Wifi connectivity for Roku

[jjlavin]

Hi all,
I'm a pretty technical guy, but when it comes to wifi, networks, repeaters vs extenders, routers, etc. I'm not that knowledgeable. I've done days of research and just trying to get all the terms down to ensure I setup the right system that meets my needs.

Here is my problem:
I have a Roku that I love and wish to stream more when I'm at campgrounds. Currently I have a Mifi and (while I work for one of the big telecom companies) the discounts I receive are good, but not enough to make it cheap. So I want to continue to use the Mifi as a backup, but connect to campground wifi when (a) fast enough and (b) able to. The "able to" part is where I struggle.

If a campground has a straight open wifi with no password, the Roku connects no problem. But if it requires some on screen setup/registration/password that is not part of the standard WPA, WPS2, whatever password, Roku has no ability to do an on screen "browser" that let's me configure it there.

So I'm looking for some help. What device (s) do I need to hookup to fix my problem? I'm assuming I'm need some device that I connect my laptop to, do all the wifi configuration, then connect my roku to that device on a separate, private network. But...I don't know.

Any help?

[TimVWulp]

Originally Posted by jjlavin

Hi all,
I'm a pretty technical guy, but when it comes to wifi, networks, repeaters vs extenders, routers, etc. I'm not that knowledgeable. I've done days of research and just trying to get all the terms down to ensure I setup the right system that meets my needs.

Here is my problem:
I have a Roku that I love and wish to stream more when I'm at campgrounds. Currently I have a Mifi and (while I work for one of the big telecom companies) the discounts I receive are good, but not enough to make it cheap. So I want to continue to use the Mifi as a backup, but connect to campground wifi when (a) fast enough and (b) able to. The "able to" part is where I struggle.

If a campground has a straight open wifi with no password, the Roku connects no problem. But if it requires some on screen setup/registration/password that is not part of the standard WPA, WPS2, whatever password, Roku has no ability to do an on screen "browser" that let's me configure it there.

So I'm looking for some help. What device (s) do I need to hookup to fix my problem? I'm assuming I'm need some device that I connect my laptop to, do all the wifi configuration, then connect my roku to that device on a separate, private network. But...I don't know.

Any help?

here is a link that i think will help you.
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ter-91560.html

hope this helps Tim

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by jjlavin

I'm assuming I'm need some device that I connect my laptop to, do all the wifi configuration, then connect my roku to that device on a separate, private network. But...I don't know.

Any help?

Yes, the easy route is to have your own router connected to the laptop, to broadcast the campgrounds internet connection to the Roku.

https://blog.roku.com/blog/2011/09/0...r-roku-player/

It's kind of like what you are already doing with your mifi, but instead using the router connected to your laptop.

[ependydad]

Wifi Ranger solves all of your problems. It's spendy, but it'll do what you need. Get the Elite Pack and Google for a code for some percentage off.

All of your devices connect to it. It connects to either the campground wifi or your mifi.

[Healeyman]

We have Roku, Amazon Prime, and Netflix plug-ins (look like USB memory sticks). They work GREAT at home, but I have yet to find a campground Wi-Fi that will provide the adequate data stream except LATE at night or EARLY in the morning.

What I usually do is to wire tether (faster than Wi-Fi) my laptop to my Samsung S5 phone (Verizon + 20 Gig data plan). I have the above streaming 3 services loaded to my laptop.

I run Roku/Amazon/Netflix on my laptop&phone and run an HDMI cable from the laptop to the TV input. Close the laptop to prevent display.

Have not yet had a problem connecting and streaming video.

Tim

[wmtire]

Another option is software to put on your laptop that makes a virtual router so to speak.

This youtube video explains it and you can try the software for free to test:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5S19zNd9Ac

or perhaps a usb wi-fi adapter on your laptop:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSM3n8sNTfM

Just giving more ideas to consider.

[OldCoot]

IMO, streaming from a campground wifi is being extremely self centered as it prevents others from being able to get any access.

