Comments on: Internet on the Road, Bandwidth Limits

By: Rick Johnson

Rick Johnson — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:55:05 +0000

All cellular carriers seem to be moving towards the limited “unlimited” plans. Sprint was the most recent one to move to that platform. We just purchased a kit at http://www.wifiinmotion.com that has made our class c one big hotspot. It is secure, and allows my wife and I do both browse the web at the same time. It’s in the $900 range, but based on our “business-on-the-road” needs, it’s been well worth the expense.

Also, in their FAQ section on their site, they offer examples of what 5 Gig relates to in the real world, which was really helpful.

Keep trekking down the road!

By: Chris Guld

Chris Guld — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:39:31 +0000

Marty – there are so many USB wi-fi adapters. They also change all the time, some of our favorites are no longer made. The thing to ask for is USB Wireless Network adapter specification: 802.11 b or g. We like the names Hawking and Buffalo, but there are plenty of good ones out there. Expect to pay around $80, but even the $30 Belkin or $50 Linksys at Walmart will probably be an improvement over your built-in.

By: Marty Hill

Marty Hill — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:36:42 +0000

Another question for Chris, I also attended the RV-Dreams Rally where you spoke of a USB connected external antennae for the laptop for better WI-FI reception in campgrounds and other areas. I am having difficulty in locating an antennae. Do you have any brand names for such a devise? Thanks Marty

By: Jeff Foley

Jeff Foley — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:16:39 +0000

5 Gigabytes per month on cellular offers quite a bit more flexibility than 350 Megabytes per day. Very few users will ever have a problem with the former, but I know several who have “hit the limit” with the latter.

Also NOTE WELL that this article does not address the MOST important aspect of internet access–SECURITY. WiFi has pervasive, inherent security risks, of which every user should be aware before logging on. Both Satellite and Cellular have inherent security which all but eliminate certain risks–those related to someone tapping into your signal.

Please do yourself a favor. Google “Wi Fi security risk” and see what I’m talking about. Wi Fi can be secured, but you MUST be vigilant and careful at all times when using it.

IMHO, you should only use Wi Fi as a last resort if satellite and/or cellular are not available to you when travelling.

By: Chris Guld

Chris Guld — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:13:25 +0000

John, You’re right. The terms ‘bandwidth’ and ‘data transfer’ are similar yet different and what I am referring to in this article is actually data transfer. I like to use analogies. Data is like water coming through a hose. Bandwidth is the size of the hose – a firehose delivers much more water per second than a garden hose. Data Transfer is the amount of water actually delivered. In the case of getting ‘FAPped’, it’s like Hughes is crimping your hose!

By: Chris Guld

Chris Guld — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 07:48:41 +0000

Darrel, I also am unaware of any limitations on Alltell wireless data service. However, with the recent announcement of Alltell being purchased by Verizon, the end is probably near.

By: Darrel

Darrel — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 04:06:47 +0000

Hi Chris, I’m not aware of any bandwidth limitations using Alltel cellular service.

By: Jim Burnett

Jim Burnett — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:33:23 +0000

Thanks for a very informative update! This is useful information, both for time on the road and for those of us who live in rural areas where cable or other hardwired high-speed connections aren’t available.

By: John Hilley

John Hilley — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:21:07 +0000

I know that by common usage the meaning of bandwidth now means to most people the amount of data transfered, it actually is the rate of communication in bits/second. Thus a bandwidth of 1.5Mbs is different type of measurement than data transfer of 5GB/mo. One is the rate and the other is the cummulative amount over a period of time. One is measured in bits (b) and the other Bytes (B), which are often interchanged erroneously.