Powerful internet in the car. Video about connecting the Internet in the car. Features of organizing a Wi-Fi connection in a car

Some motorists managed to calculate how long it takes to stand idle in traffic jams. Maybe you are familiar with the situation when passengers start to get bored if the trip turned out to be long. All this can be avoided with the help of the Internet via Wi-Fi. Let's take a look at how to WiFi internet in the car with simple solutions.

With the active development of the mobile Internet, there is a need for convenient use of wireless technologies. Now it is not surprising that access to the network anywhere is commonplace. Special technologies have appeared on the world market that allow you to be online around the clock from any device that has a Wi-Fi module. It is possible not to tell that the Internet is not available in all places, even public ones, and often the connection is closed with a password. Every owner of a smartphone, tablet or laptop will agree with this. However, it is possible to use the wireless network anywhere, but with the help of operators cellular communication. If you did not know, such a solution can be organized via Wi-Fi in a car and any other mode of transport (except air).

Do-it-yourself internet via wifi in a car using a phone

The easiest and most affordable solution to get wifi into your car is to use mobile phone as a modem. All modern smartphone models support this function - distribution via wifi Internet received from a mobile operator. I have already described this feature in detail, so I will not repeat myself, but I will give you links to these articles: on and on the iPhone.

The main disadvantage of this option is that when WiFi and 3G are turned on at the same time, the battery runs out very quickly. But this nuance can be smoothed out by using an additional external battery.

WiFi in car via 3G/4G router

In one of the articles, I already told you that there are, in which the functions of a high-speed modem and a Wi-Fi module are combined. The dimensions of such devices can be identical to the “whistle”, the size of a flash drive, or have the form of a stationary box.

The range often does not exceed 150 meters. The main features of mobile Internet routers are the number of supported equipment, the presence of a battery for battery life, the ability to connect to various operators (CDMA network, as well as GSM), file transfer (HSDPA, Rev A, Rev B). These devices are also equipped with an output for connecting an external car antenna. Getting Internet via Wi-Fi in the car is very easy. To do this, you just need to turn on the device and after 15-20 seconds you will be able to find your own network. The router is powered by a standard car charger. If working equipment identical to Huawei EC 315, it will be possible to connect to the USB port. You will have to pay for such Internet at the rate of a phone number. To manage in cash You can use the self-service system. As you can see, there is nothing complicated!

Ready-made solution: CarFi - wifi router with 4g sim card for car

In 2015, Huawei demonstrated a new type of device, the so-called CarFi, to a wide range of users. This turnkey solution– car wifi router with support for SIM cards and 4G LTE networks of mobile operators. CarFi connects to the car cigarette lighter and distributes via WiFi Internet, received via SIM card from cellular communication.

A feature is the presence of active cooling, which eliminates the overheating of the modem during operation. CarFi operation can be controlled from an Android or iOS phone through the Huawei Hilink proprietary program.

By the way, Ford has already taken care of the availability of wireless Internet in its cars by introducing the Sync system with Wi-Fi. Her job is that the user inserts a 3G / 4G modem into the USB input on the central panel, and the car itself distributes the Internet throughout the car. Let's hope that other manufacturers will pick up the idea.

WiFi in the car - a turnkey solution

If you have noticed, more and more often on different bus routes and even in some places in the metro in test mode, the ability for passengers to connect to Wi Fi directly in the cabin is being launched. Installed in route vehicles different from a simple mobile router. This is already a whole complex communication system, which consists of several components and can simultaneously catch 3G, 4G signals from operators and also Wi-Fi from access points available for connection, automatically switching between them and giving the end user the maximum stable speed.

This solution very convenient for those people who often have to travel by car for work and at the same time constantly have high-quality wifi Internet access. The client equipment itself consists of a small modem box that is installed in the car, and external antenna on the roof to improve reception quality. Anyone can install such a kit in their car by contacting one of the companies that installs such a kit. I will not give advertising - you can easily find them on the Internet yourself.

Modern gadgets are hard to imagine without the Wi-Fi function, this type of wireless communication is gaining momentum and is built into all new devices. We will tell you how to equip a Wi-Fi hotspot in your car.

