"There are always two people in every picture: the photographer and the viewer."
Ansel Adams

"A computer lets you make more mistakes faster than any invention in human history - with the possible exceptions of 4x4's, handguns and tequila."

- Joaquin Suave

Cradlepoint Broadband Router Review

I know we've been talking about this for awhile now, usually when the topic has to do with Wi-Fi and camping, so I thought I'd post up a review of a cool new product I found the other day.

Being as we travel fulltime and update our blogs daily while on the road. We use a Verizon Broadband card that plugs into our lap tops through a USB port.

We have a Wilson Amplifier to boost the broadband signal, and surprisingly enough, we almost never are without a good signal. Usually if we cant pick up a signal, we're waaayy out in the boonies far from civilization or any cell towers.

Our dilemma started when we're both wanting to get on the internet at the same time. Cindy and I both have laptops and are usually working on the computers at the same time. We figured if we could find a way to share the signal, it would speed up the process of updating the website and checking our daily emails.

I had been looking into Routers that would allow you to plug the Broadband card into the router and then share the signal. I finally found one that was affordable and ordered it to see if it might work for us.

What I've found is the holy grail for people using the Broadband cards and have mulitple computers.

I purchased the Cradlepoint CT350 which is about the size of a deck of cards and costs $99.

The unit plugs into a standard wall plug for power, but they also offer a 12volt adapter for an additional $25.

 

When I got it, I was totally blown away. First of all, it came the very next day because I had it shipped overnight for next to nothing.  Second of all because it comes in a really cool little metal briefcase that will keep it safe and sound while traveling. It also has a cut out slot in the foam insert of the briefcase for the Broadband card so they both go in the case together and you don't lose track of them.

Hooking it up was as simple as plugging the Verizon Card into the USB slot on the side of the router. It took my laptop a few minutes to register that it found a new Internet Connection and I logged on.

At first it brings you to the More Mobile Internet site and asks you to register the device which involves typing in the serial number on the back of the router. This acts as your password till you go through the steps of setting it up with your own password.

Even though it comes with detailed instructions, I called Steve in Customer Service and had him walk me through the steps. I like to actually talk to a person, in English, and I also like to check out how their customer service is. I'd give them a A+!

Cradlepoint Router Sitting in the Rear Window with the USB Card in the Side

Once I had it all set up, I clicked the button that says "Do you want to remember this info?" which means from now on, I don't have to enter any passwords, the laptop just automatically logs on as soon as it finds the signal.

So no more arguing between Cindy and I, and now anywhere in the camper we have a strong wireless signal.  Steve told me while talking to him that this smaller unit will only boost the wireless signal around 25' in any direction.  But More Mobile Internet offers a few models that will throw the signal up to 500'!!  This would be more useful for someone using it in a house or a business situation.

I had first thought about getting one of those other devices that boost the signal to a 500 foot range, but I don't need to be supplying the whole parking lot with free Wi-Fi.

Incase you're using one of the older style Broadband cards, They also offer routers that accept the PCMCIA type cards or the USB type like we have. Some will accept both, but the little one I got just takes the USB type and was the smallest one available.

We're very happy with this Cradlepoint Router and only wish we would have found it a few years ago.  It probably would have solved a few arguments.

So if anyone is looking for a way to share internet service, this is your link

Every Miles A Memory