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--- communication:internet [2019/10/21 23:36]
frater_secessus [controlling mobile data usage]
+++ communication:internet [2020/02/06 12:08]
frater_secessus [extending your reach]
@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 ==== extending your reach ====
-=== commercial extenders ===
+Wifi extenders/repeaters/routers work by hopping a wifi signal from some further access point.
+  * //extending//((sometimes called "repeating")) takes the signal (Taco Bell Wifi, for example) and makes it available as Taco Bell Wifi in your van.  The Taco Bell Wifi signal is //extended// beyond its original design.
+  * //repeating//((sometimes called routing)) takes the Taco Bell Wifi and repeats it as MyVanWiFi or whatever in your van
+In either case your wifi device is talking to the access point like any other device would.
+=== commercial repeaters ===
+High-end repeaters/extenders like [[https://amzn.to/2S4gRE8|Ubiquiti]] typically mount outside the vehicle.  This makes for maximum range but can reduce stealth.  Antenna wire losses are eliminated because the antenna is inside the receiver, and the signal brought into the vehicle over ethernet((which also powers the unit by PoE)).
+[[https://amzn.to/2GWOaCG|{{ https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31LsBv9brZL._SY90_.jpg}}]]Low-end and hobbyist units cost much less and may work as well, depending on your usage.
+* the [[https://amzn.to/2GWOaCG|GL-300M]] is a small ~$25 box that can be mounted anywhere it can see out a window or windshield.
+* units with external antennas like the [[https://amzn.to/39ieJytGL-Ar300M]] can use better antennas, or extension wires to place antennas where they have a better view.
 === DIY extenders ===
 === better wifi adapters ===
@@ Line 24: / Line 45: @@
-The [[https://amzn.to/31MER0J|Alfa AWUSO36-series]]
+The [[https://amzn.to/31MER0J|Alfa AWUSO36-series]] is famous for range and technical abilities.  Having a separate USB may allow you to put the wifi receiver in a window/dash and keep the laptop inside.
-fixme
 ===== mobile data =====
-Mobile (or "cell" data) is the internet access provided by mobile telecomm networks.
+Mobile (or "cell" data) is the internet access provided by mobile telecomm networks:
+  * **Verizon** dominates the RV/vandweller market because it has the most coverage, including out-of-the-way places.  This makes it the most popular carrier among nomads and [[camping:dispersed|boondockers]].  Verizon is infamous for being expensive and for doing jerky things like limiting built-in features on their phones.  It can be a bit of a love-hate relationship.
+  * **AT&T** and **T-Mobile** are about equal -- full coverage near cities and spottier coverage in the boonies. One advantage to these carriers is that their SIM cards can be put in any unlocked GSM phone.
+  * **Sprint** is rarely used due to minimal coverage
+Perhaps counterintuitively, having a non-Verizon carrier can actually be desirable at RV [[camping:social|meetups]], since everyone else is likely to be hammering the Verizon towers.
+==== MVNOs ====
 Often **you can buy data at cheaper rates**.  Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) are resellers who [[https://www.whistleout.com/CellPhones/Guides/which-network-is-your-mvno-on|buy excess capacity from major networks]] and sell it to customers at reduced prices.  Examples:  Boost (Sprint network), [[https://www.usmobile.com/referrals?data=Y29kZT1VWktEWUxOJm5hbWU9dXNlcm5hbWU=|U.S. Mobile]] (Verizon network) and many others.
+The tradeoff is that your data may be deprioritized when a particular tower gets congested.  Your data will still work, it'll just be slower when all those folks paying full retail start streaming Netflix at 7pm or whatever.  Can't put up with that?  Pay full price and take your chances with congestion anyhow.
 If you want to find an MVNO for your preferred network, search for "verizon mvno", "T-mobile mvno", etc.

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