External wifi signal booster

lagerorwine
lagerorwine Forum Participant Posts: 310
edited January 2020 in Parts & Accessories #1

Has anyone experience of using an antenna type signal booster (Kuma, Solwise, iboost etc) system, to pick-up distant wifi signals on campsites?

What system are you using, is it any good, with a laptop, can you just use the external bit directly connected, without the router?

Has anyone developed their own cheaper alternative that works? (well I am from Yorkshire!!)

Comments

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,144 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2020 #2

    I use an i-boost. On club sites (as an example)  whilst others are struggling for a connection I can connect and use multiple devices.  Use it over here and over there and never have a problem. Although not particularly cheap there is no further monthly payment.

    Wish Van manufacturers would give us a choice, either a TV Ariel or alternatively a wifi booster to replace the Ariel  

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,860 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2020 #3

    I have a Solwise which I must admit I don't use much as I find it fairly complicated to set up each time. It does pull in the signal and as Oneputt says it allows you to use more than one device. I think the main reason I don't use so often now is that with the ready availability of 4G I find it easier to use my phone as a router. 

    David

  • chasncath
    chasncath Forum Participant Posts: 1,659
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2020 #4

    We've been using a 'bear extender' long-range wifi extender for several years, mainly on the Continent. It's proved its worth in picking up weak or distant signals from campsite and near campsite signals. It plugs into a usb port on our windows 10 pc.

    Here's the latest version Bear Extender

  • derekcyril
    derekcyril Forum Participant Posts: 408
    100 Comments
    edited January 2020 #5

    Solway 3000 Leguang booster amazon , cheap as chips . Just as good as rip of ones . If i can get it to work anyone can

  • Vulcan
    Vulcan Forum Participant Posts: 670
    edited January 2020 #6

    Yes, the PATRIOT-USB - Solwise Outdoor USB with 5dBi Antenna

    (WL-PATRIOT-USB) can be used on it's own but you will be limited to one device on club sites and that device will need a usb port. The WL-USBWIFIRPT-3000A -  Router just makes it more versatile as you can connect to several devices.

  • lagerorwine
    lagerorwine Forum Participant Posts: 310
    edited January 2020 #7

    Thanks for the information, I'll have a look at the suggestions

  • ClubMember9AFDA8904E
    ClubMember9AFDA8904E Forum Participant Posts: 50
    edited February 2020 #8

    I've had the Iboost for around 4 years and bought the directional one, which was a bit cheaper than the omnidirectional aerial.   I am very pleased with it as it allows a multitude of devices to connect at the same time.   There is a fixed line out or you can use it as a wireless system.  Use as you would your home broadband set up.

    I've yet to find a 'free' wifi hotspot with it, but wherever I camp its relatively remote.    

    As with most things you need to read the instructions fully to understand how to use it, especially with systems like the CC wifi, and found the best way was to connect using my laptop first and make sure its all stable, then everything connects automatically as the 'router' details remain the same.

    I use it in the UK and Europe on sites with wifi and sometimes tethered to my Iphone.

    Hope this helps.

  • DaveJ99
    DaveJ99 Forum Participant Posts: 51
    edited February 2020 #9

    Have a Solwise Patriot omnidirectional USB WiFi aerial and associated WiFi-router insidet he 'van.

    Principle advantage is where the site only provides a commercial subscription for a single device as defined by its MAC code. This can be the router and then all one's own devices connect to that. Any data allowance is still spread between devices and all time out together.

    Need to set up router in advance to connect to at least one device via the routers web page to manage the site WiFi logon and payment. This can be done by WiFi, or ethernet cable in the case of a laptop.

    I have not noticed the Solwise Patriot provides much boost as such, other than that arising because the USB aerial can be placed outside the 'van and high up, or at least next to the window with best line of sight to the mast.

    Because 4G is now more common in rural Scotland and data packages are now quite cheap or inclusive, I find I use phone tethering more than Solwise WiFi for multiple devices, especially on CAMC sites because it is cheaper than WiFi. On C&CC and most commercial sites I visit, Wifi is free, though slow, but fine for light use.

    Sometimes I use Solwise if WiFi connection is problematic especially if no 4G.

    Rarely find an open WiFi signal in Scotland, but I can imagine in England there is much more of a chance, especially if you are a BT broadband customer.

    Overall I find Solwise WifFi handy sometimes, but not essential, nor much of a cost saving and certainly no panacea to connection problems.

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