WiFi Range booster

What may a ''directional antenna on steroids" be ?

 

Heres what I use with the laptop, About a 1/4 mile range wifi. If not this then use the blackberry as a point

http://www.amazon.com/Alfa-500mW-Wireless-Card-A500N/dp/B00286CNKO/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

 

http://www.wilsonelectronics.com//Products.php?Type=A

you can get the "pigtail" adapters to fit your phone or aircard, either at the truck stop or an authorized dealer. I use the AC-595, and with the wilson I picked up decent signals. The antenna is mirror mounted.

Mark

 

I've made a pringle "cantena" too...but for folks that want a simpler, but more $$ solution, these folks sell some upgraded and/or high-power USB adapters.
http://www.radiolabs.com/products/wireless/waverv2.php

 

Another trick (MUCH CHEAPER..LIKE ten cents!!) if you have a metal cab would be to put your USB adapter on an extension cable....maybe put it in a bag to keep it dry...then use a Zip-Tie to connect it to a high spot on the truck for the night...like an antenna...that way it will get it away from metal, and give you a clear sight-line to the router....
Remember, WI-FI is 2.4 Ghz, and that is the same frequency of consumer microwaves , but at 1/100th the power (it is so weak it cannot penetrate skin, so no problems...but that is why if the guy in the next cab is poping popcorn to watch a movie, the signal may drop-out for 3 minutes!!)...but just like with the microwaves, a metal item will block 100% of the signal...heck, metalized window tint can reduce the signal!!
The same trick could be used with Verizon/Virgin mobile/sprint/etc usb adapters to get a better signal....they operate at 800 or 1600 Mhz..so they are more tolerant to metal surfaces...but a better signal is better!! it will give you more speed in many cases!!

 

So update....what's everyone using now and how far can you get the wifi signal to come into your truck? Also if you have a link to and cost that be great. I'm also thinking of our terminals which have free wifi inside the building but not outside, so I'd like to have something that's an easy simple setup that I can get boosted signal to my truck at the truck stop back row (lol) and similar when parked at one our terminals,....you get the idea to tap that free wifi. ...okay who can share on this and how it works for you.....I know they sometimes call me the old thread reviver...lol. I use my smartphone, tablet and my old laptop at times

 

Try this Alfa adapter. Trust me. I have several of them. Long story but I know more about wifi than your average bear. There are several variations on the Rokland site so get the one that fits your current hardware

https://store.rokland.com/products/alfa-1000mw-usb-wireless-g-b-adapter-w-rp-sma-antenna-awus036h