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WiFi Signal Booster, Range Extender For Laptop Computers

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by reefertank, Apr 17, 2015.

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  1. Apr 17, 2015 #1
    reefertank

    reefertank Light Load Member

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    Jan 22, 2015
    Eastern Oregon
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    Before I get started, let me just say that I did a search and couldn't find what I was looking for. Plus some of the threads are pretty old.

    I like my internet, and rely on it for entertainment. I haven't owned a TV for years. With that said, I am looking to expand reception capabilities for my wifi connection. The built in Wifi is great, but what if I'm parked 50 feet to far to get that signal? I don't want to have to rely on my Cell Phone as a hot spot. I have 2 GB and $75 bill is high enough. Side note: I own a apple macbook with windows vista on it... but I don't like using windows.

    This seems to have the best reviews that I've come acrossed. Are their others out there that any of you recommend?

    http://www.amazon.com/Alfa-AWUS036NH-Wireless-Long-Range-Screw-On/dp/B003YIFHJY/ref=pd_cp_pc_2
     
    Last edited: Apr 17, 2015
    reefertank, Apr 17, 2015
    reefertank, Apr 17, 2015
    #1
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  3. Apr 17, 2015 #2
    drvrtech77

    drvrtech77 Road Train Member

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    Have the consent of your provider??..ridiculous
     
    drvrtech77, Apr 17, 2015
    drvrtech77, Apr 17, 2015
    #2
  4. Apr 17, 2015 #3
    lfod14

    lfod14 Road Train Member

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    That should do the trick, the higher gain antenna will do MUCH better than the internal laptop "antenna" which is typically a piece of wire running around the border of your monitor. Good Call on not liking Windows, it's the worst piece of crap every conceived, at least for the end user. It's AWESOME for all the companies making money because all it does is commit suicide every time it gets the chance. But to be fair I'm not a Mac guy either, I'm a Linux guy. Specs say that has a 5dB gain which is good, but also look into external truck mounted ones which also helps.
     
    lfod14, Apr 17, 2015
    lfod14, Apr 17, 2015
    #3
  5. Apr 17, 2015 #4
    joesmoothdog

    joesmoothdog Heavy Load Member

    737
    1,144
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    OTR
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    Windows+Android phone+Sprint+FoxFi=60gigs and more per month. Tmobile has unlimited internet too I believe. I think they will also buy out your current contract.
     
    joesmoothdog, Apr 17, 2015
    joesmoothdog, Apr 17, 2015
    #4
  7. Apr 17, 2015 #5
    reefertank

    reefertank Light Load Member

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    Jan 22, 2015
    Eastern Oregon
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    It comes with a directional antenna rated 7db. I wanted to get the 9db magnet mount but it is not rated for outside use. If I can find a antenna with 10db+ then I'll just fork out the cash and keep the 5db and 7db for later use. I don't quite understand the meaning behind 2000mw vs 5000mw? The manufacture told me to go with 2000mw model, don't know why.
     
    reefertank, Apr 17, 2015
    reefertank, Apr 17, 2015
    #5
  8. Apr 17, 2015 #6
    reefertank

    reefertank Light Load Member

    217
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    Jan 22, 2015
    Eastern Oregon
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    Yeah, I saw the unlimited data plan with sprint. I think sprint has a better map coverage than tmobile right? I'll look into unlimited data if it gets really bad. What about AT&T and Wal-Mart?
     
    reefertank, Apr 17, 2015
    reefertank, Apr 17, 2015
    #6
  9. Apr 17, 2015 #7
    joesmoothdog

    joesmoothdog Heavy Load Member

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    Aug 5, 2013
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    Depends on where you run. AT&T caps, I think. I get 4g 50% of the time and tolerable 3g about 25%. After that it's dialup speed or nothing.Considering I rack up the data streams $90 a month ain't bad. I have sling at home but I always get poor 3g on Sundays during football season.:biggrin_25513:BTW downloading at 1.2MBps at Hammond,LA Petro.
     
    joesmoothdog, Apr 17, 2015
    joesmoothdog, Apr 17, 2015
    #7
  10. Apr 17, 2015 #8
    reefertank

    reefertank Light Load Member

    217
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    Jan 22, 2015
    Eastern Oregon
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    I am going to have sprint buy out my Verizon contract and i'll just go with them. Hopefully there coverage isn't a huge shock to the system... as I am used to getting service out in the middle of nowhere. As long as I can get 3g, I'm a happy clam. $60 a month for unlimited data, text, talk with sprint. At least they are better than T-mobile.

    But, the question now is... will i still need the booster, even with my phone being used as a hotspot...
     
    Last edited: Apr 17, 2015
    reefertank, Apr 17, 2015
    reefertank, Apr 17, 2015
    #8
  11. Apr 17, 2015 #9
    joesmoothdog

    joesmoothdog Heavy Load Member

    737
    1,144
    Aug 5, 2013
    OTR
    0
    But, the question now is... will i still need the booster, even with my phone being used as a hotspot...

    No. Foxfi is about $10 on playstore. Tether with cord. Acts as an external wireless adapter. EZ PZ. Ive been using it for years. If you crave wireless where phone is slow use your fuel points and get wifi. I can live without internet every once and a while though.
     
    joesmoothdog, Apr 17, 2015
    joesmoothdog, Apr 17, 2015
    #9
  12. Apr 17, 2015 #10
    reefertank

    reefertank Light Load Member

    217
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    Jan 22, 2015
    Eastern Oregon
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    The booster is to get reception from gas stations, businesses, homes, not from my phone to my laptop. Foxfi acts as a hotspot, but the iphone6+ already has hotspot capabilities. Or is Foxfi something different?

    According to the site, its only android this year... it wont work for iphones https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.foxfi&hl=en
     
    reefertank, Apr 17, 2015
    reefertank, Apr 17, 2015
    #10
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