Ubiquity Bullet M2 vs PepLink Max BR1 Mini. Wan WiFi

[ttmott]

I went through this with the Ubiquity and how I ended up with the Peplink and a Verizon 100gb plan. Not sure about Comcast but, I got no where with the Safe Harbor Marina WiFi. They blocked the Ubiquity company part of the MAC so that no Ubiquity would work. Strange part about that is they use Ubiquity equipment on the docks. Since that debacle I only use the cell connection on the Peplink.

We are Safewaters also. They issued a notice that if booster/repeaters are detected they will block. As it ends up they are looking for multiple transmitters from the same source pinging their system. I have a single router/wifi device and Ubiquity bullet. The bullet is the only thing pinging the marina's system so I'm OK.

 

[Skybolt]

We are Safewaters also. They issued a notice that if booster/repeaters are detected they will block. As it ends up they are looking for multiple transmitters from the same source pinging their system. I have a single router/wifi device and Ubiquity bullet. The bullet is the only thing pinging the marina's system so I'm OK.

Tom, for me it is/was the same, only the bullet was sending the keep a live ping. They still banned it, a few others in my marina also have experienced the same thing. I guess different regions handle it differently. That is what led me to using a cell modem instead.

While all Safeharbor's may use the same equipment, it is managed by local companies that have there own rules on what they will allow on "thier" network(s).

 

[Maybe A Dancer]

Christmas is coming.

Should I start with the Peplink Max BR1 MK2 ?

BEST !

RWS

 

[Skybolt]

Christmas is coming.

Should I start with the Peplink Max BR1 MK2 ?

BEST !

RWS

Peplink yes, but the 5G not the MKII. The 5G will allow you to move forward with all of the newer bands that are being added. The 5G covers both 2.4 and 5 Ghz wifi singles and also LTE and 5G cell signals. It's as close to future proof as you can get. @dtfeld Dave has one installed and could probably add to this comment.

https://5gstore.com/product/10890_p...ULXVwyusMKosUgM0homxXl-VTNHSszCcaAsscEALw_wcB

I am still using the Max BR1 Mini and considering upgrading to the 5G.

 

[Maybe A Dancer]

So many choices. . . .

https://5gstore.com/search/peplink_5g/

Maybe a "starter kit" ???

Seems like everyone here shares a great deal of enthusiasm for this product and what it can deliver.

Recommendations for a newbie, starting from scratch?

BEST !

RWS

 

[Skybolt]

So many choices. . . .

https://5gstore.com/search/peplink_5g/

Maybe a "starter kit" ???

Seems like everyone here shares a great deal of enthusiasm for this product and what it can deliver.

Recommendations for a newbie, starting from scratch?

BEST !

RWS

There really isn't a "starter kit" per se, it's all or nothing with the Peplink. I take it you have read through all of this and might have a basic understanding of this. So in short 5G signals are all new in the past few years from an equipment stand point and what they support. What the PL brings to the table is the ability to use WiFi and Cellular and any other WAN feed you might have like StarLink and put's them all together. The PL will failover on these connection(s) giving you a constant iNet connection from either or all of these sources.

You can decide to stick with 2.4Ghz/LTE support only and get a Max BR1 Mini LTE for a few hundred. That is what I still use, but see the need to upgrade to the 5G before long.

https://5gstore.com/product/6967_pepwave_max_br1_mini_lte_router_hw3.html

 

[Maybe A Dancer]

Looking at both links yields several choices.

Starting from scratch - have zero components

I'm hopeful to get a recommendation for the one, best option to start building this setup.

Time is of the essence - need to order now.

BEST !

RWS

 

[Skybolt]

Looking at both links yields several choices.

Starting from scratch - have zero components

I'm hopeful to get a recommendation for the one, best option to start building this setup.

Time is of the essence - need to order now.

BEST !

RWS

Your asking the same question after acknowledging there are several choices. There are several PL models but really only two for what is needed here. There are others but with slight variations in hardware features.

