WiFi Extenders

[alano]

Originally Posted by Llando88

Interesting.

Can you post a synopsis of the setup when running the outer router as a Client?

To be honest I set up the outer router in DD-WRT in Repeater-Bridge from the get go. But now you have me curious if I could get better Mbps that way.

Here at home (we are between trips) setting up my rig and point to my sticks and bricks N router I was seeing good speed (>4 Mbps, easily fast enough to stream DVD quality video on Amazon Prime.

I will hasten to add we DO NOT stream video in camp, or at least only if we pay for a premium WiFi package.

Couple weeks ago we went through Naples and stayed at a Park in Bonita Springs. I got the 'basic' package ($3 per night) and had a solid 4 Mbps up/4 Mbps down/15 ms ping.

In our last two years of fairly extended travel WiFi in Parks is getting better, in my view, or at least it seems to me.

Anyway, as for me, like I said, I find my setup useful for avoiding to connect multiple devices (we have 7, I think) every time, plus I can make the best out of the WiFi that is available, even at some fairly long distances (several hundred feet).

Great discussion! I've actually never run into anyone using DD-WRT this way.

Sure, no worries. I'm taking out my trailer next weekend and while it's out I'll document the configuration and report back.

[Rich Jenkins]

^^^ Thanks!

I did some refactoring in the coach, including repurposing a small metal VARIERA shelf insert we picked up for $5.99 at IKEA (love that place. )

http://m.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/art/60136623/



Almost looks like it was designed for that spot. I'm going to turn the Amp around and bury/tie-wrap more of the cables, but I'm liking the setup. One power switch on the surge strip and it all comes on.

[Jenniflow]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

We use Verizon as well because they have better overall coverage. We also now have a full setup in the trailer that includes external antennas, booster, router, etc. Looking forward to using it when we get back to camping in the spring.

I just noticed this thread. I agree with you, Rocinante, about the spotty and mostly poor wifi in campgrounds. I'm tired of trying to make it work, especially when we're working while we're on the road. We need better connectivity.

Did you describe your set-up anywhere? I'm ready to move to Verizon for better coverage but I don't know what else we'd need.

Thanks!
Jenniflow

[Rich Jenkins]

Finally found a good solution for a rack for the WiFi gear in the electronics cabinets. It's a small metal wire shelf from WalMart:



It got both my routers up off the bottom and there is ample space for my switched power strip at the bottom. Still need to lace some cables to tidy everything up, but it fits very nicely in that spot:

[Rich Jenkins]

Today I added a passive reflector booster ‘ladder’ array tuned to 2.4 GHz to my external antenna:



REMO WiFiDirect "LADDER" - Indoor Directional Easy to Install Antenna Booster Amplifier for WiFi Routers - High Gain Omni-directional

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LY87USX..._ohdlAbGPA3797

I checked it with the wireless SNR page in my dd-wrt router firmware. After fiddling with the height of the ladder on the antenna shaft, I am seeing between 6 and 10 dB increase in SNR.

For $10 shipped, I found this extremely beneficial.

[Rich Jenkins]

Originally Posted by alano

I understand now how you can log into hularptr from hulagirl now. I actually have my external DD-WRT router configured in client mode because when I was first investigating router configurations I convinced myself that repeater-bridge mode would result in reduced bandwidth. I performed a test while I was within range of my wireless home connection and got better results with my external router configured in client mode. The downside is that I must attach an ethernet connection to a LAN port to access the external router on a separate subnet. Although it might be possible, I couldn't yet find a way to add static routes to enable this access from the internal router.

This weekend i set up a fellow RVer with a dd-wrt-based repeater system. Repeater was a WRT54G Ver 2 reflashed with generic mini v24 dd-wrt. Inner router was a WRT120N refurbished router with stock Cisco software.

I left the dd-wrt setup in Client mode (actually forgot to set it to Bridge) and put it on x.x.18.1. The inner router was set to IP x.x.8.1.

