Mobile Internet Setup for Vanlife: Infrastructure Insights from The Road Two Spoons

In today’s age of digital nomadism, mobile connectivity isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. For vanlifers like Jess and Marcus, better known as The Road Two Spoons, staying online while travelling full-time across Europe and Türkiye requires more than just a mobile hotspot. Their campervan serves as both home and office, meaning a robust and redundant internet setup is essential.

Their upgraded system offers a great case study into the infrastructure behind reliable van-based internet. It combines cellular and satellite connectivity with intelligent routing and efficient power use—demonstrating how mobile networking hardware can be optimised for life on the road.

The Core: A Multi-Path Internet Router

At the heart of the setup is the Teltonika RUTX50, a compact yet powerful 3G/4G/5G modem-router that supports multiple WAN inputs and advanced network management. Key features include:

• Dual SIM support for redundancy (though only one slot is currently in use)
• Auto-switching and load balancing capabilities
• A low power draw suitable for off-grid living
• 12V operation with physical on/off switching
• Multiple antenna ports: 4 x SMA for 5G, 2 x ReSMA for Wi-Fi, and 1 x SMA for GPS
• 5 x Gigabit Ethernet ports for flexible wired connections

The router integrates seamlessly with both a 5G antenna and a Starlink dish, offering connectivity even in the most remote regions.

Cellular Connectivity: Poynting Antenna Integration

For cellular signal reception, the van uses a Poynting MIMO-4-4 5G antenna. This external, roof-mounted unit connects directly to the RUTX50 to ensure strong signal acquisition, especially in fringe coverage areas.

This antenna enhances the performance of their ConnectPls Europe unlimited data SIM, providing primary connectivity when Starlink is unavailable or switched off. The setup allows automatic failover between cellular and satellite internet sources, keeping downtime to a minimum.

Satellite Support: Starlink Gen3 + Starvmount

Mounted securely on the van roof is a Starlink Gen3 (V4) dish, using the Starvmount DishyMultiMount. This combination ensures:

• Flat, in-motion satellite connectivity via Starlink Roam
• Fixed mounting at an optimal 8° angle, aiding both signal quality and weather resilience
• Improved mechanical security over Starlink’s original mobility mount

Thanks to Starlink’s global coverage and low-Earth orbit satellite constellation, the couple can achieve 200+ Mbps speeds in locations where even sending a text would otherwise be impossible.

Power Considerations: 12V Starlink Conversion

To avoid reliance on inverters and 230V AC power, the Starlink system runs directly off the van’s 12V power system using a Starvmount Dishy NoAC DC power supply. This device:

• Accepts a wide input voltage (9–36V), suitable for 12V or 24V installations
• Offers plug-and-play integration between the Starlink dish and the RUTX50
• Eliminates the need for Starlink’s original AC-powered router
• Emits a minor static noise under load, so is ideally installed in a cupboard or enclosed space

A dedicated 12V switch allows the system to be powered down when not in use, contributing to overall energy efficiency.

Cabling and Waterproofing: Roof-Grade Sealing

Cables for both Starlink and the Poynting antenna are routed through the van’s roof using Scanstrut DS-H-MULTI-BLK cable seals. These seals are:

• IP68-rated for waterproofing
• UV-stable to withstand prolonged sun exposure
• Trusted for roof penetrations in marine and automotive applications

This careful attention to weatherproofing ensures long-term reliability of the system, even in extreme environments.

One Wi-Fi Access Point, Seamless Switching

Because both Starlink and cellular data feed into the same RUTX50 router, the van operates a single internal Wi-Fi access point. The router automatically prioritises the Starlink connection when available, and falls back to the SIM card with minimal delay when Starlink is powered off.

This means no manual reconfiguration is required, simplifying the digital experience onboard and allowing Jess and Marcus to focus on their work, travel, and content creation.

Final Thoughts: Engineering Freedom on Four Wheels

What makes this campervan internet setup impressive is not just the performance, but the thoughtful integration of multiple technologies: 5G, satellite broadband, power management, and rugged installation. By combining a modular approach with careful hardware selection, The Road Two Spoons have created a high-reliability infrastructure that could easily be adapted to off-grid cabins, remote workstations, or mobile command vehicles.

As connectivity becomes more critical in all forms of modern living, this vanlife case study offers valuable insights into how telecom infrastructure can be effectively deployed outside traditional settings—bringing reliable broadband to wherever the road leads.

Watch the Setup in Action 🎥

Here’s a short video from The Road Two Spoons walking through their full campervan internet setup—from antennas to modems and Starlink on 12V:

Related Posts

• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog - Decoding Starlink: The Technology Behind the Revolution
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Panorama's ESN Antennas
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Taoglas Advanced Antennas and RF Components
• Connectivity Technology Blog: KDDI Prepares for Disasters with Vehicle-Mounted Base Stations Backhauled via Starlink
• Connectivity Technology Blog: Kai Müller on Connecting the Unreachable with Starlink
• Connectivity Technology Blog: Verizon uses Satellite Connectivity to Restore Services after Hurricane 

Taoglas Advanced Antennas and RF Components

Taoglas is a leading provider of advanced technology for a smarter world. Focused on best-in-class, high-performance antenna and RF design with advanced positioning, imaging, audio and artificial intelligence technologies, Taoglas has unique expertise in integrating and commercializing highly complex technology solutions. 

