Connecting to the Internet - Broadband Routers and MiFi

In two of my recent blogs, I’ve talked about connecting to the Internet while on the road. The first post dealt with free WiFi hotspots typically found in RV Parks and local coffee shops. In my second post, I dealt with the use of Air Cards which allow you to connect to the Internet anywhere there is cell phone coverage provided by your carrier(i.e. Verizon, Sprint, AT&T etc.).

The Verizon MiFi is a combo air card and router allowing 5 Internet connections

But, what happens when you and your spouse each have laptops? Do you have to buy a second air card, or just fight over the only one you have? Luckily, there are much simpler, and less costly solutions – Mobile Broadband Routers and MiFi devices, either of which will enable you to connect multiple computers to the Internet. The best part is, you can use either of these solutions on the same 5GB plans that are now probably costing you about $60 a month.

Let’s deal with the easiest solution first – the MiFi. The term MiFi simply means "my Wi-Fi" and that is exactly what the device does – it creates your own personal WiFi hotspot that allows you to connect up to 5 devices to the Internet at the same time! To explain what a MiFi is, and how it works, I’m once again going to use Verizon as an example, but they all work in the same manner.

Basically, a MiFi is a combination “Air Card” and “Router” built into one small package, a little smaller than an iPhone. To use it, all you have to do is hit the power button on the top to get started. The MiFi then finds and attaches itself to the Verizon network and soon after this you will see the Verizon MiFi in your computer’s list of available wireless networks. The first time you connect, you have to enter a 5-digit password(printed on the back of the MiFi), but after that it’s all automatic.

So, that’s it for connecting using a MiFi – just press the little button on top, the light turns green, and you’re on. Press the button again and it turns off. Couldn’t get any easier than that! It’s virtually the same as using an Air Card only it doesn’t have to be plugged into the laptop and, more importantly, it can connect up to 5 devices.

Cradlepoint MBR100 Mobile Broadband Router with a Verizon USB760 Air Card

Now let’s look at Mobile Broadband Routers and, in particular, the Cradlepoint MBR1000 that several RV’ers I know use for connecting to the Internet. Unlike the MiFi, you must have an “Air Card” to use the Cradlepoint router. But, instead of plugging the Air Card(i.e Verizon USB760) into your laptop’s USB port, you plug the Air Card into a port on the Cradlepoint router.

Once the air card is plugged in, with the router turned on, it automatically connects to the Internet and in just a few moments you will have your very own ‘Wifi Hotspot’ – pretty cool! Now all you have to do is view “Available Wireless Networks” on your laptop, find the MBR1000 or something similar, connect and away you go!

The back of the Cradlepoint MBR1000 showing many different connection optionsSo, since the initial cost of the MiFi system is less(combo air card & modem) and I can connect 5 laptops to the Internet, why would I even want to consider a Cradlepoint router? Great question! There are a few good reasons to get the Cradlepoint - as I recently did:

1. Signal Range – the Cradlepoint router’s “Wireless N'” signal range is several hundred feet as opposed to the 30 ft. range of a MiFi(this is usually o.k. for use in any RV). This simply eliminates any possible deadspots in your entire RV site.
2. Connect Up To 64 Devices – The MBR1000 has the capability to allocate up to 64 unique IP addresses. It extends the number of devices well beyond the 5 maximum for the MiFi.
3. Compatibility - the MiFi is always tied to the carrier that you bought it from(i.e. Verizon/Sprint etc.). The Cradlepoint router provides the user with the option to support a wide range of cellular carriers and in most cases, support for most of the devices offered by that carrier. So, if you happen to switch from Sprint to Verizon, then you can simply plug your new Verizon air card into the Cradlepoint router and you’re good to go.
4. Ethernet Connections – this isn’t a huge deal to me, but the Cradlepoint router allows you to connect it to your laptop via an ethernet cable(Cat 5 etc.) instead of just a wireless connection.
5. This Is Very Interesting – Cradlepoint has released Firmware Version 1.6 which provides official support for both the Verizon and Sprint MiFi devices. This means that you can buy a MiFi and plug it into your MBR1000, instead of an air card, thus extending the range of your MiFi by 6 to 10 times, yet still have the MiFi device to take with you on short trips away from your RV – not a bad idea! The best of both worlds?

As with most technology decisions, there is no easy “yes or no” answer for everyone. Which device you choose depends entirely on your own computer knowledge, use and experience. For novice users, and those that want the simplest yet workable solution, the MiFi is a good bet. For those who want a more robust solution with many more options, you might want to consider the Cradlepoint MBR1000. Which ever one you choose, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Enable Security as you do not want to be providing free WiFi to the whole RV Park

One word of warning which ever one you might buy – be sure to enable security when you setup your MiFi or router. Otherwise, you may find yourself providing a free “WiFi Hotspot” to the entire RV Park and you could end up with a huge overage bill at the end of the month! On the “available wireless networks” display, your network should show as “Secured Network”.

One last thought, on a personal note, Paulette walked in while I was starting to write this blog yesterday morning, looked at the title and said “Wow, MiFi and Broadband Routers…… that’s sure exciting”! She then said goodbye and headed out the door to her weekly Hand Quilting Club get together. Wow, that’s sure exciting!!