RV Internet Access

RV internet access is of growing importance. Many fulltimers want fulltime access, and even part-time RVers want to be online and send email. Technological advances provide more choices for RVer internet access. Here are some of the options.

Dial-Up, DSL, Cable RV Internet Access

This often also means waiting your turn, or having to limit your time to give another camper their turn. In the past, this was about the only way to get RV internet access, but in the current web-based world, it does not meet the needs of most RVers.

Another option is to use internet access available at local libraries or other public places. This is a feasible solution for short RV trips, or as a back-up plan if you have no other means of getting connected.

Sometimes campgrounds offer phone or cable connections for RV internet access at the individual sites. Usually the visiting RVer needs to activate these connections by calling the phone or cable company. For the RVer who is going to be staying awhile, this can be a good means of RV internet access - often you can get high speed broadband cable or DSL connections. But for the visitor on the move who only spends a few days or weeks in a given spot, this is usually not a viable means for internet access on the road.

WiFi RV Internet Access

The speed and range of the reach will vary depending on the specific WiFi network and configuration at a given park. We have been fortunate to find some very fast access, but have also used WiFI connections that are just so-so. Also be aware if a park does offer WiFi RV internet access - you may not be able to access the network from all sites in the campground, so ask when you make the reservation or check in.

When you get to your park be sure to ask if they charge for WiFi RV internet access. Some RV parks offer it free or charge a fee, or they offer RV internet access for a fee through a WiFI provider. Check to see if they offer hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and/or seasonal rates.

Most laptop computers come equipped with 802.11b/g capability suitable for RV internet access. There are currently three 802.11 standards: 802.11a, b and g. Each was developed to improve speed, number of users supported, or reception.

• 802.11a is more expensive and popular in a business environment because of its high connection speeds up to 54Mbps, support of multiple users and is not affected by electrical emanation from appliances, but it has a trade off in range and ability to penetrate walls.
• 802.b was more popular in home applications because of lower costs and greater range, however the tradeoffs are fewer users can be supported, speed is limited to about 11Mbps, and sometimes appliances can interfere with the signal.
• 802.11g is the latest improvement and is backward compatible with 802.11b and becoming more popular for home applications. 802.11g matches the 54Mbps speed of 802.11a, can support more users than 802.11b, still has the range and wall penetration of 802.11b, however it must still contend with the same electrical interferences as 802.11b.

Wireless (Cellular ) RV Internet Access

One way to go is to use a cell phone and/or wireless provider for internet access. Wireless providers include companies like Verizon Wireless, Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.

• In its simplest form, you use the cell phone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) or integrated PDA/cell phone display screen to retrieve email and web browsing. Internet access is through the wireless provider, using one of their various monthly plans. The array of features for smart phones and other portable devices grows daily. There are different sizes and designs for displays, and different types of graphic or text-based browser options. Auxiliary keyboards and other accessories make these devices easier to use on their own or as an adjunct to a more permanent PC.
• The cell phone may also be used as a modem for RV internet access. In this arrangement, the computer is connected to the cell phone via a USB cable, infrared or Bluetooth, and the cell phone then connects through the wireless provider to the internet. This mode of operation provides the larger screen and functionality of the computer vs. the cell phone/PDA display.

  One limitation of this method is that you usually can't use your phone as a modem and a telephone at the same time. Another consideration is how your data usage is going to be billed. You may rack up minutes if your online usage is not during unlimited night and weekend periods. A good forum on this type of RV internet access is InternetByCellPhone. It has ongoing discussion of this subject, including some helpful Sprint and Verizon tutorials.

• A third option is to use a wireless networking card ("air card") directly in the computer and connect via the wireless provider. Instead of connecting computer to cell phone, the aircard provides the connectivity to the cell tower for your RV internet access.

  Most of the providers have a plan that supports these cards, with options for the amount of data usage. These are generally higher speed connections and in some major metropolitan areas, broadband may be offered. Cingular, Verizon and Sprint have an unlimited plan for about $60-$80/month. T-Mobile has an unlimited plan for $30/month, albeit with narrower geographic coverage and lower speeds.