Many manufacturers of modern cars, starting from the basic configuration, install Wi-Fi access points in a pair with Internet access. This option is in great demand, especially in family-class cars. Still, there are many who want to embed the Internet in foreign cars of past years or domestic cars.

Wi-Fi internet options in the car

Manufacturers of modern cars offer an additional option, but what about those cars where there is no such possibility. Often, the owners of such cars go to various tricks, independently introducing modern technologies.

Smartphone and WiFi

The first and most reliable way can be considered a smartphone. Modern smartphones allow you to quickly convert the device from a phone to a Wi-Fi access point. To do this, just turn on the mobile Internet and, through the special function of the Wi-Fi Router, make the Internet available via Wi-Fi. In this case, the smartphone will turn into an access point.

This option can be considered the cheapest and fastest, since it will be enough to understand the settings of the smartphone. This method is available for any car and not only for a car, it can also be used as a portable access device. The main disadvantage is that at any time they can call a smartphone, and in this case the Internet will simply turn off.

Another disadvantage is that you need to constantly look for a place to recharge, while actively using your smartphone as a Wi-Fi access point. It will not do without eating money from the account. Before enabling such a feature, make sure that your data plan has enough megabytes in reserve. Otherwise, connected devices will quickly eat up megabytes. If the Internet is limited, then it is worth keeping at least 1 GB in reserve.

When buying a smartphone, be sure to make sure that the Wi-Fi function of the router is available. In principle, this is one of the best and most aesthetic options for implementing the Internet in a car.

USB modem for internet

Second implementation option Wi-Fi Internet this USB modems with WiFi hotspot function. If you do not have a smartphone, then this will be the best option. Huawei modems are considered the most common; their operation is based on the same GSM connection system and Wi-Fi distribution.

The advantage is that they are less bulky than smartphones and besides, if the owner of the smartphone leaves the car, the Internet will still remain in the car. It will also be a plus that the SIM card installed in the modem will be designed specifically for working on the Internet, thereby allowing you to use the network more.

When choosing a USB modem for Wi-Fi access in a car, you should not take a modem tied to a specific mobile operator, it is best to take a universal one. Thus, you can independently choose a tariff for your needs and volumes of use. Also, when traveling to another country or part of the country, there will be an opportunity to change the operator, thereby ensuring the uninterrupted operation of the Wi-Fi access point.

It would be nice to find out from the modem manufacturer whether the modem can work autonomously without a computer, since the option for a computer will not work due to the configuration features. Some manufacturers specifically make such Wi-Fi modems for cars and additionally offer a remote antenna to amplify the communication signal. Such an antenna is often very useful, when driving on the road there is not always a good connection, and as a result of signal amplification, there will always be access to the Internet.

OBD-II Wi-Fi device

The third option for creating Wi-Fi Internet in the car is access via an OBD-II device. As a rule, for the most part, this device is used to connect to the diagnostic connector and search for errors. Often, data transfer goes through a Wi-Fi access point. A smartphone is used as a monitor, and it is also connected via Wi-Fi.

In such devices, a GSM receiver is mounted, you will need to insert a SIM card of the provider you need into it. But since there are no clear rules for what the Internet is needed in such a device, it can be used for your own purposes. A manufacturer such as Delphi Connect allows not only to remove information about errors, but also provides real-time monitoring of the location of the car using this device.

Stationary car modem

The most reliable, but at the same time, the most expensive option is a stationary Wi-Fi modem for cars. The portable version of the modem is specially made to create a Wi-Fi hotspot in the car. Depending on the manufacturer, the size of the modem can be medium or completely portable, such as a radar detector or a DVR.

Although the pleasure is not cheap, the main advantage of this Wi-Fi access point is the quality of the connection. This is what manufacturers of such modems pay most of all. The modem will provide the ability to connect to the Internet in any place and conditions. Some manufacturers allow you to connect a laptop or phone via USB that does not have Wi-Fi functionality.

How much does a wifi hotspot cost in a car

Accessing the Internet in your car is not a small pleasure, but of course the price will also not be small. The first thing to look at is the operator's tariff plan. It is worth choosing one that is mostly designed for using the Internet, and not calls or SMS. It is better to check the price with the operator mobile communications so they often change prices.

