How to setup two WiFi devices on same computer to access two networks

NavyLCDR · 01 Jan 2019

For a solution that might help you on the road as well as at home, I would look at something like this:
Wavlink AC600 High Power Outdoor Weatherproof Wifi Repeater 5GHz 433Mbps Dual-Polarized 1000mW 28dBm Omnidirectional Antenna Passive POE - Newegg.com

The only wire you need to run outside the motorhome is a CAT 6 ethernet cable, and a place to mount it. On the road, you might be able to pick up stray WiFi signals from nearby restaurants/businesses or WiFi access points such as park offices. I had a much smaller version of something similar and was able to get internet access in a cabin in a park where the only WiFi was at the park office - none of my computer's would see the WiFi signal, but my repeater did.

CountryBumkin · 09 Jan 2019

I got my two problems mixed up. I cross posted.
The issue with the computers seeing each other on the same home network is solved.
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So this issue/thread is about setting up my Wifi Hotspot so I can use the internet from my AT&T DSL router/Wifi in my motorhome.

I ended up tossing out the D-Link router and I bought an Alfa R36A with the Alfa AWUS036NH adapter/receiver. It's basically the Alfa "Camp Pro 2" setup but with a different antenna. I was able to setup the Alfa (which uses network address 192.168.36.x) and it communicates with all my equipment in the motorhome (smart TV, BD Player and Laptop) but I can not get it to connect to my Internet. https://store.rokland.com/collection...409-tf-antenna

Looking again at the Alfa setup instructions, I see that when the internet is connected it is showing a local network address 192.168.88.xx (in the example shown in instruction sheet below). On my AT&T network when I look at the properties I see it's address is 172.xx.xx.xx (not a local network). Could this be the problem? Maybe the AT&T DSL router/wifi internet connection I see on the laptop only works on a local network. Which means the WiFi internet the campgrounds provide is a different type of access (coming from campground local network/router).

The snapshot attached is from the Alfa instruction manual.

CountryBumkin · 09 Jan 2019

jl2509 said:

Hey Samurai, Good spot

I did not notice the 3rd subnet difference on the motorhome router (duh)

If you change the settings in the motorhome router, to be the same as the home router, and try to connect to the home wifi "if range extending is supported on the Dlink" then it may work

I am assuming that your DHCP setup page in your Dlink router looks similar to the image below.
Change the settings to reflect the same DHCP settings as the house router. It may just work

Attachment 219263

Thanks

Turns out there is no place to change the network address of the AT&T DSL router or the Alfa R36A "router/hotspot/access-point" device. The AT&T is set to use 192.168.1.x and can't be changed and the Alfa uses 192.168.36.x.
However putting the Alfa and the AT&T on the same network address "should not" be the solution, because when you go to a campsite and connect to their Wifi-internet, you have no access to their network address. The Afla is designed to locate the available WiFi networks, display them by SSID and allow you to enter the password (which you get from the campground).
So my Alfa sees my AT&T WiFi, shows it's SSID, I enter the password, and still can not connect.

CountryBumkin · 09 Jan 2019

Just to report back - the internet is now connected!!!
I didn't do anything. I went out to motor home to check a few settings and when I started up laptop it connected to Alfa and the Internet.

Railtech · 12 Jan 2019

Often when you make changes in network settings as you have a restart of attached devices clears up issues with making connections.