I am using a MK3 Firmwasre 8.0.0 Build 1429 and I am having difficulty using the Wifi-Wan. This is being used in an Airstream in one of the upper cabinets (I’ve wondered if the proximity to the outer aluminum is causing an issue) and I am having great difficulty connecting to and staying connected to wireless networks. I an currently using a laptop that can see the wifi network better than the router which I would think the router would because it has 3 external antennas.
My question is mainly how do you optimize the settings? One camp ground I was at I had a stable wifi connection but the DNS always failed to register. Same campground different wifi signal the wifi signal would constantly drop. But using a laptop the signal was flawless. In a different campground the laptop can see and use the wifi where the router cannot even see the wifi.
From what I’ve read in older firmware versions you could specify which wifi antenna was used to get the external wifi signal. I am planning on getting an external antenna to hopefully Fix this issue unless there is something that I am missing in the settings. Any help on this is greatly appreciated.
TIA
Yes, operating a RF receiver and transmitter in what amounts to a Faraday cage and/or screen room is a bit of a problem. Based on the information you’ve provided it certainly sounds like the SOHO is not at fault here. and, I’m a bit doubtful that any change in settings will make much difference. Just curious: What happens when you relocate the SOHO to a position near a window where the antennas can “see” outside to the WAP?
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Your unit is inside an aluminum airstream, and inside a cabinet? Mount an external antenna or at the very least put it in a window with clear LoS to the WiFi source.
I am unfortunately not kidding. I had limited areas where I could put the router that was out of the way and not visible.
Would you happen to know which of the three antenna ports would be best to use? Or does it auto select?
Usually its a bad idea to put access points and anything wireless in cabinets/closets/etc. They are out in the open mounted on ceilings etc in people’s homes, offices, etc, for a reason. For the Surf SoHo I dont know which port you’d want to use, I’d ask Peplink technical support. For my Pepwave MK2, I just used the primary WiFi port and put a terminator on the open WiFi port B. If you are also using the device for your LAN, then you probably do want antennas inside as well. I had a separate AP for my LAN. You should contact Peplink for advice/guidance but usually if you are trying to capture an outside signal you will want one device for that and a second device inside for your LAN wireless. Alternatively, I see some people use the second device (whether its Peplink, Ubiquiti Bullet, Mikrotik), etc, to capture the WiFi As Wan and then bring that into their main router via ethernet. If you are using cellular you’d also probably want to consider an externally mounted cellular antenna.
IF the router cannot be repositioned as suggested, ideally it would be good to connect all ports to an external antenna. Your Peplink dealer/Partner can help with the selection.
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Well I just conducted a test and moved the router just to see how it would perform. And it worked quiet well outside of the Faraday cage. I am unable to keep it there, however, I stumbled across an antenna on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QWSCTQS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A150S25015WJR1&psc=1
0 reviews but at least it has free returns. Can use 2 of the inputs, just wondering if anyone has used anything like this? I’m almost positive it will not be 3dbi but should at least get the signal to the router, planning on sticking them on the window. I’m going for the low profile, out of the way feel.
Hi Zeg,
he’s using WiFi-WAN, so WiFi Antenna is correct.
I agree with you, that most of the Amazon-Antennas are the price not worth. The selctet one is with cable maximum a -2dBi, I think.
Regards
Dennis
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I use flat panel WiFi antennas. If you’re Not walking in circles while using the internet, don’t use Omni directional antenna.
I have a T P link flat panel on our Surf otg, and with trees and 300 feet away I can get to the AP from the Surf otg and stream live video to a device no problem.
I have a WiFi security cam. with a flat panel antenna on it, and it is pointed to the flat panel antenna on the Surf otg, and it’s streaming live video 24/7 to a MacBook Pro. The Cam. Is 300 feet away through the trees to the Surf otg.
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i would not buy an antenna that is not well-known, has legitimate good reviews. lots of junk out there, poorly designed, can damage equipment. i guess one option for you if you dont want to mount an external antenna is to find something you can suction cup/mount/tape to a window but you will likely have to to manually move it around between windows depending where you are parked and where the signal is coming from. hence why an omni directional external antenna may be the best solution.
I have tried all kinds of antenna, and all the Omni directional antennas are in a box on a shelf in my shop, and yes there is lots of junk out there.
You will not be let down with a flat panel antenna. They are all around a good way to send and receive WiFi Signals.
The flat panel antenna will not just work in a pointed direction.
It will work from the sides, and even from the back. The back of the flat panel will be the weaker of the signal, but still works.
In my house I am behind the flat panel antenna and it’s 60 feet away, can’t see it from the house and still connect to that AP with no problem.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions, I picked up a couple of antennas to see how they do. Ideally I would love to get a panel or yagi antenna, but as of right now I have no way of getting an external antenna in place. Your help has been much appreciated.
You’re welcome nerd… We hope all is well.
Well after a lot of searching, the discovery of RP-SMA (could have sworn there was only one SMA) and a lot of planning on where to mount and how to route the wires It has been completed. getting a decent signal now and its not dropping every 5 seconds. Thanks all for the help.
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What antenna did you go with?