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Advice needed on external 3G/4G antenna

marcel353

Hi,
I am about to set up an external antenna to improve my 3G signal.
However with 4G at the corner, I may as well set up something reasonably future proof.
Would anybody be able to confirm which type of 3G/4G antenna is suitable for Ireland or even suggest a model?
I have seen different models on-line but there seems to be huge variations in prices and specs.
It will need to be sturdy and hard wearing as very exposed.

Thanks in advance,

M

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heffo500

The Cush wrote: »

In the 3400-3800 Mhz band
Vodafone - Aug 2019 https://www.commsupdate.com/articles/2019/08/14/vodafone-ireland-switches-on-5g-network-in-five-locations/
eir - Oct 2019 https://www.commsupdate.com/articles/2019/10/28/eir-launches-commercial-5g-service/
3 - Sept 2020 https://www.commsupdate.com/articles/2020/09/29/three-ireland-switches-on-5g-network/

In the 700 MHz band - likely to rollout in the second-half of 2021 following the spectrum auction in the first-half of 2021.

Sorry for the confusion, I meant when we would see broadband at home offer with 5g. I wonder will we have to upgrade the aerials to receive it. I know mine doesn't cover the band 5g is on. I wonder does the aerial filter outside of its range or are they just not tested for 5g and may work. Like old TV aerials would pull in Saorview.

The Cush

heffo500 wrote: »

Any ideas when will we see 5g broadband rolled out?

In the 3400-3800 Mhz band
Vodafone - Aug 2019 https://www.commsupdate.com/articles/2019/08/14/vodafone-ireland-switches-on-5g-network-in-five-locations/
eir - Oct 2019 https://www.commsupdate.com/articles/2019/10/28/eir-launches-commercial-5g-service/
3 - Sept 2020 https://www.commsupdate.com/articles/2020/09/29/three-ireland-switches-on-5g-network/

In the 700 MHz band - likely to rollout in the second-half of 2021 following the spectrum auction in the first-half of 2021.

smuggler.ie

heffo500 wrote: »

Any ideas when will we see 5g broadband rolled out?

Wast that last month?
https://www.three.ie/5g/
https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2020/0928/1167870-threes-5g-network/

Or are you afraid of brain-melt effects

, to late....

heffo500

Any ideas when will we see 5g broadband rolled out?

TimHorton

Daz_ wrote: »

Do you mind me asking did you connect this directly to the router or is it supposed to work by giving better signal that your router can then pick up wirelessly ?

It connects directly to the router , It has 2 cables as there are 2 antennas built in.

Ten Pin

Do you mind me asking did you connect this directly to the router or is it supposed to work by giving better signal that your router can then pick up wirelessly ?

They only work by connecting to a router with the supplied cables. The router needs to have built in antenna ports.

TimHorton

Bawnmore wrote: »

Here's the matching one from the Irish Wireless site either. Wonder is there much difference given it's twice the price.

I have had both , The more expensive one is far better IMO and also directional

Daz_

TimHorton wrote: »

https://www.irishwireless.net/lte-diy/xpol-a0002 I am using this and munching through about 1TB of data per month in a semi rural location on Vodafone via 2 x Corporate SIMS each with 500gb allowance.

Without the antenna linked my connection was only average , Now get 60 or 70 mb during the day and 20 to 30 in the evening , Happy days waiting for NBP to come along.

Adding Amazon Link as it looks like they will ship it to Ireland bypassing Irish Wireless https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00C1DGGKC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Do you mind me asking did you connect this directly to the router or is it supposed to work by giving better signal that your router can then pick up wirelessly ?

Bawnmore

TimHorton wrote: »

https://www.irishwireless.net/lte-diy/xpol-a0002 I am using this and munching through about 1TB of data per month in a semi rural location on Vodafone via 2 x Corporate SIMS each with 500gb allowance.

Without the antenna linked my connection was only average , Now get 60 or 70 mb during the day and 20 to 30 in the evening , Happy days waiting for NBP to come along.

Adding Amazon Link as it looks like they will ship it to Ireland bypassing Irish Wireless https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00C1DGGKC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here's the matching one from the Irish Wireless site either. Wonder is there much difference given it's twice the price.

TimHorton

Ten Pin wrote: »

This was mentioned in another thread, worth a mention here...
https://www.irishwireless.net/xpol-a0001

Can't find anything about it on Comreg website.

Has any other retailer received a similar notice?

https://www.irishwireless.net/lte-diy/xpol-a0002 I am using this and munching through about 1TB of data per month in a semi rural location on Vodafone via 2 x Corporate SIMS each with 500gb allowance.

