Verizon JetPack or WiFi Extender

It's best to have both solutions IMHO. If you can get a decent WiFi connection that has decent bandwidth (this is very rare in most CG's) go with it. Otherwise use cellular data on the Jetpack. I have both...

Well... an extender will only do just that - extend a signal that is already present but weak.... But the Jetpak will make its own signal..
pros and cons -
The JetPak will create a secure network... But will also be limited to the providers signal.. I have one and it mostly works well ... If you have a cell signal , you will be able to generate a wifi signal..
It will also carry a monthly data plan with it..
The extender will be a one time fee... but you will not be on a secure network... and is slow more than it is fast most times.

I am sure folks will chime in who know a TON MORE than I.. Those listed above are only my opinions off my knowledge ( what little I have)

sch911 wrote:
It's best to have both solutions IMHO. If you can get a decent WiFi connection that has decent bandwidth (this is very rare in most CG's) go with it. Otherwise use cellular data on the Jetpack. I have both...

sch911 has it right. The "pipe" that most campground wifi is connected to is just not made for the 50 or 100 campers who are looking to do anything from check email to remote into their office or watch YouTube - all at the same time. When you DO find good WiFi at a campground, use the extender. When it's sub-par, use the Jetpack or MiFi. Personally I have my phone as a WiFi Hotspot as my backup. I occasionally have to sign into the office to resolve a tech issue. Just watch your data and what type of plan you have. Happy Surfing!

sch911 wrote:
It's best to have both solutions IMHO. If you can get a decent WiFi connection that has decent bandwidth (this is very rare in most CG's) go with it. Otherwise use cellular data on the Jetpack. I have both...

Me Too

What is IMHO?

derh20 wrote:
What is IMHO?

In My Humble Opinion

As mentioned by RoadAbode........Do you have a smartphone that can act as a Wifi hotspot? If so, no reason to buy a Jetpack with another data plan.

I have both. Jetpack and Wilson Sleek. Work well together.

I have been at this for a while and have routinely found that campground Wifi is often unreliable. It only takes one person trying to stream a movie to bring most systems to a grinding halt. This is why I carry both WiFi and Cell 4G.

I use an Alfa AWUS036??? high power for WiFi, and if it is in the county, I can work it. But there is still the campground overload issue. It can be had in several versions (???) but I have had great success with these. The only reason I am on my second is that my SIL borrowed the first.

Using Verizon 4G has pretty good coverage east of the Mississippi. But out in the western states away from an interstate, you may not find much, and it is expensive if you don't buy more bandwidth before you use it. You can use 4G by either using a hotspot app on a smart phone or getting a JetPak. Nothing is cheap.

Matt

Yes, I used to use PdaNet, but my new Droid Turbo is not supported. But, it does have a Hot Spot feature that works well at home. I am just looking for a method to extend the cell signal in those areas that I get a weak signal. I am not sure if the Hot Spot feature on my new phone would give me the same signal strength results as PdaNet did.