Gary RV_Wizard
Site Team
Thanks for the MOU explanation, Richard. I didn't realize you could be grandfathered in, but since you kept the phone and the plan, I guess it works.
I use a Verizon MiFi (3g only) for home and travel. Our home is located about 4 miles from a tower, but is in a wee bit of a hole with a hill between us and the tower. Signal strength is typically 1-2 bars on my pay-as-you-go cell phone and the MiFi was typically in and out of EVDO, frequently switching to 1xRTT. I fought this problem for quite some time. I then bought a Wilson Sleek craddle booster. It helped, but still did not resolve the problem. I then added a Wilson 18" "truckers" antenna on a 15' pole. That helped more, but still had problems. Finally, Verizon TS told me when my MiFi switched to 1xRTT it would pick up another tower (about 180 degrees from main tower) and once it grabbed that signal, it would stay there in 1xRTT even if the EVDO signal from the main tower recovered. I had to disconnect the MiFi then reconnect to get EVDO again. So, I then added a Wilson "panel" directional antenna and that finally did the trick. Now my EVDO signal level is consistently in the -60's dbm range and I seldom have to reconnect or reboot the MiFi.weewun said:The CradlePoint is not going to help with the VZ signal.
We have the same problem with Cell Phone signal and had to install an external ant and PreAmp, helped a lot. Was surprised that the USB Modem (which contains an internal antenna) picked up 3 Bars and seems to be working quite well. It is installed on the 2nd floor of the house which might make a difference. In the meantime, I am going to be researching an external antenna/preamp for 3G/4G availability.
Molaker said:Finally, Verizon TS told me when my MiFi switched to 1xRTT it would pick up another tower (about 180 degrees from main tower) and once it grabbed that signal, it would stay there in 1xRTT even if the EVDO signal from the main tower recovered. I had to disconnect the MiFi then reconnect to get EVDO again. So, I then added a Wilson "panel" directional antenna and that finally did the trick. Now my EVDO signal level is consistently in the -60's dbm range and I seldom have to reconnect or reboot the MiFi.
Two problems with 4G - 1) we don't have it here. 2) I'd lose my "unlimited" plan if I switched since it is an old Alltel plan. So, I'll stick with my antenna fix for now. Then there's that pesky problem of having to buy a Cradlepoint router to connect multiple computers. Since my system works fine now with the router I have, there's little need of reason to switch to 4G.BernieD said:Both the USB 4G modems and the Cradlepoint can force 2g, 3G, 2g and 3G, all versions or 4G only service so you won't have that problem.
BernieD said:Walt; you're welcome
JoAnn; I'm not sure about the MiFi but with the MBR95, you can set it up as a hotspot to work off local WiFi networks as well as the modem so that you can reduce data usage on your VZ plan. You can also hard wire computers and accessories (the MBR95 has 4 ethernet ports) so it they don't have a WiFi card you still can be connected.
JoAnn said:So if I get the MBR95, do I not need to get a MiFi or do I need both?
BernieD said:Yes/no ;D . It's either one or the other but with the MBR95 you also need a modem, it's built into the MiFi. The MBR works with either a cable/DSL modem connection or a USB stick modem.
JoAnn said:Am I correct that if I get the 2 usb port modems I have to pay for 2 internet connections with Verizon and if Iget the MiFi I only have to pay for one.
Am I correct in assuming the purpose of the MBR95 is to get a stronger signal?
Am I correct that if I get the 2 usb port modems I have to pay for 2 internet connections with Verizon and if Iget the MiFi I only have to pay for one.
All you need is a MiFi. The MBR95 function (router) is included in the MiFi. So if you go with a MiFi, that is all that you need. I hope that this helps. I am using only a Verizon MiFi to send this message and my wife's computer is also sharing the internet connection.JoAnn said:If the MiFi allows up to 5 devices to connect, what is the purpose of the MBR95 if it doesn't amplify the signal? So do I need the MBR95 with a MiFi or would that be to help with campground internet only? Is there an advantage to have it with the MiFi?
Bago said:All you need is a MiFi. The MBR95 function (router) is included in the MiFi. So if you go with a MiFi, that is all that you need. I hope that this helps. I am using only a Verizon MiFi to send this message and my wife's computer is also sharing the internet connection.