Without the antenna linked my connection was only average , Now get 60 or 70 mb during the day and 20 to 30 in the evening , Happy days waiting for NBP to come along.

Adding Amazon Link as it looks like they will ship it to Ireland bypassing Irish Wireless https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00C1DGGKC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ten Pin

This was mentioned in another thread, worth a mention here...
https://www.irishwireless.net/xpol-a0001

30/09/2020 Update:

We have been notified by Comreg that under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1926, these antennas are not licenced to be used in The Republic of Ireland for the purposes of connecting into a mobile modem.

Hence we are only permitted to sell this item to users who confirm that they do not intend to use this antenna in Ireland

Can't find anything about it on Comreg website.

Has any other retailer received a similar notice?

Bawnmore

daraghwal wrote: »

After installing the antenna, the signal went from nothing to 4-5 bars 4G coverage on vodafone. The speed goes up and down a bit but isn't a problem as there is always enough for general browsing, watching videos etc.

For the 6ft pole, vertical and horizontal antennas, 10m leads for both and SMA to TS9 leads for both (adapts the antenna to the input on some 4g routers) it cost €129.00. A vodafone sim is in the router on €20/month. The deal is limited to 10Mbps but this limit isn't applied but could be in the future.

That's promising so. We get 1-2 bars with just a 4G router and average about 25-30mbps download. For €129, it seems like a no brainer.

ED E

If its an area with limited options that really isnt a bad setup.

daraghwal

Bawnmore wrote: »

I'm about the same distance as you from a tower and currently using a 4G router only. Looking forward to seeing how you get on with it.

After installing the antenna, the signal went from nothing to 4-5 bars 4G coverage on vodafone. The speed goes up and down a bit but isn't a problem as there is always enough for general browsing, watching videos etc.

For the 6ft pole, vertical and horizontal antennas, 10m leads for both and SMA to TS9 leads for both (adapts the antenna to the input on some 4g routers) it cost €129.00. A vodafone sim is in the router on €20/month. The deal is limited to 10Mbps but this limit isn't applied but could be in the future.

Bawnmore

daraghwal wrote: »

I went with the same as heffo. Will be installing on Saturday and post how I get on. ATS said they never had one returned after failing to get a signal.

I'm about the same distance as you from a tower and currently using a 4G router only. Looking forward to seeing how you get on with it.

daraghwal

I went with the same as heffo. Will be installing on Saturday and post how I get on. ATS said they never had one returned after failing to get a signal.

daraghwal

I think I will get line of sight to a 4g mast 7km away. It is the only mast with line of sight. Another mast 5km away is over a hill and another 3km away does not have 4g. Now I know the exact direction I need to point an antenna at. What would be the best relatively cheap antenna I could get on Amazon? The first one I linked? I will probably use the dongle I have that has two antenna inputs. Thanks.

Ultimanemo

weeb wrote: »

Hi there, I'm also looking into buying an outdoor antenna. I think the one you linked will do, but I'd first make sure that it supports the frequency of your nearest mast. You can find this out from the ComReg SiteViewer, but I'm fairly sure it'll support it.

I have one, it will support the frequency of your nearest mast. Be sure the SMA plugs are compatable with your router.

MF290

daraghwal wrote: »

Or would I be better off with something like this?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00C1DGFPS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_YRIxFbBH1M4T3

I set up a 4g router and antenna a couple of weeks ago. A directional antenna pointed towards the nearest cell tower works best. Omni directional antennae are best suited for campervans that are moving about.
https://siteviewer.comreg.ie/#explore This give you the location and which networks are operating off it as well as what frequency they are.
https://www.scadacore.com/tools/rf-path/rf-line-of-sight/
If you input your coordinates into this and the coordinates of the cell tower and then take the mast height into account, it will give you an idea of your line of sight to the tower.
I would go with a 4g router with two little antennae (rather than the dongle style) near the window first and then put an antenna up if it's still not great.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TL-MR6400-Unlocked-Configuration-Required-External/dp/B016ZWXYXG/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=4g+router&qid=1600020215&sr=8-3
I would ask about locally as to which provider has the best internet speed.
If you're using a gomo sim I found this link helpful to set up the sim.
https://confusedbird.com/thread-12-post-17.html#pid17

weeb

daraghwal wrote: »

Or would I be better off with something like this?

Hi there, I'm also looking into buying an outdoor antenna. I think the one you linked will do, but I'd first make sure that it supports the frequency of your nearest mast. You can find this out from the ComReg SiteViewer, but I'm fairly sure it'll support it.

daraghwal

Or would I be better off with something like this?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00C1DGFPS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_YRIxFbBH1M4T3

daraghwal

ED E wrote: »

LTE router inside, small antenna outside and some kind of weathersealing to get the cable out. Easy enough. Should investigate all providers for coverage first.