As for the equipment, one of the best options would be to use your smartphone, the price can be free, and in case of purchase it can reach several tens of thousands of rubles. In the case of using a USB modem with a Wi-Fi access point, the price can be from 300 to 5000 rubles. Modems from some manufacturers may be more expensive.

The third Wi-Fi connection option is an OBD-II device, the connection price is from 1000 to 7000 rubles, for some cars it can be more expensive. Since a lot will depend on the type of connector and the manufacturer of the car.

The most expensive is a stationary modem for a car with a Wi-Fi access point. The price of such a modem will be from 3,500 to 10,000 rubles. Indeed, the price is not small, but the reliability and quality is worth the money. Well, it's up to you to decide which option to choose, cheaper and worse in the quality of Wi-Fi connection or more expensive and excellent quality of Internet access.

What you need to know about communication

When choosing a modem to work with a GSM network, you should know a few rules for choosing. First, it is worth looking at the generation of the network, which uses this modem. Most, many countries now use 3G or 4G standards. Therefore, it is better to take one that is able to work with several standards.

When choosing an operator and a tariff plan for Wi-Fi, you should pay attention to the details, which the operator often tries not to talk about, whether there are limits on megabytes and what is the price in excess of available megabytes. Often the statement about unlimited Internet is only in words, in fact it is a package of several gigabytes, at the end of which you will have to pay extra in excess of the package rate.

Before you get Wi-Fi Internet in the car, calculate several times, choose for yourself and your passengers the best option for accessing the Internet through a Wi-Fi access point.

Video of how Wi-Fi works in a car:

The easiest way to connect Wi-Fi internet to your car is to use your smartphone as a dedicated wireless hotspot. But you can also connect a WiFi connection to a mobile data network and wireless network to any car, using a number of different types of Wi-Fi adapters that will act as a modem and router.

All the methods described below for connecting Wi-Fi to a car differ in their high cost, ease of connection and use, as well as the aesthetics of their appearance inside the car interior. Let's look at all the different ways to get a Wi-Fi network in the car!

Internet in the car via phone

Price: From free to 20+ thousand rubles, depending on whether you have a smartphone or how much you are willing to spend on it.

The easiest and cheapest (if you have a phone) way to get Wi-Fi internet in your car is to turn your phone into a hotspot. Most smartphones today have the ability to distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi out of the box - the latest versions of iOS, Android and Android firmware have this ability. Windows phone. The access point is turned on in the settings and it looks different depending on operating system. IN in general terms, look in the settings for words such as "access point", "shared internet", etc.

The main idea of this way to connect the Internet in the car is that the phone works both as a modem and as a router. The phone essentially allows other devices, such as tablets, MP3 players, or a Wi-Fi-enabled car multimedia system, to connect to the network shared by the phone.

The downside of using your phone to provide Wi-Fi internet connection in your car is that any device that connects to it will eat up megabytes from your cell phone inexorably. And, since most people use tariffs that include the golden mean between cheap calls and inexpensive Internet, then, as a rule, this Internet will be very limited in monthly traffic or in speed. Moreover, some operators, without the knowledge of the client, will withdraw money from the balance upon reaching the traffic limit, without warning about it.

So if you're using your phone as a hotspot in your car to watch a bunch of Youtube videos on a long road trip, you might find yourself running out of a month's worth of data within a single day. In any case, before connecting to Wi-Fi Internet through your phone, read carefully the contract you signed with the mobile operator again, especially the small print.

USB modems in a car with Wi-Fi function

Price: From 500 to 3,000 rubles.

Another easy way to get Wi-Fi in your car is to use a dedicated Wi-Fi modem. These devices basically include the same type of cellular data connection as a phone, but are less bulky than a phone and allow freedom of movement for the smartphone owner - when the owner of the smartphone leaves the car, the Internet does not go with him.

Another plus of this method before turning on the access point from the phone settings is that it will be a separate SIM card with its own tariff, calculated mainly for the Internet, and not for calls, and therefore with a more favorable tariff for using the Internet.

By the way, when choosing a USB modem in a car, do not take modems that are technically tied only to a specific cellular network operator. Simply put, do not buy USB modems in the communication stores of certain operators, but take universal modems. Firstly, the very possibility of changing the operator is a plus in any case. Secondly, we take a USB modem into the car, which means that when planning a long trip, we can buy a SIM card that will ensure the most uninterrupted Wi-Fi Internet in the car.

