Using 2 computers from one wifi signal

I looked at this problem this winter, and have installed the wifi/bat to amplify wireless signals, and the redbox to receive wifi/3G/iridium data and allow multiple laptop/ipad connectivity anywhere onboard. I am also installing Iridium Pilot. Cannot tell you how well it will all work yet, but expecting it to provide what I want!

All from mailasail
 
Mistroma said:
Don't know if it is just me. This looks exactly like an Alfa R36 unit (with about £12-£15 added to the price).

http://www.crucialwifi.co.uk/R36_Wi...AWUS036NH_Range_Extender/p740998_3971490.aspx

http://www.alfanetwork.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=r36

I haven't tried one of these but they do look quite good. I believe that you plug in a USB Wifi receiver (such as AWUS036H) and then connect to R36 via Wifi in order to log on to a hotspot. The R36 remembers how to make the USB booster connect to the hotspot and provides its own local AP.

So it won't make a USB booster work any better but should make it a snap to connect multiple devices via the R36s local access point.
UPDATE: The Alfa site says that "The R36 is far from consumer friendly" so that's a worry for some people.

I assume that the device in previous poster's link works in the same way. The site says that "This wireless repeater system is currently only compatible with these long range outdoor antenna", so only works with boosters that they sell. I see that one of their boosters is actually an Alfa Tube unit (but £4 more expensive than via CrucialWifi). Pretty certain that you'd be cheaper just buying Alfa kit from CrucialWifi or from AlfaNetwork site.

More convenient than playing around with WHN/ICS and would allow a smartphone to connect without turning on a laptop as well. So could save some power.
However, it's an extra piece of kit to buy and actually uses a tiny bit more power when you are using a laptop vs. sharing via WHN/ICS.
Click to expand...

I have put together the setup on components bought from Crucial WiFi. You state correctlt that the R36 is quite technical to setup, and it first needs a firmware upgrade to allow it to communicate with the TubeU(N) or ASW036NH.

It does however work OK once you have mastered the settings. The only negative is that when you move to a new location, you need to log onto the R36 to establish the best WiFi signal for the AWUS036NH to connect to. The browser will show the various hotspots with the signal strength (RSSI). You then instruct the R36 as to which hotspot to connect to (via the AWUS036NH). Unlike a PC, this system cannot 'remember' previous hotspots.

The R36 runs from 12v and it provides the power to the TUbe(N) via the USB so very easy to cable up.

Stewart
 
Head spinning a bit from reading this. I am fairly familiar with wifi, routers and the like from a "consumer" pov but this is a whole level of additional detail. Looking at the Alfa website there is a new version of the 036, the 036NHR. Anyone know how or whether it is an improvement?
(My application is to share a weak wifi signal with multiple windows, Android , Apple devices "indoors)
I am expecting to need to add 3G functionality, too, sharing a Vodafone data link in non-marina locations. It looks like you can use the R36 for either wifi or 3G sharing, depending on what you plug in via USB.. Does that sound like a sensible plan? Does anyone have a setup for both 3G and wifi that they would recommend?

I don't like the idea of having multiple gadgets floating around down below, but I think I may put up with that before settling for a permanent setup once I figure out what I actually need/want and making it more permanent and plumbed in.
 
I use an Engenius Wifi box with ethernet connection which plugs to a cheap Wifi Access Point (with built in 3 port switch). The Engenius then logs on to the port Wifi & the Access Point creates my hot spot for any number of devices without having to have any individual pc device powered on.

My main & nav pc's are hard wired to the switch & everything else joins the hot spot. Works really well.
 
I have a redbox (from mailasail.com) which is connected to wireless, 3G, and my iridium Pilot. It also has a gps dongle feed. I have not finished setting this to work yet, but should provide everything I need.
 
Talbot said:
I have a redbox (from mailasail.com) which is connected to wireless, 3G, and my iridium Pilot. It also has a gps dongle feed. I have not finished setting this to work yet, but should provide everything I need.
Click to expand...

That looks neat, but pricey. What are you doing for wifi and 3G antennae? I am not in the market for Iridium etc. not yet, anyway!
 
Forty_Two said:
I use an Engenius Wifi box with ethernet connection which plugs to a cheap Wifi Access Point (with built in 3 port switch). The Engenius then logs on to the port Wifi & the Access Point creates my hot spot for any number of devices without having to have any individual pc device powered on.

My main & nav pc's are hard wired to the switch & everything else joins the hot spot. Works really well.
Click to expand...

Thanks, Forty_2. Which Engenius box? One of their range extenders?
 
lampshuk said:
Thanks, Forty_2. Which Engenius box? One of their range extenders?
Click to expand...

It's the EnGenius EOC-2610 600mW Bridge/AP which does seem to have a reasonable range. I think it's been replaced now by a newer model.

I have had it since 2010 & mounted it on my Bimini arch with a 10dB aerial. Power is over the ethernet cable. I like this as the cable to the aerial is very short & the ethernet can be nice & long with no losses.
 
Why don't you get a Mifi thingy? About the size of a fat credit card, you insert a local 3G data card, it is effectively turned I to a wifi hotspot which will allow up to 8 users at one time to use the wifi signal. We currently use a Greek vodafone card in the Mifi unit, and the laptop, Ipad and smart phone are all connected to the Internet simultaneously. When we go back to UK, we just put in a UK 3G card and away we go ......
 
Forty_Two said:
It's the EnGenius EOC-2610 600mW Bridge/AP which does seem to have a reasonable range. I think it's been replaced now by a newer model.

I have had it since 2010 & mounted it on my Bimini arch with a 10dB aerial. Power is over the ethernet cable. I like this as the cable to the aerial is very short & the ethernet can be nice & long with no losses.
Click to expand...

Looks like a good piece of kit. I agree about POE, but this device needs 24v. I guess you have that available?

By the way, you remind me of another question that's been bugging me. What actually is a "Bimini" and how do you say it? Like "bikini" or "bi-mini" ? They didn't have them the last time I went sailing. Admittedly > 25 years ago.
 
lampshuk said:
Looks like a good piece of kit. I agree about POE, but this device needs 24v. I guess you have that available?

By the way, you remind me of another question that's been bugging me. What actually is a "Bimini" and how do you say it? Like "bikini" or "bi-mini" ? They didn't have them the last time I went sailing. Admittedly > 25 years ago.
Click to expand...

No I'm 12v but use a sinewave invertor for pc stuff. I have 1100Ah battery bank so plenty power.

Like bikini. You can see mine in my avatar. Google has plenty.
 
lampshuk said:
That looks neat, but pricey. What are you doing for wifi and 3G antennae? I am not in the market for Iridium etc. not yet, anyway!
Click to expand...

WiFi aerial is the WiFi Bat from Mailasail. The 3G is a dongle, and I have not looked at any extended range stuff for that yet.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top