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Old 15-06-2008, 09:35   #1
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Wireless braodband access and multiple PCs

Does anyone know if one of the cards from Verizon, for example, can be used on one PC and get accessed by another at the same time?

I am envisioning two people on the boat wanting to use the internet at the same time, during the evening lets say. During the day one may be working online while the other may want to see a radar map, or some such thing.

Is there a way for this to happen? Some sort of cable or broadband router on board?

I would not want have to buy and subscribe to two.
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Old 15-06-2008, 12:40   #2
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Not exactly sure what you mean.

If you are talking about a 'local network' that accesses the broadband network of Verizon, sure. But, you'll need a 'wireless' method of computers accessing the network 'server'. Most modern computers come with a built in wireless card. So, your 'server' (which CAN be one of the computers), would need to have the card and such for accessing Verizon.
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Old 15-06-2008, 12:47   #3
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Although two computers could access the wireless network by networking the two computers together they would not be able to access the internet at the same time and be able to visit different sites. At least that is the way it used to be unless something has changed recently.
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Old 15-06-2008, 12:52   #4
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I don't know how PC's work, but on the Mac you can just turn on "Internet Connection Sharing." That will let a second one also use the same pipe to the net. An alternative and more convenient solution (not requiring the "connected" machine to also be on) is to add a small router that contains the Verizon card. I use an EVDO card for Sprint plugged into a Top Global 6800 router with wireless access point, velcro'd to a bulkhead. Any laptop can get online, my Eye-Fi card in the digital camera can talk to the Mac, and I can access it from home with reverse DNS to look at the boat's webcam or whatever...

I have a blog post from last December that links to some of the sources of this gizmology, though there are probably newer/cheaper/better items now (of course).

Cheers!
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Old 15-06-2008, 12:53   #5
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I did a Google on "cell card multiple pc"

First hit came up with a $60 solution.

The Digital RVer: Multiple Computers - One Internet Connection

It basically must come with software to give you a proxy server on the primary PC. You hook it up to the PC that has the cell card and then other computers can connect through the wireless access point.

Second hit is an article that explores multiple solutions.

http://usatoday.jiwire.com/cellular-...-data-plan.htm
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Old 15-06-2008, 12:56   #6
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Originally Posted by Microship View Post
I don't know how PC's work, but on the Mac you can just turn on "Internet Connection Sharing." That will let a second one also use the same pipe to the net. An alternative and more convenient solution (not requiring the "connected" machine to also be on) is to add a small router that contains the Verizon card. I use an EVDO card for Sprint plugged into a Top Global 6800 router with wireless access point, velcro'd to a bulkhead. Any laptop can get online, my Eye-Fi card in the digital camera can talk to the Mac, and I can access it from home with reverse DNS to look at the boat's webcam or whatever...

I have a blog post from last December that links to some of the sources of this gizmology, though there are probably newer/cheaper/better items now (of course).

Cheers!
Steve
Thanks.

Maybe that is what I need, although I know that things that you consider common and easy far and away exceed what I will ever learn.
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Old 15-06-2008, 13:00   #7
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I did a Google on "cell card multiple pc"

First hit came up with a $60 solution.

The Digital RVer: Multiple Computers - One Internet Connection

It basically must come with software to give you a proxy server on the primary PC. You hook it up to the PC that has the cell card and then other computers can connect through the wireless access point.

Second hit is an article that explores multiple solutions.

http://usatoday.jiwire.com/cellular-...-data-plan.htm
Yea,
So it will be possible to "rent" only one card and we both can do stuff at the same time.

Thanks.

I am over planning everything I know but I want to be informed before I buy.

Thanks again.
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Old 15-06-2008, 14:11   #8
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I believe what might work is an "EVDO Router" like this one from Cradlepoint.

CradlePoint EVDO Router CTR350 Review : EVDOinfo.com

If I understand it correctly, you plug your Verizon or Sprint card into it and it becomes a standard wifi router. You then connect from PC(s) just like a home wifi network. In my case, I want to place the Cellular modem near an external antenna without then having to run wire to where I'll be using the computer.

