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
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
- 5GHz Wi-Fi: No
- Wi-Fi Antenna: 1x, 5dBi Antenna Included
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Not specified
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Not specified
- Control Panel and Default Password: Not specified
- USB Tethering Support: Yes, 3G Only
- Ethernet Ports: 1x (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
We have a unit in for evaluation, thanks to TechnoRV. Our member have access to our video tutorial, field testing results.
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Purchasing Options
Links Provided for Convenience
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R36A - WiFi USB Repeater: Amazon | TechnoRV
AWUS036NH - WiFi Antenna: Amazon | TechnoRV
External RV Booster Tube: Amazon | TechnoRV
- While TechnoRV's prices will usually be bit a higher, they also include step-by-step instructions & videos with your purchase, and provide RVer specific customer support. If you're not technically proficient, we recommend buying from them.
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 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:
To learn more, head on over to our guides that cover these topics further:
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