wifi booster antenna

[Redwahine]

This is from a thread we had about this a couple months ago. I am using this antenna now at Red Bay. We are pretty far from the office where the wifi signal originates. I put the antenna on a stick and velcroed it to the top of my back ladder. Works great.

When we were in Quartzsite I bought a "Super USB WiFi Antenna". You have to install software onto the computer. Supports both PC and Mac. Plugs into available USB. Really, really works. MH is in the driveway. Without antenna barely see one bar. Using antenna I get all bars and a really strong signal. When I scan for available wifi with iPad, etc I find only a couple sources...mostly neighbors. When the antenna scans, it found about 20 that I could use if I had the passwords

The other really neat thing is; it has the option to share Internet. Basically it creates a hot spot so other people can use the connection as well. I work on my laptop and DH uses his tablet!!

I have used it at RV parks that have WiFi but the signal just isn't strong enough or fades all the time. It really boosted the signal and made a strong connection. I just hang in the window. I did get the extension cord so I can put it on a poll or on top of the ladder. Also worked great when we pulled into a big parking lot that had several businesses that had free wifi...like McDonalds, Home Depot, Panerra, etc. You don't have to get out of the car/rig if you don't want to but still use their wifi.

[Azusateach]

I'm having a hard time trying to figure out how to get my iPad to utilize a booster if software has to be installed. Can someone enlighten me, please?

Laura

[Bethers]

I'm having a hard time trying to figure out how to get my iPad to utilize a booster if software has to be installed. Can someone enlighten me, please?

Laura

That's why I ordered what I did. Will let you know. The other one I posted about also said it will work without the software.

[mnladyus]

Very interesting... I'm going to wait and see what Bethers has to say about the one she ordered. I need it to work on my Kindle Fire as well as my laptop. I could use the one that you have to install software on my laptop, but I would really like to find one so I don't have to install the software.

[Bethers]

OK, got the Amped booster today ... just set it up. Set up was easy. Had to use the ethernet connection on the computer to do the setup so you have to have something with that connection to do the setup. You also have to plug the Amped device into a power outlet. In order for it to reach my computer and the power outlet, I couldn't be where the antenna would get the best signal. I followed the setup instructions and picked the network I wanted - it did not have as good a signal as the recommend, but I couldn't choose where to put the antenna while it was connected to my computer. That said, it connected. Yes, you need to have the password for the network you are connecting to - if it's a secure network (which this one is). I entered that, it connected. It takes about a minute or so to do it's thing, and then it was all done and allowed me to setup a name and password to use it wirelessly. I did that. Then I was able to disconnect the ethernet cable and move the antenna - not happy with where I have it now, but will play with that tomorrow. I just don't have lots of outlets, and want to have the antenna elsewhere - but not important right now. I then connected my computer via wifi - with the passwords I assigned. I've also connected my phone and Nook the same way.

I'm zipping along on the internet on all three - so it's working. I was having trouble getting a signal on my phone or Nook before - and my alfa only worked on the computer. So obviously it's better. I figure now I'm on a double secured network - as I'm using a secured wifi - and MY wifi is secure also.

[Azusateach]

So Beth, I could use my laptop to initially set things up, and once they're done I could use my iPad? Or do you have to go through the ethernet setup "thing" every time you move?

Laura

[Bethers]

So Beth, I could use my laptop to initially set things up, and once they're done I could use my iPad? Or do you have to go through the ethernet setup "thing" every time you move?

Laura

Laura, I believe I'll have to do the set up each time I move in order to put the new connection on the device. No problem for me as my laptop is always with me.

[JoanE]

Not sure why you all need a booster. I have been using my Verizon 4g hotspot for a few years and it will power my laptop, tablet, phone and Nook simultaneously. In fact, I bought a new Android phone before I left FL on ATT. Realized when I got to NM that ATT had no cell in my area. Using the hotspot instead for data and ATT gave me a credit for $270 (3 months) and will do it again if I am still here.

Why would I want a booster?

[Bethers]

Not sure why you all need a booster. I have been using my Verizon 4g hotspot for a few years and it will power my laptop, tablet, phone and Nook simultaneously. In fact, I bought a new Android phone before I left FL on ATT. Realized when I got to NM that ATT had no cell in my area. Using the hotspot instead for data and ATT gave me a credit for $270 (3 months) and will do it again if I am still here.

Why would I want a booster?

I'm unlimited in data using someone else's wifi - can do things I don't do when using my phone to tether (or like you the Verizon card). So, yes, I was able to connect everything up here using that but then couldn't use/do some of the things I want to do when somewhere long term - like download a movie, say, or a tv show, etc. (And, yes, I also realize that when using other people's wifi, you can't always use too much of their bandwidth - but can still do way more than I can with what I'm willing to pay for.

[JoanE]

I use Netflix with mine and Hulu occasionally. I pay $50 a month which is okay since I don't use satellite TV or Sirius radio. The gadget itself is the size of a small cell phone and works wirelessly with all my devices. I think I can use up to six with it.

The most convenient aspect is that I can take it with me for use anywhere, not just in my RV.

[Azusateach]

Joan, I think that many people would rather use someone else's wifi than have to pay. I'm one of them, especially when all I want to do is run around online and not watch videos. It's frustrating to not be able to go online at campgrounds because the signal isn't strong enough.

I don't need a personal hot spot at home. So to pay for one for the few times I'm away just isn't cost-effective. Maybe when we hit the road some day for extended periods of time that will change. Heck! Wireless technology will probably look totally different by then!

Laura

[Bethers]

Joan, I've been doing what you are for years. But there are times and reasons to use wifi, including as I travel through Canada.

[JoanE]

Ok. Because I was working full time from the RV and had to have constant fast internet no matter where I went, I chose my hotspot. I understand "free". Lol!

[Bethers]

Ok. Because I was working full time from the RV and had to have constant fast internet no matter where I went, I chose my hotspot. I understand "free". Lol!

Wifi is often faster than the Verizon or AT&T cards or tethering ... Especially out in the boonies. Don't get me wrong, wouldn't be without one (prefer tethering to the card now) but that's also because I'm a full-timer and have businesses I'm running. If not for that, I'm not sure I'd pay the price AND using this antenna is giving me faster internet than tethering my phone or using my hot spot now.