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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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lintdrummer

Can somebody who knows how to read CellMapper take a look at my location and advise whether Eir or Vodafone have the strongest signal? Have a three Sim and unlocked router but three signal is crap.

celtic_oz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117983460#Comment_117983460

i had the exact same setup as you .. B593 .. I used this antenna which is compatible and was much improved

https://www.satellitetv.ie/4g-lte-external-aerial?search=4G%20LTE%20External%20Antenna%20-%20ATK%20MIMO%20SMA%20-10m

its directional so you must point it at the mast

Years later I then upgraded to TP-Link Archer MR600 AC1200 LTE Router, Dual-Band 4G + Cat6 Gigabit WiFi Router

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07RS7HM59/ref%3Dpe_3044161_185740101_TE_item?th=1

it works with the same antenna, got double the speed! Also its unlocked so you can try any SIM

(top tip - in the setup theres an option to restart every day .. do this at 4:00AM or when it suits it stops lock ups)

I dont use the wireless part myself (have a mesh system) but imagine it would be better than the B593

MayoForSam

I'm looking for advice on upgrading the mobile internet in our holiday home in Enniscrone, Co. Sligo.

I currently have an Huawei B593 (no antenna) with a GoMo SIM card and it's not great to be honest. Wifi works OK inside the house but speeds are only up to 10mb and it's not possible to stream much on the TV or use my Firestick.

I'm thinking of upgrading to a B525 modem, what external antenna should I go for and do I need to put it outside or would up in the attic be sufficent? Should I try a SIM from different network provider e.g. Three or Vodafone? Is the B525 easy to unlock (currently on Vodafone)?

Newtown90

Finally got around to setting up my Rut240 and Poynting 5G 11db High Gain Cross Polarised LTE Antenna today.

Since I changed to eir mobile broadband the past month I was getting an average of 20mbs on the back window which is great but the wires on the window were annoying me so I finally get up the external antenna.

Once set up I was getting 50mbs average which was great but after an hour that dropped to an average of 10mb.

I'm wondering have eir noticed I'm not using their own router and are now throttling?

TimHorton

Hi Wexman1992, Sent you a PM.

[Deleted User]

Whats your ping like time? What router do you use? what plan are you on? I read others saying its a big fine so thats why i was put off

TimHorton

Wexman1992 wrote: »

I was under the impression that 4g antenna signal boosters were illegal. Whats the story with them.

LOL Max 10 Pounds fine.

Under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1926 published by Comreg, these antennas and the use of passive 4G/LTE antennas are not permitted to be used in The Republic of Ireland.

https://www.irishwireless.net/xpol-a0002

(3) Every person who keeps, has in his possession, works, or uses any apparatus for wireless telegraphy in contravention of this section shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding ten pounds, together with, in the case of a continuing offence, a further fine not exceeding one pound for every day during which the offence continues and also, in every case, forfeiture of all the apparatus in respect of which the offence was committed.

TimHorton

pms7 wrote: »

The Poynting 4G XPOL A0001 is omni directional. Waste of time rural, some use maybe dense urban.
Iskra highly directional. There is an XPOL 2 directional which is easier to instal than the Iskra.

I am using this guy since last August on Vodafone pointed at a mast 4 km away , I get 50/60 mb rock solid connection and use 1 to 1.5 TB a Month (Have 3 x Work Provided sims that each allow 500 gb) https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00C1DGGKC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 BTW Antenna is mounted in the Attic.. If I moved outside I am sure I could get more but no need at the moment as connection is perfect 24x7

[Deleted User]

I was under the impression that 4g antenna signal boosters were illegal. Whats the story with them.

pms7

Moyglish wrote: »

I'm trying to decide between the Iskra P58 and Poynting 4G XPOL A0001.

Does anyone on here have any preferences as to which would be most suitable for a beginner or any pros or cons to either please?

