 6' pole attached to the ladder.

[Cqyqte]

As Canadians, we don't qualify for prepaid plans unless we establish a mailing address, but we still have the same demands for cheap internet while traveling north or south of our US/Canada border. As a computer nerd at heart I have built a system that provides the best access for the cheapest $$. My system revolves around a Mofi4500 cellular router (hotspot) which I use a Telus SIM and an ATT SIM cards for cellular connecting. The MoFi4500 is also a dual wifi repeater which will lock on to Campground WiFi and repeat the connection under my own protected SSID for my equipment to tie into automatically. This is good when the Campground wifi is Open or Password protected, however if the Campground wifi utilizes a captive portal interface, then my AWOW NYi3 Fanless Mini PC, Intel Gemini Lake Windows 10 Pro computer which is ethernet tethered to the MoFi4500 is used to sign into the Campground Wifi portal and then it shares the internet via ethernet cable to the Mofi4500 which intern rebroadcasts the connection under my SSID. The MoFi4500 has an automatic switch that will choose the internet source if it fails from either of the four options; SIM, WAN, Repeater WiFi, or Tethered cellphone sourcing. It's complex but it works like a dream.

[bogen2]

I'm not an IT geek so this might be a stupid question, but how is this different than a wifi booster? We have a Alfa WiFi Camp Pro Kit 2 that allows for a private network in our 5th wheel. We connect 3 laptops, 2 cell phones, 2 smart TV's and a wireless printer to it (not all at once since there are only 2 of us). It was only $150 and one small box with an external antenna that I mounted on a 6' pole attached to the ladder.

They are basically the same thing. The Nanostation gives you more flexibility and is a well respected product, but requires some understanding of network geekery to configure. The Alfa looks like a good alternative for those who aren’t technically inclined.

Bob

[cookinwitdiesel]

They are basically the same thing. The Nanostation gives you more flexibility and is a well respected product, but requires some understanding of network geekery to configure. The Alfa looks like a good alternative for those who aren’t technically inclined.

Bob

Exactly. I actually bought the Alfa setup and have it on a shelf at home, before I ever got it set up I went ahead and had the idea for this setup which is now built and deployed. I may keep it as an easy travel router setup though or will add it to my ever growing list of stuff I need to sell

[bogen2]

As Canadians, we don't qualify for prepaid plans unless we establish a mailing address, but we still have the same demands for cheap internet while traveling north or south of our US/Canada border. As a computer nerd at heart I have built a system that provides the best access for the cheapest $$. My system revolves around a Mofi4500 cellular router (hotspot) which I use a Telus SIM and an ATT SIM cards for cellular connecting

I am really interested in your solution of using the Mofi 4500 for our winter trip to the US this year. I had been planning on getting a Verizon Jetpack wth the unlimited prepaid plan that many people have said is the best option for "unlimited" data. The Mofi appears to be a better solution, although its a bit pricey. I have also read reviews about the problems getting a Verizon account that will work wth the Mofi. What has been your experience using the AT&T data plans? I am looking for a plan that will give me unlimited data through a hotspot and a basic calls/text/data package for my phone.

Does anyone know anything about using Verizon or other unlimited plans with this device? I could also use any advice on hotpot/phone plans in general.

Bob

[Cqyqte]

At&t works like a charm with the Mofi. Being a Canadian I have to use the pay as you go plans, so I can't get access to the unlimited ones. The Mofi runs well on my Telus (CDN) as well too.

[Cqyqte]

The kicker with my setup is it functionality on captive portal Wifi sites

[bogen2]

The kicker with my setup is it functionality on captive portal Wifi sites

Thanks for mentioning that. I’m going to try using my MacBook as a router and connect it to my Wi-Fi access point/router via Ethernet using the Mac’s Internet Sharing setting. It should work the same as the Nanostation router and let me log into the captive portal, although I wouldn’t have the advantage of having an antenna on a mast like the Nanostation.

Bob

[DaveMatthewsBand]

For anyone who is NOT a geek, but looking for a simple plug-and-play solution, you could go with something like a Yagi desktop antenna.
This unit just plugs into your laptop using a USB cable, then sit it on a table and point it out a window towards the nearest access point.
You only have to load the driver disk the first time you use it, from then on it's just a matter of plugging it in and pointing it, no need to mount anything or run wiring.



Amazon Link

[boyscout]

At&t works like a charm with the Mofi. Being a Canadian I have to use the pay as you go plans, so I can't get access to the unlimited ones. The Mofi runs well on my Telus (CDN) as well too.

The Verizon unlimited data plan we used earlier this year for our MiFi device was a *prepaid* plan. I didn't have to give them *ANY* address or contact information to arrange it, let alone a U.S. address.

Other than automatic roll-over from cell service to wi-fi service when cell service is inadequate, I'm missing what benefits you gain for the US$800 or so in equipment and complicated setup that of your system over a simple MiFi device for cell-based data and an antenna and router for wi-fi. What am I missing? Thx.