  Note that the various wireless providers often have separate voice and data coverage maps - so read the fine print as you browse the wireless provider websites. You can often obtain a PC card at a discount when signing up for a data plan.

There is a wide range of phones, plans and wireless technologies (CDMA, GSM, GPRS, HSCSD, EDGE, etc.). For most of us, there is no pleasure in sorting through the various options. It is a matter of taking the time to find a phone and plan that will meet your voice and data needs, as well as your travel plans. If you are in the market for a new phone, tri-mode phones are usually recommended.

The advantages of wireless internet access - it is compact and may get you a connection going down the road. You probably can't count on coverage everywhere, but you will have internet access in an increasing number of locations. Speeds for connecting to the internet are bound to improve as technology evolves. A mix of WiFi where available and wireless connections elsewhere may give you adequate RV internet access.

And something relatively new for boosting the connection via wireless providers, such as Sprint, is Internet in Motion Mobile Internet System - Sprint

The Internet In Motion system uses the cellular network to stay connected; even while traveling down the road. It uses a powerful cellular router and high gain antenna, and is compatible with Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Palm or Pocket PC operating systems. This provides a faster connection than an Air card that can be used while in motion.

Download E-Book all about RV Internet Access!

Satellite RV Internet Access

These are not cheap, although prices are trending in the right direction. They are not the same thing as the satellite units used by many RVers for TV (although once you buy one of the Data/Internet Satellite systems, you can usually add hardware to accommodate TV)

There are two primary satellite solutions (Direcway and Starband),and two ways to mount them - either automatic mount (meaning on the roof) or manual mount (separate tripod arrangement). They are sold through a variety of dealers and value-added resellers (VARs).

Automatic roof-mounted: Major manufacturers for the automatic-mount products include MotoSAT's Datastorm, DTI DirecStar, Ground Control and C-Com's iNetVu.

MotoSAT's DataStorm system is two-way satellite transmission. With the introduction of the D-2 Controller and DW7000 modems, the DataStorm will work with most computers. Prices, with installation, are in the range of $5000 - $5500. There is a monthly charge of $99.00 for unlimited access.

C-Com's iNetVu offers different systems (iNetVu 740 - 1200) to serve a variety of RV personal and business applications.

DataBahn has made reference to their potential TruPut 2-way mobile satellite offer; more to follow on RV applications. Preliminary product descriptions tout an integrated solution that includes a GPS portal, VoIP phone lines, video conferencing, and is TVoIP ready.

On September 20, 2005. DataTech announced that its new DirecStar auto-pointing and deploying mounting system has been certified by Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HNS), for use with HNS’ DIRECWAY® broadband satellite system.

KVH once offered an RV internet access system via satellite in North America. The KVH website states that the TracNet product is still available in Europe. In North America, the TracNet line now focuses on upcoming in-motion, two-way access to MSN TV service, including web browsing and other media applications. High-speed data connections are to be provided by EVDO service.

Manually-mounted units: These use a tripod type of arrangement. Various vendors sell these and have their proprietary method for the set-up and dish-pointing functions. Prices from these companies run from about $1300 to $1700, and higher for packages with different types of satellite aiming devices. Monthly plans run from $59 and up.

Cheaper options might be found by buying the equipment and then becoming trained/certified to do the installation and set-up on your own.

A few companies that provide tripod equipment and/or automatic roof top systems:

www.rvnetworking.com
www.dustyfoot.com
www.maxwellsatellite.com (Referral Number NC030)
RV internet access from RV-Sat-Link
www.internetanywhere.us
www.3icommunications.com (Ontario, Canada)

Like most things, the choice between manual and automatic mounted arrangements is one of trade-offs. Automatic mounts are easier to deploy - advertised to be a matter of minutes. The manual mounts need to be set up and disassembled. They need to be transported, and the equipment is not small.

A view of the southern sky is required for this RV internet access. A tripod version might be more flexible, since it can be positioned within sight of the signal. With a roof-mounted system, you won't always be able to shift the RV position to avoid trees.

And of course there is the price difference. As you make decisions about which way to go, think through how often you will need and use your RV internet access.

Whatever your means of connection for internet access on the road, take necessary security precautions to protect your computer and your personal information.