Question for the IT Folks

[Admin]

I am using a MyFi for my internet services and it is working very good so far. My only issues are that the MyFi creates a pretty weak WiFi network signal and also I can only connect 5 devices to it at one time.

What I am looking for is a device that will utilize the signal from the MyFi device and then create it's own WiFi signal that I can connect other devices to. That will solve both of my issues at the same time.

I was told that such a device is available from Cradlepoint. Problem is, I though the device name was cradlepoint, not the manufacturer. So when I went to look for one on the web, I got lots of devices with the title "cradlepoint" and need to know a model, or a formal name for the device, so I know what to see about ordering up.

Any help would be appreciated!

-John

 

[doospunk]

John - Just to clarify....., are you looking to boost the signal strenght between your devices and the MiFi, in addition to having more than 5 devices connect at the same time?

 

[Admin]

John - Just to clarify....., are you looking to boost the signal strenght between your devices and the MiFi, in addition to having more than 5 devices connect at the same time?

Yep, that is exactly what I am looking for. The MiFi does not create a very strong signal, reliable only to around 30-50 feet and then less than that if it travels through any walls. So I cannot get a reliable signal out in the shop and would like to add another webcam (wireless) to the shop for a better view of the snow situation in my neck of the woods.

These two units seem like they will work as reviewers are saying they are doing exactly what I want to do and have had success:
Cradlepoint - MBR95 802.11b/g/n Wireless Router with 4-Port Ethernet Switch
Cradlepoint - CTR35 1-Port Wireless N Router

I kinda like the 4-port ethernet one for that reason.

Also not trying to break any rules or laws, in fact, with more devices using the MiFi, AT&T stands a better chance to get more overage charges out of me!

-John

 

[scottiking]

Couldn't you just plug a regular wireless router into the MI-FI enabling you to set up multiple wireless connections?
Keep in mind I'm just a carpenter!
Scottiking OUT

 

[Admin]

Couldn't you just plug a regular wireless router into the MI-FI enabling you to set up multiple wireless connections?
Keep in mind I'm just a carpenter!
Scottiking OUT

I think so, as long as the wireless router has a USB port. I have an older D-Link with a USB port, but then I run into problems with the two being able to talk to each other and I am not an IT guy either, just a meteorologist! That is why I did not mind spending the Benjamin to get the "plug and play" setup! Avoid the headaches.

-John

 

[Northstar]

You can go in one of two directions. First would be to continue to utilize the MiFi device as your modem, router and DHCP server to assign your IP Addresses. But you will still be limited to the 5 IP addresses from the MiFi. Then you can add a wireless repeater or bridge router, like Netgear Universal WN3000RP Wi-Fi Range Extender, Cisco-Linksys WRE54G Wireless-G Range Expander, Amped Wireless High Power Wireless-N Smart Repeater and Range Extender. I cannot say how easy the set up would be or compatibility because I have never personally tried them.

The other option is to go with a device like you show Cradlepoint - MBR95, or NETGEAR MBRN3000 3G /4G Mobile Broadband Wireless-N Router which would give you its better WiFi signals, router and DHCP so you would not be limited to the 5 addresses from the MiFi. However, this would require that you purchase an additional USB Modem to create the connection with AT&T. You would not have to buy additional service just have to swap the SIM. ( I could even send you an older unit that is not being used but it is HSPA (3G) not the HSPA+ which AT&T calls 4G) We have used this set up for over 4 years with a Linksys WRT54G3GV2-ST and a Sprint USB modem for a Cafeteria vendor in one of our offices to keep their devices off of our network.

If it were me I would go with Option 2 just realizing you would have to pull the SIM from your network if you wanted to grab the MiFi for the road.

 

[doospunk]

John,

I concur with Northstar. Just spoke with one of our wireless SME's. THe MiFi is a consumer vs business class device, and as such, will be limited to connecting 5 devices at a limited range due to it's nature. I believe the port you see on the MiFi puck is for an SDI, or some sort of connection for "shared use". (If you were in a car on the way to a meeting with 3 people all connected to the device, you could connect / plug in so all 3 people could pull up the presentation, Visio or whatever you want to share.) You can go to Best Buy and try to find a wireless device to boost the signal strength, but if it requires any configuration on the MiFi end, you will be out of luck. There's really no way to configure the MiFi for settings if the booster would require. Again, you can try, and always return if it doesn't work.

As Northstar says, the other option is to obtain a wireless router with a SIM or wireless card capability. Only issue with this, is that these devices are not readily available in your local tech stores, and are usually obtained through CPE (equipment) suppliers to businesses, so your best bet would be to either obtain one from someone like Northstar, Ebay, or an IT CPE supplier up in your vacinity.

 

[Admin]

Thanks guys for all of your help. I went ahead with the MBR95 from E Bay.

I guess I am still a little confused on the need for an extra SIM card, but believe you 100% that it is needed and Northstar, if you have one that you can send my way, that would be wonderful. My only question is will that work with my current setup- that I believe is using HSPA+ ? If so, then does it just mean that any device going through the MBR95 would be on 3G? or the entire network off the MiFi? I guess I just do not want to go backwards in service from what I currently have for my main work setup, but could certainly live with HSPA for any devices going through the MBR95.

Thanks!

-John

 

[Northstar]

There would be no need for an extra SIM you would just need to swap it from the MiFi to the USB device. The SIM essentially carries the service and your CTN, so you can swap it between different devices. The USB device I have for you is a USB Connect Mercury and yes in theory it will be slower than your MiFi if you connect with HSPA+, I think the claimed theoretical speeds are 14.4mbps for HSPA+ while HSPA(HDSPA) is 7.2mbps. I would go out on a limb and say you are not getting those speeds. The tower is backward compatible for the majority of devices that still only support HSPA.

What you would do is move your SIM from the MiFi to the USB and plug the USB into the port on the MBR95. Setup the MBR95 as your network, WiFi and you can also return some of your hardware to Ethernet if you prefer. The USB modem and the MBR95 are giving you your internet connectivity and whatever device to device connectivity you have set up. Your MiFi now becomes a device you take with you on roadtrips......but remember your SIM.

It looks like the no commitment price on a USBconnect Force 4G is $89 and $149 for a Momentum 4G, pretty sure AT&T won't give you one since you are new on your contract. Both are HSPA+ but the Momentum is LTE capable as well, but then figure it will be years before AT&T uplifts your tower again so any guess on what version they will be on, maybe even a true 4G network by then.

You already pulled the trigger on the router. Drop me a note for the mailing address and try it out and it you find the speed not up to snuff you can then go to your AT&T store and get the newer USB modem.

 

[Admin]

Thanks Northstar.

I will drop you a note.

-John

 

[garyl62]

This thread is getting a little geeky for a site devoted to snow and playing in it! Just saying.... now can you all figure out a way to improve that service so it can cover all the back county from John's place up to Copper Harbor?

 

[Skylar]

My head is spinning after reading all that. I guess I will just stick with making the bars for Buffalo Wild Wings lol.

 

[scottiking]

Those bar's are sweet! nice job! had no idea!
I should of never posted before- I knew I would get Doped out! ha ha!

Scottishack OUT

My head is spinning after reading all that. I guess I will just stick with making the bars for Buffalo Wild Wings lol.