What is the most reliable way to access the Internet while on the road?

Marc Asks:

I’m looking for realistic solutions that allow people to work from the road, like full-time RV'ers, etc. I know WiFi is an option, but it requires specific locations, etc. What is the best range of EVDO, and is there something better? Perhaps satellite (although not quite as mobile)?

Rob’s Answer:

This is a difficult question to answer because the best answer depends on exactly where you are. Some services will work better in some areas than others.

Specifically speaking to full-time RV folks:

Most RV parks have 2 options to connect to the Internet.

1) WiFi
Most parks have large WiFi antennas and advertise coverage. Full time RV'ers will tell you that access is inconsistent. Between lackluster technical support to inadequate hardware (amplifiers, antennas and the like), WiFi is available but often problematic.

Some RV'ers mount inexpensive WiFi antennas on the top of their rigs to catch more of the signal and repeat it locally. Mounting the antenna up above the large tin-cans often yields a much better result and if setup correctly can help your neighbors too.

http://antenna-cosmtec.com/images/upload/YG-001-16.jpg

2) Community Access
Large parks will have a community center. Most that do have a business center like setup with a computer, printer and sometimes even wifi access so that patrons can bring their laptop in, answer emails and surf the net.

Beyond RV Parks, you've already listed the major options:

1) EVDO
This will work well in areas that are covered with good cell coverage. Check with your cellular carrier to find out exactly what coverage is offered in which areas that you're traveling. Don't forget to know exactly what the fees are associated with roaming.

2) Satellite
This is perhaps the slowest but most available option. As long as you can see the westward sky, you can get on the Internet. It's slow packet based transmissions don't work very well for large file transfers and uploads are a large problem.

3) Community / open WiFi
Some cities offer wifi and better still, some urban areas have commercial wifi access available. One of my favorites is to simply drive around popular hotels until NetStumbler says that there is an open available access point. Some hotels offer free WiFi Internet access making this an easy find.

4) Dial up
Good old school dial-up is included with many residential ISP plans. Contact your home ISP to find the dial up networking phone numbers, local exchanges and usage limits. A lot of pay-phones have RJ-11 phone line ports on them now to allow modem connections. This is a good, but obviously slow and cumbersome option.

5) Future
WiMax and other wireless technologies are on the horizon. There is a real need for truly mobile, inexpensive Internet. There will be significant growth in this area in the next 2-5 years.

CONCLUSION

Without knowing more about the specific areas that you're traveling and where you'll be staying, it's difficult to form a best answer to your question. However, with a little planning and a bit of calling ahead, you'll be able to easily find a form of Internet access listed above.

Source(s):
I planned the implementation of a Wireless Internet Service Provider. My Aunt and Uncle also RV full time and love to stay in touch via the Internet.