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ludlowbr's avatar
ludlowbr
Explorer
Feb 10, 2022

Pepwave as a Cell repeater with no data plan

I need some direction. My wife and I are planning on full timing this summer in out ATC i.e. faraday cage RV this summer and are looking for solutions for network access. Here is what I’m looking at for a setup: Pepwave MAX BR1 Cat-20 modem using an external Parsec Husky pro 7 in 1 antenna. Along with a Weboost Drive x. So here is my question and issue. Q, Can I use the Pepwave with external antenna to pick up cell communications and have them rebroadcasted to the inside with out using a data plan on the Router i.e., using it like a repeater no data plan on router. Just having the device repeat the external signal on the inside and then use my tablet to surf the web, Not using the table to rebroadcast as a hot spot. I know that I can use the Weboost for this use but want to maximize the Mimo Tech in the Husky external antenna to maximize throughput. I would prefer not to have to have a 3rd antenna for just a repeater on the roof although that might be m only option. We would like to be able to use or cell phones inside the RV just like we would outside but as the RV blocks almost all signal we must keep the door open and be within close proximity to the opening to use are cell data. Are there any external to internal repeaters that use mimo tech inside and outside that will also pick up a large majority of the cell broadcasted bands? This is all because we want to only use the router cell plan for our PC whiles working but would also like to surf on our phones in the evening using their individual cell plans with out having to keep the door open. Thanks for the support.
  • So you want to take a cell signal (without any data plan) and somehow use it for WiFi in your RV? Please clarify.
  • Ludlowbr,

    You seem to have it half figured out.

    As soon as you want to take a cell signal and make it do something, you need to have it connected to a service - Have a plan.

    What we have done is use the repeater to get signal to our phones inside the coach, then use the phones to make the wap aka hotspot. When either of us does this, with just one phone, it works for everybody onboard. the only problem comes if DW is working off my phone, and I pack up to go to somewhere else, she has to fire up here phone and re-connect.

    Matt
  • I don't believe you can do what you're asking -- the BR1 is a cellular modem, the only thing it can do is send/receive cellular data and convert it to Wifi. If has no repeater functionality at all.

    The Weboost is a repeater and can do what you want, but as you said, it won't give you the same MIMO performance as you'd get from the Peplink.

    I'm not aware of any MIMO capable repeaters (and I'm not even sure it'd be possible to build one). Your best bet for fast data performance is to buy a data plan for the Peplink.
  • Welcome to the forum. I really wish I understood what you are trying to accomplish but I think, given what interesting information you have provided , I would just keep the door open. Unless it is raining of course, and then I would close it and read a Kindle (in airplane mode obviously).

    Dave

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