The Poynting 4G XPOL A0001 is omni directional. Waste of time rural, some use maybe dense urban.
Iskra highly directional. There is an XPOL 2 directional which is easier to instal than the Iskra.

smuggler.ie

Moyglish wrote: »

Thank you for that, very helpful.

Is the cable that is supplied with the Iska a coax type cable? I presume it fits into your router and replace the internal attenaes with that instead?

Same for both antennas, coax with SMA connectors, screw-on to most routers. Some, like Huawei B818 need SMA-to-TS9 adapter

Moyglish

Thank you for that, very helpful.

Is the cable that is supplied with the Iska a coax type cable? I presume it fits into your router and replace the internal attenaes with that instead?

smuggler.ie

Moyglish wrote: »

I'm trying to decide between the Iskra P58 and Poynting 4G XPOL A0001.

Does anyone on here have any preferences as to which would be most suitable for a beginner or any pros or cons to either please?

In the post #394 link to latest Iskra model. They claim wider frequency range, but shorter cable. If you contact seller and request they perhaps can supply with 10m, if needed. Note: cable is "build in" and wont be easy to replace DIY.
Cant comment on Poynting as have not tested so honours to others...
Compare data sheets
Results will vary on you location, masts, etc

Moyglish

I'm trying to decide between the Iskra P58 and Poynting 4G XPOL A0001.

Does anyone on here have any preferences as to which would be most suitable for a beginner or any pros or cons to either please?

Morby

pms7 wrote: »

Are you aware the vodafone sim wont work in your (locked) 3 router?
What county are you in?

I presume this is to me? The router was from 3 however I have since had it unlocked.

Thanks for the tip though.

I'm in Co. Galway / Co. Clare, just on the border

pms7

Are you aware the vodafone sim wont work in your (locked) 3 router?
What county are you in?

smuggler.ie

B525 does show signal metrics Settings>>System>>Device info, but this info more for guidance - best signal indicators not necessary best speed. Internet speed test will tell.
No need for pro tools and think it would cost you fortune.

CellMapper app can help determine what mast your router is connecting to as well gives some more info about mast(s). Other apps available.

G Maps along Comreg/CellMapper will tell you what direction to point

Antenna cable should not exceed 10m - plan for router location, power/network cabling.

My preference to Iskra is based on results i have achieved with it, not that i work for them, distribute or benefit other way. Alternatives available.

And yeah - mount antenna, point toward mast, connect router and test/tune/test/tune

LTE H-Monitor would give you possibility to force router to a specific band(B1, B3, B20, etc), but it all depend what is available on the mast.
I did tested it and its doing "what it says on the can", but use on your own risk.

Morby

smuggler.ie wrote: »

Quick glance, and i see your troubles..

Hi there,

Thanks so much for that. I really appreciate the in depth reply and trouble you went to, amazing!

I'll order a Vodafone PAYG SIM and try it in the Huawei router when it comes, I'm hoping I might be able to get some sort of 3G signal via the nearest mast.

I'll definitely have to get an external antenna also. I presume given your reply that you prefer the Iska to the Poynting for this scenario?

I would even be happy with a stable 5Mb connection, don't need massive download speeds, if I can stream Netflix and YouTube then I'm happy.

I think I'll also need to look into getting a mesh system for inside the house also as it's quite spread out and I can already envision parts of the house not getting a signal, but need to get the basics of an actual signal into the house first.

Thanks very much for your help and for taking the time out to look into this for me.

Also, silly question, but with an external antenna such as the Iska or Poynting, is it simply a case of installing them outside up high and roughly directing them in the area of the mast you want to pick up signal, and then fine tuning it by adjusting it to get the best signal?

Or would you need a meter or anything to pinpoint the exact location?

Also, as a novice, are these fairly easy to install, as in install outside, presume run a cable from aerial to modem and then tweak the direction of them and do speed tests to see what position gives you the best signal?

