RE: Cradlepoint Routers
I just purchased an MBR1000 from the 3gstore. I was planning on replacing the Dlink DIR-625 router I've used for a couple of years. I did a side-by-side range test, and I was very surprised to find that the 1000 did not have quite as much range as the Dlink! It was close, but noticeably less, maybe 15% or so. It had a lot more features, but ones that, to be honest, most RV'ers would never use. It probably had more than enough range for an RV, but it still made me question whether it was worth the $200 cost.
Plus, I realized that with the 1000, I'll have to connect my cell phone, which I'm going to use as a modem, via USB to the 1000. That means that my phone and the 1000 will have to be within USB cable range of each other.
What I'm thinking of now is to keep my dlink router, and put it in the rear of the coach. Then, get another device which will connect to the phone via USB, and also connect via ethernet to the dlink router. I'll keep this small "converter" out in the living area where my phone is, and keep the dlink router in the back of the coach with the rest of the technology. Like this:
phone/modem ---USB---converter============ethernet=================dlink router
The dlink router will convert the signal it receives over ethernet into wifi, so both of us can use it to wirelessly connect to the 'net when we don't have park wifi to use.
RE: WildBlue Internet Service
Had Hughes (house & last rig), Wildblue (house) and now use aircards.
If you need it for your rig forget WB -- they ar espot beam only as another poster stated.
FOr a fixed location, between WB & H Wb was the most reliable for us with the fewest problems due sto weather, slowdowns, etc. Both have FAP's (fair access policies) which will start slowing you to a crawl when you exceed the limits for the period (varies depending upon plan & provider).
For aircards, as long as you will be in cell service range and don't need to download movies I think they are the best choice for a rig.
We have a router (cradlepoint mbr1000) with 2 aircards attached which gives us 10Gb per month without having to pay any surcharges.
RE: Long range WiFi Repeater for RV's
So, is there anything yet that will work with the Cradlepoint 1000 to boost the existing WIFI signal?
nope. the wifi antennas on the MBR1000 are not replaceable.
i am curious though, how much range from your mbr1000 do you need?
Sorry Alex, I wasn't clear with my question. I meant to ask "is there something available yet that can boost the campground WIFI and is compatible with the MBR1000".
I'm assuming that the new Pepwave Surf Mini solution will do that. Correct
Yes, the Pepwave Surf does exactly what you describe!
RE: Long range WiFi Repeater for RV's
So, is there anything yet that will work with the Cradlepoint 1000 to boost the existing WIFI signal?
nope. the wifi antennas on the MBR1000 are not replaceable.
i am curious though, how much range from your mbr1000 do you need?
Sorry Alex, I wasn't clear with my question. I meant to ask "is there something available yet that can boost the campground WIFI and is compatible with the MBR1000".
I'm assuming that the new Pepwave Surf Mini solution will do that. Correct?
RE: Long range WiFi Repeater for RV's
So, is there anything yet that will work with the Cradlepoint 1000 to boost the existing WIFI signal?
nope. the wifi antennas on the MBR1000 are not replaceable.
i am curious though, how much range from your mbr1000 do you need?
Hmm, can you not open the case and put an antenna connector on - get one from an old Linksys WRT54. Why wouldn't they put connectors on unless it's because they are using antenna diversity for the MIMO function which isn't that great anyway.
I guess that's the problem with the cheap, consumer grade kit.
Here's how
RE: Long range WiFi Repeater for RV's
So, is there anything yet that will work with the Cradlepoint 1000 to boost the existing WIFI signal?
nope. the wifi antennas on the MBR1000 are not replaceable.
i am curious though, how much range from your mbr1000 do you need?
RE: Cradlepoint MBR 1000 or 1200
My only internet connectivity is phone wire and/or USB modem. If I understand correctly, the load balancing would be of questionable value for me with the phone wire and USB modem.
Have you had any problem with having to reset your MBR1000?
Wayne
Well, think of the Cradlepoint MBR900 3G/4G Cellular Router as an MBR1000 without the load balancing which YOU will not use/need. For $119.00 the 900 can be had. Makes sense to go with the Cradlepoint MBR900 3G/4G Cellular Router. WiFi range will be the same with the 900 and MBR1000 from what I have read.
RE: Cradlepoint MBR 1000 or 1200
I have owned a KR1, MBR1000 and a CTR350. Also have worked lots with an MBR500, MBR800 and MBR1200. IF I were to buy another router say today I would go with the MBR900 (Read here). This less expensive unit will do what you want and for less. A real nice router. IT is both 3G and 4G capable.
http://www.evdoinfo.com/images/stories/mbr900_contents.jpg height=200 width=300As I previously stated, I have not considered the MBR 900. Other than wifi range, what are the worth while differences, in your opinion, between the 1000 and 900?
When it comes to tech support, I seldom use it. I usually stumble through, and look for help on Forums. At the risk of sounding negative, I find most tech support to be so bad, I do not want to hang on the phone waiting for help. Fortunately it has worked for me, with few exceptions.
