[Ham-Computers] RE: Wireless Travel Routers?

Tue Apr 24 15:11:09 EDT 2007

I have a Netgear WGR101 - got it a few years ago when it first came out.

For $18 (I paid $60), it's not bad, but it's prone to overheat.  At certain times, this will cause a temporary disconnect/reconnect cycle that lasts about 15 seconds.  A firmware upgrade helped, but it still disconnects/reconnects.  Standing the unit on it's "side" aso helps (the vents are on the sides).  The overall portability is nice though.

A couple years ago, I picked-up a Linksys WRT54GC, a compact router a bit larger than the WGR101.  Connections are much more stable than with the WGR101 plus you get 4 wired connections (if you need them).  It's not as fast as "full sized" wireless routers, but I don't need speed when I'm checking e-mail and surfing during "down time".  Plus, there are more port-forwarding options available which comes in handy.

Between the two, the WRT54GC is better.  For reference, Linksys also as a "travel" router that that has a built-in AC plug (no need for a seperate power supply), but I've never used it.

Note:  The WRT54GC is not to be confused with the larger WRT54G (or GS) series routers.  Though they share the same "root" name (WRT54), the guts are completely different.  I wouldn't use the WRT-54GC for "permanent" installations and the WRT54G(S) is definitely too large to conveniently travel with!

As for sharing a hotel Internet connection, easily done - just put a router between your computer(s) and the hotel's ethernet jack.  Note, however, that some hotels charge additional if they "see" more than one computer connected to their ethernet port.  Not a problem if you have a router as the hotel's network only "sees" the router - just remember to only attach the router to the hotel's network and your computers go to the router (yes, if you disconnect the router and plug your computer directly to the hotel network, it will show up as a different device).

A cellular connection is a bit more difficult and depends on what type of cellular connection you have.  Cellular "broadband" is pretty slow anyway and best not shared - it'll be easier to just connect the phone directly to each PC.

With that said, if your cellular connection is via a broadband PC-Card modem, then there are routers available that will allow you to share your broadband service.  But, these routers are usually provider specific.  I know that D-Link has a router that will accept a broadband PC-Card from Sprint.  Theoretically, this router should also work with Verizon PC-Cards (as both are CDMA based), but there might be some cross-branding agreements that make the D-Link router search for a Sprint card.  There are a couple other "broadband" wireless routers and more are expected soon.  NOTE:  Most "broadband anywhere" providers put a cap on usage.  So be aware of any such cap prior to sharing your connection - your service may be disconnected unexpectantly!

73,

  - Aaron Hsu, NN6O

-----Original Message-----
Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2007 10:55 AM
Subject: Wireless Travel Routers?

We plan a little travel and need to be able to take a hotel or cellphone Internet connection and share it among two or three laptops.

I have seen these two devices but would appreciate practical experience from list members.

Netgear WGR101 54Mbps Wireless Travel Network Router 3Com OfficeConnect Wireless 54Mbps 11g travel router

Has anyone one used these or other under $50. devices?

(The NetGear WGR101 is currently $18. on sale.)

Has anyone succeeded in sharing a cellphone Internet connection?

Thanks!

-- 

Thanks! & 73, doc, KD4E
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