Or do you need to download apps to tweak around with settings etc? Afraid the latter may be a bit beyond me yet.

smuggler.ie

Morby wrote: »

.......... I have PM'd you.......

Quick glance, and i see your troubles..
No data on CellMapper
VF mast next to you(~1km), mounted in fields on high voltage pylon, is marked as 2G/3G service only. If you get VF SIM and set your router for 3G you should have steady DL ~20-25Mbps (testing needed). Worth testing for 4G in case VF have this upgraded, but ComReg data don't show it.

Nearest LTE capable masts seam to be all located west from you. You will defo need directional antenna to hit those
Few transmitters are in town (4.8km west) near to Lidl/Post, however, two hill-tops on the way badly obstructing LoS(Line of Sight). This is measuring that your antenna is ~8m and mast ~20m off the ground

One mast is south side of town (still west from you, 5.7km), VF + Meteor. Greater distance , but better elevation layout

Recommend Iskra P58 or similar.

Edit: Later model on amz.de

Morby

smuggler.ie wrote: »

..and you will have wasted ~£20

Name nearest(~5km radius) town, i will lookup your local masts.
PM if concerned about privacy

Thank you very kindly, I have PM'd you.

Much appreciated!

smuggler.ie

Morby wrote: »

I was looking at this as a cheap option to test out before spending any more money, but it's probably crap? - Poynting Omni 280-02

..and you will have wasted ~£20

Name nearest(~5km radius) town, i will lookup your local masts.
PM if concerned about privacy.

Just in case you are, dont set "rabbit ears" as external antenna on B525. My experience - it work worse than if you just use build in.

Router positioning might/will have huge effect on speed if no antenna used

Directional external antenna might work better in rural area than omni and it covers greater distance

Morby

Hello everyone,

Thanks for the replies, appreciate it.

Currently with Tesco Mobile (Three) for my mobile and it's very poor out there, lots of missed calls, no signal, can't get internet connectivity etc..

Same with the Huawei B525 router with 3 SIM.

From looking at comreg all the MVNO's piggybacking off of 3 I can only get "fair" 3G coverage outdoors. Not even looking into 4G as it's pointless.

Eir are much the same.

Vodafone seem to be the best bet as I can seemingly get "good" 3G outdoor coverage there (think they have a mast a mile or two away)

So I'm going to get a PAYG Vodafone SIM and try it in the router out there and then hopefully get set up with a booster of sorts.

I was looking at this as a cheap option to test out before spending any more money, but it's probably crap? - Poynting Omni 280-02

https://www.4gon.co.uk/poynting-omni-indooroutdoor-medium-gain-lte-siso-antenna-aomni28002-p-8451.html

I'm looking into the Poynting 4G-XPOL-A0001 as mentioned above now. I see one Irish site makes you tick a box declaring it won't be used in the Republic of Ireland, I'm guessing they're illegal or a bit on the gray side of the law or some such?

I also see that these need SMA connectors on your router, am I right in thinking that I just unscrew the existing internal antennas on my Huawei 525 router and screw in new connectors with one of the Poyntings above?

Then install the device outdoors, somewhere up high on the house, position it and do some speed checks?

Is that more or less it or what am I missing?

daraghwal

Morby wrote: »

Hi all,

I'm currently reading through all the posts on here, but I'm still finding it confusing.

So apologies of I'm coming across as lazy, but I really need some idiots advice in this please or explain it to me like I'm five

Just moved into a new house, it's very rural, middle of nowhere.

Can barely get a phone signal / 3G / 4G there.

I have a Huawei B525 modem which I'm currently using with a 3 SIM. Worked grand where I was previously, but can barely get 0.02mb from it now.

I think there's a Vodafone mast closer to the new place so I'll probably have to switch over to Vodafone.

I know I'm going to need some sort of external antenna or booster to make it workable though.

Don't mind about speed as such so long as I can use Netflix and YouTube without major buffering. Not looking to game, Torrent or download large files.

