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Post by AudioHTIT on Apr 7, 2020 18:18:42 GMT -5
I say ‘MoFi type’ because I’m not sure what the generic name is for this type of device; I know MoFi is also a brand name and I don’t mean to limit this discussion to that. Edit: I've learned that these devices are more commonly called 4G/LTE routers.I live in a rural area in the California foothills which is only serviced by power and phone, my current ISP uses a wireless technology which tops out at 5 to 10 Mbps. I’ve talked with some friends and neighbors who’ve used a MoFi router (if your not familiar it’s like a hot spot on steroids with multiple antennas), and depending on their location and carrier they’ve seen speeds between 20 and 50 Mbps. I know I can get a good signal from both Verizon (our current iPhone carrier), and AT&T (our former carrier). I’ve heard that Verizon ‘Mofi’ plans have data caps, and that they’re low enough I’d probably hit them streaming 4K movies (my primary goal in pursuing this). AT&T probably has a cap too, but I understand it’s much higher (in both cases I believe the plans are called ‘unlimited’ 🙄). Typically you have to buy the router and it’s a few hundred bucks, I'm ok with that. So, that’s what I think I know. Is anyone doing anything like this and/or know more about it? I'm including this photo mostly because it was a beautiful day here, and as I was out had to take a shot. This old ranch is at the bottom of the hill, my place is up the road about a mile to the left which is roughly 500' higher and about equal to the hill behind the ranch. My ISP has an antenna on that hill that I get a signal from.  |
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Post by martindktm on Apr 7, 2020 20:31:43 GMT -5
Well nice picture. Here I still have at least 3 foot of snow on the ground... Still riding snowmobile.
I live off grid and run on generator. So no phone no power lines. We used internet via a satellite dish. Works good 90% of the time. Less good on heavy snow storm or thunderstorm. The company is named Xplornet. We also get a phone line via their services. Maybe internet via satellite could offer you a solution to your need?
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Post by AudioHTIT on Apr 7, 2020 23:42:22 GMT -5
Well nice picture. Here I still have at least 3 foot of snow on the ground... Still riding snowmobile. I live off grid and run on generator. So no phone no power lines. We used internet via a satellite dish. Works good 90% of the time. Less good on heavy snow storm or thunderstorm. The company is named Xplornet. We also get a phone line via their services. Maybe internet via satellite could offer you a solution to your need? Thanks, it was a great day, and I always love that view of the ranch each year in spring. I just got back from spending the winter in Park City, so I’m quite fond of snow, but like everything else the mountain closed. I used Satellite the first 5 years or so I was here (Starband), I’m sure it’s better now, but I’d probably stick with what I have before going back. Have you ever streamed a 4K movie with it? What kind of speeds do you get? Thanks for the contact though, I’ll look at what they have to offer. |
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KeithL
Administrator 
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Post by KeithL on Apr 8, 2020 0:23:20 GMT -5
I think the term you're looking for is "satellite Internet service"...
I've seen several ads for "Hughes Internet Service" ....
They seem to be promising "faster than DSL service in areas not served by cable companies using 5G technology"....
(I don't know anybody who uses them but it might be worth checking them out.)
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Post by AudioHTIT on Apr 8, 2020 0:45:47 GMT -5
I think the term you're looking for is "satellite Internet service"... I've seen several ads for "Hughes Internet Service" .... They seem to be promising "faster than DSL service in areas not served by cable companies using 5G technology".... (I don't know anybody who uses them but it might be worth checking them out.) No, I’ve had satellite,. MoFi uses cell service, but with better antennas, I guess generically they might be called ‘Wireless Routers’ (not WiFi) or ‘LTE Routers’. Here’s a picture of one, this is an actual MoFi brand, but other companies make them.  |
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Post by cwmcobra on Apr 8, 2020 6:30:00 GMT -5
I have HughesNet, living in a rural area. Speeds are OK, not great. About 10 Mbps up, about 1.5-2 Mbps down at best. I haven't tried streaming 4K but I'm sure it wouldn't work well because even when streaming stuff on FB Live, I have to set the video quality at 240 to get smooth streaming without pauses for caching. The other downsides to satellite are the data caps (mine is 30 GB) and the ping time. Takes relatively long time to ping up to the satellite and back...
I'm also interested in the MoFi device and service, but don't understand how it boosts speed as much as it claims.
Subscribed!
