Mifi help and suggestions

[barryd]

I am currently testing the new Teltonika RUTX50 5G router with the PONYTING 7-in-1 Automotive antenna. So far, the results have been really good. This is a premium setup for people who need rock-solid connectivity and high Internet speeds.

I have negotiated a 10% discount from Solwise for our members (the code is in the discounts section).

Here is a link to the parts I am using:

Geeky Philip | Solwise Ltd

www.solwise.co.uk

Ow Much!!! Bloody hell Phil. I hope they were a freebie!

Then again when you think how much some used to spend on Internet Satellite systems, quite cheap in comparison.

 

[Wooie1958]

I`ve only just regained conciousness from opening the link

 

[marc-knuckle]

I am currently testing the new Teltonika RUTX50 5G router with the PONYTING 7-in-1 Automotive antenna. So far, the results have been really good. This is a premium setup for people who need rock-solid connectivity and high Internet speeds.

I have negotiated a 10% discount from Solwise for our members (the code is in the discounts section).

Here is a link to the parts I am using:

Geeky Philip | Solwise Ltd

www.solwise.co.uk

That looks really good for people who require the best. Way more than I'd need but i bet it's great.

 

[Admin]

Ow Much!!! Bloody hell Phil. I hope they were a freebie!

Then again when you think how much some used to spend on Internet Satellite systems, quite cheap in comparison.

I need the best absolute best and most reliable system in my van. I work online every day and have to have 24-hour Internet access. If a client's website goes down or there are server issues, I must be alerted instantly. I may need to restore large backup files that would take ages to upload without the best system.

This system uses 5G and 4G LTE CAT20, and the antenna supports 5G and 4G LTE CAT20.

5G speeds with a 4x4 MIMO Antenna:
Download: 3300 Mbps
Upload: 900 Mbps

4G LTE CAT20 speeds with a 2x2 MIMO Antenna:
Download: 2000 Mbps
Upload: 200 Mbps

As you can see, the speeds you can achieve with this router and antenna are excellent. I have not had a a chance to do a full test yet, but I will put out a video once I have.

Phil

 

[barryd]

I need the best absolute best and most reliable system in my van. I work online every day and have to have 24-hour Internet access. If a client's website goes down or there are server issues, I must be alerted instantly. I may need to restore large backup files that would take ages to upload without the best system.

This system uses 5G and 4G LTE CAT20, and the antenna supports 5G and 4G LTE CAT20.

5G speeds with a 4x4 MIMO Antenna:
Download: 3300 Mbps
Upload: 900 Mbps

4G LTE CAT20 speeds with a 2x2 MIMO Antenna:
Download: 2000 Mbps
Upload: 200 Mbps

As you can see, the speeds you can achieve with this router and antenna are excellent. I have not had a a chance to do a full test yet, but I will put out a video once I have.

Phil

Oh I absolutely see the need. Good kit is important for that kind of thing.

I don't know if you remember Chris and Catherine from theworldisourlobster.com who about ten years ago did all 47 countries in Europe including Russia and Iceland. Chris kept working for the first year or so remotely and they had an Internet sat dish system. It cost thousands and a hefty monthly subscription.

I've done the same kind of thing for 15 years although I only look after a handful of clients now as I'm very semi retired. I just wing it though with a variety of Connectivity methods over the years. Sometimes it's been a PIA and often hilarious hanging antennas in trees and all sorts trying to get WiFi. I would even ride around on the scooter with a repeat it antenna on the top box trying to find an SFR Fon.

 

[marchie]

Why do I keep reading the title of this thread as 'Milf help and suggestions'?

Dunno. Ask your mum, she might know ...

Steve

 

[Geek]

Hi all, first time posting so just hoping for a bit of a stear.

I'm currently sat in a caravan on a 4 day stay in Croyde bay. Been here loads of times.

A few of years back, (went abroad last year), i decided that due to the poor internet data connection in the caravan, I'd try a Mifi device and stick a Giffgaff SIM in which uses the O2 network.

