Better Wi-Fi Options

[NanLaew]

I will be working in Bangkok for 3-5 months and have found a decent serviced apartment, great price and location. The first week I stayed there, the free wi-fi was fast and reliable. However, I changed to a bigger flat and now it's totally crap. I did a quick wi-fi scan with my android phone while walking from one end of the unit I am in to the other and it confirms that it's just a piss poor signal where I am now. It's -40dB near the old flat versus -85dB where I am now.

The management apologize but aren't about to try and get the hardware issues sorted out. They have suggested a couple of external service providers that long-term residents and people with more demanding needs have installed. The web links she gave me are for trueonline.com and buddybb.net

Has anyone any experience with these two providers? Costs and setup and if they service short-term contracts?

I have an AIS EDGE/GPRS dongle that also pokes along slower in the new flat so it's probably something to do with the construction in the bigger, corner flat I am now in.

Thanks,

NL

[lomatopo]

Have the management install a DSL line. You likely already have the line, just get them to add DSL (True, Buddy). It should take them 5 days max.

Get a TOT 3G/MVNO SIM and tether your Smartphone using Mobile AP and turning it into a WiFi router.

Monthly costs for DSL are 600 - 1200 baht depedening on speed, you can review the True and Buddy websites for more details.

3G might be 300 - 800 depending on volume.

http://www.trueonline.com/en/highlight.aspx

http://www.buddybb.net/eng/index.asp

[NanLaew]

Have the management install a DSL line. You likely already have the line, just get them to add DSL (True, Buddy). It should take them 5 days max.

Get a TOT 3G/MVNO SIM and tether your Smartphone using Mobile AP and turning it into a WiFi router.

Monthly costs for DSL are 600 - 1200 baht depedening on speed, you can review the True and Buddy websites for more details.

3G might be 300 - 800 depending on volume.

http://www.trueonline.com/en/highlight.aspx

http://www.buddybb.net/eng/index.asp

I don't think the DSL line is and option as their sales lady pretty much said that they will only provide wi-fi and no other alternatives. I think the phone in the apartment is PABX... or whatever it's called these days.

Good idea on getting a TOT 3G/MVNO SIM. I haven't worked in the city so forgot that there's some genuine 3G patches in Bangkok. I am on Racha Soi 5 so that should work no? Any clues as the best way to get one of those and the costs? I can certainly use the android mobile to tether everything as the apartment wi-fi does only allow one free connection / IP address whereas I have 2 laptops (because I can).

Thanks again.

NL

[lomatopo]

What android phone; make, model, android rev do you have. Android 2.2 allows you to turn your phone into a mobile AP and share the WAN (3G) connection over WiFi with up to 5 other devices.

Cost depends on how much data you use, obviously. I already gave some cost range?

http://www.i-bkk.com/ilocation/viewer/

[NanLaew]

What android phone; make, model, android rev do you have. Android 2.2 allows you to turn your phone into a mobile AP and share the WAN (3G) connection over WiFi with up to 5 other devices.

Cost depends on how much data you use, obviously. I already gave some cost range?

http://www.i-bkk.com/ilocation/viewer/

It's a Samsung Nexus-S running 2.3.4

I have used it to tether in KL on the Maxis 3G network without a problem so 'should' work here unless there's a frequency mismatch? Otherwise I may need to get another bloody handset? Recommendations? Not pricey but can take a pounding?

Thanks for those links; using my AIS dongle to browse which is taking ages... at 6pm, everyone must be online! Positive r.f. black hole here!

I noticed as a did a wi-fi scan walking back to my flat tonight that there's dozens of other, secure wi-fi networks all on Channel 1 which is the same (default?) as the managements wi-fi system. I assume that these are in the adjacent block that are all long-term residents who have set up their own wi-fi's, all secure and ALL on <deleted>' Ch1 ! I am not totally wi-fi savvy but would assume that having loads of networks on top of each other on the same frequency would be a problem. If so, maybe I can tell the management to get whoever set up their wi-fi to do a channel change?

[NanLaew]

//Completely Off topic

That's why, when ever I looked for a new apartment, I always looked at the Internet as part of the whole deal.

// Sorry no Pun intended

Indeed. Good job I didn't commit based on last week's excellent service in another flat. If the establishment is charging for dody wi-fi then by all means they have an 'obligation' to fix it. However, this place supplies it for free and the wording or the managements email infers tough titty, that's as far as we go with something that we pay for but give you for free. Fair do's as they say although it isn't conducive to happy residents or return customers.

