WiFi - one computer at a time - common?

[dbwiddis]

Parked at a campsite on our very first RV trip as a family! Yay!

We got an access code for the wifi (Tengo Internet) but each different computer that wants to use it has to "take over" the connection, so we can't all be online at the same time.

Is this normal/common for campsites? What do most people do who want to use a router or somesuch to share access?

[Ron3rd]

Ditto on the router. Essentially, all computers "hide" behind the router and the ISP only sees the IP of the router.

[1775]

We regularly go to a campground that uses Tengo Internet as their provider for wifi. We have never had the problem that you describe. We both have been on laptops on the wifi at the same time at that campground. This may be something that just this campground has set up. When I have used Tengo at a campground, when the laptop or tablet is first turned on to wifi and a browser is started, it starts on the Tengo home page where it asks you to register a login id and password. Once that is put in, the page opens to another home page that includes the campground's name and asks how many days are you staying. I always select the maximum choice and the login that I registered is good for that long - and can be used by any computer or tablet that we have at the same time. And if one wanted, each could "set up an account" with their own id and password. Once you log in for the first time for the stay, you get another welcome page that says it is free. (they don't ask for any personal information or billing information)

It is odd for a campground to use a different code for each RV/TT that comes in. In campgrounds that we have been to where they give you a code, the code is the same for everyone.

We have had minor problems with campground wifi. So far I have not seen a need to pay for a data plan for a hotspot connection. We are good to check email, browse the web, etc.

[dodge_guy]

We went to a Jellystone and they gave me one code. Only worked on one device! I went back and said i needed 6 more numbers!!!!!! I got them, but they were useless as you could barely get a connection. Tengo internet is not very good!

[NorCal_Dan]

Not sure about M$ OS but OSX will allow sharing an internet connection but you must have 2 wifi devices on the Mac. I use my Airport Extreme to "share" the connection from my iMac so we only need one code. With multiple devices that need internet access using this setup means I don't have to re-engineer all my devices when we move...I just get my iMac online and all the other devices do not need to be modified, they still get their connection from the airport extreme.

[rvten]

I use a WiFi Ranger router with a VZ usb card.
But the router will boost the CG signal if I want to use there service.

[wa8yxm]

rvten wrote:
Usually just the ones you have to pay for.
Most CG/RV parks with FREE WiFi you can run more than one device on the system.

I will second that, If you need to log on with a user name and password it usually is one to a customer.

Of course.. I cheat.. In many cases I can log on my Wi-Fi modem and let it re-route to all my devices but alas, they don't make that modem any more.

[wbwood]

Acampingwewillgo wrote:
I've seen some CG's with Tengo-Net that will give you more than one access code.....maybe your place will too????

Ditto. The KOA in Wilmington nc uses tengo. They ask us at check in how many devices. If we tell them three, then they give us 3 codes.

[Pepperoni]

dbwiddis wrote:
And the office is closed now so can't get another code until tomorrow. Not a big deal, just trying to learn from experiences and see what we need the next time.

You may want to try running a router. Cradlepoint comes to mind. Runs off 12v, will hold multiple card types and will handle multiple pcs while appearing as a single IP.

[Dutch_12078]

SCVJeff wrote:
Someone has likely done it here, but I think if you were to add a router/ repeater where you sign on through it, the host sees only one MAC address and you might be able to get around it.

Yep, the "PayFi" TOS usually says something to the effect, "Only one device may connect using each code.", but if that "one device" is a router/WiFi repeater like some models from Cradlepoint, Pepwave, and others, then multiple other devices can in turn connect to that "one device". Legal? Probably... Circumvents the spirit of the TOS? No doubt...

[SCVJeff]

Someone has likely done it here, but I think if you were to add a router/ repeater where you sign on through it, the host sees only one MAC address and you might be able to get around it.

[Altern]

sch911 wrote:
Normal. Your access code allows only one connection.

X2.
Think of it from their side. You could set up shop from your computer and start selling Tengo Net's wifi to others.

[ford_truck_guy]

I carry the MIFI also.... But we camped at several places this year that offered those codes from Tango... They asked us how many computers we had , and how many codes we wanted....our MIFI plan was getting to the upper limits , so we went with the codes... Joe

[HappyKayakers]

Common for Tengo. You're being charged for a single device. Verizon MiFi would be a good choice for you if you're going to travel frequently.

[sch911]

Normal. Your access code allows only one connection.

[dbwiddis]

And the office is closed now so can't get another code until tomorrow. Not a big deal, just trying to learn from experiences and see what we need the next time.