Internet while travel?

[wsucougs]

We're looking to do some longer camping trips next year since Hubby will be retired. I'm still working so need to have internet while we're on the road. I know I can use my phone as a hotspot but what are you all doing for wifi/internet?

[livinthelife]

We're looking to do some longer camping trips next year since Hubby will be retired. I'm still working so need to have internet while we're on the road. I know I can use my phone as a hotspot but what are you all doing for wifi/internet?

"on the road" as in while actually driving? Or as in "away from home"?

When in RV parks, we've found they generally have wifi of some sort. Yes, some not so great, but it's there. And we use our phone for hot spots when doing sensitive internet stuff.

[wsucougs]

Sorry, we'll be away from home!

[RickLight]

You need to check with http://rvmobileinternet.com
They test and read the fine print. The lead couple have been working nomads for 15 years!

[Keebler]

I am very interested in this thread, as I am getting ready to start doing more working from the RV to take advantage of the embrace of remote working.

At this time, I am looking at going with a mobile hotspot from my cellular provider, Verizon and the weBoost Connect RV 65: https://www.amazon.com/weBoost-Conne...%2C566&sr=8-16

As an existing Verizon customer, I have a pretty good feel of the destinations that will have a "boostable" signal available, and I am willing to accept the limits of the Verizon network.

That said, I am interested in reading about what others are doing; what is working and what has not worked.

[MoonShadow_1911]

We're looking to do some longer camping trips next year since Hubby will be retired. I'm still working so need to have internet while we're on the road. I know I can use my phone as a hotspot but what are you all doing for wifi/internet?

This is what I'll be putting on my new 320MKS to work remote full time.

Poynting 7-in-1 4x Cellular, WIFI & GPS RV and Marine Roof Antenna for Dual Modem Applications
$259.35
https://www.mobilemusthave.com/Poynt...ons_p_165.html

Pepwave MAX Transit PrimeCare Router with CAT 18
$763.99
https://www.mobilemusthave.com/Pepwa...-18_p_207.html


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[boyscout]

I am very interested in this thread, as I am getting ready to start doing more working from the RV to take advantage of the embrace of remote working.

At this time, I am looking at going with a mobile hotspot from my cellular provider, Verizon and the weBoost Connect RV 65: https://www.amazon.com/weBoost-Conne...%2C566&sr=8-16

As an existing Verizon customer, I have a pretty good feel of the destinations that will have a "boostable" signal available, and I am willing to accept the limits of the Verizon network.

That said, I am interested in reading about what others are doing; what is working and what has not worked.

We've done this, with Verizon and then (because Verizon exploded their price) with AT&T. One thing we learned is that the cell booster systems (we have two, an RV model and a model made for a 5,000 sq. ft. house) don't improve the performance of the MiFi devices; sometimes they actually REDUCE performance of them. The reason is that most of the MiFi hotspot devices use two channels at the same time to improve data performance, whereas the boosters are generally single-channel systems.

We have external MIMO antennas for our MiFi devices (the one for the AT&T device is below) and those help.

https://www.amazon.com/Netgear-60004...7618035&sr=8-3

For most of our travels in the U.S. southeast these devices and antennas have given us good enough service to get by, usually MUCH better than just "good enough", but there have been a few exceptions in places with poor coverage. One was only about three miles from Port Charlotte FL - not all holes are in remote places - and we spent a month there so it was a real pain for us who are only semi-retired.

For that reason I'm eying other options (in case we're ever allowed to cross the border into the U.S. again! The system that @MoonShadow_1911 writes about above is collecting fans quickly.

Good luck.

[bertschb]

This is what I'll be putting on my new 320MKS to work remote full time.

Poynting 7-in-1 4x Cellular, WIFI & GPS RV and Marine Roof Antenna for Dual Modem Applications
$259.35

Pepwave MAX Transit PrimeCare Router with CAT 18
$763.99

I have the same system. Works great!

[Keebler]

This is what I'll be putting on my new 320MKS to work remote full time.

Poynting 7-in-1 4x Cellular, WIFI & GPS RV and Marine Roof Antenna for Dual Modem Applications
$259.35
https://www.mobilemusthave.com/Poynt...ons_p_165.html

Pepwave MAX Transit PrimeCare Router with CAT 18
$763.99
https://www.mobilemusthave.com/Pepwa...-18_p_207.html


Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

So, taking the information from Boyscout; specifically, that a booster will degrade performance in many situations; I want to understand the equipment you highlight; please correct me if I misunderstand. One is an external antenna; this mounts on the roof to improve cell signal reception. The other combines the functionality of a hotspot and a router. Looks like it can even take two SIM cards, so actually serve a two hotspots to different providers.

If I am understanding this, I really like this solution.

Thanks to all for great information.

[MoonShadow_1911]

So, taking the information from Boyscout; specifically, that a booster will degrade performance in many situations; I want to understand the equipment you highlight; please correct me if I misunderstand. One is an external antenna; this mounts on the roof to improve cell signal reception. The other combines the functionality of a hotspot and a router. Looks like it can even take two SIM cards, so actually serve a two hotspots to different providers.

If I am understanding this, I really like this solution.

Thanks to all for great information.

Yes, the Poynting is an antenna that mounts to the roof, with a hole underneath to route the cable bundle down to the modem. I believe it is a 6 foot cable bundle. The Pepwave is the modem, Wi-Fi router, and wired router all in one. It is powered by 12V, either a 110V wall-wart, or wired direct to 12V. It has a dual SIM capability, and this router, specifically, will cover most of the Verizon and AT&T bands. This way, it can aggregate (combine, in simple terms) both connections to provide the fastest connection possible. It also can connect to external WiFi connections (like at a campground) to extend the external WiFi to your system. It will also aggregate the external WiFi with the cellular connection.

I purchased, from eBay, a package for Page Plus Wireless (which is a Verizon MVO) with unlimited data. (In testing, I found that I am capped at 200 GB for high-speed data.) I plan on getting Gypsy Wireless (an AT&T MVO) for coverage there as well. This should cover me for most places.

Please note that this is a very high level description of this system. I am an IT System Administrator (and have been in IT for over 35 years) and an amateur EE. There is configuration that needs to be done on the Pepwave to get the best signal. It also contains a firewall, which I recommend NOT turning it off. There are a boatload of ways to configure it, some will be optimal, others not so much. I really did a ton of research before selecting the Poynting/Pepwave combination as I believe this will work the best for me when I'm on the road full-time with the DW. She is retired, and I still work full-time.

I have no problem trying to help via DM, the forum, or email, but, remote troubleshooting is usually difficult. Happy digital surfing!