The two choices are separated by $500+. The software and features are exactly the same except for what the hardware supports. The Max BR1 Mini LTE only supports 2.4Ghz WiFi and 4G LTE cellular. The 5G version also supports 5G WiFi and 5G Cellular. The 4G LTE version is outdated but will still work for some time, how long? As long as 4G LTE is still available and marina's are still using 2.4Ghz WiFi.

Either version of the PL will need an external antenna. The antenna options are in my mind only two options. The Peplink 42G or the 40G The 42G is half the cost of the 40G. The 42G will need an adapter to adapt to a marine mount. These are available on Amazon.

You may not want an additional router as the PL will operate just fine on it's own. I have had trouble using the intrinsic access point and have added an conventional house router down stream to handle the boat access. You can use pretty much any one your familiar with, but I chose ones that are 12v powered. I originally had a Linksys EA4500 and recently switched to an ASUS AX1800 (RX-55).

Take a look at Seabits to help you decide. Steve will favor all of the more expensive products and for good reason.

Past this post please be more specific as to what your looking for. But to me it sounds like you have some reading to do. Good luck in choices.

 

[Maybe A Dancer]

Good advice

As an old school, plug and play guy, I breezed through this thread, most of it was skimmed, as it made my brain freeze.

Plug and play - Thats the solution I was going for.

Never heard of most of the acronyms - WAN, SSID, MIMO, SMA.......

Guess I need to read it through again more thoroughly and take some notes before diving in.

THANKS AGAIN !

BEST !

RWS

 

[Maybe A Dancer]

Perhaps I should also clarify:

not looking for something to be used underway - just at a marina.

If we're anchored out the cell phone hotspot is fine.

BEST !

RWS

 

[Skybolt]

Good advice

As an old school, plug and play guy, I breezed through this thread, most of it was skimmed, as it made my brain freeze.

Plug and play - Thats the solution I was going for.

Never heard of most of the acronyms - WAN, SSID, MIMO, SMA.......

Guess I need to read it through again more thoroughly and take some notes before diving in.

THANKS AGAIN !

BEST !

RWS

Yes your going to have to catch up. There isn't a "plug n Play" system that your looking for. Everything network related requires some sort of setup/configuration, especially the Peplink. A standard router out of the box MAY be able to be used for your LAN needs without setup but you would be limited to what you could do and vulnerable to hacks. The Peplink must be configured for your use, and will need to be constantly updated to support new WiFi networks (SSID) to join as you visit different marina's. The nice thing about the WiFI logon's is the PL stores that info and will automatically re-join that network if it is with in range and a strong signal. Most other devices will not do that and need to be configured once you arrive at a location.

Laymen's definition of terms:
SSID = Service Site Identifier, The name of the WiFi network your devices scan and list to be able to join.
WAN = Wide Area Network, Like what your cable modem is connected to or the public WiFi network you join.
LAN = Local Area Network, what is local to you like your boat in this case.
SMA = Sub Miniature version A, Cellular antenna cable connector, for the most part.
MIMO = Multiple Input, Multiple Output, Antenna parameters (Characteristics) that relate to performance. Numbers like 2x2 or 4x4 which is much better then 2x2.

EDIT:
Your cell phone hotspot would have to be configured as separate SSID.

If you set this up right you will have your own SSID for your boat that your devices including your phone would connect too.

Another thing to point out is the PL is a cellular modem that just also allows you to connect to other WiFi networks. You will want to get a cell subscription at some point which will give you WiFi while anchored out, also underway as long as there is cell service.

 

[alnav]

Perhaps I should also clarify:

not looking for something to be used underway - just at a marina.

If we're anchored out the cell phone hotspot is fine.

BEST !

RWS

Assuming you have decent wifi at your marina you may want to consider the Peplink SOHO Surf. It has a wifi modem, no cellular and is a lot cheaper. You could connect to your marina wifi, then when away, connect to your hotspot (which is actually a wifi access point when in hotspot mode). Software is pretty much the same as the other Peplink units except for cellular controls.

 

[Skybolt]

Assuming you have decent wifi at your marina you may want to consider the Peplink SOHO Surf. It has a wifi modem, no cellular and is a lot cheaper. You could connect to your marina wifi, then when away, connect to your hotspot (which is actually a wifi access point when in hotspot mode). Software is pretty much the same as the other Peplink units except for cellular controls.