I am able to wirelessly connect to the inner router's AP normally through WPA2 AES, then enter IP address of the dd-wrt router, and configure on the same session.

Interestingly I've only found authentication to be possible through Chrome. My laptop running Windows 10 doesn't seen to authenticate successfully with either FF or IE. Wierd.

[ronboy]

TechnoRV products?? anyone comment on quality or what r u using thats good and simple?? thanx

[switz]

Have installed the FiFi Ranger in both trailer and it will pick up a local park's signal and bring it inside the coach and create a new subnet.

One needs to remember that if a park has just a user logon password or no password but is unencrypted with a with a specific en krypton password, all signals are easy to ,pmitor unless the site begins with "https" with emphasis on the letter "s".

We also have the Verizon MiFi modem and a cellphone antenna mounted on the roof. The MiFi creates a secure network for up to five users.

We have connected the external "cable" connection during the summer when we stay at Ponderosa Shadows, an Airstream only RV park, to a standard cable modem/router inside the trailer and it generates our subnet and reaches through the trailer to our shed where I have a printer and computer.

[Rocinante]

We are currently staying at the first and only RV park we've ever found with acceptable wifi signal quality and bandwidth. The irony is that this signal is so good we don't need any extenders to enjoy it. We just connect with the WiFi, then to our VPN, and off we go, streaming Netflix without a care in the world. Aside from this location, we've yet to see a single campground WiFi worth the effort of making a connection.

[MIFC]

Same here, the park we’ve been visiting the last few weeks is only a couple of years old and they pride themselves on the quality of their connection.

I’m able to connect via VPN and use my VOIP phone on my laptop and plus browse the Internet without any extra gear. Seems to be the exception, but maybe there is hope that more parks catch on.

[switz]

Two years ago, we completely wired the Ponderosa Shadows Airstream only RV Park located at Lakeside, AZ using ethernet cabling to the 13 signal points in the park. Each signal device is a gateway versus being a repeater which keeps the signal levels much higher.

Each member had a discreet ID they entered on up to nine devices to access the network. With last summers' experience on getting the system to operate better by upgrading some of the incoming router/modem equipment attached to the cable company, we will implement both the member ID and encryption this season. One can walk anywhere in the park and have wifi on their phone or other device.

Most RV parks lack the talent to properly setup a secure wifi network let alone keeping it running. We have several members with extensive networking experience.

If the option is available, a cable connection to a modem/router in the coach is the most secure mechanical connection and then coupling it with VPN (virtual private network) creates the greatest security.

We are personally currently using the NORDvpn system our "iDevices" and laptops.

As of this date (Ides of March 2018), NORD has a three year program for $99 or about $2.75 per month.

[creativepart]

We stayed at a couple of RV parks that offered FREE WiFi from “TengoInternet.” It was the typical lousy WiFi. But TengoInternet offered a paid option that worked great for streaming. We were there for a month, so the $30/mo plan worked great at a $1 a day.

We also have a WiFiRanger and a Weboost Drive 4G X. The WFR is not very helpful, except for the excellent GoAC router which we couldn’t live without. The WeBoost is very helpful and we use it often.

[ASmojo721]

If you don’t want to drill a hole in the AS, which we don’t, how and where can you run a cable to the antenna? The AS windows won’t allow you to run it through a window, so what can you do. Any help?

Thank you!

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by ASmojo721

If you don’t want to drill a hole in the AS, which we don’t, how and where can you run a cable to the antenna? The AS windows won’t allow you to run it through a window, so what can you do. Any help?

Thank you!

Run it through the side of the fantastic fan hatch. There is room to put a dome nut in the side and still close the fan all the way. Also you have room to put fam cover on with a little modification
. See pic

[Mollysdad]

The next great entrepreneur billionaire will create satellite based internet for everyone.

I remember my first GPS, a miracle! Before, I relied on Loran, a ground based system.

[ASmojo721]

Thank you so much. I’ll pass this along to my husband. I’ll keep you posted!