We're looking at setting up wifi in our van as we will be using it to live in for the next year or so and have already chosen our network supplier but we need hardware advice.
We are looking at supplying data for 2 mobile phones, 3 laptops, 1 tablet, and adding Google Home, a wireless printer and 1 tv via chromecast to the network.
Now the techy bit.
Would a mobile hotspot (mifi or similar device) control and supply a internet connection and network for these or do we need a wifi router to make them all communicate (e.g printer to work, and chromecast be able to receive from phones).
If it is a router we need, which I suspect it is, can anyone suggest a 12V router as all the ones I've seen plug in to 240V.
Alternatively how have you set up a wifi network in your van for devices to communicate?
Have a Google for motorhomewifi.com, they have lots of advice as well as the equipment to get you sorted. They are very helpful if you have any technical queries.
Quote: Originally posted by seanfdh on 04/3/2019
I think you'll need a router. If you're living in the van for a year or so will you not have some sort of mains hook-up anyway?
We'll have hookup but I figured that if I'm going to install it I'd like it to work when we're off grid too as that's how we do most of our caravanning.
Quote: Originally posted by DaveMiller on 05/3/2019
I've recently posted an article on my experience of installing a MiFi hotspot in our caravan which may be of help.
Interesting read Dave, thank you. I'll have to have a proper read of everything when time allows.
I'd not considered the reduced signal inside the van. While I know where we'll be has an excellent signal, we have in the past been on sites where the signal is poor and the metal from the van blocks out the signal completely so I think the external aerial could be a must.
Motorhomewifi is good quality kit, and its main advantage on CC sites is that you are able to use more than one device at the same time, which is not possible normally. Its also designed to be capable of use outside or inside, dependent on the signal available.
Thanks for all your replies.
Following further reading we've opted to go for the following kit.
Vodafone mobile phone Sim deal. 100Gb per month at �20 (special offer)
Huawei B593 LTE 4G Wireless Router
The router will allow us to set up a network so all our devices can communicate with each other (which mifi won't do) and provide them all with an internet connection. It can also be configured so that the phone part of the Sim can still be used as a phone by connecting a DECT phone so we can effectivity have not only a data connection but also a traditional phone handset provided by the 4g network.
The router currently runs off a mains transformer providing a 12v supply. All we need to do it source the correct connection to make up a replacement lead and we'll be able to power it from the caravans 12v circuit for off grid use.
It is, if you can get a mobile phone signal. We had an earlier version of this, but 2 of our preferred sites have no mobile signal, so there is no option but to rely on the MHCC wifi, slow though it is.
Quote: Originally posted by chrisn7 on 08/3/2019
It is, if you can get a mobile phone signal. We had an earlier version of this, but 2 of our preferred sites have no mobile signal, so there is no option but to rely on the MHCC wifi, slow though it is.
We visit one particular site every year and it has no signal on any network, so we are forced to use the wifi in the local pub
I bought a hootoo trip mate, a famous blogger said you can use it with one caravan site connection, then connect multiple devices to the trip mate. The wifi services on french sites are too smart for that. Bit of a waste of money. Handy power bank, thats about it.
------------- Happy Days
Carnac twice the years before
Garangeoire Vendee 2 weeks july16
Garangeoire Vendee 2 weeks June 17
Strathclyde march 18, Anstruther Week April, Blairgowrie, May 18
Chateau de Lez-Eaux Saint Aubin Des Preaux 2 weeks 2018
Loree du bois Les Mathes 3 weeks jul19
Belhaven Bay 1 week july 2020