Bearing in mind I'm not very tech savvy and have a limited budget, what sort of external booster or antenna should I be looking for?

Something fairly easy to install and set up.

I really don't know what I'm looking for and if I should be putting it in the attic or outside.

I'm getting confused looking at options, could someone please help advise me or point me in the direction of something simple (but works) for my needs?

Don't mind buying online, from Amazon or China or wherever. Just need to get something sorted and up and running.

Thanks.

Also stick your eircode in https://www.airwire.ie/index.php/avail here on the off change that you can get fibre. Might be worth asking any neighbours if there is a WISP in the area but doubtful if your finding it hard to get phone coverage.

Makhnovist

Poynting 4G-XPOL-A0001 is the one I have currently and its working perfect I am pretty close to the mast though, is there an eir/meteor mast near you at all?

RonTon

First step is definitely to go on Comreg.ie and see which company has best coverage in your area

Morby

Hi all,

I'm currently reading through all the posts on here, but I'm still finding it confusing.

So apologies of I'm coming across as lazy, but I really need some idiots advice in this please or explain it to me like I'm five

Just moved into a new house, it's very rural, middle of nowhere.

Can barely get a phone signal / 3G / 4G there.

I have a Huawei B525 modem which I'm currently using with a 3 SIM. Worked grand where I was previously, but can barely get 0.02mb from it now.

I think there's a Vodafone mast closer to the new place so I'll probably have to switch over to Vodafone.

I know I'm going to need some sort of external antenna or booster to make it workable though.

Don't mind about speed as such so long as I can use Netflix and YouTube without major buffering. Not looking to game, Torrent or download large files.

Bearing in mind I'm not very tech savvy and have a limited budget, what sort of external booster or antenna should I be looking for?

Something fairly easy to install and set up.

I really don't know what I'm looking for and if I should be putting it in the attic or outside.

I'm getting confused looking at options, could someone please help advise me or point me in the direction of something simple (but works) for my needs?

Don't mind buying online, from Amazon or China or wherever. Just need to get something sorted and up and running.

Thanks.

RonTon

ED E wrote: »

Stats are basically perfect, limitation is likely the towers capacity.

Cheers ED .
A rock sold 20-30 mbps is promising ,trialled with streaming Netflix,prime,Disney . No buffering so far, uploading security cameras all good so far.
I’ve had Imagine for many years ,headline speeds are faster but it’s just so unreliable and bloody expensive for what you are getting.I find myself constantly trying to minimise amount I download .Worst part is it always seams to have a problem when you need it most .
Not having to put up an external antenna is definitely a bonus

ED E

Stats are basically perfect, limitation is likely the towers capacity.

RonTon

I also have modem B818-263

Set it up few days ago with a GoMo sim ,I have it inside on a window sill , I’m close (700 metres)to a new eir mast that has lte according to the comreg website.
The readings I’m getting are:

RSRQ-5.0dB
RSRP-95dBm
RSSI-65dBm
SINR14dB
Wireless transmit powerPPusch:19dBm PPucch:-4dBm PSrs:23dBm PPrach:5dBm
Uplink mod/demod of MCSmcsUpCarrier1:15
Downlink mod/demod of MCSmcsDownCarrier1Code0:15 mcsDownCarrier1Code1:15

Is this good or bad?
Would I need an external antenna would anyone know?
Speeds at moment are constant 20-30 down morning and evening , 15- 20 up .
Or is GoMo limiting downloading speed or is contention an issue.
Was going to see for month or 2 how I get on ,would probably need to change to eir sim to have a bigger download allowance.

Makhnovist

daraghwal wrote: »

If your already in a contract with eir you'll probably have to pay for the duration of it anyway. If not you could ring them and see if they have a deal they could do for an existing customer. If that fails I would sign up with them again with a new number. They're advertising 4G on their homepage for 29.99/month with "no limits data" (Not sure if there's a FUP).

The FUP is 750GB