Internet is the obvious must-have for cloud-based software—without it, everything else is just a pricey paperweight with a power button!
If you are running a mobile veterinary clinic, making sure you have secure wi-fi is the backbone of keeping your clinic functioning smoothly.
Mobile Hotspot
We love these because they act like a mini mobile internet hub, keeping you connected even in the most remote locations. We tested the Nighthawk and it works great. We use two of these at our mobile clinic for check in curbside, drug logging in the rig and check out.
All your devices can connect to it, and it works with most mobile phone companies (just double-check first). Specifically, this one works with T-Mobile and ATT once you sign up for hotspot service. It’s a great option for mobile units!
A hotspot device costs around $250 for the hotspot and then you pay a monthly fee (from $10 – $30 per month) for the service. You start this service through a cellular phone company like ATT or T-Mobile.
Cellular Hotspots
If you have hotspots enabled on your phone, you can easily connect to a modern computer and voila—HQ is up and running!
If you’re running a MASH clinic, outdoor vaccine clinic, or occasional mobile clinic, this will work fine—just be sure to triple-check that your phone has hotspot capabilities before you head out.
The downside:
- When we tested it with the printer, we found that the ATT phone-based hotspot alone couldn’t support both the laptop and printer simultaneously.
- There is oftentimes a limit to how many devices can be connected (usually 5).
- If you have a wireless credit card machine, you’ll need to double check that the wireless credit card machine has the wireless IP address of the hotspot entered in in order to work. Be sure to test this before you head out.
