[Ham-Computers] RE: Wireless Travel Routers?

[kd4e]

Aaron:

As always, very helpful information!

I have the full size NetGear here so will check on
the availability and price of their travel model.

OK re. Spring and Verizon, I wonder what AllTell
will tell me when they finally get around to telling
me what cellphones they recommend.

We are due to re-contract and upgrade one of our two
phones and I have asked them which models they offer
that they also recommend for the best mobile WiFi.

I will want something that includes an external antenna
for mobile and travel trailer living, that does not
overheat like the Nokia I currently own, and that also
has the built-in camera.

Or should I also be looking at Sprint?

Verizon is our current ISP and they are impossible to
work with -- way too insulated from the customer.  We
have serious problems with Yahoo and others flagging
verizon.net addresses as SPAM and no way to contact
Verizon to get it fixed - not that Yahoo is any better.
It appears to be a long-standing feud, unlikely to be
resolved soon.  :-(

> 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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