And that's both 2.4 and 5Ghz. Good point Al.

 

[Maybe A Dancer]

Assuming you have decent wifi at your marina you may want to consider the Peplink SOHO Surf. It has a wifi modem, no cellular and is a lot cheaper. You could connect to your marina wifi, then when away, connect to your hotspot (which is actually a wifi access point when in hotspot mode). Software is pretty much the same as the other Peplink units except for cellular controls.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

THis appears to be a simple solution that does not involve the complications of cellular

no need for service underway

If we're anchored out I can, as always use the phone hotspot for emails and internet.

In addition to the optional antenna, should I add anything else?

Does this move make sense for my needs, or am I being too simplistic?

BEST !

RWS

 

[Skybolt]

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

THis appears to be a simple solution that does not involve the complications of cellular

no need for service underway

If we're anchored out I can, as always use the phone hotspot for emails and internet.

In addition to the optional antenna, should I add anything else?

Does this move make sense for my needs, or am I being too simplistic?

BEST !

RWS

So the WAN connections are just that, WAN connections, they are handled all in the same way. It does not matter if it is cellular, wifi or satellite (SL). The rest of the settings are going to be the same. Cellular and Starlink are the easiest over WiFi. Wifi will need to be configured at every new marina you visit until the client list is complete. Much like your cell phone when adding a new wifi connection. Cellular and Starlink won't need any configuration once that connection is added. These are the easiest to manage.

I truly believe once you see how this works, you will decide to add cellular or Starlink into the mix down the road and to do that you will need to start over with a newer Peplink and configuration.

 

[alnav]

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

THis appears to be a simple solution that does not involve the complications of cellular

no need for service underway

If we're anchored out I can, as always use the phone hotspot for emails and internet.

In addition to the optional antenna, should I add anything else?

Does this move make sense for my needs, or am I being too simplistic?

BEST !

RWS

If you choose to go this way, I'm not sure you need to add an external antenna and can just use the small paddle antennas that come with the device. I have found the need for a topside antenna to be greater on the cellular side than for wifi. You could always add one later.

 

[Maybe A Dancer]

THANK YOU ALL FOR ALL THE EDUCATION & ADVICE

Decided to stay frugal and very simple for now.

went with this, as suggested by AL:
Pepwave Surf MK3 SOHO Router with AC Wi-Fi - 5Gstore, 298 Reviews

Added in the $40 antenna as well.

While it's not the be all/do all and has far less capabilities as compared to the systems described in this thread, it will do what I need for now.

On a separate thread I was looking into a security system that would scare an intruder off the boat. Protect the electronics and keep my dash and salon door from being hacked up:

SIMPLISAFE ON A BOAT ? | Club Sea Ray

I've added a couple of water alarms to this, simply for my own peace of mind, as I have an UNFOUNDED fear of my boat sinking at the dock.

As I ease myself out of my business responsibilities and continue to work on boat details, I'll have the ability to do some real traveling on this boat. When I get there I'll re-evaluate my needs and options and perhaps go for the gold standard.

Anyway, thank you all again for all the great insight and advice.

BEST !

RWS

 

[dtfeld]

If you want to try the Peplink with cellular, the MAX BR1 Mk2 can be boght used for about $100 off fleabay and gets you a device that will get you started and provide the cellular option. While the Mk2 is old by cellualr standards, its good enough to stream a couple TV's, have a onboard camera or two and about any other little device you can think of. The interface is dead simple.

 

[SmilingMonkey]

If I were you I'd just go ahead and buy a device that's capable of cellular and wifi now (like the Max BR1 Mk2). Spend a little more now rather than spend it twice in the near future.

 

[ocgrant]

Ok Orlando and all the PepLinker's here...

I got my Starlink network adaptor and verified it works (currently posting this plugged into it) but when I plug it into the WAN port on the Peplink MAX BR1 mini I get nothing showing on the Peplink dashboard. I verified my WAN port certificate is installed to activate the WAN port but still not getting it to show the Starlink connect is active on the WAN port. What am I doing wrong?