Getting WiFi where there isn't any?

[CarpFishermanAn]

Excuse my ignorance but is there something you can buy to get wifi to our laptop in places (campgrounds) where this is no wifi and no good cell service (to get use the phone as a hotspot)? I do not know if there are cards/equipment/etc. that gives you wifi where you can't get it. Sorry if this is a dumb question - we are older & don't know all the new technology - LOL.)

Shari

[Sport45]

I'd use the opportunity to go outside and enjoy the scenery. Or maybe take on some of those chores I've been putting off for later...

[Golden_HVAC]

Some internal Wi-Fi antennas are not that strong. I bought a directional antenna, that is also connected by a USB port. So with a 3 meter extension USB cord, I was able to put it inside a baggy to protect it from the rain, and then put it on the roof near the refrigerator vent, so that it can see over all the other RV's and get a good signal from the office.

Yet if you are in a campground without any Wi-Fi, then you are out of luck. Many forests do not have cell towers nearby, and the Forest service has been very slow in installing Wi-Fi in the parks. The Forest ranger is not interested in computers - for instance. So why spend $200 a month on a satellite system or Wi-Fi system?

And there is no way that the Serria club would allow a cell tower on Federal Forest property! Sometimes walking around the campground you can find a stronger cell signal, especially if you walk in the direction of the largest nearby town, and perhaps a cliff overlooking that town. You can be 5 miles away from a tower, if you can see it from a cliff, you can connect to it.

Fred.

[calewjohnson]

I just ordered a 2000mW booster and an accompanying router made by Alfa Networks, as we are in the same situations. Fairly cheap, will have to post back if it works... You can look into Ubiquiti, may also be an option for equipment to get the job done.

Cale

[MrWizard]

you can use a cellular amplifier to MAYBE get a useable cell signal ?

other wise your only choice is satellite internet connection

[1492]

X2 for satellite internet.

[Vet_Man]

I use a Verison Hot Stop. Cost is $50 a month, can use it for Wi-Fi even driving down the road. Seems to work everywhere.

[robsouth]

I was about to say it, but they done said it, so I won't say it.

[RoyB]

oops sorry about that chiefs i will delete my comments thanks...

Roy Ken

[CarpFishermanAn]

2oldman wrote:

jesseannie wrote:
Sometimes I am amazed that some posters do not thoroughly read the OP post.

It is quite entertaining. It's obvious that many only read the Subject line.

Thanks JesseAnnie for pointing that out to everyone. 🙂


The OP (Shari)

[2oldman]

jesseannie wrote:
Sometimes I am amazed that some posters do not thoroughly read the OP post.

It is quite entertaining. It's obvious that many only read the Subject line.

[jesseannie]

Sometimes I am amazed that some posters do not thoroughly read the OP post. Some of you have given the advice to use phone service or jet-packs If you read what the OP said "where this is no wifi and no good cell service (to get use the phone as a hotspot)?"
To the OP, without a WIFI or cell phone service the options are really limited Slow expensive satellite service.
jesseannie

[ford_truck_guy]

^^^^^ that's what I use... You can link up to 10 devices at one time.. It works fantastic...

[RoyB]

oops - overcome by other events

[Alfred622]

Shari,

You have a couple of options to get Internet when camped at a spot that does not supply Internet via WiFi.

1) Use a digital cell phone as a hotspot or use a Jetpack (which is like a cell phone that only does data - no voice). I use a Jetpack. This device is about the size of a deck of cards but about 1/2 as thick. I use one from Verizon and I get coverage in most of the places I go. I just turn it on, it locks onto a cell signal, and I have WiFi in the coach.

If I'm in a weak signal area, I have a cell antenna (Wilson) that I can mount on top of a 30' TV antenna tower (comes in 6' lengths that slip together). That gets me up high. This plugs into the antenna port of the Jetpack. Fairly inexpensive, and it works quite well. About the only place I've been skunked was at the Lake of the Woods, very northern tip of Minnesota.

2) If you are really in an area where an antenna won't help, then your only option is a satellite dish. You need a clear view of the sky, need to lock-on to a satellite 20,000 miles in the sky, and pay multi-dollars per minute to get a slow internet connection. I don't have one but others here do. I'll let them tell you what they have and how they like it.

Hope this helps!