Tour Bus

Not sure which forum to post this on so let's try here first. I have been asked to provide Internet connection in a tour bus [motor racing car transporter with accommodation for six]. A couple of laptops perhaps connected by wireless [to a router?] on the move and at race meetings. So what do we need that goes beyond a dongle attached to the laptop? An impossible dream or something achievable?

One incredibly simple solution could be a MiFi device with a 3G sim card. Very cheap and allows up to 5 wireless devices to connect to it. All it would need is a USB connection to charge from (very easy in a vehicle).

In reply to a post by ian72:

One incredibly simple solution could be a MiFi device with a 3G sim card. Very cheap and allows up to 5 wireless devices to connect to it. All it would need is a USB connection to charge from (very easy in a vehicle).

I like that. Can I have more information for the bits to get please?

No idea on cost, but bonding is possible

https://www.mushroomnetworks.com/product/portabella?...
All depends on what the need is for bandwidth.

If the circuits have marginal mobile coverage (or on race days the cells overload) then a satellite solution e.g.
http://www.rhinoinstalls.co.uk/caravan_satellite_int...

Am sure more providers are available, but those give you a start point.

Three have some good deals.

http://www.three.co.uk/Discover/Devices/Huawei/E5331...

The others do similar solutions.

http://www.solwise.co.uk/3g-dongle-lp1917e.html

A dongle with connection for antenna, a short 20cm pigtail to external antenna could improve reception.

But presumably would need one for each machine or would need to do Internet Connection Sharing whereas MiFi is a self contained 3G wireless router for a pretty low cost. Depends really on what cost and flexibility the OP is looking at.

I'm a bit of a fan of MiFi because of how flexible it is and with not needing any drivers it makes it really simple to use - and of course works with any device that supports wireless including smartphones, laptops, tablets, sky boxes, etc, etc.

Dongle could connect to one of the routers that solwise use.

Have done things like hang a mifi out of a window in plastic bag to get signal before now. Depends on how permanent or makeshift you want the arrangements.