mifi 2200

pharmerphil

New here..need advice..I'm a old coot, :robotindifferent: so be gentle with me..

we (wife and I) have the Mifi 2200

we hook up using the usb port...(did I mention we love this device?)

So, I go online...then done... disconnect...unplug..

then, it's the wifes turn..same procedure...

so, what do we need to use the mifi on both computers without all the plugging in and unplugging

We have two older pc's (desktop) so I expect we need to start with a wireless adapter for both Pc's?

If we cabled the computers together...with a crossover...then the host computer would need to be on all the time (am I not correct)

this wouldn't be a good thing...

so, PLEASE..

do we need anything besides the wireless adapters for our old pc's..

Accepted answers

John_Getzke

If you only want to connect one computer at a time then all you need is a wireless adapter. A wireless adapter for each computer to be specific, dont worry about trying to share one for both computers. They are cheap enough and installation is as simple as plug and play.

Wireless Adapters can be purchased through a variety of companies and come in different styles and sizes depending on the ports that you have available on your computer. What will most likely be the most convenient is a USB Wireless Card/Adapter.

Here are some examples:

http://www.netgear.com/service-provider/products/wireless-adapters/wireless-n/WNA3100.aspx

http://homestore.cisco.com/en-us/Adapters/Linksys-AE2500-Wirelessn-adapter_stcVVproductId134743416VVviewprod.htm

http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=179211

Once you have the USB Card plugged in your computer will be able to see and connect to the MiFi. So long as you two are not trying to use the MiFi at the same time this setup will work fine.

All comments

John_Getzke

The problem here is that the MiFi 2200 only allows one computer to connect to it at a time. To get around that limitation we need to setup a small bridging network. You will need a few extra pieces of hardware to accomplish that goal (about $100.00 to $200.00).

The easiest way would be to purchase a Wireless Repeater/Adapter such as the Pepwave Surf Mini:

http://3gstore.com/product/1813_pepwave-surf-mini-200.html

More information on the Pepwave can be found in a similar thread on the Verizon Forums:

http://community.vzw.com/t5/4G-Discussion/Mi-Fi-and-a-router/m-p/697493/highlight/true#M4877

The Pepwave will capture your MiFi 2200 signal and allow you to connect a router to its Ethernet Port. From there you can connect a home router or switch and connect your computers via Ethernet Cable, no wireless adaters would be needed. Any home router will do as long as it has enough Ethernet ports for your computers to connect to (most come with 4). Simple switches will also accomplish the same goal but do not provide some of the conveniences of a router:

http://3gstore.com/product/1200_3gstorecom_fsw-0811.html

Here's a diagram of how your enviornment should look:

MiFi 2200 >> Pepwave >> Router/Switch >> Computer 1/ Computer 2

In summary, you need to connect your computers to a device which can handle multiple users at one time. Connecting computers directly to eachother in an ad-hoc style is bound to give you problems.

pharmerphil

Thank You for reply.

However, there willl never be a need for both to be connected at the same time.

so, in that scenario..what would we need.

Sorry if I was not clear, this all baffles me.

At present, I use the device for a few hours, the wife comes home, ditto...

But the constant plugging in/unplugging...just looking for a way to plug the device into the charger; leave it on and

connect wirelessly, one computer at a time to the device

Seems from what I have researched, both computers would need a wireless adapter (because of their age).

to connect, and I thought that would work??

Thanks in advance for Your help

John_Getzke

Here are some examples:

http://www.netgear.com/service-provider/products/wireless-adapters/wireless-n/WNA3100.aspx

http://homestore.cisco.com/en-us/Adapters/Linksys-AE2500-Wirelessn-adapter_stcVVproductId134743416VVviewprod.htm

http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=179211

Once you have the USB Card plugged in your computer will be able to see and connect to the MiFi. So long as you two are not trying to use the MiFi at the same time this setup will work fine.

pharmerphil

That's what we needed...

THANK YOU JOHN :manvery-happy:

ClarDold

John_Getzke wrote:
The problem here is that the MiFi 2200 only allows one computer to connect to it at a time. To get around that limitation we need to setup a small bridging network. You will need a few extra pieces of hardware to accomplish that goal (about $100.00 to $200.00).

The MiFi 2200 can handle connections from 5 WiFi nodes at a time.

The only problem is that the WiFi is shut off when the USB is connected. Unplug it, or plug it into the wall charger to allow WiFi access.

What you need is a wireless adapter in the laptops that you want to connect.

The USB adapters are available online, or at local places like Radio Shack, WalMart, and Target.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Belkin-F5D7050-Wireless-G-54Mbps-USB-Network-Adapter/3756936?findingMethod=rr

I have the Belkin F5D7050 , which is less than $20.

Follow the directions in the Belkin docs to connect to WiFi. Your MiFi 2200, when not plugged in to a PC, should be broadcasting an identification of "Verizon MIFI2200 3006" with 3006 varying amongst units.

The password needed for WiFi is on a label on the unit, and also under the battery inside, as "ESN (decimal): 09109228008", where the number varies by unit.

I usually have two devices connected, sometimes three.

After connecting, you can visit the MiFi management http: page to make changes. See the guide for more details.

support.verizonwireless.com/clc/devices/index.html?p=4726 Device Manual.

Clarence