[NanLaew]

What android phone; make, model, android rev do you have. Android 2.2 allows you to turn your phone into a mobile AP and share the WAN (3G) connection over WiFi with up to 5 other devices.

Cost depends on how much data you use, obviously. I already gave some cost range?

http://www.i-bkk.com/ilocation/viewer/

I finally managed to get a fast enough connection to view the ToT ilocation website. Bit of a bugger as the flats look slap bang between two cell towers and the coverage is colour-coded green versus the 'hot' blue. Does that mean that 3G speeds will be iffy bad or iffy good? There's a lower, amber colour code which I would assume means not so reliable.

Does the Nexus-S by Samsung support the ToT 3G frequencies?

I have booked at the same place through the end of the month but last night after dinner, I walked through all floors in the vicinity of the rooms that will be available, using the Wi-Fi scanner on my android. Floor 3 and 4 have bags of signal, 5 is poor and 6, where I just checked out, was non-existent. I told them what floors have the best signal and the guy at reception says he has noted that in the system for when my online reservation request comes in. Fingers crossed!

[lomatopo]

Coverage looks fine, I'm in a similarly-colored area and I get good speeds.

I think the Nexus S support 3G 2100 Mhz, specs say so.

Maybe pop into Fortune, splurge for a 199 baht SIM? Have someone insert and activate the SIM.

Alternatively you could get a MiFi device...

There is also a E5836S which is what True re-sell here. http://www.truemove.com/3g/en/3g_mifi.html

http://3g.vivaonline...-tot-3g-e5836s/

http://3g.vivaonline...-huawei-e5836s/

[nikster]

//Completely Off topic

That's why, when ever I looked for a new apartment, I always looked at the Internet as part of the whole deal.

// Sorry no Pun intended

Well usually what you want is

- Internet is NOT included (because the included internet is invariably crap)

- You can put in your own DSL line and internet

You don't want to rely on the building management for your internet with no other options. Mobile doesn't cut it, it's way slower than DSL.

To the OP you could try installing a repeater to enhance the signal. It's a little WiFi box that takes the outside WiFi and spreads it around your apartment, and the antenna on the box is usually replaceable. So you could even add a larger or a directional antenna on the box for better reception of the outside signal. If the signal strength is the only problem, then this will solve that. If the internet in the building is generally bad then it won't do anything, obviously. Have to figure out which it is first.

[NanLaew]

Well usually what you want is

- Internet is NOT included (because the included internet is invariably crap)

- You can put in your own DSL line and internet

You don't want to rely on the building management for your internet with no other options. Mobile doesn't cut it, it's way slower than DSL.

To the OP you could try installing a repeater to enhance the signal. It's a little WiFi box that takes the outside WiFi and spreads it around your apartment, and the antenna on the box is usually replaceable. So you could even add a larger or a directional antenna on the box for better reception of the outside signal. If the signal strength is the only problem, then this will solve that. If the internet in the building is generally bad then it won't do anything, obviously. Have to figure out which it is first.

It's not mission critical that I have DSL-quality as I am not accessing the internet as a revenue stream. But it's way handy to have a solid connection for my work as field ops are 24/7 despite my Mon-Fri 9-5 gig.

I have a pocket-sized Asus WL-330gE that I usually use in gateway mode on remote sites. It may be just the ticket in Hotspot mode. The internet at the flat was great when I had a strong signal so assume that my issue is primarily signal strength related.

[Awohalitsiktoli]

I wish I knew what all of you are talking about. I need a new internet connections (just moved). I have a notebook computer with wi-fi. Can you just buy a wi-fi card at 7-11 or something like that and get an instant connection anywhere in Thailand? Or do you have to install a DSL line or special device on the wall (wi-fi connection device). If you answer this, please do so in very simple English knowing that I know little about computers. I do know I can go to any hotel with wi-fi and connect. I would rather not connect via my phone, but perhaps that is what you have to do to connect while sitting on the beach? Not sure about all of this.....help! I just want to connect at home, at the beach, anywhere.