Well, it's been a success in that we have 30gb to use and we can all connect. Also that we can place it anywhere while not having to sit where the best signal is. However it isn't really a better or faster connection compared to our phones. It isn't an expensive one and doesn't have external antennas. Huawei E5783B.

We're going away again September in a caravan again so I'm wondering if i give a few requirements below if anyone can suggest some options?

1) Doesn't need fast speed. Reliable connection is the main requirement
2) Ideal minimum speed possibly 5mbps and as the Giffgaff SIM is a 5g one it just needs to have a strong signal to hopefully latch on to the closest cell tower
3) nice if it can be used while plugged into the caravan wall socket so the battery doesn't run out, the existing one doesn't work while plugged in.
4) external antenna port/s so i can get an antenna with a cable to stick it out of the window/on the roof?
5) not too expensive as it won't be used often. Not sure on budget though

Thanks guys, Marc

A mifi should work better than using a phone. If the signal is poor, you can tuck it up in a skylight.

Your problem is Giffgaff. In my experience O2 is the worst network, and Giffgaff is even worse because it gets lowest priority when there is congestion.

Try a 1pmobile or rwgmobile SIM (both are on EE) and you may find it vastly better in most places.

 

[marc-knuckle]

Is there an app that will show the actually cell towers on a map and what network they serve? Although it's an omni directional antenna I've bought, I'd like to at least know what side of the caravan is best to put it out the window of to have the most chance of a strong signal.

 

[Canalsman]

Is there an app that will show the actually cell towers on a map and what network they serve? Although it's an omni directional antenna I've bought, I'd like to at least know what side of the caravan is best to put it out the window of to have the most chance of a strong signal.

I use an Android app called Network Cell Info Lite. It's free and shows you the signal strength, and a map with known cell towers showing to which tower your phone is connected.

Generally I just move my phone around in the 'van till I get the best signal on the meter.

 

[barryd]

Is there an app that will show the actually cell towers on a map and what network they serve? Although it's an omni directional antenna I've bought, I'd like to at least know what side of the caravan is best to put it out the window of to have the most chance of a strong signal.

I thought the whole point of an omni antenna was you didn't need to worry about that. Just get it up high.

 

[Geek]

Is there an app that will show the actually cell towers on a map and what network they serve? Although it's an omni directional antenna I've bought, I'd like to at least know what side of the caravan is best to put it out the window of to have the most chance of a strong signal.

The best I've found is network signal info pro. I can't remember what paying for the pro version gets you, but if a tightwad like me paid, it must be worthwhile. It's useful where there are lots of bases around, but less so in more remote areas, such as where I seem to be this morning.

 

[Geek]

I thought the whole point of an omni antenna was you didn't need to worry about that. Just get it up high.

True, but knowing which hill to drive over can be useful.

 

[TJBi]

I use an Android app called Network Cell Info Lite. It's free and shows you the signal strength, and a map with known cell towers showing to which tower your phone is connected.

Generally I just move my phone around in the 'van till I get the best signal on the meter.

Network Cell Info is good, but some of the cell towers are shown in incorrect locations so you can't rely on the mapped positions.

 

[TJBi]

<snip>I would even ride around on the scooter with a repeat it antenna on the top box trying to find an SFR Fon.

For info, the SFR WiFi Fon service was permanently discontinued w.e.f. 01/05/2023. https://assistance.sfr.fr/internet-tel-fixe/wifi-debit/accueil.html

 

[bartman]

I

A mifi should work better than using a phone. If the signal is poor, you can tuck it up in a skylight.

Your problem is Giffgaff. In my experience O2 is the worst network, and Giffgaff is even worse because it gets lowest priority when there is congestion.

Try a 1pmobile or rwgmobile SIM (both are on EE) and you may find it vastly better in most places.

EE don't allow their MVNOs access to the 900MHz band 20,which is often the best one, especially indoors. At least they didn't when I was with Virgin mobile in the days when they used EE. I have an RWG PAYG sim as a backup in the 2nd slot in my phone. That doesn't connect to band 20 and is nearly always out-performed by my principal Sky Mobile sim which runs on O2.

