| Author | Message | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 534 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 66.82.9.24 Rating: N/A |
The full timers may be happy with a $3000 roof mount and $75 A MONTH in fees for SAT internet, BUT,, For us folks that cruise only a few months a year that is more dedication than I need. Wi fi has been the answer , far better than going to the local library , and found at more and more campgrounds. The problem of course is range . We use a Marine /RV stick type antenna that plugs into a socket and has the transmit /receive unit built into the antenna. On the water 1/2 mile is about it , but campgrounds are smaller so it mostly works. The Marine folks now advertise a 5 mile (over water) system.It might be strong enough to work in campsites or cities near a source. 5milewifi.com Might be something to look at. FF | ||
| Keith Wood (Ft6)
Registered Member Username: Ft6 Post Number: 53 Registered: 8-2008 Posted From: 72.57.178.86 Rating: N/A |
$400 is a kind of big bite, but figuring the Sprint aircard at $60/mo and 5GB limit, you'd be ahead after 7 months. They have a 30-day money back policy, so it would be worth trying. | ||
| Luvrbus (Luvrbus)
Registered Member Username: Luvrbus Post Number: 574 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 74.33.46.157 Rating: N/A |
Fred, I use the wifi most of the fast food places have it now, we travel from AZ to Texas and the rest areas in Texas all have it now saves a lot of money for us good luck | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 867 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 71.54.29.215  Rating: N/A |
It depends on where you travel. Most of our use of the bus is in very rural areas where the closest WiFi is probably at least 10-15 miles. For those that stay near towns, cities and main highways, this looks like a good alternaitive. Jack PS: WiFi may not be a secure connection, so be careful is accessing bank accounts, etc. Jack | ||
| James Robinson (Jjrbus)
Registered Member Username: Jjrbus Post Number: 169 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 99.206.237.85 Rating: N/A |
WiFi for expiring minds.  This is my HiTech, no expense spared WiFi antenna, yes it really works!! \newurl {http://dustydragon.com/wifi.htm,http://dustydrag on.com/wifi.htm} These antenna will have connectivity problems with low power/ home type routers I should have added that I also have Sprint air card, but Wifi wth DLS service is much faster. If available and free I will use WiFi. (Message edited by jjrbus on November 11, 2008) (Message edited by jjrbus on November 11, 2008) | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 376 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.209.210.99 Rating: N/A |
For years I pondered the advantages of Broadband, land phone, direct, use of WiFi, dial-up, etc. A couple of months ago, I made the plunge. Verizon Broadband @ $60 per month. Dropped our land phone, including voice messaging and other stuff, Dial-up. Have just about evened out...( but I have 5 phones and users on the program) up to $10 more per month total; But, no more hassle with Quest going out periodically, server problems, stopping at or looking for WiFi spots, etc. Wish I had done it years ago. FWIW....  RCB | ||
| Luvrbus (Luvrbus)
Registered Member Username: Luvrbus Post Number: 575 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 74.33.46.157 Rating: N/A |
Jack, I find in Texas that most of the rural areas with small towns have wifi for the entire town,we call and have our air card turned on when going to a area outside of Tx and AZ,We can go from the AZ/Nev line to exit 810 on I 10 and always have wifi service NM has it the rest areas also good luck | ||
| Larry & Lynne Dixon (Larry_d)
Registered Member Username: Larry_d Post Number: 172 Registered: 7-2005 Posted From: 71.111.188.44  Rating: N/A |
RC Hate to be dumb but here goes what is broadband? Is it satilite or does it come over a wire. Didn't want to ask but wife proded me. Our phone line, computer and all are a pain in the you know what. Thanks 4905 larry | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 868 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 71.54.29.215 Rating: N/A |
I am sure those with more computer savvy (almost everyone) can give a better answer, but I beleive it is an internet connection that gives a higher speed than dial-up. I think it can be WiFi, air card, DSL, cable, etc. I think it is more the speed than the type of service. Jack | ||
| James Robinson (Jjrbus)
Registered Member Username: Jjrbus Post Number: 170 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 70.10.31.85 Rating: N/A |
RC is refering to the air cards available from Sprint, verizon ect, they are similar to cell phone service. They will plug directly into a lap top. The newer ones are USB and can be plugged into a desktop. I use a Sprint USB type with a USB extension cord, to get optimal reception. If you want more info, type "broadband card" into search bar. HTH Jim | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 377 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.208.47.27 Rating: N/A |
