Brad Davenport, Author at Digital Camper

Are you trying to figure out how to get internet in your campervan or caravan? Maybe you wonder what kind of antenna, wifi dongle, or booster you need for 4G Internet. Do you have another idea? Using the internet while travelling might seem confusing, but a wide range of solutions is available, possibly not all of them will suit your needs. You can find everything you need to know about finding the best internet solutions for your van right here in this article. Can You Have a Wi-Fi Router in a Van? First and foremost: What is campervan WiFi? Internet access in your van is the same as in any other location. You can connect WiFi-enabled devices such as smartphones, computers and tablets to a network and use it to browse and stream content as if you were at home. The results can be vastly different depending on where you source the original signal. A van's WiFi needs are a little more complex than those of a traditional house, and as a result, you need to consider your needs carefully. There are several ways to stay connected when travelling. Typically, the two main options are a mobile data plan or using the campsite's local WiFi network signal. Campervan Wifi Router Most people are familiar with the router and modem connected to a professionally installed cable for their at-home WiFi. However, you can also use a mobile router for your campervan WiFi system. How Do I Get Internet if I Live in a Van? You're ready to choose a van WiFi solution when you know where and how you plan to use the internet. Let's look at the various alternatives for connecting your campervan to the internet. Mobile Data Assuming you're in the UK, the chances are good that your smartphone is already set up to use data. With a working phone signal, you will be able to access the internet on your mobile device. A WiFi hotspot can also be set up on your mobile phone so that other devices, such as a computer or iPad, can connect to your phone and use your data. Make sure that your phone has data roaming enabled and that you have a plan that allows you to use data in other countries for a reasonable price when you're away from the UK. Remember, the data allowance you receive at home in the UK may differ significantly from the allowance you receive when travelling. Although setting up a hotspot on your smartphone is really simple, there are a few limitations to this method: It can quickly deplete the battery life of your phone.You could quickly exhaust your monthly data allowance if you don't have a mobile phone plan that includes dedicated hotspot data.You may reach the throttling threshold faster even if you have "unlimited" data. MiFi Device for Van Internet Connection MiFi devices are an option if your existing phone or plan doesn't support tethering or does not offer adequate data. Battery life and the number of devices you can connect to a single MiFi device are essential considerations. The average MiFi device will allow you to connect at least ten external devices, usually more than enough for the average person. The contract term and data allowance are the most important factors to consider. If you use your campervan or caravan for only holidays, then paying for a long term contract is not an option, so you should opt for either pay-as-you-go or a 1-month renewable contract. Best Internet Routers for Campers A WiFi router for campers is similar to your home internet box, but instead of being connected to a phone line, they contain a SIM card. Choosing an "unlocked" WiFi router means you can use any SIM card from the four primary mobile service providers. Having your router unlocked means choosing the best data plan available for your destination.Ofcom has a resource for checking the best mobile network coverage via a postcode checker. Checking the resource before travel means you will always have the best data plan. 1. Maxview Roam Even if you like to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the best internet connections are crucial for streaming movies, Zoom calls, checking messages, and contacting friends and family back home. In addition, if you're living a nomadic lifestyle, you probably need the internet to make a living, even on the move. So unreliable or patchy internet is not going to cut it. Therefore, you need a dependable system with fast connections. We highly recommend the Maxview Roam WiFi System with a 5G Ready Antenna. The Roam is perfect for providing internet and WiFi to various vehicles. The Maxview Roam uses mobile data to create a reliable WiFi hotspot inside your vehicle. The powerful Omni-directional (requires no manual adjustments) antenna sits discreetly on the roof of your vehicle. It will pick up internet signals that a typical smartphone or MiFi hotspot will not. The internal router turns the signals into a secure WiFi hotspot, with two ethernet ports to connect devices directly to the router. In addition, if you are in the vicinity of a direct WiFi source, you can use the Roam to connect to that existing WiFi hotspot, so saving your data usage. Read the full Maxview Roam review here 2. TP-Link M7350 4G LTE MiFi The TP-Link M7350 is portable and can travel wherever you go, supporting the latest generation 4G FDD/TDD-LTE networks. The battery lasts up to eight working hours and can connect up to ten devices. All the crucial information you need, such as data usage, battery life, signal strength, etc., is available in an easy-to-read display. 3. Teltonika RUT955 The Teltonika RUT955 is a high-performance industrial 4G LTE router that is exceptionally reliable and secure. Cellular communication and GPS positioning capabilities are essential. External antenna connectors allow you to add antennas to locate the best signal locations. Final Thoughts There are some tremendous unlimited data packages available in the UK; however, you might get some issues if you're thinking of heading over to Europe. Carefully check what data roaming you have because there's typically a fair usage cap even if you're offered free data roaming. You might need to buy your SIM once you arrive in a European country.