 

[barryd]

For info, the SFR WiFi Fon service was permanently discontinued w.e.f. 01/05/2023. https://assistance.sfr.fr/internet-tel-fixe/wifi-debit/accueil.html

Ah that's a shame. It was great back in the day. I can remember years ago myself and Addie from Motorhome WiFi seeing who could get the longest connection using Fon etc. I think he won with about 14 miles across the Bristol channel or something like that. Best I remember was 5000 ft up in the French Alps across a valley. Maybe five or six miles. It was ridiculous. No routers, just a usb antenna. The first one was called a "Repeat IT". Came from the Swedish military I think.

 

[Boris7]

I recently changed to a Netgear nighthawk and have a Smarty 5g sim, and external Ariel.

Currently at Donington Park on a busy campsite, did a speed test just now.

Think it’s fast enough

 

[Tezza33]

I recently changed to a Netgear nighthawk and have a Smarty 5g sim, and external Ariel.

Currently at Donington Park on a busy campsite, did a speed test just now.

Think it’s fast enough

View attachment 122372

I live in Castle Donington and luckily 5G is available there on '3' and 'EE', I cancelled my VM broadband earlier this year and use '3', I get 300+Mbps regularly unless there is a race meeting or the Download Festival on when it drops slightly, I paid double to VM for 100Mbps

 

[Mothership]

Hi all, first time posting so just hoping for a bit of a stear.

I'm currently sat in a caravan on a 4 day stay in Croyde bay. Been here loads of times.

A few of years back, (went abroad last year), i decided that due to the poor internet data connection in the caravan, I'd try a Mifi device and stick a Giffgaff SIM in which uses the O2 network.

Well, it's been a success in that we have 30gb to use and we can all connect. Also that we can place it anywhere while not having to sit where the best signal is. However it isn't really a better or faster connection compared to our phones. It isn't an expensive one and doesn't have external antennas. Huawei E5783B.

We're going away again September in a caravan again so I'm wondering if i give a few requirements below if anyone can suggest some options?

1) Doesn't need fast speed. Reliable connection is the main requirement
2) Ideal minimum speed possibly 5mbps and as the Giffgaff SIM is a 5g one it just needs to have a strong signal to hopefully latch on to the closest cell tower
3) nice if it can be used while plugged into the caravan wall socket so the battery doesn't run out, the existing one doesn't work while plugged in.
4) external antenna port/s so i can get an antenna with a cable to stick it out of the window/on the roof?
5) not too expensive as it won't be used often. Not sure on budget though

Thanks guys, Marc

Another vote for the Netgear Nighthawk here plus Poynting ext antenna. last 8 years all over Europe from Nordkapp to Greece, on EE SIM and it has been absolutely superb everywhere, forget the cheapies, get the best. Only issue is here in UK where our 4G coverage in some areas is atrocious yet we can go into the desolate parts of Albania and stream the footie. Not Netgear problem......third world UK!!!!

 

[Geek]

I

EE don't allow their MVNOs access to the 900MHz band 20,which is often the best one, especially indoors. At least they didn't when I was with Virgin mobile in the days when they used EE. I have an RWG PAYG sim as a backup in the 2nd slot in my phone. That doesn't connect to band 20 and is nearly always out-performed by my principal Sky Mobile sim which runs on O2.

My RWG sims can use EE band 20, though it is rarely the best data speed where I live (not really tested properly elsewhere) Your problem may be the sim slots in your phone. Some phones have less capable sim2 slots - I have no idea why!

Of course there will be places where O2 gives the best coverarge and speeds (though maybe not best speeds with GiffGaff) because cell positioning is very variable. My experience of O2/GiffGaff has been consistently disappointing. It's a shame, because GiffGaff prices are attractive.

I've found EE to be the best by far, but under the dead hand of BT, that may well change.