What is a good WiFi Booster?

My wife and I do a lot of traveling in a travel trailer. Most RV Parks offer free WiFi connections but the signals are too weak. We are interested in buying a WiFi booster to use with my MacBook Pro (late 2009) and my iPad 2.


Dose any one have experience with WiFi boosters and can offer some suggestions?


Thanks in advance for your help and support.


Leighh

Posted on Feb 15, 2012 6:39 PM

Reply
18 replies

Feb 16, 2012 12:24 AM in response to leighh

The reach of the WiFi coverage on an unaltered MBP is limited by transmitter power and the internal antennas. Something which isn't helped by the fact that the case is metallic. Your best bet would be taking the whole WiFi infrastructure out of the computer by using an external USB WiFi transceiver like those suggested from Linksys/Cisco or NetGear. They will come with an optimized antenna and can be better placed for improved reception without getting you in a cramp.

Feb 16, 2012 10:54 AM in response to leighh

leighh wrote:


I am not sure this is what I need. I need to receive a stronger wifi connection in a campground or rv park that will increase the free wifi signal connection so I can log onto their wifi network.



Wifi can only travel so far and then it starts tapering off in signal strength and other factors of interference, metal structures, the environment etc. start reducing your signal.


You can get better reception in some cases with extra devices on your end, but the real cure is and or all of:


1: move your computer closer to the source of the signal


2: extend the signal source so it's closer to you (OpenMesh)


3: boost the source power to extend it's range (Wifi booster)


4: reduce interference (outside attenna)



Basically your at the mercy of the trailer park. Some can't handle a lot of people on the network at the same time, so they only allow wifi access at the main station to reduce the users.


Now it's good if your at a top of the line park with powerful fast connections and Openmesh strung through the park giving a awesome signal that you can watch Netflix 24/7, but that's unlikely traveling.


Your likely going to get dial up like speeds at the main station in rutal locations.



If you really want something better, you need to get a laptop connect USB from your local cell phone carrier, then you can get the Internet just about anywhere.


See this video


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X0wo6dIsMU

Apr 23, 2012 2:51 PM in response to Courcoul

Courcoul wrote:


The reach of the WiFi coverage on an unaltered MBP is limited by transmitter power

Transmitter power is the same with all RF Routers, because the FCC regulates it, the receiving antennas, the distance from the source and the terrain (open field versus crowded office spaces) make the difference.


You can not legally transmit more than 1w (in the USA) so the area to look at for improved reception is .......


Location-Location-Location.

Jul 19, 2012 10:04 AM in response to leighh

Perhaps it's not a very common brand yet, but you could check out WiFiRanger.com as they make products specifically for RV WiFi. Look here to see their WiFiRanger Mobile, which is on the expensive side, but it provides everything you're looking for, all in one. Extremely powerful, outdoor-rated for the roof, and they're really easy to use. Lots of the other brands mentioned here are better used in home, but WiFiRanger products are designed to automatically connect and reconnect for you, which makes things a lot less of a hassle for an RVer.


I hope that is helpful.

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What is a good WiFi Booster?

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