Chuck
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Post by AudioHTIT on Apr 8, 2020 7:24:55 GMT -5
I have HughesNet, living in a rural area. Speeds are OK, not great. About 10 Mbps up, about 1.5-2 Mbps down at best. I haven't tried streaming 4K but I'm sure it wouldn't work well because even when streaming stuff on FB Live, I have to set the video quality at 240 to get smooth streaming without pauses for caching. The other downsides to satellite are the data caps (mine is 30 GB) and the ping time. Takes relatively long time to ping up to the satellite and back... I'm also interested in the MoFi device and service, but don't understand how it boosts speed as much as it claims. Subscribed! Chuck Thanks for the numbers on Hughesnet, that’s about what I expected, though last I looked they claimed to have a 25Mbps package, but yes, the latency is pretty rough. Here is a comparison showing the “potential” of MoFi/Wireless/LTE. The first test shows about the best speed I can get from my current provider, who uses a directional WiFi with special antennas. The second is just disconnecting from my home WiFi and letting my iPad connect to Verizon (4 bars of LTE). As I mentioned, I think Verizon has data caps, and I don’t think AT&T’s speed is quite this good, but you can see the possible benefits of this type of connection. it doesn’t really ‘boost’ the speed, but rather let’s you get as much as is possibly available (so it depends on what kind of cell service you get).If 5G was going to get to my neck of the woods anytime soon, it would likely be even better, but I don’t hold out much hope for that. Connected to current WiFi based ISP (Zeta Broadband)  Connected via 4G LTE (Verizon)  |
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Post by cwmcobra on Apr 8, 2020 8:24:39 GMT -5
Here's my data this morning. I guess it's pretty typical. Note the long Ping time....  Not great... |
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Post by SticknStones on Apr 8, 2020 10:38:22 GMT -5
I think the term you're looking for is "satellite Internet service"... I've seen several ads for "Hughes Internet Service" .... They seem to be promising "faster than DSL service in areas not served by cable companies using 5G technology".... (I don't know anybody who uses them but it might be worth checking them out.) No, I’ve had satellite,. MoFi uses cell service, but with better antennas, I guess generically they might be called ‘Wireless Routers’ (not WiFi) or ‘LTE Routers’. Here’s a picture of one, this is an actual MoFi brand, but other companies make them. View AttachmentI live on Kent Island and only had one internet option so T-Mobile asked if I wanted to pilot their Home Internet service as they were looking to provide options to areas that were limited. It is 50Mbs and I have had it for 2 years now. $50 a month and very stable for me. The video below is from a chap with a similar circumstance. The router is low profile, no cables and compact. |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Apr 8, 2020 10:41:55 GMT -5
Here's my data this morning. I guess it's pretty typical. Note the long Ping time.... Not great... Yeah, that 45,000 mile trip takes a while, but the speed isn’t too bad (better than when I had satellite). At least you’re connected to the world and can join us here in the lounge! One possible option in the future if MoFi doesn’t work out, is the planned SpaceX Starlink LEO satellite network. With about a 700 mike round trip the latency should be much less, and one article said they trying for Gig speeds. There is some controversy though as the early satellites were more visible than expected and astronomers are worried. Here’s some info. www.space.com/spacex-starlink-satellites.html |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Apr 8, 2020 10:54:46 GMT -5
No, I’ve had satellite,. MoFi uses cell service, but with better antennas, I guess generically they might be called ‘Wireless Routers’ (not WiFi) or ‘LTE Routers’. Here’s a picture of one, this is an actual MoFi brand, but other companies make them. I live on Kent Island and only had one internet option so T-Mobile asked if I wanted to pilot their Home Internet service as they were looking to provide options to areas that were limited. It is 50Mbs and I have had it for 2 years now. $50 a month and very stable for me. The video below is from a chap with a similar circumstance. The router is low profile, no cables and compact. That’s great! 50 Mbps for $50 a month, no cap and stable, I’d be very happy with that. I don’t think TMobile has good service in my area, but I’m not really sure and am going to check that out. Thanks for posting! Edit: Just did their availability check and no go for me, but still a good resource and always hope as they expand their network. www.t-mobile.com/isp |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Apr 9, 2020 16:22:44 GMT -5
So I see that Verizon just upped it's throttle point on 'unlimited' accounts, up from 30 to 50 GB before they'll throttle you 'if you're tower is busy', still I'm skeptical that would be enough. I'm checking with AT&T but their direct plans also have a low 'throttle cap'. What I sort of knew, but is now more apparent, is that I'll probably need to work with a 3rd party data reseller (my term). It appears these guys buy big chunks of data from AT&T, Sprint, whoever, and then resell it to people like us -- they then hope that all of us together don't go over the amount they bought -- this is how you get over the data/throttle caps when you buy directly from AT&T, etc. I did actually talk with a guy last summer who did this, but he was just getting started and handn't done many installs, he didn't really know his hardware and couldn't get a good connection at my place. So I need to search out some of these data resellers. In the mean time I started looking for a 4G LTE router (probably a better name than MoFi), found one that looks pretty good. This one mounts outdoors -- I have a 'communications array' for stuff like this and it's well located. This one has antennas (no cable loss), router, WiFi (probably use my own), and can be powered with PoE over an ethernet cable you'd use to connect to your network. This type of configuration is perfect for my situation. It also holds multiple SIMM cards if you wanted to go crazy and have multiple accounts. I'm also seeing people use these on RV's to get better service while they're traveling or camped somewhere.  >>> America Outdoor 4G Cellular Router <<< |
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Post by martindktm on Apr 9, 2020 19:00:39 GMT -5
Well nice picture. Here I still have at least 3 foot of snow on the ground... Still riding snowmobile. I live off grid and run on generator. So no phone no power lines. We used internet via a satellite dish. Works good 90% of the time. Less good on heavy snow storm or thunderstorm. The company is named Xplornet. We also get a phone line via their services. Maybe internet via satellite could offer you a solution to your need? Thanks, it was a great day, and I always love that view of the ranch each year in spring. I just got back from spending the winter in Park City, so I’m quite fond of snow, but like everything else the mountain closed. I used Satellite the first 5 years or so I was here (Starband), I’m sure it’s better now, but I’d probably stick with what I have before going back. Have you ever streamed a 4K movie with it? What kind of speeds do you get? Thanks for the contact though, I’ll look at what they have to offer.
