Is Cradlepoint still a good RV solution?

[joebedford]

Given the back-and-forth by Cradlepoint about firmware updates for retail users without service contracts, do people here still recommend them? If so, what unit?

[Clay_L]

RoyB wrote:
Is the cradlepoint still just a router only... That is what is was back in the day... DOD gave all of us GOVT travelers a Verizon air card to plug into our laptops when on the road to get on the Internet. Then we smart ones would plug the Verizon air card into a cradlepoint and then use it as a router for multiple users...

Then when the Verizon MIFI came along in its own external box everyone went with it.

If the cradlepoints are still just routers how does one use it to get on the internet... You have to connect to the internet somewhere...

Roy Ken

You plug a USB aircard into the Cradlepoint router. It is designed for that. Regular routers are not.

One advantage to using the router is that with it you can set up a home network and have two or more computers connected. Makes it easier to share files.
Three different Verizon techs told me you can't do that with a MiFi. I spent half a day trying anyway but could find no way to do it.

[2oldman]

joebedford wrote:
We've never had good luck with Tengo but the park says it's good enough to stream Netflix.

I'd like to see that. Report back if you can - tengo is usually a nightmare.

[joebedford]

The next park we're going to (Guadalupe River RV) has an exclusive contract for internet with their wifi provider (Tengo). Even though they have T-W cable in the park, they won't allow me to bring my T-W modem for cable internet.

We've never had good luck with Tengo but the park says it's good enough to stream Netflix. Maybe it's changed in the 5 years since we last used Tengo. I guess I'll cough up the $40 for the month and use my external antenna to get the best wifi signal available. Cradlepoint would be good in this case.

We normally use about 40GB per month - we'll see how that works out.

[jeomelia]

Still use ours w/ a uml290 on a Verizon unlimited plan, use a MagicJac in the Ethernet port for the wife's pace maker checks when on the road. Will be moving soon and will also use it for internet in the apartment when not travelling

[Bill_Satellite]

If you use campground WiFi in your travels then I still highly recommend the Cradlepoint router. Just be sure you get on that offers WiFi as WAN. I use the MBR95 but I believe it has been discontinued. I would try to find the least expensive Cradlepoint that offers that option. You will never use all of the functions that Cradlepoint builds into their routers so inexpensive does not mean cheap, just more affordable.

[RoyB]

Is the cradlepoint still just a router only... That is what is was back in the day... DOD gave all of us GOVT travelers a Verizon air card to plug into our laptops when on the road to get on the Internet. Then we smart ones would plug the Verizon air card into a cradlepoint and then use it as a router for multiple users...

Then when the Verizon MIFI came along in its own external box everyone went with it.

If the cradlepoints are still just routers how does one use it to get on the internet... You have to connect to the internet somewhere...

Roy Ken

[joebedford]

joebedford wrote:
MiFi doesn't work for me - I need lots of data but only for 4-5 months a year.

I'm rethinking that statement - normally we use mobile data with booster antenna while we're travelling. That will happen for 2 to 4 times per year for 1 to 3 weeks at a time. When we're parked for extended periods of time, we usually get cable internet or dsl.

So maybe prepaid mifi internet that I can buy for a month at a time WOULD work for me. Max 4 months per year.

[joebedford]

MiFi doesn't work for me - I need lots of data but only for 4-5 months a year.

[Dutch_12078]

About the only thing we use our Cradlepoint Surf Mini OTG for now is those rare occasions when a park has a reliable WiFi service and the signal needs a boost for our site. Our Verizon Jetpack handles all of our Internet connections otherwise.

[sljkansas]

I still use my Cradlepoint 1000 every day. I take with use when we are Volunteering at the lake during the summer,and it goes back home with use in the fall. I have also used it in the truck (with a 12 volt adapter) while traveling. Now as far as updates, the only one I have done is updating it from 3G to 4G

[sch911]

I think most of us now use a Jetpack or MiFi type of device. There is really no longer a need for a router as those functions are carried out by the MiFi device.