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by Healeyman

We have Roku, Amazon Prime, and Netflix plug-ins (look like USB memory sticks). They work GREAT at home, but I have yet to find a campground Wi-Fi that will provide the adequate data stream except LATE at night or EARLY in the morning.
Tim

X2 with Tim, the only campground internet I have had that you could stream was in the Arkansas state parks (but they had it subcontracted to a private company that charged you access)

In Louisiana, all the state parks block the streaming sites, but have never tried it in the way we are discussing. May have to test it on my next trip.

BTW, I love my Roku.

[Kenny kustom]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

IMO, streaming from a campground wifi is being extremely self centered as it prevents others from being able to get any access.

Yea. X2


2008 F350 CCSB V10
2016 Sabre 36QBOK

[Evereddie]

We have a Roku and use it camping. However we have not found a campground yet that has the bandwidth to stream for any amount of time. Some I believe block streaming. We use our Verizon hotspot but here is a trick to try so the Roku doesn't use nearly as much bandwidth as you could otherwise. In the 'setup' menu of the Roku we set the Roku to output as if it were hooked to a standard resolution TV set instead of high resolution. The picture is still great and in a camper environment you can't really tell the difference. Uses WAY less bandwidth from the hotspot then using high def.

[Cornelius]

Here are a couple of ideas for you:

1. The Amazon Fire TV box and Fire TV Stick both have captive portal log-in capability so you can access a screen and agree to terms or enter a code number for Wi-Fi access.

2. There is a secret menu mode on the Roku that allows you to change the bandwidth settings manually:

Start at the home screen and press the following button sequence on the remote:
[HOME] 5 times, [REW] 3 times, [FF] 2 times

You can then set the bit rate to the lowest setting, which still looks okay, but obviously is not as good as the higher settings. It is way better than buffering...

[ChooChooMan74]

Most campgrounds internet access is pretty pathetic. I like to use the example of everyone trying to get water out of one garden hose. During the day, you may just get a little trickle out of it, but at night, no problem getting full flow.

[Evereddie]

Originally Posted by ChooChooMan74

Most campgrounds internet access is pretty pathetic. I like to use the example of everyone trying to get water out of one garden hose. During the day, you may just get a little trickle out of it, but at night, no problem getting full flow.

Exactly and many campgrounds block the use of streaming on the wifi system.

[Telstar]

Most campground wifi systems are not designed for streaming movies. When someone does this it kills the system for everyone trying to get their email, check maps and Facebook posts. Best to use satellite for TV.

[Edmund]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

IMO, streaming from a campground wifi is being extremely self centered as it prevents others from being able to get any access.

OldCoot is exactly right. It is the rare CG that has enough bandwidth to stream + it slows everyone down. Many CG now have a system whereby you are "choked "way down if you go over a certain download limit. Save the streaming for home.

[NCBBA11043]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

IMO, streaming from a campground wifi is being extremely self centered as it prevents others from being able to get any access.

+1
Makes it difficult for others to even get email (I still work and need access to company email even on vacation). If you want to stream, do it on your own device/data plan please.


ALSO - recommended number of clients on(1) access point:
802.11b - 13
802.11g/n - 43
Campgrounds don't have too many public access WAP's, so bandwidth is very limited.

[Lincoln11]

We use a Booster and Repeater that broadcasts the campgrounds signal throughout our RV. It's more affordable than the WiFiRanger and works well. We have the Alfa desktop version, but they sell an antenna tube version that has a greater range as well. All of our devices (phones, tables, AppleTV, etc) log directly onto the repeater through the password we set up. Desktop WiFi Booster for your RV

[W9HAM]

Check out the " Outside or Bubble " website with the link below

Private RV Wi-Fi and Making a Better Park Connection for Under $100 | Outside Our Bubble

[camaraderie]

If you aren't gonna pay for your streaming on your cell phone account...don't make the rest of us pay for it by using the park wifi.

[itat]

In my experience, campground wifi, if it's even available, is not setup to provide streaming services. They're barely adequate for email and painfully slow for web surfing.

For streaming video, you'll have to use a mobile phone service, possibly with signal booster hardware. "Mobile internet" service is not very expensive up here in Canada. Bell and Rogers both charge $90/month for 20GB mobile internet plans. (My Rogers home unlimited internet plan is substantially less than that.) How much does 20GB/month mobile internet cost in the U.S.?