This article provides guidance and device recommendations for connecting your Vector 8 Docks to the internet when away from your home facility, where your usual network infrastructure is not available.
Overview
When travelling with Vector 8 Docks, venue and hotel WiFi networks frequently use captive portals, which are incompatible with Vector 8 Docks without allowlisting. The recommended approach is to use an independent mobile hotspot or travel router to provide a reliable, portal-free internet connection for your Docks.
For a full explanation of why captive portal networks are incompatible with Vector 8 Docks, see:
Option 1: Mobile hotspot (recommended)
A mobile hotspot is a battery-powered, SIM-enabled device that provides 4G or 5G cellular internet connectivity for multiple devices simultaneously. This is the recommended approach for travel as it requires no reliance on venue or hotel WiFi, gives you full control over network security and settings, and supports multiple Docks connecting simultaneously.
Once configured, your Vector 8 Dock will automatically reconnect to a saved hotspot network on startup.
Recommended devices
| Device | Key features |
|---|---|
| Netgear Nighthawk M6 (MR6150) | 5G, dual-band WiFi, ethernet port, long battery life |
| TP-Link M7350 | 4G LTE, supports up to 10 devices, compact, 8-hour battery |
| Huawei E5783 | LTE Cat 6, 300 Mbps download, 2.4 GHz WiFi |
| ZTE MF920U | 4G, basic hotspot functionality |
Recommendation: For regular field use, the TP-Link M7350 offers the best balance of portability, reliability, and affordability.
Note: All devices require a separate SIM card and cellular data plan.
Option 2: Travel router
A travel router connects to an existing WiFi network - such as hotel WiFi - and relays the internet connection to your Docks. This is useful when a cellular data plan is not available, however it does not bypass a captive portal on its own. You will still need to authenticate through the captive portal using a phone or laptop connected to the travel router before your Docks can access the internet.
Travel routers are USB-powered. Pair them with a portable USB power bank (such as an Anker 10,000 mAh) for a fully mobile setup.
Recommended devices
| Device | Key features |
|---|---|
| GL.iNet GL-MT3000 (Beryl AX) | WiFi 6, USB-C powered, dual-band, VPN support, Gigabit LAN/WAN |
| GL.iNet GL-MT1300 (Beryl) | USB-powered, travel router mode, VPN, dual-band WiFi |
| GL.iNet GL-MT300N-V2 (Mango) | Compact, USB-powered, 2.4 GHz WiFi, basic routing |
Option 3: Personal mobile hotspot
If a dedicated hotspot device is not available, your iPhone or iPad can be used as a personal hotspot to share its cellular data connection with your Dock. This bypasses captive portal restrictions as you control the hotspot directly.
To set up a personal hotspot:
- On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot.
- Toggle on Allow Others to Join.
- Set or confirm your WiFi password.
- Open the Catapult Vector app, go to the Docks screen, select your Dock, and add the hotspot as a new WiFi connection.
For full steps on adding a new WiFi connection to your Dock, see: Managing Vector 8 Dock WiFi Connections
Upload bandwidth when travelling
Upload speeds on cellular connections will vary depending on your carrier and signal strength. For reference upload time estimates, see:
If no internet connection is available
If you are unable to establish any internet connection for your Dock, the Vector Desktop App allows you to transfer data via USB-C using your PC's internet connection. See: Vector Desktop App - VECTOR 8
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