WiFiRanger Converge

WiFiRanger finally announced a shipping date for a new set of products built on a rooftop platform they are calling Converge.

Converge looks like this:

Here is their news release:

23rd, 2019 – Meridian, Idaho – WiFiRanger, the leader in Innovative RV connectivity & control solutions, today announced the availability of multiple roof-top and internal connectivity solutions, filling out their Vehicle Connectivity Integration System VCIS(™) strategy with options for all RV markets and vehicle types.

“We’ve heard our OE and aftermarket customers tell us that one size does not fit all styles of RV’s and customers. This new offering extends our solution set, allowing an upgradeable platform spanning from value packed to extreme connectivity.” – Kelly Hogan, CEO & Product Visionary, WiFiRanger

The new offering includes 3 high performance roof-top platforms dubbed Teton, Denali, and Everest:

The value packed Teton system includes high performance WiFi boosting, with a drop in LTE modem option, positioned at an industry disruptive price point.

Denali extends the outdoor WiFi power capabilities further with 5X the power of competing systems for better range and throughput, built in Cat 4 rooftop Extended range LTE modem with integrated GPS.

The Everest platform is the most capable connectivity solution ever debuted to the industry. Offering outdoor dual chain, 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz high power WiFi, an integrated Cat 6 multi carrier LTE modem, a second slot for an additional LTE modem, USB 3.0 connection for up to Cat 20 LTE & 5G futures, and up to 64GB storage of telemetry data.

All offerings are delivered in the flexible Converge enclosure, and offer simple “tray swap” upgrades allowing owners to improve their systems simply and effectively with no changes to the enclosure. Each system ships with the TetherPoint(™) wire harness which facilitates locating an LTE unit conveniently within a vast array of floor plans and easy addition of indoor TetherPoint(™) routers to extend capabilities in the future.

Complimenting the outdoor platforms are new indoor TetherPoint(™) routers. Matching the outdoors naming theme, the options include Poplar, Aspen, and Sequoia:

Poplar, the value packed option, includes a powerful 2.4Ghz WiFi radio, while Aspen includes both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz (AC1200 WiFi) broadcast capability.

Sequoia is unmatched, offering high power 2.4Ghz & 5Ghz radios, (AC1200 WiFi) up to 2 additional LTE embedded modems, USB 3.0 port for up to Cat 20 and 5G futures, and a USB 2.0 port for tethering multiple handheld devices.

I have to admit that the marketing language is a touch over the top.

Examples?

“Vehicle Connectivity Integration System” — I often find myself asking other RVers about their Vehicle Connectivity Integration System. Don’t you?

“an upgradeable platform spanning from value packed to extreme connectivity” — give me EXTREME connectivity. I am so tired of getting by with less than extreme connectivity. I mean, why bother if you are not going to be extreme.

“industry disruptive price point” — a fascinating way to say cheap.

“the most capable connectivity solution ever debuted to the industry” — why, it is nothing less than the world’s best, most extreme, industry disrupting Vehicle Connectivity Integration System (VCIS) ever. Really.

Well, marketing is marketing.

I am interested to see how the product will be received and reviewed. It has been hinted at for some time. Looks like we will still have a bit of a wait before anything hits the shelves.

Teton and Poplar will begin shipping October 15th, 2019 to aftermarket customers. Denali and Aspen will commence shipments mid-November, and Everest and Sequoia will begin shipping January 1st, 2020.

I will be updating my Vehicle Connectivity Integration System later this year once we return to the United States. I expect to go with either Cradlepoint or Pepwave for the router and a Panorama 5-in-1 antenna.

Wonderful to see some competition in the roof-top space from WiFiRanger. I am not a fan of the Winegard Vehicle Connectivity Integration System products.