WiFi External Antenna

[RJ&S]

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good external wifi antenna? We camped next to a couple last week that told me that they got theirs on Ebay, and it works great to capture a weak wifi signal. I will have to work on some of our trips and need reliable wifi to do so. We've not camped much yet, but have already found that the "free wifi" offered at most of the parks is not too reliable. This (http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-4Ghz-Wireless-14DBI-Flat-WiFi-Directional-Antenna-F-Router-Weatherproof-/290707350086?pt=US_Directional_Network_Antennas&hash=item43af822246) looks like the one they were using. Anyway, just wondered if anybody has any suggestions?

[ewkearns]

This is the one I'll go with: https://www.wifiranger.com/

[B&T]

Have used this system for a couple of years, works good for us.

http://www.jefatech.com/product/RV-KIT-REPEATER/Long-Range-WiFi-Repeater-Kit-for-RVs.html

[raytronx]

Have used this system for a couple of years, works good for us.

http://www.jefatech.com/product/RV-KIT-REPEATER/Long-Range-WiFi-Repeater-Kit-for-RVs.html

I have the same kit, has worked well for 2 years now. Not to pricey either.

The ebay link is just the antenna, it has to plug into something, usually a router of some sort.

Ray

[hankpage]

I also use a Jefa-Tech product (http://www.jefatech.com/product/RV-KIT-USB/Long-Range-80211n-WiFi-Kit-for-RVs---USB.html) but without the router/repeater. It connects directly to the USB port on my laptop. I am limited to only one device but that is all I need and it is a little cheaper. Here is a link to a thread I did when I installed it. (http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5478&highlight=antenna)

[ewkearns]

I have the same kit, has worked well for 2 years now. Not to pricey either.

The ebay link is just the antenna, it has to plug into something, usually a router of some sort.

Ray

Scratching head....:confused: CAN this be connected to a router? It appears to have a USB output that I'm assuming must be served by proprietary drivers.

What I'm really looking for is something that can network my BluRay (for Netflix) and a couple of computers.... thus, I'm gonna need an antenna that will connect to a wireless router.....

[Diceman719]

I bought a Pepwave Surf Mini and am real happy with it.
It connects to the CG WiFi and creates its own LAN for all my gadgets:

http://3gstore.com/product/1813_pepwave-surf-mini-200.html

[Quiroule]

Do-you have a permanent installation for the JEFA antenna? If so, a picture would be nice and how did-you route the cable.

Thanks

[raytronx]

Do-you have a permanent installation for the JEFA antenna? If so, a picture would be nice and how did-you route the cable.

Thanks

I don't have it mounted permanent. I either bungy it to the bat wing TV antenna , then run the cable down and through the bottom of the slide, there is a small opening in the corner or I mount it on a pole attached to the ladder and then run it through the back where my power cord enters.

I've seen many permanently attached to the TV Antenna then the cable run down through the fridge vent.

Ray

Pix at resort in Palm Springs, had to get the antenna high to clear all the rigs and see the wifi

http://loveyourrv.com/wp-content/gallery/jefatechrepeater/jefatech4.jpg

[hankaye]

Howdy All;

The Campground (Park), has installed one of the antennas like Hank
has shown, trouble is ... my signal doesn't get out of the RV :(
I was holding off until I saw what would or wouldn't work. Going to get
an external antenna so I can keep my overages in line an stay on line as
much as I want.

I'm glad to see this thread return.

hankaye

[B&T]

Do-you have a permanent installation for the JEFA antenna? If so, a picture would be nice and how did-you route the cable.

Thanks

I considered a permanent mount but after using the system for some time I decided this would be counterproductive to obtain optimum WiFi reception at different camping locations. I have encountered some locations that the best reception was high in the air, others, low to the ground. Sometimes, moving it a few feet makes a world of difference. I just used some PVC pipe to mount the antenna on and use bungee cords to secure the PVC to the trailer. For my trailer, I found easy cable access through the refrigerator access panel -- that of course will vary by trailer design.

[B&T]

Just some trivia:

I did do a slight modification in our Jefatech RV WiFi system. I discovered that when connecting from our computers/devices to the JefaTech router-repeater via a wired connection instead of a WiFi connection, the transmission speed increased. After digging around on the JefaTech website I found some info that explained that this was normal. More system overhead when connecting via WiFi.

I liked the additional speed but did not want to give up Wifi connections so I added an additional WiFi router that I had laying around doing nothing. Configured the additional router as a password protected access point only(killed the router function). Now, we connect to the access point via WiFi and the access point is wired directly to the JefaTech router-repeater.

[Courtland]

I also use a Jefa-Tech product (http://www.jefatech.com/product/RV-KIT-USB/Long-Range-80211n-WiFi-Kit-for-RVs---USB.html) but without the router/repeater. It connects directly to the USB port on my laptop. I am limited to only one device but that is all I need and it is a little cheaper. Here is a link to a thread I did when I installed it. (http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=5478&highlight=antenna)

If you look at the picture from Hanks installation you can see that Hank clearly loves this forum. :D

http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=267&pictureid=1320

[hankpage]

http://www.keystonerv.org/forums/picture.php?albumid=251&pictureid=1108 Do I get any "Brownie Points" for that one Boss????

[eds451]

We have a similar setup as Raytronx with the wifi antenna attached to the TV antenna. I use DD-WRT on a Linksys router. Works great for the DW who likes to keep in touch with the world (Facebook and her work).

[superbob]

You may want to look at a wireless bridge. You can use a directional antenna to receive the wifi signal (longer distances and accuracy) then using a bridge to a regular router in your RV