WiFiRanger 3G/4G Router Review - RV-Dreams Community Forum

alexsian · RV-Dreams Family Member

WiFiRanger 3G/4G Router Review

Caseydee · RV-Dreams Family Member

This sounds very interesting and might be the answer to my current dilemma. We're in a campground in the Keys until the end of April. Normally, I use Verizon's USB760 for internet connection at home due to nothing else but dial-up being available. I've put the Verizon on suspension while we're here and I'm using Comcast cable for internet connection...6 months for $19.95/mo is a great deal! My problem is that I bought a Kindle and it needs a wifi connection which I created at home through a Cradlepoint router...which I'm not using now.

You mention that the WiFiRanger works with cable connections and also has a feature that no current mobile broadband router has----WiFi as an internet source. Could you please explain this to a non-technie. Does this mean that I could somehow connect the Comcast cable to the Ranger and create a wifi spot that would enable my Kindle to pick up wifi signals? I realize I could travel up and down the Keys looking for a wifi spot, but that's not what I want to do. Tengo internet is available in our campground but it's not reliable, not secure, and I'd have to pay for it.

I'm not very technically inclined, but I'm a good learner if you're able to give me some pointers on this. Right now, I'm pretty frustrated because I can't download to my Kindle and am considering turning the Verizon back-on if that's my only option. I'd appreciate any advise you might have.

alexsian · RV-Dreams Family Member

yes, the wifiranger can do what you want to do.

but its also likely your cradlepoint could do it, if you had it?

which model cradlepoint do you have? if its not the phs300, it would probably work with comcast.

Caseydee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks for your response Alex. When you say the Ranger will do what I want, can you explain that a little more? Do you mean that I can connect the Comcast cable somehow and create a wifi connection?

I do have my Cradlepoint router with me...CTR350. But I don't understand how I could connect the Comcast cable and have that create a wifi hotspot. Would I still use the Comcast modem or would I connect the cable directly either to my CTR350 or the Ranger. If I could figure this out, I'd sure be a lot happier!!

alexsian · RV-Dreams Family Member

Caseydee wrote:
Thanks for your response Alex. When you say the Ranger will do what I want, can you explain that a little more? Do you mean that I can connect the Comcast cable somehow and create a wifi connection?

I do have my Cradlepoint router with me...CTR350. But I don't understand how I could connect the Comcast cable and have that create a wifi hotspot. Would I still use the Comcast modem or would I connect the cable directly either to my CTR350 or the Ranger. If I could figure this out, I'd sure be a lot happier!!

on the assumption that what you are doing right now is connecting an ethernet cable from your comcast cable modem to a single computer, what you would do instead is connect that ethernet cable from comcast modem to the "WAN" input of the WiFiRanger.

as for your ctr350, there is only one place to connect the comcast ethernet cable, so you can't get that wrong. but you do have to make sure the admin settings are correct and this web page can help you with that: http://j.mp/eIDkJk

hope that helps!

-- Edited by alexsian on Monday 20th of December 2010 10:06:42 PM

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

I want one...but...will it work with my hField Wi-Fire antenna?

alexsian · RV-Dreams Family Member

NorCal Dan wrote:
I want one...but...will it work with my hField Wi-Fire antenna?

i'm pretty sure it will not. what's loaded into the wifiranger is router specific operating system, not a full blown linux install.

but the people who make the wifiranger have told me they are working on a drone wifi antenna that will have 1-watt power and connect to router via ethernet cable so that signal loss over length of cable is negated.

-- Edited by alexsian on Monday 20th of December 2010 10:30:13 PM

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

Lack of an external antenna is a deal breaker for me...I use the Wi-Fire all the time as most parks do not have good coverage of their WiFi signal, and it doesn't help being inside an RV.

I'm doing basically the same thing with my iMac and Airport Extreme...I grab the park WiFi with the Wi-Fire to the iMac, then share that connection to my Airport Extreme creating my own hot spot in the RV. Since I run my weather station 24/7 on the iMac it's always on and connected to the internet anyways...

alexsian · RV-Dreams Family Member

NorCal Dan wrote:
Lack of an external antenna is a deal breaker for me...I use the Wi-Fire all the time as most parks do not have good coverage of their WiFi signal, and it doesn't help being inside an RV.
I'm doing basically the same thing with my iMac and Airport Extreme...I grab the park WiFi with the Wi-Fire to the iMac, then share that connection to my Airport Extreme creating my own hot spot in the RV. Since I run my weather station 24/7 on the iMac it's always on and connected to the internet anyways...

keep in mind, the wifi radio in the wifiranger is easily 5 to 10 times more powerful than stuff typically installed in a computer. its entirely likely that most people would not need anything more than a wifiranger.

as for your current solution... if the iMac has built in wifi/airport, you don't really need the airport extreme, do you? you could share via the imac's built in wifi?

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

Originally I didn't have the Wi-Fire, so I needed the Airport Extreme to "share" the connection. It wasn't until later when we started full-timing that I learned how bad RV park wifi can be...hence the Wi-Fire.

Howard · Host

Hey Alex,

Let me see if I can simplify this for my questions.

The WiFiRanger is basically just a router so multiple computers/devices can share an internet connection. Correct? It's biggest advantage, as far as I can tell, is the ability to share all the different types of internet connections - cellular, satellite, cable, Wi-Fi.

I understand that the big claim to fame of the WiFiRanger is that it is a router that can share a Wi-Fi internet connection. (I thought that's what the Pepwave Surf does, but I stand corrected - it is a Wi-Fi receiver that has a more powerful radio, but does not act as a router as well.)

What I'm having trouble understanding is why it is such a big deal for RVers to be able to share a Wi-Fi signal via a router when most RVer devices (mostly laptops) have their own built in Wi-Fi. Why go through the hassle of setting up a Wi-Fi router when each laptop can just get a direct Wi-Fi connection?

Does the WiFiRanger provide a better Wi-Fi signal than the individual laptops (or devices) can pick up on their own? Can it do that without the external antenna?

Without a boost in signal, I'm having trouble seeing the point. It seems the bigger issue is delivering a better Wi-Fi signal to the RV first and then sharing it rather than sharing a so-so signal within the RV.

So, until the external antenna option comes out, I'm just having trouble understanding why this is such a great device.

Again, I think the ability to route signals from all the various internet connection types with one router is great since many RVers might have a couple of internet connection types (i.e. cellular on the road and cable/DSL when home or in a snowbird park, or cellular and satellite, etc.). But, even after reading the post you linked to and looking at the benefits, I'm struggling to figure out why else I would buy a WiFiRanger.

Speaking just of cellular internet sharing and comparing to a MiFi, we're just trying to share a signal within an RV or while sitting right outside. Do we really need 10 times more distance? And isn't 5 wireless devices enough for most of us? I haven't run into any RVers yet that need more than that. smile

Though it may be targeted at RVers, it sounds more suited to a sticks and bricks or business application. Of course, that's just my opinion. biggrin

Oh, one last question. Is the WiFiRanger compatible with the new Verizon 3g/4g USB modems?

Thanks Alex for keeping us informed about new devices like this.

alexsian · RV-Dreams Family Member

Howard wrote:

What I'm having trouble understanding is why it is such a big deal for RVers to be able to share a Wi-Fi signal via a router when most RVer devices (mostly laptops) have their own built in Wi-Fi. Why go through the hassle of setting up a Wi-Fi router when each laptop can just get a direct Wi-Fi connection?

Does the WiFiRanger provide a better Wi-Fi signal than the individual laptops (or devices) can pick up on their own? Can it do that without the external antenna?

Without a boost in signal, I'm having trouble seeing the point. It seems the bigger issue is delivering a better Wi-Fi signal to the RV first and then sharing it rather than sharing a so-so signal within the RV.

So, until the external antenna option comes out, I'm just having trouble understanding why this is such a great device.

Again, I think the ability to route signals from all the various internet connection types with one router is great since many RVers might have a couple of internet connection types (i.e. cellular on the road and cable/DSL when home or in a snowbird park, or cellular and satellite, etc.). But, even after reading the post you linked to and looking at the benefits, I'm struggling to figure out why else I would buy a WiFiRanger.

Speaking just of cellular internet sharing and comparing to a MiFi, we're just trying to share a signal within an RV or while sitting right outside. Do we really need 10 times more distance? And isn't 5 wireless devices enough for most of us? I haven't run into any RVers yet that need more than that.
Though it may be targeted at RVers, it sounds more suited to a sticks and bricks or business application. Of course, that's just my opinion.

Oh, one last question. Is the WiFiRanger compatible with the new Verizon 3g/4g USB modems?

Thanks Alex for keeping us informed about new devices like this.

Howdy Howard, thanks for the questions.

Your first question was whats the big deal.
The WiFiRanger does in fact have a more powerful wifi radio than anything built into a computer. What's inside the router is easily 5 to 10x more powerful. I mentioned in the article that it was able to show me 3 times as many available hotspots than the wifi in my laptop computer could see.

Besides being more powerful, lets imagine someone who travels with multiple devices that each benefit from having internet access, like a couple laptops, a wifi printer, an ipad, a blu-ray player they use with netflix, a nintendo ds or sony psp, etc.

Whenever this person travels to another campground, they have to change settings on EACH device, in order to connect to cg wifi, right?

But with the WiFiRanger, they only change setting once, in the router... none off the network settings in their devices change because they are connected to the WiFiRanger.

Next, you made comparisons to the mifi. i'd agree that most folks won't need more than 5 connection limit, but some will, and some will also have devices that have no wifi, and require an ethernet connection which the mifi doesn't have. and distance? some folks like being able to share their connection across larger area of park, if for no other reason than to be friendly, or to be able to use their own network when they move around the park with their ipad or ipod touch, etc.

Lastly, verizon 4g. the company worked with me to get my pantech uml290 4g/lte usb modem working, but they haven't released that firmware to the public yet. if people are buying it solely for use with that modem, i'm sure they'll provide it for others.

hope that helps? (in fact, i'm going to add some of this into the review)

Caseydee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Alex wrote:

on the assumption that what you are doing right now is connecting an ethernet cable from your comcast cable modem to a single computer, what you would do instead is connect that ethernet cable from comcast modem to the "WAN" input of the WiFiRanger.

as for your ctr350, there is only one place to connect the comcast ethernet cable, so you can't get that wrong. but you do have to make sure the admin settings are correct and this web page can help you with that: http://j.mp/eIDkJk

hope that helps!

Alex, I clicked on the link above and printed off every instruction I might need. Now to try to connect! I did not see the Comcast modem I'm using (Cisco DPC3000) listed as a supported modem, but maybe it will work anyway.

If this works, you're my Hero!! If it doesn't work, I'll probably order the Ranger. That would be less expensive than reinstating my Verizon internet connection for the next 4 months, plus I'd be able to use it in the future.

Thanks so much for this information and your helpful advise!!

Howard · Host

Excellent Alex. Thanks for the reply.

I'd be happy to demo one set up for the Pantech UML290. biggrin

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Howard: The Pepwave Surf is not a router. It can be used as an external Wifi adapter with an Ethernet connection instead of USB so you can plug it into a router. I use mine with a Cradlepoint MBR-1000. The WiFiRanger could replace of the combination we have of a Pepwave and Cradlepoint router in one box. At this moment we are driveway camping at a friend's using his house wifi through the Pepwave Surf mini but our computers are using the Cradlepoint's wifi connection and we did not have to change anything.

We have also been to a few campgrounds that give you special log on keys for each computer and often they will only give you one per campsite. I am hoping the Pepwave and/or WiFiRanger can be the "one computer" on these systems to share campground wifi. We last encountered this at Blake Ranch RV Park east of Kingman, AZ, where Verizon doesn't work.

-- Edited by bjoyce on Tuesday 21st of December 2010 10:03:27 AM

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Alex:

Thank you for the information and your review. I think it would be good to point out a couple of things. If I am mistaken, please correct me as this product does have potential to say the least.

First, while I agree that WEP can be cracked, if you are in a campground that only has WEP, and your air-card service is zero, then you need WEP support. Based on our travels of recent note, in and out of the US, I think this is a larger drawback than might otherwise be stated.

Second, I also agree and am one of the “winners” about no external (Type-N) antenna connection. This to me is just an important issue. Even if this device is “5x more powerful,” an external antenna is better than an internal when conditions are difficult. We use a Deliberant CPE-2 and the external part of the device has proven to be critical in many situations to not only a successful connection, but to a useable bandwidth connection. I acknowledge they are working on a drone antenna. Good. I hope it is an omni. Directional antennas are just so impractical in an RV application IMO.

Finally, and I could be mistaken about the operation of the device, but many campgrounds require a “password” for connection. Obviously that must be input to complete the connection. So I am unclear how the device can “automatically” connect you without the opportunity for you to input that information. Perhaps I missed that in your review. If not, please comment on that operational aspect of the product.

Perhaps this feedback will be helpful to the company. Thank you for any clarification.

BTW, as others, we’re doing everything this box does now; however, it takes 2 boxes. I do think there is a wide market for such a one-box device, but I think the above comments are nonetheless important to keep the box from being, for lack of any other word, “limited.”

Bill

alexsian · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill and Linda wrote:

First, while I agree that WEP can be cracked, if you are in a campground that only has WEP, and your air-card service is zero, then you need WEP support.

Finally, and I could be mistaken about the operation of the device, but many campgrounds require a “password” for connection.Obviously that must be input to complete the connection.So I am unclear how the device can “automatically” connect you without the opportunity for you to input that information.Perhaps I missed that in your review.If not, please comment on that operational aspect of the product.

thanks for the questions, bill.

maybe i wasn't clear enough in the review, but the wifiranger does support *connecting* to WiFi sources that use WEP encryption. what the wifiranger does not do is have the option for WEP encryption on its own hotspot. it only serves up WPA.

if you were at a campground that used WEP encryption, you could use the wifiranger to repeat their service.

for those campgrounds that use a name and password, the user would enter that info in the wifiranger's control panel before joining the network.

in fact, the people behind wifiranger have worked closely with the folks at tengo to ensure the wifiranger would work with their network auth.

the only automatic connections a wifiranger might make are to 'open' or 'stored' hotspots.

hope this helps.

Caseydee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Alex, I found out that Comcast has a FREE router ($9.95 shipping) that I can use with my current Comcast cable internet connection to set up a home network. I've ordered one and it should be here within a few days. If this works, I'll finally be a happy camper!! Thanks for all your advice and I've bookmarked the info on the WiFiRanger for future reference. It does sound like it might be the answer in the future.

3Gstore_Matt · RV-Dreams Family Member

I've just received some news that I think a lot of you guys interested in the WiFi ranger might be interested in.

We will have a Cradlepoint product available in the coming weeks that does WiFi as WAN (receives park WiFi then rebroadcasts) as well as supports 3G/4G modems including Verizon LTE. This will allow you to use 3G/4G when the parks WiFi is slow or switch over to WiFi to save on your monthly data usage.

BTW - it's priced at $79.99 :)

Stay tuned for an upcoming review with all the details!

Paul and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Caseydee wrote:
Normally, I use Verizon's USB760 for internet connection at home due to nothing else but dial-up being available. I've put the Verizon on suspension while we're here.

How did you do that?

Don't you still have to pay the monthly charge for the aircard, even though you don't use it?

Perhaps I should call Verizon and get this figured out.

Paul

Caseydee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Paul, I didn't know until recently that Verizon will let you put your service on suspension for 3 months at a time, for a maximum of 6 months each year. After 3 months they'll turn it back on but all you have to do is call and ask for another 3 month suspension if you need it. They charge $15 to put it on suspension but no other monthly charges. That's why I've gone with Comcast cable while we're in the Keys for the winter...they're only charging $19.95/month for internet connection for up to 6 months.

If you're not using your Verizon connection where you are, I'd give them a call about this.

Caseydee · RV-Dreams Family Member

I just received the FREE NetGear router from Comcast today, have it set up, and now have my own wifi home network!! Now I have wifi available so I can download to my Kindle. I usually use Verizon to connect to the internet, but since we're stationary in this campground in the Keys until April I had signed up for cable service for their cheap 6-month rate and put my Verizon on suspension. As a result, I lost my wifi connection. This NetGear router is a perfect solution if any of you are using a cable connection but still need wifi available.

I am now a happy camper!! biggrin

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Caseydee: When using cable, DSL or satellite internet you have lots of wireless router choices from many brands since they input via an Ethernet cable. I have both a Netgear and D-Link router that I use with satellite. But I also have a Cradlepoint MBR-1000 to use with aircards. I have set the satellite up to work with the Cradlepoint but I prefer to have two wireless networks available.
The WiFiRanger can do a lot more than the Netgear, they really don't compare.

Caseydee · RV-Dreams Family Member

bjoyce: I also have a Cradlepoint that I use with the air card, but with my current situation & decision to use a cable connection for the next several months, I was delighted to learn about the free router from Comcast. I agree with you that the WiFiRanger can do much more than the Netgear and did not mean to imply that I was comparing the two products. If we're ever able to sell our house and become fulltimers, I'm sure I would become very interested in purchasing the Ranger. My only requirement at this time for a wifi network is to make downloading to my Kindle available instantly.

mrsgeek · RV-Dreams Family Member

Alex,
We are currently evaluating the WiFiRanger. Glad to hear you like it.

alexsian · RV-Dreams Family Member

mrsgeek wrote:
Alex,
We are currently evaluating the WiFiRanger. Glad to hear you like it.

chris,
i, and many others who respect your opinion on such geekery, look forward to your review of the wifiranger!

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm a little late to this topic but here goes:

- I've been a beta tester of the WFR for some time. With the release of the G firmware, many of the issues with it are resolved, and it certainly is something to consider if looking for a great solution for many "Internet on the Road" issues. I would caution you, though, that there are still rough edges to the device, depending on how you want to use it. You should be prepared to upgrade firmware regularly.

- I've been testing the WFRBoost capability since the first build of it into the WFR. I'm using my own equipment for the "boost" device, since the Ranger boost is not quite ready for testing yet. The Boost integration works quite well. It makes it feasible for "normal" people to use a carrier-grade CPE for signal capture. As some of you know I've been installing devices like this, and designing wifi for RV Parks for many years. This is the first integrated product set I have seen that works well enough for non-network professionals to consider using. Once it is available it can be added on to any of the Pro versions, or purchased as an integrated set.

I won't repeat what has been said here, but if you want to read more about the WFR, the WFR Boost, and other methods of connecting on the road you might want to read my recently updated website at http://jackdanmayer.com/communication.htm

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Jack:

Good to see you “back.” Question – We have a Deliberant CPE-2 device which likewise allows connection of our internal rig network to an external WiFi network. Works very good – but.

Here’s the rub:

This CPE won’t allow 10 character WEP passwords. As you know, the WEP standard is 5 or 13 ASCII characters and Deliberant will not upgrade this otherwise very good device to allow for the non-standard, but very prolific in campgrounds, 10 character passwords. (Nonstandard Hex doesn't work either BTW.)

Will the device you’re testing allow for 10 character WEP access? This is a very big deal we found out the hardway.

Hope the new rig is working well.

Safe travels

Bill

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill,

The new WFRBoost uses a stock Ubiquity Bullet. Take a look at the AirOS users guide http://www.ubnt.com/wiki/AirOS_5.2#WEP and select the WEP page. See if that will work for you. I believe it will. But I have not played with a WFR interfacing to a secured network yet.....maybe later in the week I'll set one up.

You might want to read the section on my website.

I've considered modifying the scripts for a CPE or older Deliberant to work with the Ranger, but it is not worth the effort. The Boost works VERY well and is real easy for an end-user.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jack:

Thanks very much. Your suggestion is in work. I hadn’t noticed the new additions to your site. We'll read up a bit.

Bill

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

I still struggle with the wi-fi Ranger and the various interfaces. The current G interface is based almost entirely on my initial feedback to the Ranger folks so I know that they are listening and highly interactive with this new product. However, this router is still "not ready for prime time" in my opinion. I worked with them again today to resolve one of several issues created with the latest G build WFR_201103011851 (hover over your G icon and it will show the build #). We made some changes to the Pantech modem that were recommended by the 3G store and that helped allow the modem to connect at all. I still cannot connect to my own in-house wireless network much less a parks wi-fi. More work on that issue tomorrow hopefully. They are still having problems getting the Datastorm interface to work on the WAN side and I don't know if they have a working WAN solution of any kind.
This is a bit of a roller coaster ride with great results followed by some disappointments but this is cutting edge technology that will be a real boon for RVers. Hang in there and save your pennies as you are going to want one of these once they get these last few bugs worked out.

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

I don't disagree with Bills assessment, although I have not had near the issues he has. The WAN side works for the Boost capabilities, at least.

Unfortunately, at the moment I have a show stopper issue with Windows 7 and security, but I;m sure it will get resolved.

But the bottom line is that this is still early product and you have to be willing to "bear with it" if you buy right now. However, there will be nothing like it on the market, once it is complete and stable.

3Gstore_Matt · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jack Mayer wrote:

I don't disagree with Bills assessment, although I have not had near the issues he has. The WAN side works for the Boost capabilities, at least.

Unfortunately, at the moment I have a show stopper issue with Windows 7 and security, but I;m sure it will get resolved.

But the bottom line is that this is still early product and you have to be willing to "bear with it" if you buy right now. However, there will be nothing like it on the market, once it is complete and stable.

Which version of firmware are you using on the WiFi ranger Jack? I just got updated the other day with the latest build 201103011851 and have been pretty impressed so far! In my testing it still doesn't come close to outpreforming the Pepwave Surf Mini, but the Pro model with the WiFi bullet is supposed to be amazing. I can't wait to get my hands on that for a direct comparison!

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

Matt I'm testing the Boost right now. Well, at least I was. At the moment I can't get back online with the WFR. I have yet to do speedtests. But I will as soon as I get a stable system. I've been collecting speed info on various configurations.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

3Gstore_Matt wrote:

Jack Mayer wrote:

I don't disagree with Bills assessment, although I have not had near the issues he has. The WAN side works for the Boost capabilities, at least.

Unfortunately, at the moment I have a show stopper issue with Windows 7 and security, but I;m sure it will get resolved.

But the bottom line is that this is still early product and you have to be willing to "bear with it" if you buy right now. However, there will be nothing like it on the market, once it is complete and stable.

Matt:

Is this the WFRBoost that uses a stock Ubiquity Bullet actually available now? If so, how much, please? PM me if you like.

The Web site says this package is “Coming Soon.” Is soon now?

Jack:

According to the IB link you sent me, I think this Bullet will work with 10 character WEP. I.e. 123ABC456DEF7 - Only HEX (0-9 and/or ABCDEF) characters, but no spaces or colons. Do you agree? If so, this is actually really important based on the huge number of campgrounds we’ve found all over the US and Canada using WEP with 10 character pass-code format.

Thanks for your troubles.

Bill

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

I don't believe that it is currently available. The Ranger folks missed getting me my test unit at our last location but we are expecting to receive one here in GA this week. Since I have no knowledge that would be of any value in setting up this kind of a unit I will be reporting on how the average Joe would do installing this option with their Ranger.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill Adams wrote:

I don't believe that it is currently available. The Ranger folks missed getting me my test unit at our last location but we are expecting to receive one here in GA this week. Since I have no knowledge that would be of any value in setting up this kind of a unit I will be reporting on how the average Joe would do installing this option with their Ranger.

Bill and maybe Jack:

It “appears” the WiFi Ranger website has just been updated. Yesterday I saw a page showing 4 products which included the WiFi Ranger Boost Mobile product. No price, just listed as “Coming Soon.”

I also couldn’t find any Bullet “CPE’s” on the site which I thought Jack had a picture of on his site. Just curious if you guys notice any recent changes on Ranger site as you have been there before.

We actually have a local distributer for the Bullet M2HP product here near our home in NC. The distributer is just west of Charlotte. We got the Deliberant CPE-2 from them. Monday we plan to give them a call and see how quick we can get the Bullet M2HP. If we can, I plan to get that right away and connect it to the same 2.4GHz omni I use for the CPE-2. Once the Ranger get’s its firmware together we’ll purchase one ASAP. I would get one now, however, we have a 3G Verizon PCMCIA card, router and all the stuff that works well, except for the CPE-2’s little (major actually) WEP problem. I just hate to start a long trip with a bunch of possibly flakey firmware. I would appreciate your thoughts again on that subject of firmware.

Once we go for the 4G card there is no turning back because my old realizable Top-Global router won’t take the USB card and the Ranger won’t take the current PCMCIA 3G card which works perfectly and all the RF stuff connects. Isn’t the “bleeding edge” fun?

Both my DW and I know the IT stuff well – I know RF. But playing with this stuff on the road in a non-controlled environment that changes almost every day with travel isn’t fun.

Thanks for your comments.

Bill

RetiredGuy · RV-Dreams Community Member

I have a CradlePoint MBR-1000 and a PepWave with a directional antenna. I use the PepWave to provide WAN service to the router when the CG has WiFi. Are there any capabilities with the WiFi Ranger that I don't already have?

3Gstore_Matt · RV-Dreams Family Member

RetiredGuy wrote:

I have a CradlePoint MBR-1000 and a PepWave with a directional antenna. I use the PepWave to provide WAN service to the router when the CG has WiFi. Are there any capabilities with the WiFi Ranger that I don't already have?

No, you have a much more dedicated system than what the WiFi Ranger by itself will offer. In my testing the range of the Ranger was slightly less than my MBR1000, but offers the WiFi functionality.

The Ranger is really nice though for users that don't want to take the time and physically setup WiFi at new locations. It offers whats called range mode, which allows you to turn it on and it will basically scan all WiFi sources, determine the best connection then establish the internet connection for you.

It's certainley not as advanced as the feature set you get out of the MBR1000 or as detailed as the Pepwave products. If you're an advanced user the MBR1000 and Pepwave is a more powerful solution but if you're looking for something simple that works well the ranger is a great alternative.

@ Bill and Linda

At this time I don't have a specific ETA on the booster for the ranger but all I can say is stay tuned! We have some really cool stuff coming out soon ;)

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

The WFRBoost is not yet available. You can build your own by simply interfacing a Bullet (any model)/antenna pair to the WFR. I believe the firmware is all up to date with the Boost capability if you have the G firmware. In fact, any AirOS device can be used as a Boost as long as it supports Station mode.

However, I DO NOT recommend doing that unless you already have the hardware and want to try it out.

The integrated WFRBoost that I show on my website is going to be far more suitable for the RV environment with its nice mount and antenna. I'd wait.

Bill, I have not gotten the WFRBoost yet either. I'm using my own hardware at the moment.

The WFRBoost will outperform a Pepwave, but other than that they are mostly equivalent. Of course, the Boost is designed for outdoor mounting, and the PW is an indoor unit.

-- Edited by Jack Mayer on Tuesday 8th of March 2011 07:24:34 PM

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jack:

Thank you as always. FWIW, I got a Bullet2 yesterday and just finished installing it for our trip next week. Can you believe I actually went to a store and purchased something and walked out with a product in my hands? However, the HP version is backordered.

The Bullet2 works pretty well after your fight a few IP things as usual. More user friendly than the Deliberant CPE-2 because you don’t have to wait for a 2 minute reboot for every change like the CPE-2. I already had an 8db 2.4GHz omni mounted so I just duplicated your test installation for the M2 but used more tie wraps for travel. {Grin} We had excellent connectivity and it “seems” to support WEP the way we need it.

