A few points:
- If you want Wi-Fi, a Wi-Fi bridge with an external antenna is a must. Here
you face a problem of compromise. In the marine environment, you cannot use
a high gain antenna that is very directional (the boat is not a steady
platform), so you need something that is reasonably omnidirectional or at
least, something that would not change the gain dramatically as the boat
rocks in waves. Keep in mind that the distance to the hot spot is generally
proportional to how directional the antenna is. And that if the antenna is
fixed (like the one in the Panbo figures), it has to be omnidirectional.
Panbo says that the range is about 1 mile; if you have a good (directional)
antenna, you can beat that. I managed to connect over 5 km distance with
quite good signal, but that was using two quite directional antennae and ON
LAND.
- From what I have seen recently, this set-up is not that expensive anymore.
You should be able to put a system together for about $250; less if you have
an old(er) wireless router (you really need an AP (Access Point) only)
kicking around.
- Cellular, especially cellular data would be more interesting (read:
costly). I would strongly recommend a Mi-Fi-type device for distributing the
signal on the boat. If you use your phone as a hot spot, make sure that you
have the power supply available (most phones go through the battery like
crazy). A device like that should cost under $100 (if you look around). As
an added bonus, they often come with antennae connections, so you can
potentially get a signal without the expensive cellular signal booster. A
cable and directional antenna for the Mi-Fi may cost an additional $50 -
$150 (well, sky is the limit, but let's be reasonable).
- If you live in Canada, most cellular providers don't care if you use the
phone as is or as a hot spot; there is no extra charge for tethering (unlike
in the US). And many providers still offer unlimited data. This does not
mean that it makes sense to buy a cell phone (cell plan) in Canada, as if
you move to the US, the roaming charges would kill you instantly.
- If all what you need is Wi-Fi, be aware that what was very popular a few
years ago (piggy-backing on someone's private unsecured Wi-Fi network) is
less doable now, as substantially more people have their networks secured
(it used to be 80% open, now it is less then 20%). I don't even mention the
questionability of such approach. However, from what I hear, many marinas
offer Wi-Fi and having a signal booster may make a difference if you are
doing your e-mails in a crowded bar or in the comfort of your boat.
- Please be aware that most Wi-Fi radios built into the devices (laptops,
tablets etc.) do not offer the best reception. Interestingly, the discrete
Wi-Fi adapters (the ones you plug in into the USB port (or the older ones
that came in the PCCard form factor)) quite often are much better. In this
case, size does matter. Not to mention that many discrete adapters have a
connector for an external antenna. And for all of you who are iPad
fanatics - the bad news: Apple's radios are notorious for requiring a strong
signal.
as usual, YMMV (actually, YMWV)
Marek
C270, s/v "Legato"
-----Original Message-----
From: Pete Shelquist via CnC-List
Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2015 11:37 AM
To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com
Subject: Stus-List boosting cell signal
Panbo's recent article covers options for wifi and cell signal boosting.
I'm interested in what others have done for an economical way to boost a
cell signal.
Thanks,
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