Setting Up Mobile Internet with GL.iNet Spitz AX Router
Introduction
The following is a peek into my RV setup and my journey toward achieving an ideal mobile internet configuration with the GL.iNet Spitz AX router. While setting up an RV router may sound straightforward, it’s a project that can come with some surprises, especially when power issues come into play. The following is my installation experience, and why I think the Spitz AX is an excellent choice for RV travelers.
Why Choose the GL.iNet Spitz AX (GL-X3000) for RV Internet?
Spitz AX offers 6 total SMA ports, 2x for Wi-Fi 6 (PR-SMA) and 4x for 5G (SMA). Screwable antennas are already included with the router, or you can use your own. The router offers 2 SIM slots, with automatic failover (if one provider is not available, it switches to the second card) or manual switching (ex. company data card from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., otherwise the private data card). Instead of 2 SIM cards, a SIM card can be used as a failover in addition to the campsite’s Wi-Fi, or vice versa. The router’s antennas also feature MIMO (Multiple In, Multiple Out)
With MIMO:
Enhanced Signal Quality and Connection: All antennas can work together to focus the transmission/reception power, improving the overall signal strength and reliability. This is often referred to as beamforming, where antennas direct the signal toward a particular device to maximize connection quality.
Network Splitting Capability: The antennas can also split roles, dedicating some to handle external connections (like incoming internet from an ISP) and others for internal network distribution (such as sending Wi-Fi to devices within the home). This setup can improve network efficiency, especially in busy environments.
Automatic Optimization: MIMO technology often includes automatic switching or optimization, meaning the device dynamically manages which antennas should focus on improving connection quality versus splitting networks. This helps maintain the best connection without manual intervention.
Remember, while tempting, don’t angle the antennas at 90 degrees to the device, but instead run them along the roof for the best reception. With the antennas vertical, the radio (Wi-Fi) waves spread omnidirectionally from the transmitter, the more parallel the antennas are, the better. It does not matter whether they point upwards or downwards.
Like all GL.iNet routers, it offers VPN support for more than 30 providers. I personally only use my home network as a counterpart, with an additional GL.iNet router at home.
The operating system runs on the basis of OpenWrt, the non-proprietary parts are available as open source and can be adapted. Security vulnerabilities are patched in the backport and openly communicated.
Key Features:
- WLAN with Wi-Fi standards a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6)
- 512 MB RAM and 8 GB Flash
- RJ45 WAN up to 2.5 Gbps, in case you are in a holiday home with fiber optic
- RJ45 LAN with up to 1000 Mbps to supply a laptop without WLAN
- microSD card slot for up to 1 TB of additional storage
- 5 discrete status LEDs (Power, 5G Wi-Fi, 2.4 Wi-Fi, Internet, Mobile Signal Strength)
- Power plug: DC5521, 12V/2.5A (5.5mm x 2.1mm)
- Power consumption: < 14 W
Power Setup Tips and Troubleshooting
After routing the necessary cables, I decided to use the existing connection for the TV with a 5A fuse. I was ready to go. I plugged in the Spitz AX and then, silence. No power to the router. Worse, half the RV’s systems had gone offline: no heater, no fridge, no TV. I was desperate to avoid telling my wife that we’d have no heat for the weekend.
After some investigation, I found the melted fuse and replaced it with a 10A fuse, bringing the RV back online. I reached out to GL.iNet for advice and discovered, through help from their support team and community members, that I had likely reversed the cable polarity. The cable I used wasn’t marked, and I had unknowingly swapped the positive and negative connections (thus showing -12.2V) with the positive pole on the inside of the connector.
Testing and Measuring the Power Supply
This time, I double-checked everything, starting with the original power supply’s polarity. After measuring, I confirmed that the inner contact was the positive terminal, and then disassembled the panel. I decided to repurpose the power cord used for the TV, which we only turn on a couple of times each year anyway.
One important step when setting up a router in an RV is to verify the voltage after the installation and before plugging it in. In my case, the voltage was slightly higher at 13.2V than the 12.3V provided by the power supply, but thankfully the Spitz AX is designed to handle input voltages between 9V and 36V, so this wasn’t a problem.
Reliable Internet on the Road
With the Spitz AX finally installed and powered, I was ready for a stable connection on future trips. Here’s why I think it’s the perfect router for RV enthusiasts:
- Dual SIM Card Slots: With two SIM card slots, I can use one for personal data and another for work, ensuring seamless connectivity for both purposes.
- High-performance Antenna: The router’s antenna extends the signal range, making it easier to connect to cell towers even in remote areas.
- Built-in VPN: With a secure connection to my home VPN, I can browse the internet safely from anywhere.
Now, all that’s left is to find the mounting plate. With the Spitz AX in place, my RV internet setup is ready to go, offering reliable connectivity for upcoming adventures.
Conclusion
Setting up the Spitz AX in an RV brings reliable, high-speed internet on the road, which makes life easier and more comfortable for mobile living. Not only does a GL.iNet router allow you to retransmit a local Wi-Fi connection in your RV from a campsite that may provide internet, but it also allows you to provide your own cellular internet source (via the router’s SIM slots) and broadcast to your RV home. All of this makes the Spitz AX an ideal choice for anyone exploring the open road.
Ready to experience hassle-free connectivity on the road? The GL.iNet Spitz AX router delivers high-speed internet, secure VPN access, and seamless failover for your RV adventures. Visit the Spitz AX’s product page to learn more and upgrade your RV internet setup today.
About GL.iNet
GL.iNet builds network hardware and software solutions that bring affordable and secure network connectivity to families and businesses all over the world. We work with a wide range of industries, solving everyday internet problems in offices, and providing complex networking solutions such as smart buildings and IoT Networks. At GL.iNet, We believe all successful businesses build upon a strong and secure foundation, which is why our highest priority is perfecting network security and reliability for our partners.