At the Mobile World Congress 2022, we caught up with Baha Badran, Global Head of Engineering at Taoglas to tell us about the different types of antennas and what they are used for. Baha didn't disappoint us and gave us a whirlwind tour of all the antennas on the display at their booth. The video is embedded below.

To learn more about Taoglas, visit their website here.

Related Posts: 

• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Multi-sectorised sites and Small Cells help O2 UK handle Capacity in Busy Areas
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: MatSing's High-Capacity RF Lens Antennas
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Three UK's Gigabit 5G Poles Explained
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Temporary masts for festivals, events, etc.
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Vodafone UK improving coverage with Phone Boxes, Mini-masts & Manhole Covers
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Panorama's ESN Antennas
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Huawei Explains Antennas and Radomes
• The 3G4G Blog: Mobile Network Cell Tower Site Construction
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Bringing Connectivity to Underground Rail Network
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Vodafone UK's 5G Infrastructure
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Cell-Site Construction And Evolution Strategies 

Panorama's ESN Antennas

It feels like last year when I was involved in testing some emergency networks but it was a long while back.

Gutted that I couldn't attend #CWIC17 as I have been busy doing some important testing (with my car as #smallcell) pic.twitter.com/eYmPpxnKO9

— Zahid Ghadialy (@zahidtg) June 8, 2017

Believe it or not, your mobile network is only as good as the antennas. How often have I come across networks that try and add some cheaper antennas to cut down the costs but the loss of coverage, especially on the edges is a far bigger loss than saving some money on the antennas. 

The UK's Emergency Services Network (ESN) is moving along nicely, though far slower than most people expected it to. One of the important pieces of the puzzle is different types of antennas that are needed on the blue light vehicles. The image on the top nicely summarises these antennas and a brochure with details is available from Panorama here. In fact you can check out all different types of antennas here.

The following videos provide an idea on how these antennas look and work

Do check out other posts below related to ESN on our blogs.

Related Posts:

• The 3G4G Blog: Update on UK's Emergency Services Network (ESN) from #BAPCO2019
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Meshing for BYOC (Bring Your Own Coverage)
• The 3G4G Blog: A practical use of MOCN in ESN
• Telecoms Infrastructure Blog: Flying Small Cells are here...
• The 3G4G Blog: EE's vision of Ultra-Reliable Emergency Network 

HetNets On The Bus

Earlier in March, I helped organise 'The Gigabit Train' seminar'. The intention was to look at the connectivity options inside the trains and its monetisation. While connectivity in the trains is challenging, thinking back about it, due to a predictable route it can be sometimes easy to deploy. It could be more of a challenge for cars and buses that go through unpredictable routes and conditions.

I also discussed the "Vehicular CrowdCell" or "Vehicular Small Cell" concept here to look at some advantages of such a solution option.

Some of you may be aware that I recently joined Parallel Wireless. We were selected by M1 Limited, Singapore’s most vibrant and dynamic communications company, to support its WiFi-On-The-Go service as a part of the HetNet trial.

This is the architecture of the On-Bus Hetnet. Some of you would find it self-explanatory.

The mobile operators in Singapore are looking for innovative technologies to address spectrum scarcity as subscriber demand is growing rapidly with smartphone penetration reaching 130 devices per 100 people. Maximizing utilization of the spectrum and easing network congestion in areas with heavy human traffic is necessary to meet Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (iDA) vision of connecting the whole nation as a part of world’s-first Smart Nation initiative.

Real-time HetNet orchestration and traffic prioritization is made possible by HetNet Gateway (HNG). All bus riders receive seamless, high throughput connectivity from an on-bus multi-mode LTE/Wi-Fi Converged Wireless System (CWS) small cell with integrated backhaul including licensed assisted backhaul.  By enabling carrier aggregation for backhaul, the end user throughput can be increased 10 times (up to 300 Mbps) allowing transit passengers to enjoy multimedia content without buffering.

Here is a presentation that gives the complete story:

Some questions on this demo from Linkedin:

Q: Does seamless handover are available with no drop in data throughput through out the travel route of Bus? 
A: Yes, handover is seamless, no dropped data or voice calls. This was one of the iDA trial requirements. We can do seamless VoLTE to VoWiFi handover and back.

Q: What is the maximum data rates does the system accommodate for all seamless data transfers? Does the system support motion video play from N/W. If so of what bandwidth and data rates? 4. How many users does the system support and what data rates?
A: It will depend on the backhaul. We can increase backhaul capacity with CA on 4G + to 300 Mbps shared bandwidth.