Never tried 4K streaming. I don't have a 4K tv yet. I'm just listening to basic stuff on Netflix or amazon prime and youtube. Works good all the times.
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Post by cwmcobra on Apr 9, 2020 19:09:42 GMT -5
Unfortunately, the T-Mobile network isn't available in my area either. The 4G LTE outdoor router looks promising. More homework to do, thanks!
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Post by AudioHTIT on Apr 10, 2020 10:47:11 GMT -5
So I started searching for service / data providers, the first I found was in Oklahoma, but they had prices posted which would probably be typical. They sell a router with an optional outdoor antenna for under $200, and service (they say without data caps) for about $100 a month. They say speeds ‘up to’ 150 Mbps, but that 15 to 25 is typical. So it’s getting clearer what it takes and what it will cost. Here’s a screen shot of their page, though I’d prefer to use someone local.  Edit: In searching further, I'd say this 'unlimited / no data caps' is ambiguous, and some also say 50 GB, so read the fine print and ask questions. Better yet, find out what you're currently using, and how that might change if you had more speed (like my desire to stream more 4K) |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Apr 14, 2020 15:08:12 GMT -5
I've continued to research, and think I've found a system I want to try. They make two basic configurations, Indoor -- if you have good AT&T or TMobile service inside your home, Outdoor -- if your service is less than ideal and/or you want to get the highest speeds. I'll be going for the Outdoor system, equipment will cost about $350, service will be $99 a month with another $35 activation fee. I talked with one of the technical resources for this company today, he was very knowledgable and gave me confidence they were above board. The outdoor system is similar in configuration to the unit I posted above with the receiver, router, antenna in a single outdoor package powered by PoE over a single Cat 7 cable. Like that unit, maximum speeds could be over 100 Mbps, but 15 -- 25 is more typical. It has a 7 day trial period and I have decided that 20 Mbps is the minimum I will accept to keep the unit (and drop my current system). It sounds like their 'throttle point' (for AT&T) is pretty high (several hundred GB). simnetwireless.com/product/outdoor-extended-range-directional-antenna-kit/ |
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Post by cwmcobra on Apr 14, 2020 19:28:33 GMT -5
I'll be following and hoping for good progress!
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Post by AudioHTIT on Apr 30, 2020 6:23:12 GMT -5
So I got very close to pulling the trigger on the Simnet product, two things stoped me for now. One, the current unit will not accept a Verizon SIM, even though I’ve heard that most of their plans probably would not meet my data requirements, I get a very good signal and speed from them, and their plans could change. I’ve heard from Simnet they will have a dual SIM model in a couple months that can take a Verizon SIM.
Second, SpaceX just had their third successful launch of 60 satellites for building their Starlink Internet service. Unlike HughesNet and their predecessors, these are LEO satellites with much lower latency, and they’re talking up to Gig speeds for a reasonable price. They expect to be offering service in the Northern US and Canada this year, and globally in 2021. Having waited this long, it seems close enough to consider and sounds promising.
So working on other projects now and using our Verizon phones as hotspots when we want to stream 4K.
—Bruce
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Post by cwmcobra on Apr 30, 2020 8:31:28 GMT -5
Thanks for the update Bruce. I've also held off as some simple signal strength and speed tests with one of Simnet's providers was not appealing. So, I'm waiting also and appreciate the news of potential options coming in the near future.
No 4K streaming here. We're lucky to continuously stream online video at 240K...
Chuck
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Post by cwmcobra on Feb 17, 2021 22:45:32 GMT -5
Just got an email from Starlink and am now signed up and paid deposit for service when available in my area. They're saying mid-late 2021. I'm hopeful though, because I signed up to get in line several months ago and now they are taking orders. We'll see how it works out. It would be their Beta program, so might not be 100%, but with high hopes for fully achieving speeds of 100 Mbps with low latency. And talking 10 Gbps speeds in the future. Should be able to stream 4K with those speeds.
Being part of a Beta program will be interesting. Hoping for reasonable speeds and reliability and installation in the not too distant future.
Cheers!
Chuck
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