It is a small USB device, no bigger than a small box of matches that plugs right into your computer. VERY fast (particularly compared with Dial up.....about 10 times faster, minimum). And, as stated above, it is a cell service....even have my private number. Where ever one can pick up a signal, it is ther for you to use, just like your phone. Best thing about it is that you can leave it on, 24/7 I suppose, and there is no charge against time as with cell phones. It is charged by the megabite usage. In other words, the amount of stuff, I guess, that one downloads, etc. I have "tested" the system and left it on for 24 hours straight with little to no usage of MB, apparently. Our plan is not the basic plan which, with Verizon, is 50 MB for about $40. I figured 50 MB is not very much in the scheme of things, so we took the next jump up...5100+ MB...$60 per month. So far, in two months+ of usage we have not come close to 5100MB....not even half that,and I put it to the test the first month, downloading lots of "stuff". Only came up to about 2100MB. Last month was about 1800MB. So far this month, less than 600. There is a charge of 25 cents for each MB you go beyond the plan figure. I have been with Verizon for 12 years and for our purposes, would not even consider anything else. It seems whatever someone comes up with that is new, they are either ahead or very close to surpassing in short order. Check with Verizon or your cell phone carrier. You will be surprised. We certainly were. FWIW and HTH . BTW, tell them I sent you....I think they give a $25 credit for referrals... RCB (Message edited by chuckllb on November 12, 2008) | ||
| w. decker (Keazar)
Registered Member Username: Keazar Post Number: 1 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 63.24.58.28 Rating: N/A |
Larry D., Broadband is simply a reference to speed. Some mistakenly refer to anything faster than dialup as broadband, but DSL is actually much slower than true broadband. I used to know the actual reference speeds in Kb/s and Mb/s, but my memory isn't what it used to be. I also haven't posted on this BBS before and was curious whether my username and pw would work or not. Thanks for everyone's patience with me, Will | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 378 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.208.47.27 Rating: N/A |
As a matteer of interest, I heard on some news program just yesterday, the folks in Europa have a " broadband" or whatever speed that is something like 400 times what ours is in the US....didn't pay much attention to what was being said until I heard that. As someone said...."go figure"..../  FWIW RCB | ||
| Chuck Newman (Chuck_newman)
Registered Member Username: Chuck_newman Post Number: 277 Registered: 1-2005 Posted From: 76.246.254.144 Rating: N/A |
"Broadband" is a marketing term developed to describe "faster than dial up" Internet connection. It makes no difference if high speed data rides on DSL, satellite, or cable, other than the fact by their "bandwidth" some mediums are faster than another. WIFI (wireless fidelity), originally itself a marketing term, now a defacto standard of the "WIFI Alliance" governing body)is merely a local wireless extension of one of the above transmission mediums to give a so called "wide area" wireless access to the Internet via one of them. Doing your banking on an open (ie. free, public access system) WIFI system is totally secure via the bank's SSL (secure socket layer) servers. Note when surfing you see an address of "http://xxxxxx.com" or .org or .net. When you access your bank or make a purchase on line, note your address line now shows "https://xxxxxx.whatever. The "s" indicates the transmission is encrypted and secure from your computer to the secure server at the other end. Anyone "sniffing" the open wireless connections would see only random and unintelligible (encrypted) data. The gotcha in open (unencrypted) wireless systems is when you access email or other accounts with name and password on the air and in the open for someone to "sniff" your information. Many programs can be downloaded to accomplish this and you don't have to be a techno geek to make it work. So your name, password, and banking or purchasing data is secure via SSL (https but (as an example) your name and password to post on BNO would transmit in the clear using open wireless (WIFI) and someone could easily read and archive that sort of personal information. And their are variations of this. Recently on a long trip, we stayed almost every night in our van at various Flying J's as we have driver and WIFI accounts with them. When you sign on their WIFI system, your user name and password ARE encrypted and hence secure. But once on line, unless using a site with a secure server (SSL), all you see and do on the Internet is in the clear for anyone to see. We got around that problem using a virtual private network (VPN) so all our wireless Internet activities cannot be seen by a wireless snooper. Even on non-secure wireless systems. | ||
| Larry & Lynne Dixon (Larry_d)
Registered Member Username: Larry_d Post Number: 173 Registered: 7-2005 Posted From: 71.111.188.44 Rating: N/A |
Will and all the others thank you for all the help, as I am very computer slow. Just about half way know how to get around. Seem to learn a little every day by asking lots of dumb questions.As I was told several times only a dumby doesn't ask, Oh well who knows . Will enter often we all like to hear and see pictures. 4905 Larry | ||
| William Garamella (Nh_wanderer)
Registered Member Username: Nh_wanderer Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 24.62.162.30 Rating: N/A |
This is my first post to the BNO BBS. Thanks for having me. I have been using T-Mobile unlimited data service with a Blackberry for $19.95/mo. The Blackberry functions as my cell phone/e-mail/internet and also as a 110 kbs modem with the laptop or PC (USB). In addition to working on its own network, T-Mobile roams the Unicel network (rural roaming no extra charge). I have been with T-Mobile for years and using this data/modem feature for about one year. I am impressed with its coverage along the east coast and the price is pretty good. I cut my broadband speed at home and reduced the cost from $40/mo to $20/mo. (Comcast). This lower tier service is not something broadband companies typically promote but they offer this price point to compete with the DSL providers. I don't really notice a different in the speed ... even with streaming media. So, what I save by cutting back on the broadband speed pays for the data service. Bill | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 536 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 69.19.14.38 Rating: N/A |
The newest claim is that the TV bands that will free up with the death of analog TV will be great for the use with a new "wi Fi". I wouldn't spend big bucks till the smoke clears , on what is next?Remember 8 track? FF | ||
| Kevin Mossman (Ktmossman)
Registered Member Username: Ktmossman Post Number: 18 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 216.46.98.249 Rating: N/A |
Just a warning about pay-per-use public wi-fi... I was recently at a technology security conference and they demonstrated doing this. Most 802.xx wi-fi receivers (wireless network) will choose the strongest available signal when searching for a new network. So, bad guys will setup their own wireless network in the vicinity of a hotel, truck stop, mcdonalds, etc. (where people would expect to find a pay-per-use wireless system) but with a signal booster so they have the strongest signal in the area. They setup a default webpage on their network that looks exactly like the registration/login page of the real network. An unsuspecting user will, thinking they are attaching to the pay-per-use wi-fi network, attach to the spoof system. Then, at the login page, one of two things will happen. If you already have an account on the real network, they capture your real login information (when you try to "login" to the fake network) for the real network and they can use/sell that and steal the access you are paying for. Or worse, if you are a new customer, they capture your credit card data when you try to "register". At the conclusion of either scenario, they boot you from their fake network and ban your computer from re-attaching. So, from your perspective, your login failed and it (being that you are now attached to the real network) brings up the login page (this time the real one) for you to try again. Most users never suspect that anything amiss has occurred. Prevention: 1. Ask the establishment to specify the exact name of their wi-fi network. Make sure your computer has attached to the correct network. Pay close attention to spelling:"1" (one) instead of "l" (the letter), "0" zero instead of "O" (the letter), etc. 2. Look carefully at the url of the login page. If possible, verify that with the establishment as well. At the conference I attended, they actually setup a bogus network before the conference began. Then, during the conference, they called out the names of people who had unknowingly logged into the bogus network instead of the hotel network. It caused some serious embarrassment for folks who considered themselves top notch computer security geeks. But, they made a lasting impression.... | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 379 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.209.68.167 Rating: N/A |
Thanx, Kevin...always wondered about that sort of thing...very helpful. FWIW RCB | ||
| WD (Keazar)
Registered Member Username: Keazar Post Number: 2 Registered: 8-2007 Posted From: 63.24.105.94  Rating: N/A |
That's a very good point, Kevin. I set up a satelite based system for a private RV park before wifi was very popular. We monitored usage and sites that people accessed. The owner was an honest person, but it wouldn't have been difficult to steal all kinds of personal information from patrons passing through. On a side note, the closer you are to the router, the faster your connection and wifi antenna are very directional sensitive, hence the funky dish setup on JjrBus's homemade device. With no obstructions between the antenna and router, you might be able to reach out up to 8 miles if the router is within legal transmit power (wattage)limits. FWIW, Will | ||
| John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 670 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 74.230.99.19  Rating: N/A |
We still use our LG4400 cell phone with Verizon as a modem with Verizon's 3g system. It allows fairly fast web access using their VZW network, or as a simple dialup to our ISP. All it uses is the subscribed voice minutes, nights/weekends free, etc. Not bad if you use a cell phone and need web access too. |