WIFI Question

Brettmm92 wrote:
Tom, I like the idea of that, but I'm specifically hoping that whatever external contraption makes better use of a weak signal than what my laptop can do. Do you think the bear extender would do that?

I have both a BearExtender adapter and a TP_LINK adapter. The BearExtender has 1200 milliwatt output power, the TP-LINK has 100 milliwatt. Both work well, but the higher power of the BearExtender gives you much more range. The TP-LINK would work for your present situation, but the BearExtender would be a better choice if you think you may need it at someplace with a weaker signal, such as a McDonald's or Walmart parking lot.

Check the costumer reviews on Amazon:

BearExtender
https://www.amazon.com/Bearifi-BearExtender-Booster-Extender-Microsoft/dp/B017KVVH76/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522576422&sr=8-3&keywords=bearextender

TP-LINK
https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Wireless-Adapter-TL-WN722N-Version/dp/B002SZEOLG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1522578064&sr=8-5&keywords=tp-link+usb+wifi+adapter

Bottom line...
I’d start with the $15 solution.
If it’s not enough, return it for something stronger.

Dang, Thanks for all the input!

I was really hoping there was a general consensus of one product for this specific task that had a good reputation among experienced campers. It seems that through all the posts, it boils down to either that 50$ Nanostation type device, or one of those USB antenna's. The USB seems simpler and cheaper but that Nanostation sure looks like it would be better


Fizz and TNG, that seems simple enough.

JCpainter, I think that will lead me in the proper direction. Anyone who makes a living associated with those devices must know a thing or two.

wildtoad, About 100 feet or maybe more. And pretty friendly. I'm surprised I even get signal. And the ghz thing is good to know.

Matt, that's what I was thinking. I was assuming the laptop came with a decent wifi antenna and hoping if I buy an external aftermarket one it would be perform better and make better use of a low signal.

Janss, my laptop has been pretty consistent inside the house.

Owen, that sounds like something I'm looking for. I wouldn't mind dropping some $ on something that would make better use of a weak signal and that sounds like what that is.

Bill, that website sure does have some good info. I'm gonna finish reading that specific article after I finish this post.

Wa8yxm, dang that also sounds like it would work. I think I'm looking for something I can keep inside my camper though, unless another option is too good. How does that thing get power?

Tom, I like the idea of that, but I'm specifically hoping that whatever external contraption makes better use of a weak signal than what my laptop can do. Do you think the bear extender would do that?

Thanks again, everyone

Bill.Satellite wrote:

theoldwizard1 wrote:

Matt_Colie wrote:

The practical matter is that you can't "Add an Antenna" because the modem is buried inside the laptop.

You can use a number of USB WiFi modems that will do what you want.

Correct !

I keep hoping someone will post how they were able to disconnect the internal antenna and connect up an external one with the proper adapter cable. In theory this should not be hard.

You absolutely CAN "add an antenna" you just also have to add a way for that antenna to connect to your computer. The easiest I have seen can be found here: https://outsideourbubble.com/

For less than $100 (or slightly over with the more powerful antenna) you can add a powerful external antenna (used inside the coach or outside for more range) and boost your WiFi signal.

x2 This solution is easy, inexpensive, scalable and best of all, it works.

There's good advice here for folks who need a "Whole house" solution, but it looks like the OP needs just a little boost for his laptop. I have used several WiFi adapters in the past, and the best so far has been a BearExtender. I have the TP-LINK adapter that Fizz mentioned and it works well. The BearExtender has a much higher power output.

If all that is needed is a little boost, pretty much any external adapter should work. Add a USB extension cable and mount the adapter in a location where you get a consistent connection.

The BearExtender is available on Amazon for $34.97:

https://www.amazon.com/Bearifi-BearExtender-Booster-Extender-Microsoft/dp/B017KVVH76/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522576422&sr=8-3&keywords=bearextender

That's the same antenna described in the artic sle I mention above. There are step by step setup instructions on the video so you can pause as necessary to get the setup right.

I use one of these: Nano Station Loco M-2

I had an older "High power" wi-Fi adapter but this puppy amazed me when I hung it out

It can "Mount" on any "pole" I mount it on a flag pole. on the mirror arms on the bicycle carrier any vertical pole Mounting it on the flag pole (in a camp ground. you likely won't need this) gives me the abilty to see OVER other RV's instead of through them (More range).

It feeds a standard Home/Small office router inside the RV.. and that feeds 5 computers (3 windows 2 chromebook) a tablet, my phone and two DVRs.

Does take a bit of time and trouble to set it up. IF you decide to go this route PM me and I'll walk you through it but here are the basics.


Access router set up and set WAN IP to 192.168.1.1

Access 192.169.1.20 (Nano statioh)
Click on the 2nd tab
Do a search for your friend's SSID
Select it then click on LOCK TO AP
Then click on Change and apply (in that order)
click on main (May have to wait 30 seconds or so)
once you see a good STRONG signal on the signal meter

Go back to Router settings and choose Automatic IP address

And the job is done.. Oh, I change my Routers LAN ip to 192.168.someting other than 1, something.
\

If your laptop is the only device you connect to the internet, the $14.99 USB adapter suggested by Fizz will work nicely. I have this adapter and it works much better than my built in WiFi. If your laptop is running Windows 10, it's very easy to turn it into a hotspot if you need to connect more devices. Click on the Network icon on the right side of the Taskbar, then right click the Mobile Hotspot icon. Then click "Go to Settings". Make note of the Network name and password. You can change the Network name and password if you like.

theoldwizard1 wrote:

Matt_Colie wrote:

The practical matter is that you can't "Add an Antenna" because the modem is buried inside the laptop.

You can use a number of USB WiFi modems that will do what you want.

Correct !

I keep hoping someone will post how they were able to disconnect the internal antenna and connect up an external one with the proper adapter cable. In theory this should not be hard.

You absolutely CAN "add an antenna" you just also have to add a way for that antenna to connect to your computer. The easiest I have seen can be found here: https://outsideourbubble.com/
For less than $100 (or slightly over with the more powerful antenna) you can add a powerful external antenna (used inside the coach or outside for more range) and boost your WiFi signal.

You can always by a router/access point that you can configure as a repeater. It will have external antennas that you can replace or use as is. Even using one in your RV will have a chance of receiving better. Ideally you’d install it somewhere closer to the source. The homeowner could keep it so their service is better throughout the house and outside.