which is better usb or mifi

[rescue7]

I have a usb Verizon uml290 modem, I use with a cradlepoint router. Is the mifi type any better to use or is what I have better?

Don

[docj]

wintersun wrote:
With the mifi you need a new type of router that supports "Wifi as WAN" like the Cradlepoint MBR95. The mifi functions as a router for other PC's but the MDR95 will provide routing for wired Ethernet connections and for printers.

With Wifi As Wan the mifi is the internet access point to the Cradlepoint which then broadcasts the WiFi signal and provides its own DHCP linking to computers, printers, bridges, etc. in a building and has greater range than a mifi and supports more computers and devices.

I think this response needs some clarification for those not as familiar with the topic. First of all, no one HAS to have a router just because they have a MiFi. The MiFi serves as a router and wireless printers can be connected to it without difficulty.

However, there are several reasons for wanting a router with "WiFi as WAN" capability and one of those is that you have wired devices that require Ethernet connections. However, for most people the more common reason is that you want to be able to easily change all the devices on your network from one internet source to another, such as from the MiFi to a campground wifi or from one campground wifi to another. A third reason can also be the desire to have more signal strength to make it easier to connect to wifi access points.

Once you have made the decision to purchase a WiFi as WAN router there are several companies that make them.

[wintersun]

With the mifi you need a new type of router that supports "Wifi as WAN" like the Cradlepoint MBR95. The mifi functions as a router for other PC's but the MDR95 will provide routing for wired Ethernet connections and for printers.

With Wifi As Wan the mifi is the internet access point to the Cradlepoint which then broadcasts the WiFi signal and provides its own DHCP linking to computers, printers, bridges, etc. in a building and has greater range than a mifi and supports more computers and devices.

We use a Cradlepoint with Wifi as Wan at home and the mifi alone when on the road (where all we have is our two laptops).

[lfeather]

I put my battery powered MIFI jet pack in my shirt pocket and take my tablet shopping (etc). They advertise 4 hour battery life. Don't need to pay for smartphone service.

[paulcardoza]

I'm not missing anything. I specifically mentioned that in my post. I haven't had the same good experience as you have had with CG wifi. It's rare that we've found good service.

docj wrote:


I think you're overlooking the fact that a WiFiRanger can connect to campground wifi and a MiFi cannot. If the devices on your network are connected to a MiFi and you wish to use a CG's wifi you will need to connect each of them individually. With a WiFiRanger you need only switch the Ranger from the cellular connection to the wifi; everything else stays the same.

[docj]

paulcardoza wrote:


Makes me wonder why I bothered investing the extra $$$$ for the WFR. A mifi does the same thing and is much simpler to deal with.

I think you're overlooking the fact that a WiFiRanger can connect to campground wifi and a MiFi cannot. If the devices on your network are connected to a MiFi and you wish to use a CG's wifi you will need to connect each of them individually. With a WiFiRanger you need only switch the Ranger from the cellular connection to the wifi; everything else stays the same.

Although some folks maintain that campground wifi is poor, my experience lately is that many CG's have improved their systems. Furthermore, we have been at several CG's this spring where cellular service was non-existent and wifi was all there was. Try using a cell phone in Death Valley! Even mediocre wifi is better than no connection at all.

[TechWriter]

Bill.Winegard wrote:

TechWriter wrote:

rescue7 wrote:
I have a usb Verizon uml290 modem, I use with a cradlepoint router. Is the mifi type any better to use or is what I have better?

I have both -- UML290 on Verizon data plan and MiFi on Millenicom 20GB plan.

If Millenicom had a 20G plan for a UML290, I'd jump at it.

From my experience, a USB-type is easier to plug into a quality router, like a Cradlepoint, while my MiFi even w/Sleek amp is no match for my UML290 in a Cradepoint.

I took the sim card out of the MiFi device from Millenicom and installed it in my Pantech 290. Best of both worlds when used with a Cradlepoint or WiFi Ranger. I have since moved to the Verizon Share Everything plan and that has worked very well for me.

Superb

[rescue7]

Thanks for all the input. I think for now I will stay with my usb. Just trying to stay close to current with technology.

Don

[paulcardoza]

I have mixed feelings, to go along with my multiple systems! 😉

Ideally, a usb dongle coupled with a Wifi Ranger, would leave you with the most available options for internet connectivity while traveling. The WFR can connect either though your dongle, or to any available wifi signal present.

HOWEVER, it seems to be a rarity to actually find a decent wifi system to connect to while traveling. Seems like 95% of the time, I've got my WFR using the dongle and not any local wifi option.

Makes me wonder why I bothered investing the extra $$$$ for the WFR. A mifi does the same thing and is much simpler to deal with.

We did spend several months in the in-law's yard with our coach, where the WFR was able to nicely connect to their broadband wifi from the house, so we did see the advantage it provides when a signal is present.

[obgraham]

I had the USB with Verizon, and changed to the Samsung MiFi nearly 2 years ago. The MiFi is a bit handier, and can run multiple devices.

But I think the old USB ran a bit faster, with fewer dropouts. And it had an external antenna port, which my MiFi does not have.

If your USB does what you want, I wouldn't switch.

[Bill_Satellite]

TechWriter wrote:

rescue7 wrote:
I have a usb Verizon uml290 modem, I use with a cradlepoint router. Is the mifi type any better to use or is what I have better?

I have both -- UML290 on Verizon data plan and MiFi on Millenicom 20GB plan.

If Millenicom had a 20G plan for a UML290, I'd jump at it.

From my experience, a USB-type is easier to plug into a quality router, like a Cradlepoint, while my MiFi even w/Sleek amp is no match for my UML290 in a Cradepoint.

I took the sim card out of the MiFi device from Millenicom and installed it in my Pantech 290. Best of both worlds when used with a Cradlepoint or WiFi Ranger. I have since moved to the Verizon Share Everything plan and that has worked very well for me.

[docj]

IMHO the best solution these days is to get a smartphone and use it as a hotspot. That avoids having an additional device and you have the advantage of being able to use the phone for all the wonderful things it can do on its own. We use an Android phone with our WiFiRanger to accomplish exactly what you can do with a USB modem plugged into it.

[vermilye]

One of the differences is the power of the WiFi transmitter. Both systems produce WiFi signals, but the Cradelpoint router is more powerful. You may find the MiFi unit limits how far you can get from the device.

[SCVJeff]

(double post)

[SCVJeff]

Operationally I don't believe anyone can judge which one is better than the other unless you are comparing them on the same service and carrier, otherwise the operational opinions are meaningless.

Functionally I've had a PCMCIA card that slid into a router in the RV, or the PC direct. A borrowed USB stick for awhile, and now a Verizon Mifi as a result of both AT&T and Sprints dismal coverage and incompetent planning of service in Quartzsite. Best thing that happened!. For me the Mifi is way more convenient since I can turn it on and toss it back in the computer case when using it at an airport, etc., and use the iPhone on it as well. That also gives me two different phone services using my Vonage VoIP app., something a USB just cannot do in this size package. The USB being a 2" appendage is always prone to getting snagged or pulled out, and likewise with the card.

Which works better on the same service? Dunno....