By the way, about the mobility of USB modems - you need to choose a modem with the ability to work autonomously from the car's cigarette lighter. A classic modem that plugs into a laptop's USB socket will not work. Although, the initial configuration of the modem is still done through the computer interface. In any case, you need to check with the seller that you will connect the modem to the car, and not to the laptop.

Another advantage of a USB modem is that you can additionally buy an antenna-amplifier for it, and this is quite a useful thing in many cases, especially when it comes to using the Internet on a trip with different signal levels along the way.

Many (more expensive) car USB modems also have built-in batteries to allow them to operate autonomously.

Wi-Fi Internet in the car via OBD-II device

Price: from 1,000 to 5,000 rubles

Wi-Fi enabled OBD-II devices are typically designed to interact with a smartphone app in addition to providing WiFi networks. These are devices that connect to your car's OBD-II port - the port that is used technical specialists to perform diagnostic work in the form of troubleshooting. By virtue of its functionality, such a device distributes Wi-Fi, and in most of these devices Wi-Fi can be used not only for its intended purpose, but also simply for surfing the Internet.

But the main advantage of such devices is not the first thing car thieves notice in a car. And some manufacturers of such devices, such as Delphi Connect, for example, allow not only access to diagnostic information through a smartphone application, but also provide vehicle tracking data. This allows you to track your vehicle's location in real time, as well as see where your vehicle has been in the past.

Fixed Wi-Fi modems and routers

Price: from 3,500 to 10,000 rubles

The most expensive, most reliable, and least portable way to get Wi-Fi in your car is to install a stationary wireless modem and router. These in-car wireless routers tend to be much more expensive than portable USB modems, and they require little installation work. However, some car routers have some degree of portability - much like radar detectors and DVRs - you can rearrange the router and modem in another car. Other devices are as mobile as your car is - they move only inside one car and are permanently installed there.

The main benefit of this type of device is that the cellular radio will often be stronger than what you would normally experience with Wi-Fi enabled smartphones and USB modems, and the Wi-Fi signal itself can also be stronger.

Another advantage of fixed routers is that they often include USB ports for connecting locally. This provides the ability to connect, for example, a laptop or phone, which simply does not have a Wi-Fi module.

Pay close attention to the current costs for the Internet in the car

Yes, throughput, network power are important factors when buying this or that device for connecting Wi-Fi Internet in the car, but take the tariff seriously and mobile operator. Today, the top three among operators are MTS, Beeline and Megafon; the newly-minted Tele2 is catching up with the top three. Everyone has different rates, but there is plenty to choose from.

First of all, when buying a device, pay attention to what types of communication they provide. So, 4G communication is already a fairly common geographically format, and if you travel often or travel within large cities, then this may be the best choice For you.

Claimed as allegedly unlimited Internet, upon reaching a certain traffic threshold, the speed is greatly reduced.
The tariff is declared as unlimited Internet throughout Russia. In fact, at the entrance to each region of the Russian Federation, you are charged a certain amount once for the internet.
The Internet is honestly described as having limited traffic. In fact, the operator will not notify you of reaching the traffic limit, but will gladly automatically connect any additional traffic package for additional money.

Using a car as a mode of transport to get around big city, many have noticed what inconveniences they have to face. First of all, it's traffic jams. Sometimes you have to stand in them for a very long time. So that passengers do not get bored, drivers connect wi-fi to the car. This solution can be implemented in several ways.

To use your phone as a modem, there are 3 connection options:

via wi-fi
via Bluetooth;
using wires.

For everything to work, you need to make some settings in the phone. It is not easy for beginners to deal with this. It's much easier to set up your phone like a router.

Connection options are as follows:

connect your phone via sim card. It will work like a router, distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi in the car. This connection method will allow you to access the Internet wirelessly from any device;
the phone connects to the Internet and via Bluetooth gives access to the network to other devices;
the phone is connected to the mobile Internet, transmits it via a USB cable.

USB modem with Wi-Fi function.

This method is also considered easy. A USB modem has a similar type of cellular data connection as a phone. Unlike the latter, it is not bulky, the owner of the smartphone can move freely. When the user gets out of the car, the internet will remain.

