As I said on the thread about TV reception, a signal cannot be boosted at the receiving end. A more sensitive receiver or higher gain antenna MAY receive a weak signal but not guaranteed
Thanks Andy. Can you explain what the 'Booster' kits are doing if not boosting or amplifying the signal? I know from talking to at least 2 people who use the older Kuma Version that they get good reception, and enough to stream tv via a Firestick. That kit is not available and has been superseded by the twin antenna version of which there seem to be a few competing units at different prices. But all claim to boost or amplify a weak or distant wifi signal. Such as:
If the additional equipment has the sensitivity and antenna gain to receive the signal and re transmit it, all well and good, BUT don't take the claims as gospel.
You will never get speeds greater than the site router, it's impossible.
If the site router has a poor quality internet connection, no additional equipment will change that
If you can get a signal on your phone and have an inclusive data contract, use that, it,s a no brainer
If you can get a signal on your phone and have to pay for additional data, you can get a lot of data for £190
Thanks. I wouldn't expect greater speed than the site router, but they do have a transmission antenna problem. It does not send the signal out equally to all parts of the site. Those that are lucky enough to be within it's range get good connection and speed. Those that are facing the wrong way get a poor signal with a phone or laptop. Those who use a booster then get a good signal and good speed. Or at least enough to stream video without buffering so I am told. So looking at the various wifi improvement options.
As for the mobile signal that is nearly non existent and even a 4g amplifier/booster only improved the signal marginally but not enough to be reliable. I initially went down the improving the mobile signal first. I managed enough to get emails etc, and a reasonable voice signal, but not enough for streaming music or TV.
You will need a directional antenna, preferably mounted on your roof to pick up the weeak signal from the campsite and a WiFi transmitter with higher than normal output to transmit your signal back to the campsite Wifi (Wifi is a two-way affair). Use of an high output WiFi transmitter is nowadays illegal to highly illegal in many European countries. Don't know about UK.
I had such such a setup based on an Alfa transmitter to access the Wifi of a friendly neighbour. It works, but the antenna positioning is critical.
Using this type of booster will also prevent other campers from accessing the weak wifi.
You are also not anonymous. Its pretty easy to figure out with any smartphone who is using a booster on a camping.
Thanks zeGerman. I hadn't thought about using the equipment in mainland Europe, but the types I have highlighted in the thread are legal in the UK. After much searching I have opted for the Wavlink AC600, which I found on various sites with wildly different prices. Managed to find one from China for £31 inc shipping. The unit itself has good reviews but I have not seen one in action on a campsite. Hopefully it will work, but if not it wasn't too much thrown down the drain, and it will be back to the drawing board so to speak.