The WiFiRanger Core was released in November 2016 to replace the WiFiRanger Mini in WiFiRanger's product lineup. In late 2019, WiFiRanger released a whole new line-up of routers that should now be considered instead.
WiFiRanger has a long history of serving the RV market with indoor routers and companion roof-mounted long-range gear that many have come to rely on.
The Core brings simultaneous dual-band 2.4GHz (802.11n) and 5GHz (802.11ac) Wi-Fi to the WiFiRanger line, though it lacks the gigabit ethernet ports or raw networking performance of its larger sibling - the flagship WiFiRanger GoAC.
The Core does retain a POE (Power Over Ethernet) port designed to power and control a long-range WiFiRanger outdoor unit on the roof.
WiFiRanger routers are designed with the needs of RVers in mind - and the Core is a great value offering a lot of capability for its price.
For an overview of the full WiFiRanger product line (and a look at some of the software features in common across different devices), see our gear center entry:
Specifications
- Base Technology: MikroTik RouterBoard
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n - 300Mbps Max (2x2 MIMO) - 1.5dB Antenna
- 5GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 ac/a/n - 433Mbps Max (No MIMO ) - 2.0dB Antenna
- Wi-Fi Antenna: Integrated, Can pair with EliteAC or Sky2/SkyPro on the roof.
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: 250 ft
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Cellular Tethering via USB: 1X USB Port - Most modems, hotspots & smartphones supported.
- Integrated Cellular Modem: No
- Ethernet Ports: 5x 100Mbps Fast Ethernet (WAN / LAN Configurable), 1x POE
- Special Features: Data Usage Tracking, Auto Failover, Load Balancing
- Power Source: 12v or 110v AC
- Dimensions: 4.5" x 3.5" x 1"
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Retail Price: $159.99
Retired in early 2020
In late 2019, WiFiRanger released their new Converge and Tetherpoint line-up - the WiFiRanger Spruce is the upgraded equivalent to the GoAC and Core form factor and is only $119, and much more powerful. They also have other interior router options.
The Core is currently only available if purchased as part of the SkyPro Pack, and will continue to be supported long into the future for current customers for firmware updates and warranty repairs.
Table of Contents
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Member Exclusive Content / Review:
Review & Testing Status
WiFiRanger sent us a review unit of the WiFiRanger Core for evaluation in late 2016.
We have had the Core in active head-to-head testing against several other competitors since the beginning of 2017 - and we have particularly focused on comparing it with the WiFiRanger GoAC.
We share our more detailed analysis, hands-on thoughts, and an in-depth video guide with our members below.
And members can view our ongoing field testing and range results here:
Mobile Router & Wi-Fi Gear Testing (Winter 2016/2017)
Unboxing Video
Here is our quick unboxing video and first impressions of the WiFiRanger GoAC, Core, EliteAC, and SkyPro.
Our deeper analysis, impressions, and video guide are in our members-only section.
Alternatives to Consider
For other popular mobile routers on the market we are tracking - here are our featured options:
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Purchasing Options
WiFiRanger primarily sells direct online and at RV rallies.
Members: Be sure to check the Members Discount page for an exclusive discount code to use when ordering.
Related News Center Articles
Routers can serve as a central conductor of your local area network in your RV and boat. Mobile routers are different from residential routers in that they typically support multiple internet sources like cellular and Wi-Fi, can be powered off of 12v or AC and support external antenna for better receiving signal.
But you might not need a router in your setup. Here's a quick video overview the variety that routers come in:
For more on learning about mobile routers and how they might fit in your setup, follow up with our educational resources: