What device to boost wifi signal?

[Suanne]

Scenerio:  I've finished my fast food meal and am now in my vehicle connecting to their free wifi, but my laptop is not staying connected due to a weak signal.

Questions:  What device can I have in my vehicle to get a stronger signal?  Would it be USB powered?  12v powered?   (I really don't want 110v.)   Is this device that I saw on amazon what I'd need?  http://amzn.to/2xZJXKF (Wifi Adapter AC 600Mbps USB Wireless Network Adapter 802.11ac Wifi Dongle Dual Band 5.8GHz / 2.4GHz)

Thanks for any insight that you can provide?

Suanne

 

[lenny flank]

It really helps to get as close as you can: the signal drops off rapidly, so the nearer the building you are, the better the signal will be.

 

[tx2sturgis]

I've used both the Melon (similar to Alfa)  and the Etekcity 2000mw or 1000mw USB units with the single band, single antenna (dual antenna on the Etekcity) and they work well in a metal van or car as long as you use an external magnetic antenna...I have hit hotspots about 1/4 mile away.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alfa-AWUS03...691601?hash=item58c22a9111:g:ROMAAOSwpDdVHpo6

If you need more range than that, a company called Jefatech has anything and everything you need...just how large is your budget for this?


https://www.jefatech.com/collections/jefa-tech-wifi-repeaters/products/rv-repeater-kit

 

[musicman]

Scenerio:  I've finished my fast food meal and am now in my vehicle connecting to their free wifi, but my laptop is not staying connected due to a weak signal.

Questions:  What device can I have in my vehicle to get a stronger signal?  Would it be USB powered?  12v powered?   (I really don't want 110v.)   Is this device that I saw on amazon what I'd need?  http://amzn.to/2xZJXKF (Wifi Adapter AC 600Mbps USB Wireless Network Adapter 802.11ac Wifi Dongle Dual Band 5.8GHz / 2.4GHz)

Thanks for any insight that you can provide?

Suanne

That directional antenna and the wifi booster would help a lot. Bob has a video as well as some links in his utube about it. I think its callled Mrboost which is a wilson brand.

 

[Zardor]

://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01I7QFR10/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I purchased this about 8 months ago (don't remember it being this expensive) and it works like a boss. My laptop, prior to this, had to basically be sitting on a WiFi router to get a signal. This device let me be like a block away and i get a strong signal. Maybe some else on here with more expertise on this subject can offer a cheaper option.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Just to clarify: the links I posted are not actually wifi 'boosters' although that is the net effect.

They are actually a separate wifi adapter that has more output and a better antenna than the one built in to the average laptop.

When you use one of them, you have to turn off the internal wifi in the laptop, (by software) and then windows or mac or linux will be able to use the new adapter for wifi, at whatever speed and band it is capable of.

If you unplug it, then you will need to re-enable the wifi card in the computer to regain use of that one.

 

[RVTravel]

Maybe it is this video of Bob's. Let us know what you ends up working for you, Suanne.

 

[Zardor]

Maybe it is this video of Bob's. Let us know what you ends up working for you, Suanne.

I now have this exact set up, but it was kind of pricey. However if getting reliable internet is important to you, ie your income source. Than there really is no other option than the set up in this video. With this set up I've gotten at least 1 bar of 4g everywhere I've gone. Verizon has so many cell towers and as long as one is within 20 or so miles from you, your golden. Total cost for this set up (which I purchased less than a month ago) $320 and a Wendy's lunch for my buddy who helped me set it up. In addition. I also have 5 Verizon jet packs each with 10g of 4g service and unlimited 3g. 4g is almost essential for uploading/downloading. 3g you can stream movies from Amazon fire stick, respond to email and slow internet surfing. I payed $50 for each jet pack. My phone is 110 a month and each extra device (jet pack) is an additional $20 a month. Not trying to scare you - just give you an accurate cost for this set up. Bob has another video for cheaper internet service, but the booster/antenna set up was still used. Hope this helps

 

[jimindenver]

The cheap internet video and lower cost booster was of my systems. The $200 booster set up I have a thread on in here works great. So does having unlimited data on three of the four carriers and unlimited streaming on the fourth for $56 a month. I have been where there was no Verizon but I have never been without internet.

I do not use public WiFi but if you search you tube for WiFi boosters you will see both factory and home made.

 

[Suanne]

Thank you everyone for your replies and suggestions.

Although I already have the Wilson WeBoost that works well for enhancing reception of cell data, I am looking for a device that will enhance the reception of public WiFi.

I'm still in the process of follow the various leads that you've provided. I'll let you know what I decide to get and give a review.

Thanks again.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Although I already have the Wilson WeBoost that works well for enhancing reception of cell data, I am looking for a device that will enhance the reception of public WiFi.

Others veered off into cellular data...I dont know why...but the devices I linked work well for public wifi.

Let us know when you have a good solution that works for you.

 

[Wabbit]

Tx2sturgis pays attention the the details. That's great! Tx2sturgis gets in before I can scold people for not paying attention to post details. That's not great(for me). Sometimes an ol' grumpass has to grump Tx! Thnx for ruining my grump!

 

[musicman]

Thank you everyone for your replies and suggestions.

Although I already have the Wilson WeBoost that works well for enhancing reception of cell data, I am looking for a device that will enhance the reception of public WiFi.

I'm still in the process of follow the various leads that you've provided.  I'll let you know what I decide to get and give a review.

Thanks again.

look at wifi directional antennas

 

[blmkid]

Questions:  What device can I have in my vehicle to get a stronger signal?  Would it be USB powered?  12v powered?   (I really don't want 110v.)   Is this device that I saw on amazon what I'd need?  http://amzn.to/2xZJXKF (Wifi Adapter AC 600Mbps USB Wireless Network Adapter 802.11ac Wifi Dongle Dual Band 5.8GHz / 2.4GHz)

Thanks for any insight that you can provide?

Suanne

It show's a 328' receiving range. Advertised. I guess that would be level ground and no obstruction's? Not a bad price and compact. I'd be interested in it. Forum reviews?

That should pick up Mickey D's and Starbuck's from a block away? Across the street?