Winegard Connect WIFI Extender

[Buzz102]

Anyone have anything to say about Winegard's wifi extender? So many parks have weak wifi. Winegard ConnecT - RV Internet WiFi Extender + 4G LTE

[gmc]

Originally Posted by Buzz102

Anyone have anything to say about Winegard's wifi extender? So many parks have weak wifi. Winegard ConnecT - RV Internet WiFi Extender + 4G LTE

Haven't used Winegard's version, but have used WiFi extender in RV...
If the only issue is distance from the CG's antenna, it can work well. I've been able to connect to antennas further away when he closest to me has an issue (extender attached to TV antenna mast)...

But it doesn't fix bandwidth issues on the CG's network.... Sometimes just too much traffic for the capacity.

Of course a version with 4G can use the cellular network in those cases but then you have to consider the data plan cost and your usage.

Price seems a little steep.... If you can get a reasonable unlimited hotspot instead?

[Buzz102]

We have a Verizon hotspot but their top plan is only 24 gbs for $110/mo and after that its $15/gb. That goes quick when you want to stream from Netflix or Amazon. Hopefully the campgrounds will upgrade. I'd gladly pay, say, $5/day more for good internet.

[jpmihalk]

We have an ATT hotspot and it is on an unlimited plan, along with a Mobley also on a $20/month unlimited plan. The hotspot has faster 4G LTE speeds and is better for smart TVs, etc. along with up to 10 connected devices. The Mobley has the advantage of a month to month plan that can be turned off anytime with no penalty. The Mobley only allows 5 devices to connect. We. are looking to upgrade to a new device (Netgear Nighthawk) that allows up to 20 devices and has an integrated Ethernet port, and keep it on the existing unlimited plan.

I can't really compare the pricing because we have 10 devices on our plan (all of the kids and mom's cell phones in addition to all of our devices.) I just know that each device is $20/month to add to the plan.

[Buzz102]

Thanks for that info. I'm just getting into researching this. Heres another extender someone brought up https://www.amazon.com/Range-Marine-...+wifi+extender The reviews are good but as you note, the campground's bandwidth might be the problem. Sounds like it might pick up other public networks in a 2 mile radius.

[gmc]

Originally Posted by Buzz102

We have a Verizon hotspot but their top plan is only 24 gbs for $110/mo and after that its $15/gb. That goes quick when you want to stream from Netflix or Amazon. Hopefully the campgrounds will upgrade. I'd gladly pay, say, $5/day more for good internet.

Hopefully discounted for long term stays... $150/month is steep...

Originally Posted by Buzz102

Thanks for that info. I'm just getting into researching this. Heres another extender someone brought up https://www.amazon.com/Range-Marine-...+wifi+extender The reviews are good but as you note, the campground's bandwidth might be the problem. Sounds like it might pick up other public networks in a 2 mile radius.

The real question is type of use... for checking email and some surfing - you may find a local hotspot you can connect to... but if streaming is required or you need connectivity for your job - then some form of hotspot may be best choice.

I picked up a Mobley when AT&T had the connected car promotion... No other services required, and $20/month unlimited data. So far has worked well in the RV (and in my detached workshop when home that was internet challenged...)

I still carry the extender - but haven't used it since picking up the Mobley.

[Inthery]

I thought the other feature of the booster is to enhance your 4G LTE signal?? So for instance, if you have a wireless hotspot offered by Verizon, AT&T etc. it will boost that signal. So if you are getting a weak signal in West Texas, it will enhance the wifi signal of your cellular device??

[gmc]

Originally Posted by Inthery

I thought the other feature of the booster is to enhance your 4G LTE signal?? So for instance, if you have a wireless hotspot offered by Verizon, AT&T etc. it will boost that signal. So if you are getting a weak signal in West Texas, it will enhance the wifi signal of your cellular device??

Two different animals... Thought possible one device can do both...

The wifi extender is searching for wifi signals using a better antenna/receiver than your WiFi devices, then extending/repeating it so you can connect.

A cellular booster is doing similar, but on the cellular network of course.

A third animal is a cellular network extender... Becomes a mini cell tower, and uses wifi to make/receive calls.