Using a Repeater with a Verizon Jetpack

[Bruce Amacker]

Hey Guys:

I'm using a Verizon Jetpack for internet at the shop, mostly for my security system (Verizon Jetpack® 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot MiFi6620L). I'm surprised how well it works, but I'd like more range from the Jetpack.

Can I use a repeater like this to extend my range? https://www.ebay.com/itm/Wifi-Signa...hash=item1f083dddf0:m:msR8z6CxqEYEH0OH5SiXaHA

It looks like most repeaters use an Ethernet input, which the jetpack does not have. I guess I need a wireless input?

Any comments are welcome! The Verizon guy was clueless when I stopped in there.....

Thanks!

 

[gungatim]

this is what I do, but you'll need to get a LTE modem. pull the sim card out of the jetpack and put it in the LTE moden, run an ethernet cable to a router and you're good to go.

I use this one:"NETGEAR 4G LTE Modem with Two Gigabit Ethernet Ports - Instant Broadband Connection | Works with AT&T and Alternate Carriers (LB2120)" (I actually have two of these, one running AT&T and the other runs Verizon from my work phone, it works on both services as well as others).

there are much cheaper alternatives but the netgear is one of the better ones and is proven. you can add a pair of external antenna's if you want, it does both frequency's (2.4/5.0) and a pair of antenna's is only like $11.

the router I use is also a netgear. I've tried a number of routers from cisco, linksys, etc. and like the Netgear the best. it was in a free box at a yard sale but I've seen them at goodwill many times for around $4.

the LTE modem is where you'll spend the money...

 

[ncfireman1918]

Pick up one of these:
https://5gstore.com/product/4136_su...Ch3fdFaCkn0pfkWBv8y7HM0ivIKd7t-RoCzl0QAvD_BwE

It's a wireless router that uses the Jetpack for Internet.

I have a couple for work, and they work perfectly (with pretty much all hotspots, but I specifically have a Verizon Jetpack and an AT&T Nighthawk). You literally just plug in the USB cable, and the router uses the Jetpack as it's WAN (Internet) connection. Connect your laptop/phone/smart TV/whatever to the WiFi network from the router, and you're done. Right at $200. If that's too expensive, you can likely get a Cradlepoint MBR1200 from eBay used. Cradlepoint discontinued them, but it was a great router that did pretty much the same thing.

-Chris

 

[wasfuzz]

this is what I do, but you'll need to get a LTE modem. pull the sim card out of the jetpack and put it in the LTE moden, run an ethernet cable to a router and you're good to go.

I use this one:"NETGEAR 4G LTE Modem with Two Gigabit Ethernet Ports - Instant Broadband Connection | Works with AT&T and Alternate Carriers (LB2120)" (I actually have two of these, one running AT&T and the other runs Verizon from my work phone, it works on both services as well as others).

there are much cheaper alternatives but the netgear is one of the better ones and is proven. you can add a pair of external antenna's if you want, it does both frequency's (2.4/5.0) and a pair of antenna's is only like $11.

the router I use is also a netgear. I've tried a number of routers from cisco, linksys, etc. and like the Netgear the best. it was in a free box at a yard sale but I've seen them at goodwill many times for around $4.

the LTE modem is where you'll spend the money...

Following, when I looked online seller states it will not work on Verizon or Sprint?

 

[juddspaintballs]

Years ago, I used a Cradlepoint router like ncfireman1918 is talking about. So long ago that the store was called 3Gstore.com...

It worked fantastically. I had signal on my entire 3/4 acre property with the house being at the front.

 

[ncfireman1918]

Years ago, I used a Cradlepoint router like ncfireman1918 is talking about. So long ago that the store was called 3Gstore.com...

It worked fantastically. I had signal on my entire 3/4 acre property with the house being at the front.

Yeah, we ran Cradlepoint routers at my last company (I do pre-sales software demonstrations on site). We need a wireless network, where we have total control over everything, and like to bring our own Internet. Cradlepoints were some of the most bad *** routers that I’ve ever used. I was really disappointed when the Cradlepoint rep told me at a conference earlier that they discontinued that model. Apparently there is a huge market for mobile Internet within the RV and boating communities. Pepwave (the company that makes the router I linked about) does huge business in that space.

As far as the vendor (5GStore), I’m not affiliated, but purchased this exact router from them in November. Fast shipping, no issues.

 

[wssix99]

I'm surprised how well it works, but I'd like more range from the Jetpack.

More range outside the shop? If so, you need an outdoor wireless access point, so you can put an antenna outside the building.

 

[gungatim]

Following, when I looked online seller states it will not work on Verizon or Sprint?

I have two, the LB2120 and the LB1120, only difference is one has 2 LAN outputs, the other only has one. either way, I can confirm they work on Verizon and AT&T I haven't tried Sprint but I believe there are current reviews that state it does indeed work with their network. The seller's all say different things but these model Netgear are definitely not locked to one carrier.

 

[Bruce Amacker]

More range outside the shop? If so, you need an outdoor wireless access point, so you can put an antenna outside the building.

The building has multiple rooms and block walls, and the signal won't go through a block wall. It struggles to get through a regular 2x4 frame wall.

I'd like to have a signal outside, also.

Thanks for your response!

 

[wssix99]

The building has multiple rooms and block walls, and the signal won't go through a block wall. It struggles to get through a regular 2x4 frame wall.

In this situation, you are limited by physics. To your original question, a repeater will not work well for you. It would just be repeating a poor signal and your performance will degrade.

The Jetpack is designed to move around with you. So, you can simply pick up the Jetpack and move it room-to-room. If you want something more convenient, then Verizon provides some other devices/options. Verizon has other devices that are more flexible. (If you don't want to move the device around to the places where you need reception.) https://community.verizonwireless.c...ts-General/MiFi-and-Mesh-Networks/td-p/986997

With an access device that you can plug wires into, you can then add wired "Access Points" to your other rooms (and even an outdoor one) so that you get proper reception in all places.

^ There is another catch... Cheap access points will have their own Network ID. However, you can get "controlled" access points. Access points that report back to a controller can use a common Network ID so that you can walk around from room-to-room and not drop your network connection.

I live in a concrete house and have this problem. I have some mid-tier access points by Aruba installed that are self-controlled and VERY easy to configure. I can have a web conference going on my cel phone and walk anywhere in the house (from access point to access point) and it passes the connection as I move around on the same Network ID.

^ Solving your problem in a way that will perform like you want (without moving the Jetpack around) may cost you around $1000 in access points if you want a system that performs seamlessly in your environment.

 

[gungatim]

Following, when I looked online seller states it will not work on Verizon or Sprint?

just to add a further comment, I notice in my manual it states that the default factory settings are "Mobile broadband and security = Network mode All bands"

it is possible some units are set for a specific carrier's band (ie. sold for a specific carrier), but hitting the reset to factory default settings should open the radio up to all bands without needing a specific code key like most network specific jetpacks/wifi modems would need.