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Is there a device for public wifi boosting?

While traveling & working on the road, sometimes we are camping and my wifi is not the best in the woods- and the public wifi seems to be a bit far from where we are- what can be used to help? I bought a Ubiquiti NanoStation loco M5 - Wireless Access Point but it needs a router, which I don't have- any suggestions would be great! 

7 Answers

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  • 5 months ago

    Someone mentioned you need a good antenna first. This is true, but I don't think you will get 10 miles as they suggested.  With an unobstructed view and good aim to the source, you should be able to get close to a mile with a Tupavco yagi antenna found here - https://www.tupavco.com/products/yagi-wifi-antenna...

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  • ?
    Lv 7
    8 months ago

    I am assuming you are using Cell data when not on public wifi?  You can't expect to get a public wifi everywhere, I assume you mean in a wifi covered campground?

     

    I think you are using the Nano in client/station mode (access via wired). I can think of a solution, but it would just repeat the wifi, if you have poor coverage it won't work any better unless it is marginal.  (POE outdoor wifi repeater on a pole)

    Most antenna solutions are for directional wifi, not omni.  You have to tweak the power on the sender, not on your side and this is usually not possible.  You can install a signal analyzer on your smart phone and see if adding a extender or your nano would improve things.  It is usually signal-to-noise ratio is more important than signal strength.

  • 8 months ago

    If you want to have internet while traveling you can buy aircard.

    An aircard is also commonly referred to as a wireless broadband card and it is a device that you can connect to your netbook or laptop PC to tap into high speed Internet within range of a cell phone signal. It is also possible to connect an aircard to a desktop PC and even older PCs.

    Read more.......

  • 8 months ago

    Wi-Fi is only intended to have a range of approximately 250 feet under ideal conditions.  It's unrealistic to think you will get Wi-Fi coverage while camping in the woods. 

    However, you should be able to get wireless broadband (cellular data) coverage.  You could get a device known as a Mi-Fi that will connect to the wireless broadband and provide with a Wi-Fi hotspot, anywhere you can get a cellular connection.

  • ?
    Lv 6
    8 months ago

    Over 50 years ago I was trained by the USAF, Radio Relay.  If you want a connection, you need a good antenna.  Over the decades, it has always been the same -- get more antenna in the air, get a better connection.

    Assuming you are have a Laptop with a USB port:

    WiFi adapter:  https://www.amazon.com/Panda-Wireless-PAU06-300Mbp...

    3' Short cable:  https://www.amazon.com/Eightwood-RP-SMA-Male-Femal...

    3' long antenna:  https://www.amazon.com/Tupavco-TP513-Antenna-2-4GH...

    Plus a piece of pipe to mount the antenna.

    You will have fun aiming the antenna to the source of the WiFi, but you can get a connection from 10 miles away.

  • David
    Lv 7
    8 months ago

    Your best option would be to get a USB wifi adapter with a high gain aerial

    https://www.amazon.com/s?k=high+gain+usb+wifi+adap...

  • 8 months ago

    Amy,

    Here are some of the best options:

    NETGEAR WiFi Range Extender EX2700 - Coverage up to 800 sq.ft. ...

    VICTONY 1200Mbps Wireless WiFi Repeater with External Antennas WiFi Range Range Extender for 2.4G and 5G Frequency WiFi Extneder Dual Band With 4 External Antennas WiFi Signal Booster. ...

    Linksys RE6350 AC1200 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Range Extender / Wi-Fi Booster.'

    Hopefully this helps You,

    Stanford

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