Wayne
RE: Cradlepoint WIFI range?
Have an MBR1000 and it is positioned now on the first floor. Wife can't get good signal in the backside of the house on her laptop or iphone. The ole linksys was in the basement and easily covered the whole house.
Has anyone else seen the WIFI range of this unit to be less than disired?
i've heard of a few with that issue. take it up with people you bought from, or with cradlepoint directly.
Cradlepoint WIFI range?
Have an MBR1000 and it is positioned now on the first floor. Wife can't get good signal in the backside of the house on her laptop or iphone. The ole linksys was in the basement and easily covered the whole house.
Has anyone else seen the WIFI range of this unit to be less than disired?
I will probably turn off WIFI on the cradlepoint and use the linksys (will have to get an N version)
Just wondering..............
RE: Anyone tried the
There is an issue of limited range with the MiFi that needs to be considered.
while there are those who would call me crazy for suggesting this, one of the BEST 'accessories' for the MiFi is the Cradlepoint MBR1000 or even the new MBR1200.
attaching the MiFi via USB to either MBR1000/1200 will NOT resolve the lack of cellular antenna/rf jack, but it WILL resolve the lack of ethernet ports and WiFi range... and it will keep the MiFi charged up for those trips away from home/RV.
I hear ya Alex.. 8-) BUT, Just the simple fact that you cannot plug in an external cellular antenna into the MiFi is a deal breaker for me. Not to mention the other cons. I'm not sure if you remember but I toyed with the idea of getting a MiFi but quickly came to my senses and went with a USB760 off of eBAY for $70.00. (did not want to renew contract with Verizon to get an alleged freebe) The USB760 with the Cradlepoint CTR360 is a very good combo with enough ability and flexibility and at minimal $ layout.
RE: Anyone tried the
There is an issue of limited range with the MiFi that needs to be considered.
while there are those who would call me crazy for suggesting this, one of the BEST 'accessories' for the MiFi is the Cradlepoint MBR1000 or even the new MBR1200.
attaching the MiFi via USB to either MBR1000/1200 will NOT resolve the lack of cellular antenna/rf jack, but it WILL resolve the lack of ethernet ports and WiFi range... and it will keep the MiFi charged up for those trips away from home/RV.
the new Cradlepoint MBR1200
There are probably still a LOT of RVers who are using older PCMCIA mobile broadband cards like the KPC650, AirCard 595 or even the PX500/PC5750.
Up until now, there has not been a Cradlepoint-branded router that would allow you to share the internet access those cards provide, with multiple computers.
Sure, the Kyocera KR2 was made by Cradlepoint but Kyocera has decided to abandon that router and will no longer update it for any new devices.
Today, the new Cradlepoint MBR1200 has been launched and it features a few advantages over the MBR1000:
-- PCMCIA slot for older cards.
-- gigabit ethernet switch (allows for faster local area network transfers like movies)
-- external WiFi jacks to allow for greater wireless range to/from the router
For those RVers who already HAVE an MBR1000, there is not likely enough reason to consider the new MBR1200.
But for those who have yet to buy a cellular router, the MBR1200 now represents the "state of the art" and offers the most versatility.
RE: Another Cradlepoint 1000 question
Forgive me, but what do you mean "change network settings"? Assuming your computers are all wifi'd to the router, how hard can it be to simply reconnect to another wifi source?
Not trying to be argumentative.. I really don't get it. And I can understand why the mfgr would think this way too. Edit: I just read the above. Yes, if you have a high gain wifi antenna on the router, that would certainly explain a lot.
yes, that last scenario adds a lot to the conversation.
imagine a typical RV with husband/wife, each with a laptop, and perhaps lets add a desktop or some other piece of equipment that could use internet access -- like maybe a DVR?
so, you have 2 ~ 4 or more things that hook up to MBR1000 for internet access, most of the time via cellular modem directly attached to the MBR1000.
now this RV pulls into a campground where either your cellular signal sucks or the Campground-provided internet is superior, but the actual WiFi signal to the distant or tree-shrouded RV stall is weak.
there are plenty of 'high-powered' ways to grab that WiFi - but most attach directly to ONE computer's USB port... or if its WiFi or ethernet based 'bridge' or 'range extender', you have to change settings on all computers/etc to connect to this other thing that does campground wifi.
when its finalized our WiFi-As-WAN solution for the MBR1000 will make life simpler and won't require folks in the above scenario to have to change each computer/etc settings. just settings on the MBR1000.
hope that clarifies?
RE: Anyone Using a Cradlepoint MBR-1000 w/Verizon USB Device?
Recently got an MBR1000 and I am using it with an Alltel USB aircard (same as Verizon now). I am very happy with the speed of access on the web, but disappointed with the range of the wifi signal. My old Dlink router would work fine if I left it in the motorhome while it was parked in the driveway, but the Cradlepoint I have to bring into the house to get a good signal.
