Staying Connected While Living the RV Life – One Adventure To The Next

One of the most common questions I get when people learn that I’m living the RV life while working remotely is, “How do you stay connected?”. The main considerations that you’ll need to consider include:

Which router will best support your mobile lifestyle.
Which services you’ll use to connect to the internet as you travel.
Which antenna you’ll use to get the best connections with you’re router of choice.

Before we dive into which router will best serve you, I’m going to give you a brief overview of the modern technologies that these routers use to make your connection fast, stable and secure.

Router Technology Overview

The router will be the brains of your RV network and it plays a pivotal role in these modern networking setups, particularly in the context of SD-WAN deployments. Its importance stems from its ability to act as a central point of control and management for your various connections to the internet, offering a range of features and functionalities that optimize connectivity, enhance security, and improve overall network performance. Some of the main features that you’ll want to pay particular attention to includes:

Does it provide support for cellular connections? Ideally it will support 5G phase 2, band 71, and multiple cellular connections. What carriers are supported?
Which version of WiFi does it support? Shoot for WiFi 6.
Does it support WiFi as WAN? How many simultaneous WiFi connections can be used in your WAN configuration? How many client WiFi devices?
How many ethernet WAN connections are available? How fast are the the ports?
What is the max throughput for the router, VPN and SD-WAN? The more, the better.
What SD-WAN features does it support? Does it support bonding, smoothing, VPN, and/or failover of internet connections?

SD-WAN: Making It All Possible

One of the key points above is SD-WAN, which stands for “Software Defined Wide Area Network”. This is the technology that makes it possible to aggregate multiple internet connections into one faster connection, as well as making internet connections more stable so that you can do things like participate in Zoom meetings without issues.

As a core component of SD-WAN deployments, the router orchestrates the intelligent routing of traffic across diverse WAN links, including cellular, satellite, WiFi as WAN, etc. By leveraging technologies such as packet-level load balancing and dynamic path selection, the router optimizes the use of available bandwidth, enhances application performance, and ensures seamless failover in case of link failures.

One of the leading players in the SD-WAN arena is Peplink, renowned for its innovative solutions that address the challenges of WAN connectivity in mobile applications like RV life. Among its flagship technologies, SpeedFusion stands out as a game-changer, offering a comprehensive suite of features including bandwidth bonding, WAN smoothing, and failover capabilities.

Bandwidth Bonding: Maximizing Network Resources

Bandwidth bonding is a crucial feature in SD-WAN, particularly if you require high-speed and reliable connections for your operation. Traditional WAN links often suffer from limitations in bandwidth, leading to performance bottlenecks and reduced productivity, especially if you’re uploading large files.

Peplink’s SpeedFusion utilizes bandwidth bonding to aggregate multiple WAN links into a single, high-throughput connection. This means that businesses can combine diverse links such as DSL, cable, fiber, and cellular networks, effectively multiplying their available bandwidth. By distributing traffic across these links intelligently, SpeedFusion ensures optimal performance for bandwidth-intensive applications such as video conferencing, cloud services, and large file transfers.

WAN Smoothing: Enhancing Application Performance

In today’s dynamic networking environments, maintaining consistent and low-latency connections is paramount for delivering a seamless user experience. However, fluctuations in network conditions, such as jitter, packet loss, and latency, can significantly impact application performance.

SpeedFusion’s WAN smoothing feature mitigates these issues by dynamically routing traffic along the most stable paths available. By continuously monitoring the quality of each WAN link, SpeedFusion intelligently selects the optimal route for data transmission, minimizing the effects of network congestion and instability. This ensures that critical applications remain responsive and reliable, even in challenging network environments.

Failover: Ensuring Connection Continuity

Network outages can have severe implications, especially if you’re relying on the connection for your job or business. Failover capabilities are essential for maintaining continuity and resilience in the face of unforeseen disruptions.

Peplink’s SpeedFusion provides seamless failover functionality, allowing traffic to automatically reroute to healthy WAN links in the event of a link failure. Whether it’s a sudden drop in connection quality or a complete link outage, SpeedFusion ensures uninterrupted connectivity by swiftly switching to alternate paths. This proactive approach to failover minimizes downtime and ensures that critical business operations remain unaffected, even during network outages.

Which router will best support your mobile lifestyle?

RV life creates its own unique challenges, especially being their locations are constantly changing, they are often in remote locations with limited connectivity options, and those connections are not often of the highest speeds or quality.