[NanLaew]

I wish I knew what all of you are talking about. I need a new internet connections (just moved). I have a notebook computer with wi-fi. Can you just buy a wi-fi card at 7-11 or something like that and get an instant connection anywhere in Thailand? Or do you have to install a DSL line or special device on the wall (wi-fi connection device). If you answer this, please do so in very simple English knowing that I know little about computers. I do know I can go to any hotel with wi-fi and connect. I would rather not connect via my phone, but perhaps that is what you have to do to connect while sitting on the beach? Not sure about all of this.....help! I just want to connect at home, at the beach, anywhere.

Post your own thread in this forum, don't hi-jack.

Thanks,

NL

[Awohalitsiktoli]

I wish I knew what all of you are talking about. I need a new internet connections (just moved). I have a notebook computer with wi-fi. Can you just buy a wi-fi card at 7-11 or something like that and get an instant connection anywhere in Thailand? Or do you have to install a DSL line or special device on the wall (wi-fi connection device). If you answer this, please do so in very simple English knowing that I know little about computers. I do know I can go to any hotel with wi-fi and connect. I would rather not connect via my phone, but perhaps that is what you have to do to connect while sitting on the beach? Not sure about all of this.....help! I just want to connect at home, at the beach, anywhere.

Post your own thread in this forum, don't hi-jack.

Thanks,

NL

Thanks for the production response on DSL line and wi-fi options I did just see a very small, mobile Hwuawei Wi-Fi modem advertised on the BTS. I was going to ask about, but I guess that is "off topic."

[NanLaew]

Thanks for the production response on DSL line and wi-fi options I did just see a very small, mobile Hwuawei Wi-Fi modem advertised on the BTS. I was going to ask about, but I guess that is "off topic."

No problem. Inside the forum I referred you to, there's this thread that answers all your questions.

Cheers,

NL

[NanLaew]

Coverage looks fine, I'm in a similarly-colored area and I get good speeds.

I think the Nexus S support 3G 2100 Mhz, specs say so.

Maybe pop into Fortune, splurge for a 199 baht SIM? Have someone insert and activate the SIM.

Alternatively you could get a MiFi device...

There is also a E5836S which is what True re-sell here. http://www.truemove.com/3g/en/3g_mifi.html

http://3g.vivaonline...-tot-3g-e5836s/

http://3g.vivaonline...-huawei-e5836s/

Thanks lomatopo, I have been real busy and just catching up.

I have restored my Nexus One (HTC) google phone so plan on using that as the new host for the ToT 3G SIM so I can leave stuff tethered and pop out for a beer and take the Nexus S with me.

You mention 199 baht at Fortune. Is that for the ToT SIM you recommend? Is that a pre-paid deal and if so, what's the cost for their unlimited package? I am 'new' to Bangkok so, where's Fortune?

[lomatopo]

http://www.itmall.co.th/

I think you currently reside nearly on top of Fortune Town?

I think both TOT and 365 offer unlimited 3G. I think the 365 package is 790 baht for 30 days.

I still think you should trial a TOT/MVNO SIM first to see if it works for you before committing to an unlimited package?

[NanLaew]

http://www.itmall.co.th/

I think you currently reside nearly on top of Fortune Town?

I think both TOT and 365 offer unlimited 3G. I think the 365 package is 790 baht for 30 days.

I still think you should trial a TOT/MVNO SIM first to see if it works for you before committing to an unlimited package?

Yes, I was just up the street having relocated since; just making sure we are talking about the same place. I can still pop down there after lunch as it was a bit of a zoo the evening I was in looking for a data recovery shop. The price is pretty much the same as I pay for my GPRS bundle on mt One-2-Call SIM.

The management has offered to turn on a wired internet option in my new place. If that's free, I will check it out but still try the ToT MVNO for when I am out and about.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

http://www.itmall.co.th/

I think you currently reside nearly on top of Fortune Town?

I think both TOT and 365 offer unlimited 3G. I think the 365 package is 790 baht for 30 days.

I still think you should trial a TOT/MVNO SIM first to see if it works for you before committing to an unlimited package?

That will be for 15 days. 1490bt for 30 days. I think the speed is limited to 2Mbps.

Hang on....There may be a new package. NetSIM Super Speed x2. 790 baht for 30 days.

Basically you are paying for the 15 day package, but the special pack has double the days.

[NanLaew]

Thanks J-J, I picked up one of these 790/30 ToT SIM's yesterday at Pantip. Seems like a good deal and fairly clips along on the clunker laptop.