Insty Connect is a small family-run business created by part-time RVer Nick of the blog and YouTube channel "We Can Explore It" in response to his frustrations with connectivity options for RVers.
The Insty Connect Explorer system has undergone several iterations and options but generally consists of an indoor gigabit 802.11ac router coupled with an outdoor cellular modem tightly integrated into a custom 3D printed antenna enclosure.
The antenna enclosures have gone through several versions, and there are also optional directional antenna options available.
In January 2023, Insty Connect came out with an X62 modem for the Explorer 5G and has now retired the X55 and LTE modem options. Then, in November 2023, Insty came out with two new antenna designs, plus an Ethernet modem module with POE (Power Over Ethernet) as an option in addition to the standard USB version. Both use the same X62 modem module.
Layered on top of the hardware is a mobile-friendly software interface that makes it relatively easy to lock to particular cellular bands and even to select different towers manually. The POE modem module has firmware on the module itself, allowing it to be used with almost any router with an Ethernet WAN port.
In November 2023, Insty Connect also started offering data plans that utilize the T-Mobile network.
Overall, the Insty Connect solution is innovative but is focused on optimizing for a single cellular connection. It, therefore, has limited multi-WAN capabilities compared to advanced routers that can use multiple connections at once. However, we consider the Insty Connect a "Top Pick" and worthy of consideration for anyone looking for a cellular-focused RV connectivity system.
Specifications
Explorer - Insty Squared
Specifications
- Model: Explorer w/ Insty Squared Antenna
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: 50
- Wi-Fi Router:
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Wi-Fi Antennas/Ports: 4x4 MIMO
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address:
- Address: http://my.insty or 10.1.1.1
- Password: None
- USB Tethering Support: No
- Ethernet Ports: 4x Gigabit Ethernet
- Router Throughput: Not Specified
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Cellular Modem: Single 5G
- Modem Module or Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon X62 (Quectel RM520N)
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile
- 5G Bands: n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n13, n14, n18, n20, n25, n26, n28, n29, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n70, n71, n75, n76, n77, n78, n79
- LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12(17), 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 66, 71
- 3G: UMTS/WCDMA B1, B2, B4, B5, B8, B19
- Carrier Certification: Not Specified
- MIMO Support: 4x4 MIMO
- 5G Cellular Performance:
- Max Theoretical 5G Performance: Not Specified
- 5G Carrier Aggregation: 2x download and upload - low and mid band can be combined
- LTE Performance:
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-19 Download / Cat-18 Upload (Max Theoretical Speed: 1.6 Gps down/ 200Mbps up)
- LTE Carrier Aggregation: Cat-19: 4x Download, 3x Upload
- Cellular Antennas/Ports: 4x4 MIMO
- SIM Slots: 2 Nano
- Dimensions: Not Specified
- Power Source:12V DC
- Outdoor Rated: Indoor Router / Outdoor Modem & Antenna system
- Special Features: Special User Interface, Custom VPN Features, Band Scanning, and Locking, Multi-WAN
- Retail Price:
- Antenna, USB Modem & Router - $899
- Antenna, POE Modem & Router - $999
- Antenna, POE Modem (no router) - $799
Explorer - CloudWings
Specifications
- Model: Explorer w/ CloudWings Antenna
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: 50
- Wi-Fi Router:
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Wi-Fi Antennas/Ports: 4x4 MIMO
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address:
- Address: http://my.insty or 10.1.1.1
- Password: None
- USB Tethering Support: No
- Ethernet Ports: 4x Gigabit Ethernet
- Router Throughput: Not Specified
- Cellular Modem Specs:
- Cellular Modem: Single 5G
- Modem Module or Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon X62 (Quectel RM520N)
