I need internet and wifi but it's complicated

[katoomer]

I would like to put wifi with my own internet connection in our coach. But it's not that easy for me. I need at least 2 LAN ports for my Sonos music system and a NAS to store music.
I also need the capability to change out wifi providers. I need one for Canada ( I use Telus)
and then maybe Verizon or whomever for U.S.A.. Must be capable of handling numerous devices. The bit of research I've done has me looking at a Cradlepoint Router that will connect to a MIFI hotspot. I'm just not sure if it will allow me to change hotspots back and forth when I cross the border. I'm had enough of RV park wifi and data roaming fees.
Any suggestions?

[wny_pat1]

PhotoMasterGreg wrote:
Verizon doesn't like me for getting them in trouble with the FTC and the FCC. I need to figure something useable.

Bet you that they have forgotten by now. I made very big waves that went back and forth over the Atlantic ocean several times many years ago, and I think that they have completely forgotten my name. And they were much bigger than Verizon.

[JimM68]

PhotoMasterGreg wrote:
But if you use an unsecured network, your personal info, including usernames and passwords, are fair game to anyone with a little knowledge. My 3G/4G (Sprint) has been extremely unreliable and unprotected Wi-Fi is a huge problem. Much of my network use will be cell phone to ChromeCast on the same network. Verizon doesn't like me for getting them in trouble with the FTC and the FCC. I need to figure something useable.

NO. Absolutely false. If you use a router such as the Hawking or cradlepoint I suggested, the router itself contains a full firewall and NAT address translation. You ARE secure, period, regardless of the security of the wifi network you are connecting to (assuming you are using https:)

[katoomer]

Update. We arrived in Palm Springs and I installed a Cradlepoint MBR-95 router. I got a
USB Modem from Verizon and everything is up and running great. Very easy to set up
and the kids are really happy. We no longer have to depend on RV park WiFi. We are staying at Motorcoach Country Club and you have to pay for WiFi and it is terrible, extremely slow.
I bought the modem from Verizon and then have a month to month plan. It will work perfect for us. I have already bought a USB modem from Telus to use when we are back in Canada.
Kids are happy, which means the DW is happy, and that means I am happy.
Thanks for all the help guys

[WayneLee]

Another router that you can investigate is the new line from Asus. Rated higher than Cradlepoint, Linksys, and others, the Asus router has many function/features that you can take advantage of. For example, the router has the newest 2 frequency capabilities, 2 usb ports (so your NAS doesn't need to have a LAN connection), 1 GB speed, and can reach a long distance.

[bigwheelsturnin]

straight talk phone..unlimited data and calls..nationwide..$45/month..it's great..i got the Android that uses Verizon towers.

[PhotoMasterGreg]

But if you use an unsecured network, your personal info, including usernames and passwords, are fair game to anyone with a little knowledge. My 3G/4G (Sprint) has been extremely unreliable and unprotected Wi-Fi is a huge problem. Much of my network use will be cell phone to ChromeCast on the same network. Verizon doesn't like me for getting them in trouble with the FTC and the FCC. I need to figure something useable.

[JimM68]

PhotoMasterGreg wrote:
I find this thread informative but a little over my head, which is bad for a former IT person. (years ago) I want to be able to connect to WiFi at campgrounds/rest stops/etc. Since most WiFi I have come across are not protected, I was considering a VPN. What do others use when RVing. I have an old Linksys router on hand. I hard lined it up to my laptop and setup the routers name, password etc. My phone sees the router, I enter the password when prompted and it appears to take the password as there are no error messages. When I select the router again, it gives me the option to connect. No matter how often I try connecting, it never really connects. I assume because I'm not really hooked to the internet?? Any suggestions?

VPN = A direct connection to another (typically workplace) network through an already established internet connection.

This is not typically what we are trying to do.

Basically, what we need to establish is our own (both hardwired and wireless) coach network, with the WAN port connected to whatever internet connection is available.

Again, we use Hawking. Cradlepoint also has some good devices.
Our Hawking has a wifi WAN port, that can be connected to either our smartphones in hotspot mode or the canpgrounds (or wherever's) wifi.

To help out our cellphone's connection, we use a Wilson Amplifier.

A combination of devices to:
Enhance an available wifi, 3g or 4g signal
and
provide an "owncoach" network for your wired and wireless devices

Will get it done for you.

[JohnnyT]

What I use and it works well for us...

First I have the Digital amplifier RepeaterDigital Antenna amplifier repeater ... Cradlepoint 1200 router with an aircard with Verizon .

The Amplifier repeater captures the cell signal then rebroadcasts in the coach it via an indoor antenna...This set up give us additional range ...still line of sight. Our cell phone service is improved.

Enhance cell service and wifi are also available outside the coach within reasonable proximity.

Connection for internet can either be wireless or via cable...

I have had this set up for years..The router has been upgraded...

JohnnyT

[PhotoMasterGreg]

I find this thread informative but a little over my head, which is bad for a former IT person. (years ago) I want to be able to connect to WiFi at campgrounds/rest stops/etc. Since most WiFi I have come across are not protected, I was considering a VPN. What do others use when RVing. I have an old Linksys router on hand. I hard lined it up to my laptop and setup the routers name, password etc. My phone sees the router, I enter the password when prompted and it appears to take the password as there are no error messages. When I select the router again, it gives me the option to connect. No matter how often I try connecting, it never really connects. I assume because I'm not really hooked to the internet?? Any suggestions?

[JimM68]

We have a hawking 2 radio wireless router.

It gives our motorhome a permanent network, 4 hardwired ehternet ports plus wireless N.

On the input side, it will connect to any wireless network, campgrounds as well as one of our Verizon smartphones in hotspot mode.
I've installed an external antenna so it picks up campground wifi pretty well. If you can't make that work, cake to put the phone in hotspot mode.
Just in case, we also have a Wilson amp for the phone that works pretty well, tho it is 3g. Need to upgrade to a Wilson 4glte amp....

[jeremywatco]

Kiwi_too wrote:
Verizon & Cradlepoint MBR95.

At work we use Verizon 4G USB modems with Cradlepoints all the time. Works perfect. Don't need to tell verizon anything and there are no device limitations since you are NATing things.

We do exactly what you are wanting to do. We have several devices plugged in working in combo with devices on the WIFI links.

As far as modem combos... I'm not sure but the cradlepoint website can list whatever USB modems go with what router.

We use MBR1400's but that's probably overkill for what you want to do.

[wa8yxm]

Not all that long ago people were touting the Cradlepoint routers.. Seems Cradlepoint makes a line of routers. Some are strictly designed to connect to a Modem via a Cat-5 or 6 cable, some have a USB port and are designed to support a Wi-Fi Dongle type USB adapter. Generally in addition to the CAT-jack.

Assumign they are still making them. This might be the way to go. I suspect the DCHP is handled by the router, not the dongle and thus the "Connnections lmite" is ... avoided.

[AllegroD]

Verizon & Cradlepoint MBR95.

[jhilley]

1492 wrote:

This TP-Link TL-WR710N or similar router is all you really need. It has two LAN ports and connects to your mobile MiFi device via WiFi in client mode. Amazon has it for $26. Don't know how much the CradlePoint costs?

I looked at the user manual for this device and it is very complete. This router would definitely do what you want with several different modes that you could use. I believe I will buy one to use as a backup and for some special applications. Can't beat the price and very versatile. I work for a rural phone company that provides Internet wirelessly and over fiber and have seen just about all the routers and this one looks like a good one.