As soon as someone like you says the WFRBoost firmware is really ready we’ll try one because of the 4G Verizon USB card. Other than that, I already have the same functionality with 3G and an old Top Global paired to a Linksys for our rig network. Works extremely well – it’s just old. However, I wonder if the WFRanger is going to support tethering via the USB port? (DW's Verizon iPhone comes to mind.) Now if it did that as well it would be very nice for a bunch of practical reasons – like Canadian trips. Any intel on that?

Thanks for your efforts as always.

Bill

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill, with the WFR there is no configuration at all that you have to do on the Bullet. You simply use the defaults and the WFR "injects" the rest of the configuration via scripts. For most users this is what is needed. I'll see what I can find out about tethered....but they more than have their hands full at the moment.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jack Mayer wrote:

Bill, with the WFR there is no configuration at all that you have to do on the Bullet. You simply use the defaults and the WFR "injects" the rest of the configuration via scripts. For most users this is what is needed. I'll see what I can find out about tethered....but they more than have their hands full at the moment.

Jack:

Yea, looking at the small online IB it appears that the WFR is going to be close to plug and it’ll do the rest as far as the Bullet, etc. are concerned. That will be a tremendous advantage for most users. While not brain surgery, CPE’s are not for the IT timid.

I made the same comment to my DW last night about the tethering request. The code hackers (my son is one of CISCO’s guru’s so I know) just groan when they get more requests before they get the Beta version deployed.

But, as a Beta tester, your feedback about tethering might be good for version 2 of the product. It would just make the in-rig network much easier and you wouldn’t have to deal with Internet sharing and all that stuff with tethering which is becoming, or so it seems, more necessary for some reason IMO.

The next rig I purchase will have a lot of empty Innerduct conduit installed – like yours does now I’ll bet. The hardest part of all of all installations is getting cable in and out of a slide. It will also have an antenna “mount rail,” away from the ladder, with Innerduct to distribution points. This would be so easy to put in at the factory and so hard now. I’ve spoken with New Horizons and one other about this and they looked “puzzled” at first. ‘Just a thought to an “Ambassador.”

Thanks again and please keep the posts and comments coming for all to learn.

Bill

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

For those interested in the WFRBoost, here is a link to some pictures.

The WFRBoost will allow for substantially better wifi capture with no signal attenuation like with a remote antenna. It uses Ethernet to attach to the WiFiRanger.

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bill, I will be talking with New Horizons about incorporating the OEM version of the WFR and WFRBoost into the coaches as an option. They will be prewired.

There is no real issue with having cable pre-strung in a New Horizon. You simply specify what you want and they will do it. I don't have any conduit running around my rig, but I did prewire a number of cables that are currently unused. In addition I specified a communications center where all the equipment is located. Ethernet is then "starred" out from that point to my entertainment center, to the roof, and to the outside utility hookup area. That pretty much covers all needs.

I have extra Ethernet run from the front of the rig to the monitor area as well. Useful for adding instrumentation of various sorts later. In general, it is pretty easy to retrofit New Horizons, because they make all their wiring accessible inside. At least for the most part.

In addition to all that, I have 7 wires run from the rear hitch area to the front 5th wheel plate area for auxiliary use. I use one pair for my brake feedback line from the Jeep (I tow doubles).

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jack:

Well, that sure works. As you say, New Horizons will make things easy if you plan ahead. I appreciate those comments but may still ask for some Innerduct. I would never have thought even 15 years ago about having this much “technology” in an RV and I’m (or was) in the technology business. Now I think I we need to plan for fiberoptics for the future. Who would have thought we would have satellite antennas looking at 5 birds and possibly an uplink as well when we started this “roughing it” business just a relatively few short years ago.

BTW, excellent idea for the New Horizons having a built-in option for the WFR. I had a related conversation with them and other OEMs as well. Like satellite, it will become an expected option shortly.

(Thanks for the PM. I expected that was the case. ‘Appreciate the confirmation.)

Bill