- Supported Networks and Bands: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile
- 5G Bands: n1, n2, n3, n5, n7, n8, n12, n13, n14, n18, n20, n25, n26, n28, n29, n30, n38, n40, n41, n48, n66, n70, n71, n75, n76, n77, n78, n79
- LTE Bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12(17), 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 46, 48, 66, 71
- 3G: UMTS/WCDMA B1, B2, B4, B5, B8, B19
- Carrier Certification: Not Specified
- MIMO Support: 4x4 MIMO
- 5G Cellular Performance:
- Max Theoretical 5G Performance: Not Specified
- 5G Carrier Aggregation: 2x download and upload - low and mid band can be combined
- LTE Performance:
- LTE Performance Category: Cat-19 Download / Cat-18 Upload (Max Theoretical Speed: 1.6 Gps down/ 200Mbps up)
- LTE Carrier Aggregation: Cat-19: 4x Download, 3x Upload
- Cellular Antennas/Ports: 4x4 MIMO
- SIM Slots: 2 Nano
- Dimensions: Not Specified
- Power Source:12V DC
- Outdoor Rated: Indoor Router / Outdoor Modem & Antenna system
- Special Features: Special User Interface, Custom VPN Features, Band Scanning, and Locking, Multi-WAN
- Retail Price: USB Modem & Router - $899 (currently on close out special of $200 off)
POE Explorer
While the USB modem comes standard, customers can also opt for the optional POE model for an extra $100. The POE modem option can only be used with the Insty Squared antenna.
The cellular specs for the POE modem are the same, the difference is the Ethernet interfaces and firmware.
Ethernet provides many advantages over USB, and one of the biggest is that it allows a rooftop Insty modem and antenna system to connect to any router with an Ethernet port, not just to the Insty router.
The POE version doesn't require an Insty router to send commands to the modem to control it. The firmware - including a graphical interface - is, instead, embedded in the modem module itself, allowing a user to adjust settings without relying on an Insty router.
Directional Antennas
Insty Connect also has two 4x4 MIMO directional antenna options that are available as add-ons when purchasing one of the primary systems:
- Binoculars: Utilizes 4X LDAP Yagi-style directional antennas for 4x4 MIMO. This option is primarily best for those who are stationary and move frequently, as the antenna array is quite large.
- Retail price: $399
- Switchblade: Utilizes 4x smaller LDAP directional antennas in a much smaller and custom form factor. This model has less performance, but is smaller and folds up for much easier storage.
- Retail price: $299
Data Plans
Insty Online Data Plans
Insty Connect offers data plans branded as "Insty Online." These plans are only available for customers of Insty Connect products.
Insty Connect will provide SIM cards with all new Insty Connect systems to allow customers to activate Insty Online plans easily through the Insty Connect dashboard. Each SIM card will provide 1GB of free data to allow customers to try the service for free.
Insty Online plans utilize the T-Mobile network.
The following plan options are currently offered:
- Essential Plan: $100/month
- Unlimited data, but speed is capped at 10 Mbps.
- Streaming is at 720p.
- Additionally, after 200GB of usage, speeds will slow to 1-3 Mbps for the rest of the month
- Premium Plan: $130/month
- Unlimited data, but speed is capped at 25 Mbps.
- Streaming is at 1080p.
- Additionally, after 300GB of usage, speeds will slow to 1-3 Mbps for the rest of the month
- Business Plan: $150/month
- 300GB of high-speed data with no speed or streaming throttles.
- After the 300GB is used, speeds drop to 1 Mbps
News, Videos & Status
We tested one of the first Insty Connect 4G12 devices and shared our first impressions in the member area below. In October 2021, we received a 5G version and have updated our notes based on testing that version.
In December 2023, we received the new Squared and Switchblade antennas, and POE modem - and have put them into testing.
Members can follow along in these places:
- Testing in Progress Forum: Insty Connect Squared, Switchblade and POE Modem (Cellular Routers)
- Testing in Progress Forum: Insty Connect Explorer Cloudwings (Cellular Embedded Router & Antenna)
Videos
Related News Center Articles
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