Networks and long range WiFi external antenna/radio

[Rwnorton]

I have a Garmin 7612 connected to a Nema 2000 network onboard and GBC on my iPad. I want to have a long range WiFi external antenna/radio such as the Rogue Wave with a wireless router which will create a second onboard network.
First in 2016 is Rogue Wave still the preferred way to obtain free Internet ? Second, do these need to be 2 separate networks? Do I care if it's one or two?

 

[Irish Mist]

There are some articles about this on Active Captain, I would be interested to hear from others how much "free" wifi there is these days. I think the days of open routers everywhere where you can borrow some wifi have all but dried up. I know on land It was always easy to drive into a subdivision while travelling and borrow a cup or two of internet. Now, not so much, but it is interesting seeing all the names people give their networks.. I purchased a weboost for my cell. Works great in the truck, waiting for an antenna for the boat to arrive to do testing here. ( I was advised that the wired set up works the best on a boat, to avoid feed back from the internal rebroadcast antenna. ) I am going to count on cell service for staying connected.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

what product did you buy for cell boosting Irish Mist?

 

[Irish Mist]

The one I got is this one https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00V5R ... UTF8&psc=1
I have a marine antenna coming, It gives a good boost in my truck , hoping better in the boat with the high gain antenna. Shop around for prices I paid $189 CDN.

 

[knotflying]

I have the Rogue Wave and have been very happy with performance. Garmin has made it difficult to use routers other than what they sell, but I know if you are a techie you can get it done. I don't see why you couldn't use the same router for both the Garmin and the rogue, but perhaps someone else will have a technical reason as to why not.