WiFi and data can be fickle pieces of technology. A bad connection can mean slow performance, even on a device designed to handle high speeds. The invisible bands that bring your data can be hard to find!
Getting a better WiFi signal can be very beneficial while streaming video or using the Internet without seeing a significant slow down in service. Data is also not especially cheap if you go over.
While the answer depends on your RV park, there are a couple ways to fix your WiFi signal. You can get a device like a WiFi booster, or you can also move closer to the Wifi source.
WiFi Signal Boosters for a better WiFi signal at the RV park
Ever since WiFi has existed, people have had issues with the location and strength of their WiFi router. To explain a bit more, the router and sometimes modem are pieces of hardware with blinking lights and an antenna. The modem or router sends the wireless signal for the Internet to all devices in the surrounding area.
The biggest limits to the modem or router is that sometimes the signal doesn’t travel far enough. Imagine a long or tall home with multiple floors. The WiFi signal might have to travel over a hundred feet and throw concrete and wood to reach it’s destination. With more people streaming videos today than ever before, your stream can freeze or stutter – and it’s annoying!
WiFi signal boosters are among the first steps to solve this problem. They are often used in larger homes and offices.
A WiFi signal booster takes an existing signal and repeats it. It’s not quite a router that gets the Internet directly from a cable. Instead, you connect it, often with a password with a main router and it repeats the signal stronger within your location.
How do I set it up?
This depends on the booster itself. Most have an app for your phone that allows your smartphone to connect to the booster. You provide the app with the original password, and then it connects and duplicates the signal.
Otherwise we strongly suggest you read the manual!
Do I need a WiFi signal booster for the RV park?
The answer is, it depends. Some RV parks might have stronger Wifi signals. Most do not, as the FCC does regulate the strength of routers to prevent them from interfering with one another.
A WiFi signal booster would certainly be a smart investment for a mobile home though. Most cost $30 or more and could be significantly cheaper than using your cell phone as a WiFi hotspot.
Other options for getting a better signal for WiFi
If you don’t have a signal booster and don’t have a WiFi hotspot, one option is to move around. It’s possible to drive the RV to a spot closer to the WiFi signal. You could also move devices around within the RV to see if the signal improves in a different area.
You should probably check with the RV park to ensure that it’s OK that you move your RV. Your other option, weather permitting, is to take a mobile device you want to use and walk closer to the signal.
Why might a Wifi signal be bad at an RV Park?
While distance is among the leading causes of poor Wifi signals, trees, and other obstacles are not helpful either. If you are in the woods, trees, and other natural objects, even rocks can get in the way.
In the context of an RV park with many homes parked around: WiFi signals are best in open air. An RV park can be full of metal RVs that deflect signals. Your own RV is a metal box that can inhibit Wifi signals.
There are many factors here. You might notice in larger homes that some areas of the home are just WiFi ‘dead zones’ while others have the full speed experience.
A bad WiFi signal can also be caused by the devices themselves. Many laptops and TVs dont have especially strong receiving radios. They are meant to be used within a home or small public space, so they need to be forced a stronger signal.
Using a WiFi Hotspot at an RV Park
While this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll use the same WiFi signal available at the RV park, you can make a WiFi hotspot.
A hotspot means that a device is being used to broadcast the Internet to other devices. Many cell phone companies offer separate, physical WiFi hotspots to frequent travelers. Many smartphones also turn into WiFi hotspots, though the phone itself cannot use it’s own WiFi.
The downside here is that you’ll probably use quite a bit of data, especially if you want to stream a video or download photos. The upside is that you can get your hotspot to work just about anywhere data is available – and that’s most of the United States.
WiFi Hotspot versus WiFi Extender for a better WiFi signal at an RV Park
The WiFi extender is your best bet in many situations. They are generally a one time purchase and add the flexibility of just needing to be in range of the original WiFi router. An extender or signal booster also won’t drain your phone battery – you can leave it plugged in permanently if you want.
Conclusion
RV parks can leave something to be desired for WiFi signals, which is true of any place. Our tips involve making the least investment in technology while getting the likely best results. We do suggest you purchase a WiFi signal booster because they are highly versatile and generally cheaper and easier than using your phone’s WiFi hotspot.
Now if it’s raining out or you are just tired from traveling, you can relax and surf the Internet without worrying about slow speeds. While RV parks offer many amenities, fast Internet is something you can help make a better experience for you and your travelers.
