FAQ Category: Connectivity Questions

Why does my computer or device disconnect from the WiFiRanger for 15-30 seconds?

When the WiFiRanger connects to a WiFi network, it must temporarily stop broadcasting in order to establish the connection to the access point. This is normal operation. The drop in connection can be identified when a computer or device disconnects from the WiFiRanger WiFi broadcast. This occurs a few seconds after clicking Connect onto a network from the Main tab of the Control Panel. Expect the WiFiRanger broadcast to disappear for 15-30 seconds while it is establishing a connection to the access point. After this is accomplished, the WiFiRanger should start broadcasting to your computers and devices again. Be sure to reconnect your computers and devices back to the WiFiRanger broadcast if they do not automatically do so.

Can the WiFiRanger work on public WiFi with captive portals?

There are various terms used to describe public WiFi networks that require additional login steps through a web browser: captive portal, splash page, filtered network, etc. These public WiFi networks often require the user to agree to terms and conditions and/or enter a room or site number. Hotels, RV Parks, and numerous other public WiFi providers use captive portals to improve security and ensure that only validated guests use the network. WiFiRanger routers have been designed to easily deal with such situations. As the WiFiRanger connects to such WiFi systems, the onscreen control panel will alert the user that a login page has been detected, providing a link for the WiFiRanger user to click in order to be directed to the splash page. Once authenticated through this page, the WiFiRanger will be online via the filtered WiFi network. Devices connected to the WiFiRanger which otherwise could not use captive portals will also be online (Smart TVs, gaming consoles, internet-enabled printers, streaming boxes, etc). Not all mobile routers or devices support this kind of functionality, which sets WiFiRangers apart since they support captive portals.

How can I use WiFi primarily but also have Cellular as an automatic backup?

WiFiRanger’s Multi-WAN features allow a user to connect to multiple internet sources at the same time. Several MultiWAN operating modes are user-selectable and each offers different features. For example, in Hot Standby mode, one internet connection is active with anoter acting as an instantaneous backup for the active connection. Even multiple backup connections can be setup and prioritized using Hot Standby mode. If service on your active connection is dropped your WiFiRanger will shift to the next alternate connection with internet available. In Load Balance mode, the WiFiRanger will utilize all connected internet connections and, on a moment-by-moment basis, will switch from one to another as the speed of the connections varies. The Load Balance mode is very popular with our customers since it provides increased throughput in some circumstances (when multiple internet streams are active) and increases internet reliability by using multiple internet sources simultaneously.

Can I use my existing SIM card with a WiFiRanger integrated LTE modem?

WiFiRanger routers with integrated modems are certified for use on the AT&T and T-Mobile networks. Verizon certification is in process. If your SIM is already activated on either the AT&T or T-Mobile networks and are on a hotspot data plan, it likely that it will work when inserted into an integrated WiFiRanger LTE modem. However, WiFiRanger does not guarantee that any user-provided SIMs and plans will work in its products. WiFiRanger does market data plans from Freedom Go that are certified and guaranteed to work with integrated WiFiRanger LTE modems on the ATT network. Learn more about these plans here.

Can a WiFiRanger help me control and limit Cellular data usage to avoid overages?

WiFiRanger devices can track LTE usage by each device in your network and can create rules to control data usage for each device. Rules can be as simple as turning off the children’s devices at bedtime or limiting the data speeds or total usage of different devices. For example, you can create rules to limit the data usage of your Roku, FireStick, or SmartTV to control data usage while streaming. Usage tracking also allows you to track and control the amount of data downloaded and uploaded through any of your internet connections.

Will a WiFiRanger let me connect to WiFi signals coming from sources miles away?

Customers often ask this question because some manufacturers feel that this is the most effective way to tout the superiority of their products. Under ideal conditions (clear skies, flat terrain, no trees, etc.) connections can be made by many amplifier systems at distances of several miles. But that’s not at all typical of the distances you will want to connect at in a campground, or, if you are parked outside a restaurant or store and want to access its WiFi. Purely for reference purposes, under ideal conditions, the outdoor WiFiRanger products can send and receive WiFi signals at the following maximum ranges: Teton at 1mi, Denali, at 1.5mi, and Everest at 2mi. These maximum ranges are not to be expected as the norm, but rather as the rare exception.

How can a WiFiRanger help if we rarely use public WiFi and rely primarily on Cellular internet?

Even if you primarily use your cellular hotspot and rarely use campground WiFi, there are lots of ways a WiFiRanger could improve your camping experience. For example, if you’re like many full-time RVers, you may have hotspots for more than one cellular carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Millenicon, Sprint, etc.) and may need to swap back and forth to obtain the best connection. Or you might need to switch hotspot devices during the month to spread your data usage across more than one plan. Or maybe you’re staying at one of the increasingly large number of RV parks that does provide good WiFi service. In all these cases, having your network devices all connected to a WiFiRanger means that your entire network can be switched from one internet connection to another without having to enter passwords in each device. This saves time and alleviates a lot of hassle.

Will a WiFiRanger improve my cellular signal?

Cellular networks and park WiFi are two different kinds of communications networks. The WiFiRanger’s amplification of an RV park’s wifi doesn’t improve your cellular signal, but several WiFiRanger products have, as an option, the ability to support integrated LTE (cellular) modems which may be more advanced than the modems in your phone or hotspot. Furthermore, rooftop mounting of a cellular modem can provide stronger signals in many cases.