Arlo|Smart Home Security|Wireless HD Security Cameras

Reply
Discussion stats
  • 7 Replies
  • 1674 Views
  • 0 Likes
  • 3 In Conversation
Alotmore
Aspirant
Aspirant

Hi everyone,

 

Wonder if someone can help me find out if there is any way to connect this base to a wireless dongle? I moved to the UK and all I have for internet service is a wireless Vodafone dongle, can't figure out how to connect my base to the internet to get the cameras going. I am not a geek but can manage a few things on the computer, I have a Macbook Pro. If anyone knows how to fix this, could you please let me know? Thanks a million!

7 REPLIES 7
StephenB
Guru Guru
Guru

@Alotmore wrote:

 

Wonder if someone can help me find out if there is any way to connect this base to a wireless dongle? 


Unfortunately, if this is a USB dongle, then there isn't any way.  The base requires ethernet.

 

A mobile hotspot with ethernet-out would work, and would be better overall if you have multiple devices you need to connect to WiFi.  

jguerdat
Guru Guru
Guru

In addition, the use of a WiFi extender with an Ethernet port should work. Connect the extender to your WiFi normally and then plug the base into the extender. That will give you the Internet access needed.

StephenB
Guru Guru
Guru

@jguerdat wrote:

... Connect the extender to your WiFi ...


There is no wifi if you are using an LTE usb dongle.  So there is nothing to extend.

jguerdat
Guru Guru
Guru

If the dongle creates or is part of a WIFi network, the extender can connect to that. Obviously, I don't know how a wireless Vodafone dongle works since the US doesn't have that (AFAIK).

StephenB
Guru Guru
Guru

@jguerdat wrote:

Obviously, I don't know how a wireless Vodafone dongle works...


True.  Look at https://www.vodafone.co.uk/mobile-broadband/pay-monthly-contracts/dongles/vodafone/k5161-dongle  It's a USB adapter that connects directly to the mobile network - No WiFi involved.

 

They do offer a hot-spot ( https://www.vodafone.co.uk/mobile-broadband/pay-monthly-contracts/mobile-wifi/vodafone/r219-mobile-w... )  That has no ethernet, but could certainly be paired with a WiFi extender with ethernet out.  But the plans with the hot spot are a bit more expensive.

Alotmore
Aspirant
Aspirant
Thanks so much! I have tried the extender with a Diamond that I had from some years ago but I can’t figure out how to set it up, looks like it’s too old? Will probably need to buy a new one
StephenB
Guru Guru
Guru

@Alotmore wrote:
Thanks so much! I have tried the extender with a Diamond that I had from some years ago but I can’t figure out how to set it up, looks like it’s too old? Will probably need to buy a new one

As I tried to say above, an extender won't work with your dongle. Buying a new extender won't solve your problem.

 

An extender extends WiFi.  You don't have any WiFi, your dongle connects you directly to the Vodaphone mobile network.  Switching to a somewhat more expensive wifi hotspot would let you use an extender to connect the base station.