Smartphones and Mobile Hotspots – Mobile Internet Connections

In today’s world, most RVers use cellular data as a means to connect to the Internet while traveling. However, many have questions such as: “When does it make sense to rely on only a smartphone?” “When is a dedicated mobile hotspot justified?” “What are other cellular options?”

The connectivity solution that makes the most sense depends on how many devices you’re trying to keep connected, how many people will be accessing the Internet, how many data plans you want to keep active, where you think you’ll need Internet access and what devices you already own. The basic options include devices that are restricted to data only, such as mobile hotspots and USB modems, or putting cellular connected tablets and phones to work serving double duty by providing an Internet connection for your computers as well.

Here are the mobile internet options to consider:

Keep reading and we’ll cover the advantages and drawbacks of each option, and which is recommended or most practical for your situation.

Smartphone / Tablet

The simplest way to share a cellular data connection with multiple devices is by using the built-in mobile hotspot or tethering feature provided by most smartphones and tablets.

“Hotspot” is when you use the device to create a wireless WiFi hotspot to which several other devices can connect.

“Tethering” is when you connect a single laptop or router to the cellular device using a USB cable, allowing only that one device to share in the connection.

Assuming your cellular carrier has enabled this feature (most current plans do), you will find a prominent option in the control panel of Apple iOS and many Android devices to enable “Personal Hotspot” or “Mobile Hotspot” to turn on this connection sharing feature.
You can then easily configure a network name and password to protect the connection.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Recommended for:

Solo travelers, for those who are not dependent on Internet for critical tasks: for access to a secondary cellular network, i.e.: if your primary is Verizon with a MiFi, you can access AT&T as a backup; when needed by hotspotting from a smartphone; or for out-and-about Internet access away from the RV.

MOBILE HOTSPOTS (Jetpack and MiFi)

Also, sometimes referred to as a Jetpack or MiFi, mobile hotspots are small, self-contained units that receive a cellular data signal, and then broadcast a WiFi hotspot that enables your other electronic devices to connect to the Internet.

These are in essence a cellular modem and tiny WiFi router combined. Most mobile hotspots tend to be able to serve five to 15 connected devices at once.

Because they have a battery built into them, you can easily take a mobile hotspot with you when on the go. Some can even double as portable battery packs, allowing you to charge other USB devices as well.

Advantages:

Disadvantages

Recommended for:

Multi-person or multi-device households, and for those who depend on cellular data for critical tasks and don’t want to bother with tethering from a smartphone and need their RV to have Internet access even while they’re away (remoting in to check on cameras or RV automation systems).

USB CELLULAR MODEMS & CONNECTED CAR DEVICES

A USB “stick” cellular modem or Connected Car device needs to plug into something in order to be functional such as your computer or compatible cellular-aware router.  Connected Car devices either are built into modern vehicles, or need to plug into the diagnostic port of a vehicle. .

If you are traveling solo and only need to keep a single laptop online, this can be a simple and elegant solution.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Recommended for:

Solo travelers needing only one laptop connected, or a household planning to have a cellular optimized router anyway. In general, this option has been eclipsed by others.

Cellular Integrated and Mobile Routers

Last, but not least, there are high-end options. These options use a dedicated router to share a cellular data plan, while creating a more advanced local area network that is capable of supporting multiple devices, while integrating other upsteam data connections. These might be WiFi, campground WiFi, cable Internet hookups or even satellite Internet.

The advantage of this type of mobile router is that all your local devices only need to be configured once, not every time you change your connection method. Your tech connects to the mobile router, and the mobile router selects between the various upstream options.

To connect to the Internet by cellular service, mobile routers typically pairs with and controls traditional mobile hotspots or USB cellular modems. Some can even connect via a tethered smartphone.

Some more advanced (and expensive) mobile routers even feature an integrated cellular radio of their own, eliminating the need for tethering to an external hotspot. Some models even can be installed on your RVs roof to get you the best possible signal.

Advantages:

Disadvantages

Recommended for:

Those with multiple devices in their RV who need to keep connected, those needing a wired local network, those who have more complex needs overall and those who are a bit more tech-savvy and comfortable with basic networking.

Regardless of which method you choose, for maximum coverage and speed, we recommend purchasing the newest cellular devices you can, and plan on replacing your hardware every few years to stay current with the latest cellular standards and frequency bands.

Authors

Cherie Ve Ard and Chris Dunphy

Cherie Ve Ard and Chris Dunphy of Technomadia.com have been living and working full-time on the road since 2006, and Internet connectivity has been essential to them every step of the way. To help other RVers with the challenges of staying connected, they co-authored The Mobile Internet Handbook, and in 2014 they launched RVMobileInternet.com to provide unbiased information, reviews, resources and tutorials to help us all stay better connected on the road.