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Technical vanity: are there self contained router boxes that accept a 4G antenna dongle?
8/4/2012 | HiTech RedNeck

Posted on 08/04/2012 5:06:59 PM PDT by HiTech RedNeck

Clear (tm) wireless service has recently begun offering a deal where you can order a 4G antenna dongle, which looks similar to a WiFi dongle but taps into a cellular-like data service, for free. Only hitch is that this has to be plugged into a computer (typically a laptop, but there's no reason a desktop machine couldn't use it too). Are there small self contained routers that can use one of these dongles? That is, if the economics would even make sense (because after all you can buy a full size router and Clear service receiver for $50 right now). I've often wonder why there aren't Windows-in-a-cigarette-pack type machines for things like this. Certainly there are Linux machines this little. I suppose a cast off laptop could be pressed into such service... but still.


TOPICS: Computers/Internet; Weird Stuff
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Or maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree.
1 posted on 08/04/2012 5:07:09 PM PDT by HiTech RedNeck
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To: ShadowAce

tech question ping?


2 posted on 08/04/2012 5:08:27 PM PDT by HiTech RedNeck (let me ABOs run loose, lew (or is that lou?))
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To: berdie

later


3 posted on 08/04/2012 5:17:35 PM PDT by berdie
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To: HiTech RedNeck

Cradle point makes several 4G and 4GLTE compatible routers.

I’d recommend the Sierra wireless 313U USB air card or dongle as you call it. The 313u can accept an external antenna to boost reception and speeds. LTE is very sensitive to signal strength when it comes to up and down speeds.

Fr antennae solutions, the Sierra wireless website offers one for the 313u, but I recommend you call/ visit www.alternativewireless.com


4 posted on 08/04/2012 5:19:14 PM PDT by Blueflag (Res ipsa loquitur: non vehere est inermus)
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To: HiTech RedNeck

OK, I’m gonna be the test dummy...

What’s a dongle?


5 posted on 08/04/2012 5:23:47 PM PDT by Randy Larsen (Damned if I do, Damned if I don't. Damn it, I will!)
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To: HiTech RedNeck

Check out CradlePoint MBR1000, or similar:
http://www.cradlepoint.com/products/mbr1000


6 posted on 08/04/2012 5:24:38 PM PDT by Imperialist
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To: HiTech RedNeck

Check out CradlePoint...


7 posted on 08/04/2012 5:25:55 PM PDT by nhwingut (Sarah Palin 12... No One Else)
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To: HiTech RedNeck

I have done something similar a couple of years ago. I had a DSL connection that was restricted to one IP address only (the company ensured this by preventing the modem from working properly unless the network card on the PC had its MAC address match the set MAC address on the modem (yes, it used to be restrictive like this in Australia). I managed to share this internet connection by using a software which ran on the PC connected to the DSL modem, and this sofware acted as a “server” to channel internet requests made by computers on the network (my laptop, for instance) and I was accessing the internet through the main PC connected to the DSL modem.

If only I could remember the name of the software...


8 posted on 08/04/2012 5:27:55 PM PDT by James C. Bennett (An Australian.)
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To: Randy Larsen
What’s a dongle?

Oh Noes, I'm covering my eyes. I thought this was a family friendly site..............

9 posted on 08/04/2012 5:31:48 PM PDT by varon (The patriots stand guard tonight.)
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To: HiTech RedNeck

From experience.

CLEAR SUCKS!

But it’s your call.


10 posted on 08/04/2012 5:37:54 PM PDT by unixfox (Abolish Slavery, Repeal The 16th Amendment!)
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To: Randy Larsen

I have NO idea of what the heck they’re even talking about...


11 posted on 08/04/2012 5:48:55 PM PDT by Carriage Hill (Harry Reid [PERVERT-NV] has Vickie-the-goat in lingerie and stiletto heels, tied-up in his office.)
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To: Randy Larsen
What’s a dongle?

The white one is a dongle (as I understand it).


12 posted on 08/04/2012 5:52:45 PM PDT by Revolting cat! (Bad things are wrong!)
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To: Randy Larsen

dongles dangle


13 posted on 08/04/2012 5:53:45 PM PDT by driftdiver (I could eat it raw, but why do that when I have a fire.)
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To: driftdiver

dandle dangling dongle


14 posted on 08/04/2012 5:58:09 PM PDT by Revolting cat! (Bad things are wrong!)
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To: driftdiver

That’s what I thought.

Thanks


15 posted on 08/04/2012 5:58:16 PM PDT by Randy Larsen (Damned if I do, Damned if I don't. Damn it, I will!)
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To: driftdiver

Is it similar to a Dingle only longer?


16 posted on 08/04/2012 6:00:19 PM PDT by Randy Larsen (Damned if I do, Damned if I don't. Damn it, I will!)
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To: Noumenon

Ping.


17 posted on 08/04/2012 6:02:52 PM PDT by DuncanWaring (The Lord uses the good ones; the bad ones use the Lord.)
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To: HiTech RedNeck

Cradle Point as mentioned. This is the setup I have, got the router from Amazon for under 40 bucks. The dongle gets a better signal plugged into the cradle point than into the laptop itself.

This creates a wi-fi hotspot that can accept up to 16 computers. I run 2 at a time.


18 posted on 08/04/2012 6:21:49 PM PDT by wrench
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To: HiTech RedNeck

A local carrier in Toronto offers a wi-fi hotspot that the dongle plugs into, so you may be able to get one from your carrier or another source. These prices are $CAD.

http://mobilicity.ca/phones/huawei-d105-wi-fi-dock/

http://mobilicity.ca/phones/huawei-e583c/


19 posted on 08/04/2012 6:26:25 PM PDT by Squawk 8888 (Tories in- now the REAL work begins!)
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To: Revolting cat!
And this is a Dangle:


20 posted on 08/04/2012 6:53:18 PM PDT by Sawdring
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