Millenicom Router needed ?

[snickster]

I am ordering Millenicom's 20G monthly service.
The 3 g store thinks I need a Pepwave Router for best results.
Should I order one or just try the Verizon MiFi hotspot by itself first ?
Thanks

[jcpainter]

The Texan wrote:

jcpainter wrote:
I assume you mean the Verizon hotspot that is sold by Millenicom?

They will not allow you to use a "real" Verizon hotspot, that you did not buy from them, on their system.

Now this is funny....My Millenicom Verizon Hotspot has the word "Verizon" on the front and operates on all Verizon towers, partner towers and associate towers that the "REAL" Verizon hotspot works on.........:s

Did you buy your Verizon branded hotspot from Millenicom?

When I called and asked if I could use my exissting Verizon Hotspot on the 20GB plan, they told me "No, you can only use one purchased from Millenicom".

[wittmeba]

According to their plan description you should NOT need anything else. Their device will allow 10 WiFi enabled devices to be simultaneously connected.

A router usually does this same function when there is a single point device.

http://millenicom.com/plans/#hotspot-plan

[GoPackGo]

I've been using the Millenicom MiFI 20 Gig plan now for about 6 months. As others have said, no router needed. It works fine as long as you are within about 30-40 feet of it. And remember it's portable and the battery lasts a LONG time. Put it in your pocket and head off to the park with your notebook/Ipad/Nook. It will accommodate up to 5 different devices at one time. I even set my phone to search it out and use it if available.

I also got the Sleek - it seems to add about 2 bars to the MiFi. And I got the Sleek office kit to put in my 5th wheel.

[vermilye]

I purchased the latest Sleek, a model that has a switch that lets you choose which LTE 4G network you want it to operate on - up for Verizon, down for AT&T. The antenna is the Wilson Trucker Antenna. You will need an adapter to connect the antenna to the Sleek.

With this combination I have been able to get a 21db boost in weak signal areas. It, like any amplifier, will not help if there is no signal present.

[paulcardoza]

To expand on Bill's post....... I have a higher end router (Cradlepoint MB1400)that does WIFI-AS-WAN and also will load balance across selected available networks. I have both Verizon and AT&T mifi hotspots and it uses data evenly between the two. I've also used it with CG Wifi and it's balanced between all three, but will provide uneven performance, if the CG wifi is spotty.

Also, the unit I have provides a super wifi signal, so I can use it sitting 2 sites over if I want to. If you are wanting to connect while outside, a good router is an excellent option.

[The_Texan]

jcpainter wrote:
I assume you mean the Verizon hotspot that is sold by Millenicom?

They will not allow you to use a "real" Verizon hotspot, that you did not buy from them, on their system.

Now this is funny....My Millenicom Verizon Hotspot has the word "Verizon" on the front and operates on all Verizon towers, partner towers and associate towers that the "REAL" Verizon hotspot works on.........:s

I also have the "Verizon" model of the Wilson sleek and it works very well.....

[MrVan]

vermilye wrote:
I've found I don't need to repeat or amplify the WiFi output of the Millenicom supplied hotspot. I did add a Wilson Sleek cell phone amplifier, combined with a Wilson trucker antenna. It provides a considerable boost to the cell side of the hotspot.

If you expect to work further than 30' - 40' from the hotspot, the additional router might be necessary.

Which models of the Wilson Sleek amplifier and Wilson Trucker antenna are you recommending?

[Bill_Satellite]

I would not recommend hooking up a MiFi to any other router unless you can do so via USB. If your MiFi only have the wireless output option you will lose a substantial amount of the speeds that are available with your connection. If you are going to connect your MiFi via USB you will need to verify that the device you are buying will be compatible with the router you buy.
Now, personally, I would never use a router with a MiFi UNLESS that router can also do WiFi as WAN. This option allows you to create one router based wireless setup in your RV and then use either the campground WiFi (to save data charges) or your cellular connection without having to change your in-house network each time you select a different connection option.

[vermilye]

I've found I don't need to repeat or amplify the WiFi output of the Millenicom supplied hotspot. I did add a Wilson Sleek cell phone amplifier, combined with a Wilson trucker antenna. It provides a considerable boost to the cell side of the hotspot.

If you expect to work further than 30' - 40' from the hotspot, the additional router might be necessary.

[MrVan]

We have the Millenicom service MiFi on the 20GB plan. Have four different computers within 40 feet of the unit that connect into it at various times. Have not seen a need for anything else so far.

[jcpainter]

I assume you mean the Verizon hotspot that is sold by Millenicom?

They will not allow you to use a "real" Verizon hotspot, that you did not buy from them, on their system.

[donn0128]

Should be just fine for up to about a 20 foot radius of the hot spot.

[BillyGo]

I have the Mifi unit, works fine on it's own. I guess it all depends on what you are using it for.