Information source for cellular/wi-fi booster/repeater?

[jamescook]

Hi,
I guess this has been discussed a thousand times.
Before I ask any specific question, I want to learn about the subject.

What would be the best source to start reading?

I want to connect 4 devices (2 smartphones, 1 tablet and a notebook) to the internet at the same time. On the campground via Wi-Fi Hotspot, on the road via cellular network.

Regards
Peter

[docj]

DennisG9 wrote:
Does using your own router offer any more security?

Afterall aren't you still working over a public network?

It's been explained here many, many times that your security is maintained by the HTTPS protocol of the website you are connecting to (your bank, your credit card company, and many others). It doesn't matter whether the network you connect to is open or secure not as long as you make sure you connect to a legitimate network owned by the hotel, campground or store, etc.

The horror stories posted on the internet are almost all the result of people who connected to scam networks designed to harvest data. Don't be so eager to get free wifi that you don't check to see if you're on the right network.

[DennisG9]

Does using your own router offer any more security?

Afterall aren't you still working over a public network?

[AllegroD]

Millenicom (or Verizon), Cradlepoint MBR95 and NanoStation M

Reading

[1492]

docj wrote:
I know from dealing with customers that what you are proposing is beyond the limited skill-set of many of them. I'm not demeaning people, but simply being realistic. Many customers have difficulty setting up equipment that is essentially plug-and-play.

I think you're making too broad an assumption. Most RVers don't need or use a turn-key packaged system for WiFi access.

In any case, how is setting up and using a free virtual WiFi router beyond the skill set of many? No more difficult than selecting your adapter from a list, typing a hotspot name and passwords, and optionally selecting a different security protocol. Takes about a minute to setup. But don't you essentially have to do something similar with any turn-key router package?

As I mentioned, there are different options available. But commercial packaged systems are not necessarily any better.

[MrWizard]

What is plug and play for a network technician, . Is not
Plug and play for everybody else
I'm a tech by trade, but not a network tech, and it even takes me a bit of work to set this stuff up
And once tried Wi-Fi sharing, virtual router etc..
It's usually slow and can be a real pita, it uses a resources of the computers cpu to route all the signals back and forth thru it's Wi-Fi chip
For any thing more than emergency use, get dedicated hardware/router

[docj]

1492 wrote:

docj wrote:
With CG's that use services such as Tengo, they may charge extra for multiple devices. When I connect to a Tengo network with my router it looks like one device.

I'm not following you? A free virtual WiFi router does the the same thing. The source WiFi just sees a single device, so using one CG IP address(DHCP), regardless if you have 5,10, 20+ devices connected on your end.

This is really about options. Some do not want to spend $100-$200+ on a turn key router system.

Like many things in life, this is a trade-off between convenience and cost. I know from dealing with customers that what you are proposing is beyond the limited skill-set of many of them. I'm not demeaning people, but simply being realistic. Many customers have difficulty setting up equipment that is essentially plug-and-play.

[1492]

docj wrote:
With CG's that use services such as Tengo, they may charge extra for multiple devices. When I connect to a Tengo network with my router it looks like one device.

I'm not following you? A free virtual WiFi router does the the same thing. The source WiFi just sees a single device, so using one CG IP address(DHCP), regardless if you have 5,10, 20+ devices connected on your end.

This is really about options. Some do not want to spend $100-$200+ on a turn key router system.

[docj]

1492 wrote:

If you have a mobile data WiFi hotspot, than don't need a separate router. Most can easily handle 5-8 devices connected simultaneously.

The advantage of having a separate router is that everything in your network can remain connected to it and you can switch the entire network from cellular to wifi with one keystroke. If you use the "Mifi device" or phone hotspot as your router that's fine for cellular but if you find a wifi you want to use each device would have to be separately connected to it. With CG's that use services such as Tengo, they may charge extra for multiple devices. When I connect to a Tengo network with my router it looks like one device.

[1492]

One free or inexpensive method is to use your existing hardware such as your notebook to act as a virtual WiFi router. There are a number of Free or Open Source utilities available, such as Virtual Router, mHotspot , or Winhotspot. These will allow you to share one net connection with all your devices. Even from another WiFi connection. They're basically just front-ends for Windows hosted networks, but saves you from having to deal with the command line.

If this fits your needs, than it can be done for free. However, your notebook's built-in WiFi adapter may not have the range using campground's WiFi. So you may have to invest in a long range external USB WiFi adapter such as those made by Alfa. These can generally be found for less than $25. Just don't be swayed into claims that these are 1,000/2,000mW power. The best will peak around 600mW, still about ten+ times the power of built-in notebook adapters.

If you have a mobile data WiFi hotspot, than don't need a separate router. Most can easily handle 5-8 devices connected simultaneously.

[RoyB]

In the old days past I used to run the USA roads with my VERIZON AIRCARD plugged into a CRADLEPOINT unit which would create a very good WIFI HOTSPOT.

I could use multiple WIFI READY devices all at the same time with great success.

Now VERIZON use a unit called MIFI which combines all of this into one small package that looks like this small shirt pocket size unit with internal batteries.


I get a great mobile secured WIFI HOTSPOT that will allow up to five WIFI enabled devices to be used at the same time. My coverage area is around 200-feet from the MIFI unit. Using this stand alone unit does not require my cell phone to operate.

The downside is the amount of DATAPLAN you can have with this type of system. I am using a grandfathered unit that only allows a 3GB dataplan with Verizon. You can get a larger plan but the monthly rate goes up as well.

One of the better plans that uses the VERIZON NETWORK is called MILLENICOM which offers a 20GB DATAPLAN for around $80 a month.

I gave up on the FREE WIFI Hot spots years ago including those offered at the camp grounds. The VERIZON MIFI plan probably has the BEST coverage area of all the Internet providers over the whole USA. If your Verizon cell phone works so will this stand alone MIFI unit.

If you plan on down streaming TV station or videos then you will need all of the GB dataplan you can muster.

The stand alone VERIZON 3GB Dataplan works great for us for checking-in with the kids, paying a few bills online, and some surfing of the internet. The 3GB will not support down steaming of TV stations or videos.

Roy Ken

[docj]

There are a number of companies that make routers with what is known as WiFi as WAN capability. This is the ability to connect to a WiFi access point and use it on your network the same way you would use your cellular internet source or any other.

Some of the companies who make such hardware are Cradlepoint, JefaTech, and WiFiRanger. Because I work for one of these companies, this is all I can post here. After you have done some research on the topic, if you have questions you are welcome to PM me.

Joel