WiFi To Go

July 4th, 2008 by A.D. Odom | Filed under Web-Tech. | 205 views

As I move to free myself from one room of my home called the “control center” by some or the “dungeon” by others, myself included, I have been researching ways I can create a wireless hotspot for myself available whenever, wherever.

As mentioned in an earlier post on the iPhone 2G and VoIP, the possibilities of calling out via Skype on my iPhone and using my MacBook Pro to edit photos in Photoshop or Aperture (I’m liking Aperture), then sending those photos via email or uploading them to FTP sites or the net expands my world.

One individual’s fantastic idea is the creation of Wi-Fi/hotspot to go via bicycle. The Magicbike is a mobile WiFi (wireless Internet) hotspot that gives free Internet connectivity wherever it’s ridden or parked. The Magicbike turns a common bicycle into a wireless hotspot. The Magicbike explores new delivery and use strategies for wireless networks and modern-day urbanites. ”Magicbikes are perfect for setting up adhoc Internet connectivity for art and culture events, emergency access, public demonstrations, and communities on the struggling end of the digital-divide.”

I love the idea and unfortunately, after going through the site and reading the brief description, I found no way to actually purchase the equipment needed to create my own Magicbike. I am more interested in finding out how it works because, from what I can tell, the WiFi connection is not using electricity. It is either solar powered or the box (if there is a box) is charged first then taken on the road and perhaps it has an electrical jack for charging while on the go when needed. Again, it’s a great idea but I’d like to know more. You can read more about the Magicbike on their site at http://www.magicbike.net/.

Kyocera KR1 Mobile Router - Wireless router + 4-port switch - EN, Fast EN, 802.11b, 802.11g — What a mouth full right? Yes, the Kyrocera KR1 is a 4-port wireless router that comes with a cigarette lighter adapter. This box came highly recommended by a friend but I have since learned the box is at the end-of-life stage meaning, it is taking its final bow.

The KR1 Mobile Router allows you to create a wireless broadband network virtually anywhere. It uses 1xEV-DO as its WAN backhaul and functions like an access point supporting multiple computers and devices with high-speed wireless data services. All you need is a 1xEV-DO card or phone and that’s the plus. I could not tell by looking at it if it will take a USB connection, which isn’t a problem, but it would still be nice to know should I come across one.

Again, because it is end-of-life, you may or may not be able to find one or you may find a used one on eBay. The price is much more reasonable than the Juncxion box or other high-end boxes which sell for $500 or more. The Kyocera KR1 sells for around $129.00 with both the cigarette lighter (in some cases) and AC power connections to boot.

Kyocera KR2 EVDO Mobile Wireless Router — The brand spanking new replacement to the Kyocera KR1 is, of course, the KR2 and from what I’ve heard so far, boots up faster than its older brother. Unfortunately, no where have I seen indication that it too comes with a cigarette lighter power adapter.

The Kyocera KR2 Mobile Router, with its portability, flexibility, and easy setup, allows you to create your own hotspot anywhere. It enables you to create a WiFi Hotspot with multiple EVDO devices; Express card, PC Card, USB Port (phone or modem depending on your service). Multiple users can share high-speed connections with rates up to 3.1 Mbps. Fail-over capabilities for use as a conventional router with wireless EV-DO as a backup. Cable Modem capable. Smooth migration to future EV-DO releases and upgradeable firmware. WiFi Protected Setup for improved security

Again, like its older brother, you will have to bring-your-own connectivity to start the party. Your Verizon, T-Mobile or AT&T Card is needed to get the ball rolling and since both boxes require electricity to function — they are not charged in advance for road warrior goodness and neither are solar powered — you will need to purchase a Universal AC to DC car cigarette lighter adapter.

These adapters are pretty cheap (though I don’t recommend too cheap) and range in price from two bucks to $70-$80, or more. A friend of mine actually has a cute, below dash box installed in both his SUV and motorhome which are connected to a dual-battery system. Nice, but I ain’t going there — yet.

The price for the Kyocera KR2 is about $229.99 or Amazon. One note, I’ve been told, and according to some reviews, the KR2 boots faster than the KR1.

CradlePoint PHS-300 Portable Personal WiFi Hotspot — This is a smaller box (in comparison to either of the Kyocera boxes) and, like the others, creates a Secure WiFi Hotspot to go from Broadband Enabled Cell Phones & Modems. From what I’ve heard, this device provides a “no-brainer” set-up and I like no-brainers.

The box will allow you to connect a data-ready cellular phone or USB modem into the USB host port, and the PHS300 automatically establishes a connection to your cellular provider’s data network. It works similar to the way a home router manages a DSL or Cable modem - just connect and forget. After connecting your cellular device, you can associate your PC with the PHS300 just like being in a public hotspot - and you’re on the Internet. A plus here is the PHS300 has a built-in Li ion battery meaning, charge and go.

There is a car power adapter and travel case available for the box and it’s light, 6.4 ounces. The price range for this device is about $149.00, extra for power adapter, travel case and other accessories.

Workarounds I Love — Yes, I have a few and one of my favorites is the Tekkeon myPower All battery pack which retails around $129.00 plus/minus a few. This powerful little device allows you the use of one battery to power many and it includes a USB port that allows me to charge my iPhone and iPod Classic. There is one USB port but I have connected a hub to the device and have had no problems.