I haven't gotten around to trying it but plan to order one soon.

Carl
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Old 15-06-2008, 14:26   #9
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Nice one.

...........
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Old 15-06-2008, 15:03   #10
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Search around the forum, there has been lots of discussion on this. The easiest way is to set up a router (perhaps D-Link) with wireless capability and an "Access Point" for a wireless connection to the internet service provider. I have never read this but you might want to pick up "Wireless Networks for Dummies" or the "802.11 Wireless Networks: The Definitive Guide".

A D-Link router is quite cheap, around $40. - $50 at Staples, for instance. If you are connecting to the internet via a wireless access point you can do a search on the web and find a number of solutions for higher powered units. Also the SSCA forum, Communications forum has a number of threads with equipment discussions for higher powered access points. It is all quite simple, but confusing to someone who doesn't understand networks.

What you end up with is two networks, one on board network, and a network connection to the internet. These two are seamlessly connected together via the router.
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Old 15-06-2008, 15:14   #11
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. It is all quite simple, but confusing to someone who doesn't understand networks.

What you end up with is two networks, one on board network, and a network connection to the internet. These two are seamlessly connected together via the router.
Yup! Ya gotta keep the "network" stuff really simple for me.

That was what I wanted to know.

If I had one card from Verizon, could I make it so I could use more than one laptop at the same time.

It seems as though it is possible.
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Old 15-06-2008, 15:47   #12
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I talked with the guys at EVDO info (find them at the above Cradlepoint link) and they seemed really up to speed and very helpful on everything to do with these cards. They also had a lot of advice on external antennas which they seem to have actually tested.

Not really a recommendation since I haven't bought anything from them yet - but I'd give them a call.

Carl
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Old 15-06-2008, 15:56   #13
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You might also want to consider an HSPDA modem with a router similar to the one Carl suggested above. HSDPA is the "other" technology that works on GSM networks. GSM networks were slow to get fast while EVDO networks got an early start. If you will be in US waters then EVDO could be the best choice but if you are going to be international then you would probably want to look at HSDPA. In many countries you just buy a new SIM card with the HSDPA and some prepaid bandwidth and you are in business for just a small fee. I am in Brazil and they are now promoting 7MB wireless connections over HSPDA (3.5g). Here is a link describing the two different wireless types:
Mobile internet access with EVDO and HSDPA - what is it - how to guides - HP Small and Medium Business

Getting a card that can connect to an external antenna is probably pretty wise for boosting reception when you are on the fringe.
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Old 15-06-2008, 16:26   #14
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Here is a link describing the two different wireless types:
Mobile internet access with EVDO and HSDPA - what is it - how to guides - HP Small and Medium Business

Getting a card that can connect to an external antenna is probably pretty wise for boosting reception when you are on the fringe.
So much to digest.
Good thing I probably have a lot of time before I actually do anything.
Thanks.
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Old 15-06-2008, 19:22   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DeepFrz View Post
Search around the forum, there has been lots of discussion on this. The easiest way is to set up a router (perhaps D-Link) with wireless capability and an "Access Point" for a wireless connection to the internet service provider. I have never read this but you might want to pick up "Wireless Networks for Dummies" or the "802.11 Wireless Networks: The Definitive Guide".

A D-Link router is quite cheap, around $40. - $50 at Staples, for instance. If you are connecting to the internet via a wireless access point you can do a search on the web and find a number of solutions for higher powered units. Also the SSCA forum, Communications forum has a number of threads with equipment discussions for higher powered access points. It is all quite simple, but confusing to someone who doesn't understand networks.

What you end up with is two networks, one on board network, and a network connection to the internet. These two are seamlessly connected together via the router.
This clarification is more for Therapy to avoid confusion. What Deep Frz is talking about is for a wifi network, not the cell connection you are looking for.
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