Best WIFI hotspot?

Carpediem44DB

Well-Known Member
Aug 18, 2015
3,230
Sanfransico Bay area
Boat Info
2000 Carver 506
2006 44 DB Sedan Bridge
Engines
Volvo TAMD 74 P
My new marina does not provide WIFI probably because of the number of liveaboards. I am wondering what hot spot device experience anybody can share. I have a good AT&T signal at the slip. I'm primarily interested in connecting some security and condition monitoring devices in the future and may do some streaming if I decide to unplug from DTV.
Thanks
Carpe Diem
 
A couple of friends of mine do wifi mesh setup for large venues. I asked them the same question. While most of the response was over my head, I ended up setting up a linksys router for a common (wired & wireless) network. They recommended the Simplifi Almond (<$100) as a bridge to my AT&T hotspot. On my boat, the At&T hotspot is my ipad (w/cellular on unlimited plan). Have just started playing by doing software updates. They say they stream a lot (all weekend, most every weekend) without any problems. They say they only get throttled on major weekends when the towers are heavily loaded.

Using both as I 'm not considering giving up the DirecTv since have the HD7.
 
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If you are looking for something a little more permanent, use a cellular modem. I tried a jet pack but keeping it charged was problematic. I ended up using a NETGEAR LB 1121 modem. It’s just like your home modem, and you connect it to a wireless router. You then have both wired and wireless data.

Another option is Cradlepoint...they make higher end mobile modem/router for mobile application. Can have a WiFi and cellular connection and it’ll pick the strongest option.
 
Of course the biggest issue with cellular is the lack of data...but for monitoring its ok. Streaming is not practical. You’ll get enough data for about 10 hours of TV
 
Just curious, what in the world does liveaboards have to do with a marina providing Wifi
 
I have installed and used Island Time PC systems of roof mounted WiFi antenna connected to their router down below. I’m no IT guy but this is how we use the system.

When we pull into a marina I go online and connect our WiFi system to theirs. All of our iPhones, iPads, MacBook and smart TVs are connected to our private WiFi network so we don’t have to try and connect each devise seperately to their system. The roof mounted antenna picks up better than each individual device.

If the marina or whatever WiFi service is to slow typically on weekends I put my mifi up on the bridge for increased height, improved cellular signal then connect our on board LAN to it and away we go. Again the great part is not having to sign in multiple device to their WiFi and password on each device.

Not that’s a very basic explanation of my limited understanding. Is it perfect, does it work, yes.

Now if the technical guys on this forum can tell you what’s better and easier I’m all for it. I’m no IT guy and am always looking for a better system so please let us know a better easier KISS system!
 
I've been considering this one: http://www.bitstorm.com/

I would connect it up to a router that I'll keep on the boat so I would have a private network that pulls in WiFi and sends it to the router for broadcast internally. Similar to what GimmeTime has setup for his.

Anyone used BitStorm before and have guidance on it? I already have a 6' WiFi antenna, so would add the adapter to it, along with the PoE add on.
 
Just curious, what in the world does liveaboards have to do with a marina providing Wifi
I think because there are thirty plus livaboards in the marina the marina management feels they would use up all the data with full time access as opposed to just transient use. It’s a nice marina but management is pretty tight with the purse strings.
 
Bitstorm and rogue wave seem to be the same type device. You are connecting to a WIFI signal, and repeating it to your own private network.

I have the ubiquiti bullet on a 12db 4' antenna, that does the same. I need to connect 1 device, the antenna. If i cannot pick up a marina WIFI signal, I'll turn on the phone hotspot....it doesnt matter to the "devices", all the onboard devices, tv, tablets, pc, games, etc....they are on the private network.

You do loose bandwidth by connecting, capturing, and re transmitting, but the signal is ususally stronger with an external antenna high on the boat.
 
I think because there are thirty plus livaboards in the marina the marina management feels they would use up all the data with full time access as opposed to just transient use. It’s a nice marina but management is pretty tight with the purse strings.

That's a bummer. In the over all scheme of things providing WiFi is a pretty cheap perk now days.

I haven't even noticed how the marina where I'm docked get's WiFi everywhere but it's pretty good/stable through out the year.

A few years ago Tennessee upgraded all their parks including the ones next to the river/swim areas to have WiFi and it reaches a good ways out on the water.
 

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