Peplink’s routers and SpeedFusion SD-WAN technology are also unique, making their routers a clear choice for this type of application. But, which one? They make many different routers, with a wide variety of features. Below, I’ll break down my picks for a value router, a midrange pick, and the best of the best.

Mobile Router Pick: Best Overall

Peplink MAX BR2 Pro x62 (MAX-BR2-PRO-5GN-T-PRM)

If you are looking for the most advanced feature set, supporting the largest number of connections, fastest speeds, and most stable connections the MAX BR2 Pro x62 is a clear pick. It supports:

2 different 5G connections (3 if you add the USB Max Adapter)
Band 71 support (Band 71 is a 600 MHz frequency band that T-Mobile has been using to expand its coverage in remote areas since 2017)
Support for 5G Phase 2 (x62 edition only)
8×8 MIMO cellular antennae support
2 ethernet WAN connections up to 2.5 Gbps each.
USB WAN support (for use with the USB Max Adapter)
WiFi as WAN
Wi-Fi 6 (Dual (2.4GHz + 5GHz) 2×2)
1-150 Connected Users
1 Gbps router throughput
400 Mbps SpeedFusion throughput (unencrypted)
200 Mbps SpeedFusion throughput (AES 256 encrypted)
SpeedFusion VPN support
SpeedFusion Hot Failover support
SpeedFusion Smoothing support
SpeedFusion Bandwidth Bonding support

While not officially named the X62 edition, this router features two Qualcomm next generation X62 cellular modems which support 3GPP Release 16 specification of 5G, commonly referred to as “5G Phase 2” supporting the latest cellular technologies.

With dual 5G and the ability to combine 7+ internet connections, the MAX BR2 Pro x62 is the ultimate solution for mobile internet power users with the most demanding needs for connectivity.

A third 5G connection can be added by using the Peplink Max Adapter which connects to the BR2 via it’s USB port. The Max Adapter is Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and US Cellular certified.

The only real downside would have to be the cost. It is not cheap. However, if you’re income is dependent on your internet connection, it may be worth it to you.

Mobile Router Pick: Middle of the Road

Peplink MAX BR1 Pro 5G x62 (MAX-BR1-PRO-5GN-T-PRM)

The Peplink MAX BR1 Pro 5G x62 is a little over a third of the price of the Peplink MAX BR2 Pro x62, but still has a very impressive feature set. The biggest differences is that it only supports 1 5G cellular connection, 1 ethernet WAN connection, it has 2 ethernet LAN ports instead of 4, is doesn’t support USB WAN or the USB Max Adapter, and it doesn’t support edge computing on the router. It does support:

1x 5G connection
Band 71 support (Band 71 is a 600 MHz frequency band that T-Mobile has been using to expand its coverage in remote areas since 2017)
Support for 5G Phase 2 (x62 edition only)
4×4 MIMO cellular antennae support
1 ethernet WAN connections up to 2.5 Gbps each.
WiFi as WAN
Wi-Fi 6 (Dual (2.4GHz + 5GHz) 2×2)
1-150 Connected Users
1 Gbps router throughput
400 Mbps SpeedFusion throughput (unencrypted)
200 Mbps SpeedFusion throughput (AES 256 encrypted)
SpeedFusion VPN support
SpeedFusion Hot Failover support
SpeedFusion Smoothing support
SpeedFusion Bandwidth Bonding support

This router features one Qualcomm next generation X62 cellular modem which supports 3GPP Release 16 specification of 5G, commonly referred to as “5G Phase 2” supporting the latest cellular technologies.

Mobile Router Pick: Value Option

Peplink MAX BR1 MINI 5G x62 (MAX-BR1-MINI-5GN-T-M-PRM)

Our value pick would be the Peplink MAX BR1 MINI 5G x62. It’s rather bare-bones compared to the first two. But, if you want to stay connected on a budget, this may be the router for you. It still allows you to balance a single 5G connection and anything that you can plug into the WAN port. That could be a StarLink connection, an external WiFi router, a home 5G router, etc. Keep in mind, that this router doesn’t support WiFi internally like the other do, so if you need WiFi, you’d need an external access point and/or router. It does support:

1x 5G connection
Band 71 support (Band 71 is a 600 MHz frequency band that T-Mobile has been using to expand its coverage in remote areas since 2017)
Support for 5G Phase 2 (x62 edition only)
4×4 MIMO cellular antennae support
1 ethernet WAN connections up to 1 Gbps.
300 Mbps router throughput
80 Mbps SpeedFusion throughput (unencrypted)
20/60 Mbps SpeedFusion throughput (AES 256 encrypted)
1-60 Connected Users
SpeedFusion VPN support
SpeedFusion Hot Failover support
SpeedFusion Smoothing support
SpeedFusion Bandwidth Bonding support

Choosing the Best Antenna for Your RV

Choosing the right antenna for your mobile router is crucial to ensure optimal performance and reliable connectivity, especially when using cellular networks. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting antennas for your mobile router:

MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output): MIMO antennas are designed to improve data throughput and signal quality by utilizing multiple antennas for transmission and reception. The MIMO of your antennae should match the MIMO of your router. For example, if you have the Peplink MAX BR2 Pro x62 which has 8×8 MIMO cellular support, you’re going to want an 8×8 MIMO cellular antennae support. This will become painfully obvious if you buy an antennae that only has 4×4 MIMO cellular support for your 8×8 MIMO router. You’ll quickly notice that you only have four cellular antennae cable connections, but 8 antennae connections on your router.
Frequency Compatibility: Ensure that the antenna supports the frequency bands used by your mobile network provider. Different regions and carriers utilize varying frequency bands for 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. Check with your carrier or refer to their website to determine the frequencies used in your area. For example, band 71 is a 600 MHz frequency band that T-Mobile has been using to expand its coverage in remote areas since 2017. This is one of the more rare frequencies that have only recently started being added to antennae support.
Antenna Directionality: There are several types of antennas available, each with its own characteristics and suitability for different applications:
- Omni-directional Antennas: These antennas radiate signal in all directions, making them suitable for mobile applications where the direction of the signal may vary.
- Directional Antennas: Directional antennas focus signal in a specific direction, offering higher gain and longer range compared to omni-directional antennas. They are ideal for fixed installations where the direction of the signal is known.
- Yagi Antennas: Yagi antennas are directional antennas with high gain and narrow beamwidth, making them suitable for long-range communication in a specific direction.
Gain: Antenna gain refers to the ability of the antenna to focus signal in a particular direction. Higher gain antennas can provide better signal strength and coverage, especially in areas with weak cellular signals or long distances from cell towers. However, higher gain antennas are often larger and may be less suitable for mobile applications. The little stick antennas that come with your router likely have a gain of 2-3 dBi, while some roof top antennas can have a gain between 7 and 9 dBi.
Mounting Options: You will want to consider the mounting options available for the antenna and choose one that suits your specific installation requirements. Some antennas are designed for magnetic mounting on vehicles, while others may require permanent installation using mounting brackets or poles. Keep in mind that most RVs are either aluminum or fiberglass. Neither of these are magnetic.
Cable Length and Connector Type: Ensure that the antenna cable is long enough to reach your mobile router while allowing for flexibility in installation. Additionally, check that the antenna connector type matches the connector on your router. Common connector types include SMA, RP-SMA, TS9, and N-Type.
Weather Resistance: If the antenna will be used in outdoor environments, make sure it is weatherproof and designed to withstand exposure to harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, and UV radiation. You’re not going to want to mount an indoor antennae on the outside of your RV.
Performance Requirements: Finally, consider your performance requirements when selecting an antenna. Higher quality antennas with advanced features such as MIMO support and higher gain may offer better performance and reliability in the long run.
Budget: The world being what it is, of course money is part of the decision making process. How important is that connection to you, and what is it worth to you.

By considering these factors and carefully evaluating your specific needs, you can choose the right antenna for your mobile router setup, ensuring optimal performance and reliable connectivity wherever you go. If you’re unsure about which antenna to choose, consult with a reputable vendor or technical expert for personalized advice and recommendations.

Below is a table of what would be my first and second antenna choices for each of the routers I recommended above.

Router	Antenna Choice 1	Antenna Choice 2
Peplink MAX BR2 Pro x62	Parsec Great Pyrenees 11:1	Peplink Mobility 82G
Peplink MAX BR1 Pro 5G x62	Parsec Husky 7:1	Peplink Mobility 42G
Peplink MAX BR1 MINI 5G x62	Parsec Husky Pro 4:1	*Peplink Mobility 40G

*Note: The Peplink Mobility 40G will have an extra GPS cable that doesn’t have a purpose on the Peplink MAX BR1 MINI 5G x62.