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General discussion

WIFI boost needed while traveling.

by dllfo May 25, 2007 5:43AM PDT

I have two new Dell 6400s with XP SP2. A month old.

We will be staying at a state park while I undergo treatment from a Respiratory Hospital in Denver. They do not have wifi and I was hoping to find a hot spot or free wifi in the area.

There is more than one answer to my needs, I know that, but I hear so many claims, then read the reviews to find the claims were bogus.

I would like a wireless router (I think) to amplify the signal coming in and probably a directional outside antenna. We have an older motorhome, but it is ok for us. I have trouble climbing on top of it,
so I might find a lightweight telescoping pole (??) or maybe just put it on the dash, I really don't know yet.

If you know of a system like this, or if you are using a directional antenna, could you PLEASE tell me EXACTLY what parts and equipment and software I will need.

I know I am ill and as I mentioned in another thread here, I am on morphine for pain, so my brain is not up to deep thinking. I am able to perform most daily tasks, but if you asked me about the relative merits of an antenna being rated dbi vs dbd. I know dbi is typically considered a couple db higher than dbd, but that aside, I cannot seem to comprehend what I need. It is embarrassing, but I do need to ask for your help.

If I become an inpatient, my wife will still be able to communicate with the kids thru emails, etc. And this goes for our travels through out the country.

Can anyone please list the equipment, software, etc. that I will need?

Thanks, I'm sorry to bother the forum with such a mundane task, but it seems to be eluding me. I have looked and looked..the next day I don't even remember where I looked. VERY FRUSTRATING. Thanks for any help...oh yes, we leave town in week.

Discussion is locked

5 Posts
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See this link.
by r. proffitt Former Forum moderator May 25, 2007 5:47AM PDT
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(NT) More important...best wishes on your treatment !
by VAPCMD May 25, 2007 5:59AM PDT
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parabolic wifi antenna
by linkit May 25, 2007 9:50AM PDT
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WIFI boost needed while traveling
by dllfo May 25, 2007 1:20PM PDT

If you use the Cantenna, is that for one computer? See, we have two.
I was wondering about a wireless router to receive and amplify the signal for both computers.

Plug the Cantenna into the wireless router? I know some antennas and routers don't mix.

Thanks for the well wishes on the treatment. It will be a long series of tests, but hopefully they will discover what is causing the breathing problems.

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When Traveling, You Won't Be Using A Router..
by Grif Thomas Former Forum moderator May 25, 2007 2:10PM PDT

Each computer will need to contact the Hotspot separately. For best reception and size restrictions, you'll probably need to construct a separate antenna for each machine. If the wireless access point was available, it might be possible to set up a direction antenna on the roof of the motorhome which would act much like a TV dish. The Canteena would work in this situation. See the link below for good information including other options:

http://www.binarywolf.com/249/parabolic.htm

This one can be placed on either a router or a computer which has an antenna:
http://www.freeantennas.com/projects/template2/index.html

There are other options but they're more expensive.. Satellite systems exist as do various cell phone cards which will give each computer access.. But it will cost you.

Hope this helps.

Grif

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