How can I improve wi-fi at rv parks?

Smaller devices have smaller antennae don't have the range of devices with larger antennae, so, yes, it does make a difference in the end. I can see it pretty often just comparing phones, smaller devices like Kindles, and laptops.

As others have pointed out, though, getting a strong signal (vs. a weak one) does nothing about the bandwidth available on a given network. If too many folks are using the network for too many bandwidth-intensive purposes, then you might just as well hop in the car and drive to the local library.

:)
Lynn

vandave wrote:
Thank you for all the quick replies. Does it make a difference by using an i-pad and not a laptop?

No, that should make no difference at all.

Thank you for all the quick replies. Does it make a difference by using an i-pad and not a laptop?

Yup--we have the Verizon MiFi and it works great. Not only for the RV traveling but also use it at our Mt cabin which has no land line. Lars

Naio wrote:
Use your phone to provide wifi to your computer. You don't need a mifi unless you are running more computers than you have phones.

My LG G2 phone allows up to 15 connections so I only need the one phone.

Naio wrote:
So does that mean people don't need a mifi, ever?

Not all smart phones have the hotspot option, although it seems to be becoming very common.

AsheGuy wrote:

Naio wrote:
You don't need a mifi unless you are running more computers than you have phones.

???

Smart phone Wi-Fi hotspots can connect multiple devices, at least mine does.

Oh, good point! Mine does too.

So does that mean people don't need a mifi, ever?

Many parks are improving their WiFi signal strength, but also limiting connection time and implementing bandwidth hog limiters.

I think for folks who really need good WiFi for more than just checking the local weather and e-mail are best to increase their data plans, get a hotspot added or use your phone as a hotspot. The later works great for us when we have a need to connect our tablets to the Internet and no WiFi is available.

Naio wrote:
You don't need a mifi unless you are running more computers than you have phones.

???

Smart phone Wi-Fi hotspots can connect multiple devices, at least mine does.

RoyB wrote:
We solved our weak WIFI signal problem by getting a VERIZON MIFI unit. It works anywhere you can get VERIZON CELL PHONE service and creates its own secured WIFI Hotspot that will work with five of your wifi enabled devices at the same time.

Don't have to worry anymore about all of the WIFI places scattered here and there.

Roy Ken

What he said. :) Many RV parks that still have Wi-Fi issues are simply because they are overloaded and no amount of improved signal will help.

My Samsung Galaxy S4 smart phone on the Verizon network has a Wi-FI hotspot built in that fixes all the problems with campground Wi-Fi issues and, contrary to what I have seen posted on these threads, I can use the cell phone while it is acting as a Wi-Fi hotspot. I have a 3GB monthly data plan and I have yet to even get close to this limit since I use Wi-Fi when available.

It's not the perfect solution because a campground with useless Wi-Fi can be in a no Verizon service location but it is rare for our travel pattern. It is a solution that eliminates all the wasted travel time dealing with campgrounds that still do not realize the priority that many RVers place on Wi-Fi.