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joshjack · 08-13-2018, 10:04 AM

I wonder if anyone has been able to get more details on the new connectivity package included in the 2019 Classics. It states it has a built in WiFi booster with 4G LTE backup internet through AT&T and comes with 1 year.

To me that really sounds like a CradlePoint IBR900, but there are some other products out there that would do similar.

My big reason for wondering is - if it's something fairly standard I should be able to switch it over to Verizon instead of AT&T once my year runs out - or better yet I could use both and failover to the better connection.

turk123 · 08-13-2018, 11:44 AM

I'm wondering also. I have an AT&T hotspot already. Don't need to duplicate it. There is a charge for a yearly subscription. AS said about $350

turk123 · 08-13-2018, 11:57 AM

I just downloaded the Airstream smart rv control app. It does not allow you to see the buttons, but it does talk about the process in the "FAQs" area. Looks like you get the first year free ($360). It also has a "Getting started" guide with 4 pages of details.

Get started!

turk123 · 08-13-2018, 12:00 PM

Looks like you get a physical key to turn off and on the router in the cabinet. That certainly is unique!

turk123 · 08-13-2018, 12:02 PM

From what I am reading, it looks like it will pair with any hotspot. I'm guessing there is a Weboost or similar that may connect an outside antenna with the interior hotspot. It's not clear on this. I will look further into the electrical schematics.

joshjack · 08-13-2018, 12:09 PM

WeBoost is just WiFi boosting.

The documentation clearly mentions a 4G LTE router built in, so I’m assuming something like a Pepwave or Cradlepoint that will pickup and boost WiFi in addition to having a built in LTE modem.

turk123 · 08-13-2018, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshjack

WeBoost is just WiFi boosting.

The documentation clearly mentions a 4G LTE router built in, so I’m assuming something like a Pepwave or Cradlepoint that will pickup and boost WiFi in addition to having a built in LTE modem.

I have a weboost that I kept from my old trailer. Can I assume that it just amplifies the signal from the cellular outdoors bringing it indoors and that my Netgear hotspot will pick up that signal inside? My cell phones worked great, but the Netgear hotspot did not seem to use that internal signal. Why?

joshjack · 08-13-2018, 01:41 PM

No, cell signal is a different frequency range.

turk123 · 08-13-2018, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshjack

No, cell signal is a different frequency range.

Maybe you misunderstood me. Here is what WeBoost said:

If all else fails to boost your hotspot, you may need a cell phone signal booster. A booster provides a strong, reliable cell signal for your hotspot, ensuring your devices that depend on Wifi have the data connectivity you need.

If you’re using a hotspot in your home or office, any weBoost indoor cell signal booster will work well for this purpose. Place the hotspot as close as you can to the indoor (device) antenna so it receives the strongest possible signal.

I think my hotspot is not showing the proper bars. It is always on 2 bars no matter what. Works well though.

joshjack · 08-13-2018, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turk123

Maybe you misunderstood me. Here is what WeBoost said:.

Fair enouGh, however based on what is known Airstream is including ATT access with this package. So I find it hard to believe they would strap a basic MiFi puck to a WeBoost and sell it. I think we’re looking at a “real” router meant for vehicle use.

Both PepWave and Cradlepoint support WiFi as WAN plus 4G LTE. That means a dedicated outdoor antenna will bring the campground WiFi in and protect you with a firewall from everyone else as well as letting your devices only have to remember the name of your internal WiFi network.

turk123 · 08-13-2018, 03:14 PM

Just took a look at the cradlepoint gear. Do you really think they would spend $1500 for that type of router plus antenna? I only hope!

A weboost and a Netgear is more AS style. We will see.

turk123 · 08-13-2018, 03:28 PM

Here we go! Guess they can be a bit cheaper. This looks very possible.

joshjack · 08-13-2018, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turk123

Just took a look at the cradlepoint gear. Do you really think they would spend $1500 for that type of router plus antenna? I only hope!

A weboost and a Netgear is more AS style. We will see.

The IBR900 is $899 at 3Gstore. That means $600 wholesale or better.

mojoe7009 · 08-13-2018, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshjack

WeBoost is just WiFi boosting.

The documentation clearly mentions a 4G LTE router built in, so I’m assuming something like a Pepwave or Cradlepoint that will pickup and boost WiFi in addition to having a built in LTE modem.

I beg to differ. WeBoost 4G-X is a cell booster, not a WiFi booster. I have had one installed for almost 2 years and it significantly improves my cell signal in our Classic.

joshjack · 08-13-2018, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mojoe7009

I beg to differ. WeBoost 4G-X is a cell booster, not a WiFi booster. I have had one installed for almost 2 years and it significantly improves my cell signal in our Classic.

I stand corrected! But it still requires you to bring your own hotspot - and the AS docs clearly mention having a 4G LTE router built in.

overlander63 · 08-13-2018, 08:47 PM

The Classic does have a 4G router built in.
Service is through AT&T.
Current price is either $25/month for 5GB, or $360/year for unlimited.
The free year is accessed by purchasing a year for $360, then submitting the proper forms to Airstream, who will mail you a check.

joshjack · 08-14-2018, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overlander63

The Classic does have a 4G router built in.
Service is through AT&T.
Current price is either $25/month for 5GB, or $360/year for unlimited.
The free year is accessed by purchasing a year for $360, then submitting the proper forms to Airstream, who will mail you a check.

Yes we knew that. The question is specifically what router did they use and could it be changed over to Verizon - or even support Verizon and AT&T simultaneously.

A number of these vehicle routers will support multiple LTE modems.

overlander63 · 08-14-2018, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshjack

Yes we knew that. The question is specifically what router did they use and could it be changed over to Verizon - or even support Verizon and AT&T simultaneously.

A number of these vehicle routers will support multiple LTE modems.

In that case, rather than asking the forum, it would be a better idea to give the people that designed and built it a call, and ask them. Then you can report back, and tell the forum what they said.

joshjack · 08-14-2018, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overlander63

In that case, rather than asking the forum, it would be a better idea to give the people that designed and built it a call, and ask them. Then you can report back, and tell the forum what they said.

Well, I was checking here first to see if either someone had already done so; or someone from AS with knowledge might say something.

mojoe7009 · 08-14-2018, 06:58 AM

A WeBoost 4G-X coupled with a Wilson Flat Plate Indoor Antenna will boost the cell signal for all cell devices without requiring a separate Hotspot. However, if you have device such as an iPad that does not have cell capability then a Hotspot would be required or you could use your phone as the Hotspot. Obviously, pre-2019 information since the technology will be included on the new units. Have no idea what brand of equipment they intend to use.