Campground WiFi Sucks
More campgrounds are installing WiFi services all the time. Some offer it as a free incentive to visit while others charge a separate fee (just like cable tv). In my experience, very few camprgounds install the right kind of equipment needed to provide adequate coverage to the entire site. Even those that do make the investment in site evaluation and placement of multiple access points with advanced antennae don't (or can't) deliver decent speed to every location.
I'm staying at Bear Creek park in Asheville, NC this week. Bear Creek is one of those parks that has put the effort into installing top notch equipment (Cisco outdoor access points). My spot is about 150 feet from the nearest antenna, and I'm able to get what my laptop reports as a 'poor' connection at about 1MB/sec.
But when I plug in my hField Wi-Fire and point it in the right direction I suddenly get a 'excellent' connection. The Wi-Fire has its own connection analysis tool that helps aim the directional antenna to the best angle. It shows that this campground has 3 access points within range (not to mention 2 other WiFi routers that must be inside some other RVs close by).
The Wi-Fire sells online for $109. If you depend on WiFi connections, even at Flying-J truck stops, this may be just what you need.
posted by Scott at
7:04 AM
Scott Koegler is a technology writer with way too many gadgets, even in his
RV. He is journaling his travels this year in this Digital RVer blog at RVtravel.com, but you can also
follow him on Twitter (http://twitter.com/scottkoegler) and BrightKite
(http://brightkite.com/people/
4 Comments:
We've been using Netgear with a long usb cable. That allows us to put the "receiver" in whatever location gives us the best signal. If there's a signal out there, Netgear will find it and enhance it. It's been a fantastic help.
By
Pamela & Steve, at May 12, 2007 5:46 AM
I use a 6db gain Wi-Fi omni-directional antenna which seems to work quite well. But even with this, too many 'host' systems 'broke' last week or are very poorly installed.
So I recently purchased an EV-DO cellular modem so I can get very high speed (better than DSL) in most high-density population areas and worst case, 2X dial-up speeds in the boonies. This system works even when the cell phone cannot pick up a strong enough signal. I have a 6dB omni antenna for this mounted on the rear ladder of the motorhome.
By
mrehmus, at May 12, 2007 6:26 PM
I'm not the most technical guy, but I travel with my Wi-Fire too and it's the best experience I've had so far in staying connected.
By
ethan, at May 16, 2007 10:33 AM
I have a Wi-Fire and I would really recommend it. It really helps me out when I am on the road or trying to get a stronger wireless connection at home. The connection is clear and fast.
By
Makay5, at June 4, 2007 11:22 AM
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