Q: This seems to be a relay device ( a femto or pico grade small cell with UE backhaul). an their innovative hetnet gateway for traffic engineering ( LBS support ). 
A: Our in-vehicle unit is a Small cell (LTE/Wi-Fi for access) with any backhaul incl UE backhaul. The HetNet Gateway, in addition to performing 3G, 4G, WI-Fi gateway functionality and real-time SON with ICIC, will also do the traffic engineering.

And demo from inside the bus:


Further reading:

• Parallel Wireless Selected by M1 to Support Smart Nation Trial

"Vehicular CrowdCell" or "Vehicular Small Cell" and the 5G plan

In the recent Mobile World Congress, Vodafone and BMW introduced the Vehicular CrowdCell concept, a small cell providing coverage in the car when people are in it and outside when the car is parked. The presentation is embedded later on in the post.

The following is from the BMW press release:

...the BMW Group is unveiling the research project “Vehicular CrowdCell”. This project extends the concept of the “Vehicular Small Cell” presented last year in Barcelona. While the “Vehicular Small Cell” is a mobile femtocell that optimises the mobile radio reception inside vehicles, it is now also capable to enhance the capacity and coverage of mobile radio networks. The BMW Group is teaming up with peiker and Nash Technologies to present a prototype of the “Vehicular CrowdCell” integrated into a BMW research vehicle.

The rapid growth of mobile data traffic, e.g. due to the increasing use of multi-media services such as music or video streaming with mobile devices, requires even more powerful mobile radio networks in the future. One strategy to increase the capacity and coverage of future networks is the integration of a large number of small cells and relays in addition to the existing base stations.

In 2015 the BMW Group, together with its partners peiker and Nash Technologies, presented the world’s first mobile femtocell in a vehicle. The “Vehicular Small Cell” optimises the reception available to mobile devices inside vehicles via the vehicle’s aerial. Now the concept has been extended to create the “Vehicular CrowdCell”. Based on data traffic and coverage demands, the mobile femtocells are dynamically activated to locally enhance mobile radio networks.

The benefits of Vehicular CrowdCells in practice.
One possible application of “Vehicular CrowdCells” are car-sharing fleets – in particular with electric vehicles. Here, a large number of vehicles spread over cities and regions could serve as local radio relays when parked. If one or more users are located close to a mobile femtocell, it is activated on demand in order to increase the bandwidth or provide additional network coverage. In such a way, the performance of the existing network can be dynamically optimized. Benefits for mobile phone users in hotspots include a higher data rate and the absence of reception white spots – especially in areas where the signal coverage is low.

“The “Vehicular Small Cell” will optimise in-vehicle connectivity of mobile devices for our customers,” explains Dr. Peter Fertl, project manager at the BMW Group. “At the same time, the integration into a network of “Vehicular CrowdCells” will enable the ubiquitous and seamless availability of high-quality mobile radio connections outside the vehicle as well.”

Nash innovations have more details about the earlier version of this, The "Vehicular Small Cell" here and here.

Before we go any further, check out the Vodafone presentation embedded below:

I wrote a blog on this topic back in May 2014 here. In that article I mentioned that for a small cell in the car, the biggest challenge is backhaul. One approach is to use one particular frequency for backhauling to the small cell and then the small cells output another frequency. This approach was mentioned in another blog post here. In this approach, TD-LTE was used for backhaul and it created an FDD LTE small cell inside the train.

Why do I think this kind of approach work with 5G. In my other post about 5G spectrum, I mentioned that 5G will need multiple frequencies. Low frequencies for coverage, high frequencies for capacity and very high frequencies for very high speed throughput's. Because the very high frequencies, do not travel very far as compared to the low frequencies (with the same power), beamforming would be used. These very high frequency beams can be directed towards the Vehicular small cells, which in turn would create a much larger cell at a lower frequency.

This approach would typically only be used in urban environments as in rural areas there is plenty of unused spectrum (until more uses are found - quite possible with the IoT device explosion). The small cells would also need advanced sensing and SON capability to work in harmony with the macro network.

If you have an opinion, feel free to add it in the comments section.

Small Cells for the 'Connected Car'

Couple of weeks back I was in an event where Connected cars were a big focus. A few discussions centred around Small Cells in the cars. It may be a bit of a challenge but it should still be possible to have Small cells in the cars. The biggest challenge would be the backhaul. You cant have the standard backhaul for cars, especially as its moving, generally at high speeds. 

Some tricky solutions where one of the frequencies is used for backhauling small cells while small cells would provide coverage to the passengers of the car may be doable but it may not be worth the effort. 

Generally, the focus right now is to have something like a MiFi device in the car. The device can receive the mobile network signals and create a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Another solution being discussed was the use of Mobile Relay Node (MRN). As far as I understand, MRN has been pushed out of Release-12. Another issue is that the practical gain may not be as good as expected. Most of all, small cells or relay would only be useful if all the passengers in the vehicle reply on the same mobile network operator. As far as I have seen, this is generally not the case.

In light of this, it would make sense to continue on the current solution of having Wi-Fi hotspots in the cars backhauled to the mobile network.

Your thoughts please.