Car modem for distribution

USB modem for distribution in the cigarette lighter

Separate rate. Another positive feature is the presence of a separate sim card with its own tariff. It is calculated only by the tariff for the Internet in the car, without the ability to call.

Universal USB modem. When choosing a USB modem, pay attention to the binding to operators. Buy a universal modem that does not depend on certain operators of any network. In this case, it is possible to easily change the operator if he is not satisfied with something. When buying a USB modem, consult with the seller, let him know that a modem is required for a car, not a computer.

Wi-fi in the car, using a special modem for the Internet, will show a stable connection, fast download.

The second winning point of the universal modem is the uninterrupted operation of the Internet in the car due to an additional SIM card if the user is going on a long journey. Also, for safety on the road, a wi-fi camera for the car is installed.

Choose devices with the ability to operate from a car cigarette lighter. The classic version with a connection to the USB port of a laptop will not work.

Rear camera

A car camcorder with a wi-fi module transmits an image via the Internet to a smartphone. No cabling required in the cabin. Installing a wi-fi camera in a car is quite simple. The voltage of the on-board network in 12V will be enough. The mounting system is so simple that it is possible to install it yourself. When a wi-fi camera is mounted in a car, no wiring is required in the cabin.

A car video camera with wi-fi is installed on the bumper, under the license plate, trunk. With this device, the driver is not afraid to drive onto the curb, collide with another car.

When choosing Wi-Fi for a car, pay attention to the bandwidth, network power, do not forget about tariffs and operators. Take your choice of purchase seriously.

Today, many are interested in how to conduct Internet via Wi-Fi in a car. There can be many reasons to install a Wi-Fi hotspot router in your car. Starting from the current fashionable trend to provide access to the World Wide Web in public transport or in a taxi as marketing move and additional service, ending with the provision of high-quality communication for those who need the Internet for work.

IN modern world a global network is needed anywhere, cars are no exception

The main advantage of this method over the mobile Internet in a smartphone is the ability to transfer large amounts of data. Since there can be multiple passengers in the car accessing the network, a single high-speed hotspot will become more preferable. A Wi-Fi router in the car gives convenience similar to those that appear on smartphone owners without mobile internet when they come home - their gadget immediately “comes to life” due to the fact that it goes online. Especially these benefits will be felt by passengers during long trips, which will raise the quality of the carrier's service to a higher level.

A bit of history

In the United States, the idea of connecting a car to the Internet first arose. In 2009, Chrysler's car manufacturers began equipping their cars with special hardware to connect to the World Wide Web via a Wi-Fi router. This feature was implemented by connecting the additional Uconnect Web option, and the connection bandwidth was at the level of 400–800 Kbps with a Wi-Fi range of about 30 meters. Later, General Motors began to dispose of such solutions in Cadillacs. And now every car owner has the opportunity to provide his car with the Internet, and not only by ordering an additional option in a car dealership.

To use the global network, it is not necessary to modify the machine

A standalone Wi-Fi hotspot is now one of the most popular options in new cars, and quite expensive. From a technical point of view, implementing a Wi-Fi zone in a car is a simple task. In cars with an installed Infotainment System (IRS) with GPS, this is also not difficult to do.

Overview of solutions for implementing Wi-Fi in the car

Connection methods

There are several ways to create a Wi-Fi hotspot in the car:

Smartphone as a router;
3G/4G router with Wi-Fi;
Wi-Fi module for IRS with a navigator;
Tablet with an external 3G modem (as a Wi-Fi router);
Ready car Wi-Fi system.

Provider selection

The choice of equipment is half the task. You also need to decide on the provider. Tip: choose major providers. Thanks to the widest possible coverage, you can be sure that wherever you drive, the connection via Wi-Fi in the car will be stable.

Tariff selection

The choice of tariffs is quite wide - ranging from minimal to unlimited. Based on the fact that you decide to create comfortable access to the World Wide Web in the car, it makes sense to take a closer look at unlimited tariff. Especially if large amounts of information are downloaded or streaming video is played. But if you just need to ensure the availability of Wi-Fi in the car, limit yourself to the basic tariff. In this case, it makes sense to use tricks based on a smartphone or tablet as a router. If you need to connect the Internet to create comfortable conditions during rare long trips, there are tariffs with payment exclusively on the day of use.

Options for the technical implementation of the connection

Smartphone as a router

The easiest and cheapest way to get Wi-Fi into your car is to use your smartphone as a router. The vast majority of gadgets have the function of distributing the Internet via Wi-Fi. Its meaning is that the signal received by the phone from the operator is converted into a Wi-Fi signal, with the help of which other devices can access the global network through the specified device. There are two drawbacks: fast battery consumption and speed limits set by the smartphone. You need to study the characteristics of your device and compare them with the tariff plan, and if they suit you, this is the most affordable way. And to prevent rapid battery consumption, you can connect your phone to the cigarette lighter.

3G modem/Wi-Fi router

Some models of 3G routers have a built-in Wi-Fi module. In fact, the same as the gadget, but placed in a separate case and has higher specifications. The modem has its own battery that allows it to work for several hours, which seems to be good, but with prolonged use, the cigarette lighter will have to be used. There are models of routers specifically designed to connect to the cigarette lighter. It is possible to connect several devices, which is important (for more information about their number, see the documentation for the device). The range of these routers is several tens of meters. Also, these devices have a connector for connecting an external car antenna.

The advantage is the highest declared data exchange rate, but in practice this is far from always the case. Telecom operators and router developers indicate the speed of access to the modem itself. It is necessary to take into account the limitations of gadgets connected to such a source, as well as the fact that the flow rate is proportionally divided between all client devices.

The actual Internet speed will be much lower than expected, take this into account when deciding on the choice of connection method. Also, the speed of the Internet in motion will be slightly lower than when the car is stopped. Usually it is about 1-2 Mbps. This is quite enough for Skype video calling, watching videos and downloading music. But keep in mind that for HD video format, of course, this is not as well suited as home Internet.

In addition to the above, keep in mind that in fact you are not limited to the car when disposing of the specified router, it can be operated as the proverbial "Wi-Fi in your pocket" - with all its advantages and disadvantages. Compact and convenient. As a rule, such routers are flashed by the provider, and there is no need to bother with the settings. From the control, you will use only the on / off button - after all, usually, apart from it and the USB connector, there is nothing in these modems.

Wi-Fi module for IRS with a navigator

Some cars are equipped with IRS - Infotainment System, which includes a navigator screen and a radio module for connecting with a telecom operator via a SIM card. You can pay up to $1000 to have this IRS with Wi-Fi as an option. But you can also independently connect the module with a Wi-Fi router, which will cost several times cheaper.

Tablet with an external 3G modem as a Wi-Fi router

A rather practical way is to use a device (which can also be disposed of as a kind of IRS) with an external USB modem connected to it without a Wi-Fi module, the cost of which is lower than with the module. There are two standards of routers that differ in speed: the Rev A standard has a speed limit of 3.1 Mbps, and Rev B is limited to 14.7 Mbps. It is also relatively easy to change the operator by changing the modem. The Wi-Fi module of the tablet is used as an access point, similar to how the Internet is distributed from a smartphone using the same function.

You can also replace this tablet-modem bundle with just a separate old gadget so as not to load the main one if you find it inconvenient to use your main phone as a router.

Ready car Wi-Fi system

Some subways and many buses have equipment that allows you to connect to Wi-Fi directly in the cabin. Such equipment allows you to simultaneously capture 3G, 4G signals from different operators and even Wi-Fi from free access points, automatically switching between them and giving out the maximum stable speed. This solution is characterized by high communication quality and high cost. Such a system consists of a small modem and an external antenna for high quality communication.

Some newer cars are equipped with a Wi-Fi system, whereby simply plugging a 3G/4G modem into the USB input on the center console is enough, and the built-in router converts the signal to Wi-Fi.

Conclusion

In fact, the essence of connecting the Internet via Wi-Fi in the car is the combination of a mobile Internet source with a Wi-Fi module. At the same time, you need to choose the best option in terms of price / quality ratio, given that it is inevitable that you have to pay extra for quality and convenience. But when it comes to the ability to combine different options, in the case of organizing a Wi-Fi hotspot in the car, you can save a lot of money if you delve a little into the essence of the matter. Good luck!

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