Perfect. So huawei mobile WiFi dongle plugged directly into an outdoor antenna mounted on the caravan where the best coverage is. Could you recommend an antenna or is the one I have linked above suitable? One with the suction cups would be preferrable if possible as it’s a temp solution but if there are better relatively cheap antennas available we’d work around that.

Vodafone is the only network with decent 4g in the area

ED E

LTE router inside, small antenna outside and some kind of weathersealing to get the cable out. Easy enough. Should investigate all providers for coverage first.

daraghwal

My brother is living in a caravan on a college placement for the next year. Outside there is 3 bars Vodafone 4g coverage but nothing inside the caravan. What is the best setup to basically either get WiFi in the mobile via Vodafone 4g with some sort of an antenna on a temporary pole on a €20/month sim or boost the signal to his phone and use as a hotspot. Are there any relatively cheap ways to do this?

Would something as simple as this be good enough? https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07VKRBGQ7/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_YBHxFbHRKB82S

I have a spare huawei device like the one pictured

MF290

Ireland, They should be similar enough in price. The log type in the link is 99 pound with free delivery about 110 euro.

heffo500

MF290 wrote: »

Very good thread.

Is there much difference between these two styles of antennae?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Antenna-Adapters-OUTDOOR-suitable-Vodafone-SMA-Male-Female/dp/B07VP1LYM3/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Router+Antenna+Set+LTE+Log+MIMO+4G&qid=1597678271&s=electronics&sr=1-3

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Poynting-4G-XPOL-A0002-Polarised-Directional-Outdoor/dp/B00C1DGGKC/ref=sr_1_19?dchild=1&keywords=Router+Antenna+4g&qid=1597678743&s=electronics&sr=1-19

I'm planning on putting it on the roof beside a tv aerial facing the nearer of the two masts (2nd photo) which will hopefully be ok with the elevation of the cell tower and aerial.

There's a third tower 10km with good elevation also, would a MIMO antenna be any addition in this situation?
The best signal seems to come from the first tower based off personal hotspot on the phone.

Those aerials seem quite expensive, where are you based?

I got mine and it about €110 Inc vat and delivery.

TRANS-DATA LTE KYZ 10/10 MIMO 4G/3G/GSM Antenna (with 10 m cable SMA)

MF290

Very good thread.

Is there much difference between these two styles of antennae?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Antenna-Adapters-OUTDOOR-suitable-Vodafone-SMA-Male-Female/dp/B07VP1LYM3/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Router+Antenna+Set+LTE+Log+MIMO+4G&qid=1597678271&s=electronics&sr=1-3

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Poynting-4G-XPOL-A0002-Polarised-Directional-Outdoor/dp/B00C1DGGKC/ref=sr_1_19?dchild=1&keywords=Router+Antenna+4g&qid=1597678743&s=electronics&sr=1-19

I'm planning on putting it on the roof beside a tv aerial facing the nearer of the two masts (2nd photo) which will hopefully be ok with the elevation of the cell tower and aerial.

There's a third tower 10km with good elevation also, would a MIMO antenna be any addition in this situation?
The best signal seems to come from the first tower based off personal hotspot on the phone.

SteelyDanJalapeno

heffo500 wrote: »

I didn't bother with a repeater for phone reception however I would go separate and get the mobile broadband up and running first then you can use Whatsapp for a call etc

Cheers yeah that's a good start!

Seems like you can't use a repeater in between an antenna and a 4g router, not sure why, seems like a good use case.

heffo500

I didn't bother with a repeater for phone reception however I would go separate and get the mobile broadband up and running first then you can use Whatsapp for a call etc

SteelyDanJalapeno

Back again with more questions! Much more informed this time.

So I think the poynting omnidirectional with a 4g router will serve me well for data in the home, but I've realised that won't help me mobile phone reception.

So I've been looking at it seems Comreg have legalized some 2g, 3g & 4g repeaters that will amplify weak signals through another antenna.

Some questions thou, if I go with both solutions above, what would the best implementation be?

I could separate them both, so 1 poynting connected to 4g router, that will supply mobile broadband.

Another external antenna connected to a repeater internally to boost cell reception, this sounds like the most basic and straight forward implementation.

But, since the 1st solution just picks up a weak signal and pumps it straight to the router, is it possible to take the output signal from the repeater and feed this to my router instead? Giving me an amplified signal being fed to my router?

Do repeaters have cable outputs?

Confused