Imrpoving WiFi signal for an android device

Discussion in 'Trucking Electronics, Gadgets and Software Forum' started by Brucesmith, Jan 17, 2013.

  1. Brucesmith

    Brucesmith Heavy Load Member

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    I have an Android phone and an Android Tablet. Although my Laptop usually gets a good signal in TS's the Tablet does not. With the laptop I have a small Alfa Antenna that will usually pull in a weak signal. Is there anything one can do with a tablet or phone. Sometimes I just want to do some quick surfing, check my mail and the weather. Easy with the Tab or phone but a PIA with a laptop. Any Ideas?

    Thanks
     
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  3. WRIGHTRACING

    WRIGHTRACING Heavy Load Member

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    Move closer to the wifi antenna:smt102
     
  4. Marlin46

    Marlin46 Medium Load Member

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    Would it be worth it to get a Verizon ( or whoever ) hotspot or tether the devices to your smartphone assuming you have one? I am not sure of exact costs but I am sure someone on here does. That way you would have a pretty good signal most of the time depending on lanes traveled.
     
  5. TruckerPete1990

    TruckerPete1990 Road Train Member

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    I have atnt 5g for 50 amonth.. I play games on mine no utubes usees a lot of data
     
  6. WRIGHTRACING

    WRIGHTRACING Heavy Load Member

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    I use my Samsung GS2 as a hotspot. Works great.
     
  7. Brucesmith

    Brucesmith Heavy Load Member

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    THanks for the replies. Pretty hard to use my phone as a hotspot for WiFi when it does not see the signal. Usually one uses the phone hotspot feature to broascast your Wireless Provider signal. I am just trying to get a better local WiFi signal as in the J.
     
  8. Dieselboss

    Dieselboss Technology Contributor

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    Indeed it would. WiFi is a good fallback position. But it is spotty, very localized, and inconsistent at best. On those occasions when you CAN get a decent WiFi connection somewhere, then use it. This will save data usage charges if you don't have an unlimited plan.

    If you do not desire to have fairly "regular connectivity" on your device (laptop, game console, tablet, etc.) then stick with the WiFi method and use it when you can. If you desire more consistent ability to connect, then get a hotspot plan for your phone or a mifi-style device through one of the carriers. For research and opinion on those carriers, look through these tech threads because there are hundreds of them with well-established advice here too.
     
  9. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    everytime i've tried to use the wifi. there's always a password.

    no way in heck am i getting out of my truck to freeze my arse and pay for a password. i'll just flip the phone on and use that as my wifi.
     
    Dieselboss Thanks this.
  10. WRIGHTRACING

    WRIGHTRACING Heavy Load Member

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    Same here. I already pay for data that is much faster and more reliable on my phone. Most wifi like pilots suck and.charge you ridiculous almost airline rates and then it don't always work. Sometimes you find a restaurant that has it and no one draining it. Then you're good to go.
     
    Dieselboss Thanks this.
  11. Brucesmith

    Brucesmith Heavy Load Member

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    http://www.wifiranger.com/travel-wifi

    I may have answered my own question. The above device is a small router and a signal booster as well. RV'rs use this in parks with weak wifi. What makes it unique is the ability to pull in a weak wifi signal OR use your wireless data plan from any other device such as a smart phone. If you have your own or an assigned truck there is an outside antenna available for the "Go" that will pull in wifi from as much as a mile away. Would also solve the printing from a tablet problem. It is a 110 volt device but they make a 12 volt cord. Very compact.
     
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