Desktop Computer on Rv Park WiFi

[Riverc]

Hi all,will my desktop computer be able to work on the campground wifi.I will be workamping there for 6 months.

I do know that it is not setup to accept wifi.What do I need to make it work? Thanks for all helpful replies in advance.

 

[Molaker]

Assuming your destop has USB support, there are any number of WiFi USB sticks available out there that should meet your needs.  I would recommend getting a full sized one or even one with an external antenna as signal strength at campgrounds can be spotty.

 

[wigpro]

A simple USB WiFi connector will do the trick like mentioned below.

Like this: HERE

You will note there are many to choose from and price is a consideration and read the reviews. I have used a small thumb drive sized model which I onlu paid about $25.00 for and it worked pretty good. but as mentioned below a larger model with a larger antenna may be better.

I see one for about $50.00 that looks pretty robust, but without using it can't recommend on personal experience.

You should also make sure you get one with all the latest protecols - Wireless G, N, A, etc. especially G and N they are the most current but yu want it to be backward compatible.

Good Luck

Jim

 

[Jeff3]

RV park WIFI systems provide uneven and sometimes weak signals to many of their sites. You might consider the Super USB Power WIFI antenna sold by our sponsor RVLED Bulbs to boost the signal. Since you are spending the money for a WIFI adapter anyway it doesn't add much cost and really does boost the signal in our coach.

If you do buy from them remember to enter "FORUM" for a 15% discount.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Jeff & Riverc
For 2013 the RVForum discount at rvledbulbs.com is 10%. Still a heck of a deal!

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

will my desktop computer be able to work on the campground wifi

The only answer is "maybe". Wifi range and quality in RV parks vary tremendously, from park to park and also your location in the park. Few parks have good wifi reception on every site, and even if you have a good signal you may encounter poor performance due to overloading, i.e. to little internet bandwidth for too many users. Jeff's recommendation for a top quality wifi receiver such as the Super USB Wifi (I have one of those myself) will go a long way toward getting you a decent signal, but its impossible to say if that will be sufficient for you in your campground and site. Your own usage is another factor - if you are expecting to stream video, the answer is probably No, but if you mostly read email and occasional light web surfing, you can probably get by even if overall performance is poor.

Are you even sure the campground has wifi at the sites? Many parks have learned to advertise wifi availability only near the office or rec-room becasue other parts of the campground simply don't cut it. You should have a heart to heart discussion with the campground management about that.

 

[Riverc]

The only answer is "maybe". Wifi range and quality in RV parks vary tremendously, from park to park and also your location in the park. Few parks have good wifi reception on every site, and even if you have a good signal you may encounter poor performance due to overloading, i.e. to little internet bandwidth for too many users. Jeff's recommendation for a top quality wifi receiver such as the Super USB Wifi (I have one of those myself) will go a long way toward getting you a decent signal, but its impossible to say if that will be sufficient for you in your campground and site. Your own usage is another factor - if you are expecting to stream video, the answer is probably No, but if you mostly read email and occasional light web surfing, you can probably get by even if overall performance is poor.

Are you even sure the campground has wifi at the sites? Many parks have learned to advertise wifi availability only near the office or rec-room becasue other parts of the campground simply don't cut it. You should have a heart to heart discussion with the campground management about that.

 

Yes,the park has good wifi.My site will be close to the office and the owner and another host that works there,and will be returning this year said it is good.Rv Park Reviews from others are all positive.

Charles

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Sounds like you just need to buy a decent USB wifi device then. They are available in all price ranges, but the ones with more powerful radios and good antennas will be in the upper price range.

 

[jmugs]

I don't think you will be happy with the little usb stick type even if you're "close" to the source. Since this may not be the only place you use it I would go with one of those recommended above. I've tried the stick type and you have to almost be sitting on top of the router thing.

I'm not very good with this kind of stuff, but I do know that if you wanna take advantage of a shared network ya gotta have a unit that kicks butt to drag out your best signal.