Topic: RV (Caravan) WiFi Query

[NorCal_Dan]

My knowledge of things internet/wifi is lacking and I know there are a bunch of smart users here, so I am asking for suggestions on how to solve an issue I am trying to remedy. 

I do a lot of RV'ing and one issue that happens all the time is RV park wifi signals tend to be weak.  I am looking for a device that will mount externally to the RV with an antenna that will (hopefully) pick up more signal from the RV park wifi, then amplify that signal so devices inside my RV can "reach" the internet.  The issue apparently is the dual requirement for being able to receive the wifi signal and then re-transmit that signal.

I had thought about a sensitive receive antenna, but I need the wireless capability so multiple devices can connect.  I could use my iPhone hotspot, but would rather use the RV park wifi when available.  So is there a device that would do what I need that doesn't cost thousands of dollars? Or am I asking for the impossible?

[R.Sidetrack]

One option is an external directional access point like this: https://www.tp-link.com/us/business-networking/pharos-cpe/cpe210/

Use an ethernet cable into an inexpensive switch, then via ethernet connect a small unit like this: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1322916-REG/tp_link_tl_wr902ac_ac750_wireless_travel_router.htmlto to rebroadcast wifi inside your RV. Total of around $150 or so.
Keep in mind the unit I linked is 2.4GHz only. And you will need to manually aim it at each site. Mount it on a pole that you can rotate, and slide up, and down as needed. Using an "inside" and "outside" unit gets around possible issues caused by the shell of the RV.

[NorCal_Dan]

I found this and I think it might work for me  https://ccrane.com/cc-vector-rv-long-range-wifi-receiver-system-2-4-ghz/ but the reviews have me concerned about it's quality.

[davidmc36]

Does it look like the actual antenna can be removed via a TNC connector?

If so, I might be tempted to replace it with a directional antenna that you could aim at at the source.

But yeah, regardless, the reviews seem to point to other issues.

I was thinking of something like that but didn't stumble on anything with detachable antenna.

[NorCal_Dan]

Does it look like the actual antenna can be removed via a TNC connector?

I decided to go ahead and order it.  I don't know what that big black thing is at the antenna connector but ccrane does sell a long range version of this with a bigger and directional antenna https://ccrane.com/cc-vector-extended-long-range-wifi-receiver-system-2-4-ghz/ and it also has that big black thing at the antenna connector.  The images seem to show a standard pl259 connector so in theory the antenna could be easily replaced.

But yeah, regardless, the reviews seem to point to other issues.

I thought ccrane would have a better reputation for things they build and sell...anyways, once I get it and give it a try I will know more.  BTW, to avoid issues with Amazon shipping items that have been returned I went direct to ccrane for my purchase to hopefully eliminate that possibility and perhaps get better support if I need it.

[RichG]

I have a Raspberry Pi inside the van with a usb lead and an Alfa dual antenna WiFi usb adaptor running OpenWrt. The Alfa device is significantly more sensitive than most inbuilt devices and has negated the need for an outside antenna although that would always be the best option. My van is fibreglass though which obviously helps. The Alfa can be moved around with a rubber sucker mount if needed but I rarely do. I also plug my iPhone into the Pi which sets up a mobile data connection and Openwrt tests the performance of the mobile versus wifi and then routes the traffic accordingly.

https://www.amazon.com/Network-AWUS036ACM-Long-Range-Wide-Coverage-High-Sensitivity/dp/B08BJS8FXD

[NorCal_Dan]

Thanks Rich, an interesting product.  Unfortunately I use an M1 Macintosh and it's not compatible.  So glad you posted to my thread as it may prove useful to other RV'ers.  This is a very common problem with RV'ers and public wifi signals.

[RichG]

So do I, the Pi receives the site Wifi via the Alfa and then rebroadcasts it using its inbuilt WiFi, setup as an Access Point. So devices in the van connect to the Pi Access Point and then the Pi routes the data either via the site WiFi using the Alfa or via the iPhone is that's better. We connect two iPads, my M2 air, our eReaders, if fact anything you want as long as it has WiFi.

[NorCal_Dan]

Received yesterday and initial setup, configuration and testing is complete.  The good news is it does exactly what I bought it for...pick up a wifi signal and re-broadcast a 2nd wifi signal.  Now will it work in real-world situations?

Initial thoughts:
- Antenna sensitivity is an unknown. 
- Antenna can easily be replaced allowing a directional antenna to be used.  I see nothing special about the included antenna.
- Comes with grease and sealing tape to weatherproof all outside connections.
- Ready to pole mount with included hardware.  Antenna mounting plate can not be removed.
- Speed test gave me 15mb down and 5mb up via wifi.  My laptop doesn't have an ethernet port so unable test.

 Setup configuration was not flawless.  I had one hiccup with attempting to connect to my home wifi signal.  I am not exactly sure what happened or why, but it gave me "unable to connect" message after 3 attempts of giving it my home wifi password.  It appeared to me that the unit rebooted.  Nothing in the documentation mentioned this would happen, but when it reconnected it showed good connected status. You can configure this unit via it's built-in wireless or directly via ethernet.  Since my laptop doesn't have an ethernet port I was using wireless to configure and this may explain this hiccup.

Thanks for all the great suggestions and help!