I thought I'd share this with those of you who use the USB wireless aircards.
I've used one for quite awhile now and though they have their shortcomings when out of cell range, they are reliable and easy to install and use.
If you are like me, some of you have the need to use more than one computer at a time and using a USB aircard normally limits that to one computer connected at a time.
(There is another way but without major techie skills most of you shouldn't attempt it.)
Here's a modestly priced wireless router that you plug your aircard into and provide your own hotspot, allowing you to use more than one computer on the same connection easily.
neat idea. It would protect the card from damage too.
__________________ "If a man does not have an ideal and try to live up to it, then he becomes a mean, base and sordid creature, no matter how successful." Letter to his son Kermit, quoted in Theodore Roosevelt by Joseph Bucklin Bishop, 1915
I have a USB card we use all the time while traveling and I have considered a router to run the multiple computers, iphones, ect... I wonder if your router is strong enough to send the signal outdoors (like if your working at the picnic table). I have purchased a rather long USB cable that allows me to move the card away from where I am working to get a better signal- these tin cans really cause havic with wireless signals. I would love to put some type of booster on the trailer itself for all cell signals- anyone know of something like that?
Do you happen to know if this router will operate with a cell phone vs. an air card? I have the Verizon service where my cell phone tethers to my lap top to access the internet.
Brian
__________________ SuEllyn & Brian McCabe WBCCI #3628 --- AIR #14872 2005 25' Safari FB (Lucy) with HAHA 2005 Suburban 2500 Quadrasteer (Olivia) & 2004 Suburban 2500 Quadrasteer (Daisy)
I've had great success with the direct connect type, but I hear the wireless works as well. If you go with the direct connect type, you will need the type of aircard that has a jack for an external antenna. I ran an external cable through the front window frame, and clamp it to the tinted shield. When not in use, it stores nicely between the window and screen. If you're going to be at the WDCU Installation Rally in October I'd be glad to show how mine works.
I have a USB card we use all the time while traveling and I have considered a router to run the multiple computers, iphones, ect... I wonder if your router is strong enough to send the signal outdoors (like if your working at the picnic table). I have purchased a rather long USB cable that allows me to move the card away from where I am working to get a better signal- these tin cans really cause havoc with wireless signals. I would love to put some type of booster on the trailer itself for all cell signals- anyone know of something like that?
I've had no problems with the Netgear in the 300 ft. range (laptop-to-router) which is about as far as I've used it myself, though I have a fiberglass skin rather than aluminum. I believe Linksys (owned by Cisco) makes a similar model to the Netgear also. There are many of them on the market but I listed the Netgear because it is the most reasonably priced with what I consider reliable technology. I have worked with network equipment since the 80's and have learned to shy away from off brands and stick with the makes and models that have withstood the test of time. (kinda like me!)
There are a number of solutions to all of your questions concerning the aircards, (usb modems, data capable cell phones, amplifiers, boosters, antennas, etc.) Aircards and data capable cell phones use what is known as EVDO technology;
Evolution Data Only/Evolution Data Optimized, a 3G mobile broadband technology used by Verizon, Sprint, and Alltel that provides typical speeds of 600-1400kbps download (with bursts up to 2000kbps) and 500-800kbps upload.
Those of you looking for specific solutions can either google "EVDO" or visit here: EVDOInfo.com For more information. This site also has a wide variety of amplifiers, antennas, routers with built-in EVDO, USB Modems and more. Hope this helps.
tbro
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I have a Mac laptop and was connected to the Internet via my phone line and a wireless router, which enabled me to print with a wireless connection to my two printers. I disconnected my home telephone and bought an aircard. Now, I can only connect to my printers by USB.
I have a Linksys router and have been told I can't print wirelessly.
Do these new routers allow me to connect my aircard to the router and then link up my laptop and printers and other wireless peripheral devices?
Do I need any other special equipment to enable me to do so?
If you only need to connect a second computer, the internet on the computer with the wireless card can be shared on windows. Then one computer will allow a second computer to connect via a wired connection using a cat5 crossover cable between the two. I have used this method for several years and it is a cheap way to connect two computers to the internet. You also do not need to worry about someone else tapping into your wireless connection.
I was thinking along the same lines as you were. I was intrigued by the MiFi, but didn't like the idea that it couldn't handle an external antenna like the CradlePoint routers.
We had a meeting last week where a salesperson dropped a MiFi on the desk and 3 laptops were able to connect to it. Really cool, but they said it wasn't great in low signal areas.
I'm leaning towards a slightly different version of your suggested router, the CradlePoint PHS300, since it will run on batteries. It will be a little larger than the MiFi, but can easily sit on a picnic table or can run in a TV. In low signal areas, the USB modem can handle an external antenna and hopefully fit our all our connectivity needs.
BTW, the concern about others accessing a router is easy to fix with WEP and/or mac-address security. Not hard to set up if you take the time with the manual and have some patience.
The newest solution to most of your mobile life wireless internet issues has been solved by the addition of a relatively new device. Verizon calls it the MiFi 2200 and it is about the size of a credit card and about a 1/2 inch thick.
This little device can convert your aluminum home into a WiFi hot spot. It will wirelessly manage up to 5 WiFi enabled devices (phones, computers, etc) and is very simple to use. I have both the older plug in USB and this newer device. I use multiple computers and my IPhone likes a net connection when it can get it. I simply put this device in a window and can choose the window that works the best and get a 50 foot hot spot. This device has a built in Lithium-ion battery and can run for up to 4 hours on a charge or you can plug it in to shore power or an inverter. There is a monthly charge and a limit on use (I never seem to go over). This only works where you can get cell service.
Several company's have this type of product, including Sprint.
We got one of the Netgear wifi routers that uses our air card nearly a year ago. It works just fine. We use it in our trailers to allow both laptops to access the internet. One thing we really like about it is that it is 12v powered, uses 1 amp. Great for dry camping.
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