Wifi

[bilz]

Some of the parks we have stayed at have weak wifi signals, what to do to improve it?

[sky_blue]

The RV Mobile Internet Resource Center has a really good review of your options.

[JollyRodgers]

We use this. It's a little more involved to set up the first time, but after that it's ver straight forward. Notes on the iPad help us make sure we do t forget how to configure it on the road. We opted for the upgrade options indicated in the write up.

Private RV Wi-Fi and Making a Better Park Connection for Under $100 | Outside Our Bubble

[JamieGeek]

I've given up on campground wifi and simply use our cell. Share a hotspot on the phone with our devices (we have a lot of data on our plan).

I haven't been to a campground yet that has an acceptable WiFi signal and with LTE I'm usually going to get a faster connection than whatever the campground can provide.

[paul905]

Check out a Bear Extender outdoor/indoor antenna. It works really well and it cost around $69 with lots of mounting options. I'm using it right now in Lakewood RV Park in Myrtle Beach SC. You connect it via usb to a laptop then turn the laptop into a hot spot and connect the rest of your devices. Only one signal bar without it and no connection possible. With it i have four bars and able to watch Netflix, YouTube and access my slingbox.

http://store.bearextender.com/produc...wi-fi-extender

[Mr Sunshine]

Good information, three good suggestions. Thanks for sharing.

Like JamieGeek, we just use our phone for access when the signal doesn't reach. We aren't power users, but a booster would come in handy sometimes.

[gmc]

Originally Posted by JollyRodgers

We use this. It's a little more involved to set up the first time, but after that it's ver straight forward. Notes on the iPad help us make sure we do t forget how to configure it on the road. We opted for the upgrade options indicated in the write up.

Private RV Wi-Fi and Making a Better Park Connection for Under $100 | Outside Our Bubble

I use an older version from Ubiquiti - what I had access to - and works GREAT as far as being able to get connected... can help if you aren't close enough to the wifi source - but of course can't help if the connection just isn't up to the task (number of users, etc...)
It did let me bypass a bad connection in favor of a better - but further away - signal at a campsite.

I don't have a cell data plan capable of supporting what I need... I do use a cell phone as backup if all else fails...
For our 3+ month stay - ended up getting a modem from Comcast and using their high speed in the park (still fed into my RV wireless router so didn't have to connect each device to a new network.)

[Bruce]

Great instructional video and the price is right!

On the WiFi network set up for the coach, can you enter a MAC address that will enable a device to automatically login to the network? Specifically, a Hopper DVR.

Thanks,

Bruce

Originally Posted by JollyRodgers

We use this.....

[brucev]

Originally Posted by gbrown

The RV Mobile Internet Resource Center has a really good review of your options.

Good info until you get to the member only block after reading the intro.

[gmc]

Originally Posted by Bruce

On the WiFi network set up for the coach, can you enter a MAC address that will enable a device to automatically login to the network? Specifically, a Hopper DVR.

That depends on the capability of the router you use.... I've never had to enter the MAC address - always entered the SSID and security key on the device wanting to attach... (Some routers have a 'push button' to connect - "Wifi Protected Setup" - mine doesn't happen to have that.)

I haven't tried a Hopper - but have connected various computers, cell phones, tablets, blu ray players, PS4, etc...
Once entered - they can connect anytime.
(One reason for the 'RV Network' wifi is so I don't have to reconnect devices to each new network....)

[sky_blue]

IMHO - Even if you do have a good WiFi connection, most parks have ancient WiFi systems that can not handle the bandwidth of multiple connections streaming movies, etc. In my recent trip, both parks had WiFi, but no bandwidth. Think of it as a water pipe shared with every one. You are at the end of the block and get really bad water pressure.

I think it is better to have a large data plan on your cellphone.

[srolfe]

We have Metro PCS and a phone that supports a hotspot. If you have a good 4G signal, which we normally do, the system works great. We have 11GB available on the hotspot. If you are streaming Netflix this will give you 2-3 hours of streaming, if you throttle Netflix back, you can get 10-12 hours. We usually use the hotspot with our tablets for games, browsing, etc. and there is no data limit.

[Phil Saran]

We bought a hot spot from our phone supplier (ATT) and it runs about $20 a month
for service. Works very well.

[brucev]

Just ordered a hotshot from T-Mobile for $80, 1st month free and $35 per month for 6 gigs thereafter, no contract and unused data rolls over to the next month. I have heard good and no so good about coverage. Worst case, I can drop the service and only be out $80 which is less than I would have paid to rent an aircard for a week or so.

Falcon Z-917 Hotspot | 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot & Sim Card | T-Mobile

[Baddad53]

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

I've given up on campground wifi and simply use our cell. Share a hotspot on the phone with our devices (we have a lot of data on our plan).

I haven't been to a campground yet that has an acceptable WiFi signal and with LTE I'm usually going to get a faster connection than whatever the campground can provide.

Same here. We try WiFi but the Cellular Network is our most used connection. I installed a WeBoost with exterior antenna / ground plane to improve the Cell signal.

[Bruce]

It is a bit more involved to set up.

I just spent seven hours getting the NanoStation loco M2 and the airGateway running. I made the mistake of trying to use Ubiquiti's instructions when setting up. I finally used JollyRodgers video and success!

I am happy to report that I am using my Axis WiFi network to send this message.

Finally my DVR is now connected via wireless to the internet. When at home the DVR has an Ethernet connection. No such luxury on the road.

The printer is also connected to the Axis network. It responds immediately. With the campground network, it could take fifteen minutes or more to download a page to the printer.

My thanks to the JollyRodgers for their comprehensive video.

Originally Posted by JollyRodgers

We use this. It's a little more involved to set up.....

[leshunter]

Is anyone using the T-Mobile Binge On Data only SIM card for I think $30 or $35/ month? No contracts.

[Baddad53]

I have T-mobile and the data coverage outside of urdan areas is bad out west. I have a data only for my Nexus 7.

[blw2]

Originally Posted by JamieGeek

I've given up on campground wifi and simply use our cell. Share a hotspot on the phone with our devices (we have a lot of data on our plan).

I haven't been to a campground yet that has an acceptable WiFi signal and with LTE I'm usually going to get a faster connection than whatever the campground can provide.

we do pretty much the same as Jamiegeek
but our cell coverage has been hit and miss since we do more state parks out in the woods... Usually have had decent coverage....

Another consideration for me is security. I'll rarely connect through wifi in hotels or places like that, just out of concern for keeping folks out of my business.... & I would NEVER do any banking and such over the wifi...

I have considered installing one of those cell phone boosters from Wilson Electronics (or similar) to get an antenna up high for a better signal... but they're expensive and I'm afraid that DW will yell....

[blw2]

oh, we just switched from ATT to T Mobile
looking forward to using that Binge on to see how well that works....