A budget option with some RVers is combining an Alfa WiFi USB Repeater ($79.95) with the Alfa Desktop WiFi Antenna ($59.95) or External RV Booster Tube ($79.95).
The WiFi receiving component (whether the indoor unit placed in a window or the outdoor unit mounted on a ladder) is a USB powered WiFi radio that can connect directly to a single computer to get it online, or it can act as a WiFi-as-WAN receiver when paired with the "USB Repeater" module which then acts as a router, creating a local WiFi network so that multiple devices can get online and share the upstream connection.
The Alfa hardware has a solid reputation for picking up weak WiFi well at long range - but there is no option for interfacing directly with any cellular modems.
The feature set is very basic, but for some the price is right.
Specifications
- Model: Alfa R36A
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Not specified
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) - 2.4GHz
- Max Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed: Not specified
- Wi-Fi Antenna: 1x, 5dBi Antenna Included
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Not specified
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Not specified
- Default Control Panel Address and Password: Not specified
- USB Tethering Support: Yes, 3G Only
- Ethernet Ports: 1x Fast Ethernet (WAN / LAN Configurable)
- Cellular Modem: No
- Dimensions: 5.8" x 5.0" x 1.6"
- Other Ports:
- Power Source: 12V or 110V AC
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features:
- Retail Price: $79.95 |
- AWUS036NH Desktop WiFi Antenna: $59.95
- External RV Booster Tube: $79.95
News, Video & Status
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Alternatives to Consider
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Purchasing Options
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R36A - WiFi USB Repeater: Amazon
AWUS036NH - WiFi Antenna: Amazon
External RV Booster Tube: Amazon
Routers can serve as a central conductor of your local area network in your RV and boat. Mobile routers are different from residential routers in that they typically support multiple internet sources like cellular and Wi-Fi, can be powered off of 12v or AC and support external antenna for better receiving signal.
But you might not need a router in your setup. Here's a quick video overview the variety that routers come in:
For more on learning about mobile routers and how they might fit in your setup, follow up with our educational resources:
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of