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Advice needed on external 3G/4G antenna

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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,185 ✭✭✭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


  • Registered Users Posts: 474 ✭✭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.


  • Posts: 68 [Deleted User]


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


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,066 ✭✭✭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


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,066 ✭✭✭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.


  • Posts: 68 [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


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,066 ✭✭✭TimHorton


    Hi Wexman1992, Sent you a PM.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,607 ✭✭✭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?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭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)?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,617 ✭✭✭celtic_oz


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

    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

    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



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,803 ✭✭✭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.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,017 ✭✭✭lomb


    I'm in a zero 4g area inside outside very little 4g, I've tried a Ponytig Omni, a freetv Yagi both of which were little more than useless and now an iskra p58 stepped 1m apart( Screwfix sell poles ) and even inside I'm getting 75% signal and snr of 7db on a mr600 I'm getting excellent pings jitter and 25down and 12 up.

    Forget doing it on the cheap .I'm now cutting my eir fibre broadband which is costing 67 a month which is crazy.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,017 ✭✭✭lomb


    Also get the shortest aerial cable you can. I got the 5m with iskra p58 but regret not going down to 2.5m as il put the modem in an upstairs bedroom. You loose .35db per meter and the snr goes down with cable length.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,017 ✭✭✭lomb





  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,185 ✭✭✭smuggler.ie


    Use CellMapper to find what mast and cell you're connected, also to see what and where neighbouring masts/cell are. This allow to adjust/force router to mast/cell that could give best expirience, however its not guaranteed. Data on it is from whatever users have uploaded to it - if its there its there, but some areas might not be covered/mapped yet. CellMapper might provide information to what services are availble in the area from different mobile providers.

    If dont mind, post your town name here or PM, so you could get some more advice.

    Also, post what current setup you have now (router make/model, antena)



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,803 ✭✭✭lintdrummer


    Thanks for the info. I actually went ahead and got fiber in the end. Bit of a pain because they had to spend weeks waiting for council permission to unblock ducts on the road, but got it all sorted last Saturday. Turns out Eir has the best signal here. My wife is on GoMo and we noticed she had much better data speeds than me on Three. Got an Eir 30day data sim to put in a router I already had and that kept us going until the fiber install.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 162 ✭✭RonTon


    Picked up a ponyting antenna (new model one that does 5G aswell) and had it setup sitting on ground for few days outside a window,was getting very good speeds 75 down ,20 up .Got around to putting up on wall pointing same direction but higher than sitting on the ground ,now I’m getting only 5-10 down and higher 25 up .

    Any suggestions that I could do differently?

    only though I can think of is antenna too high and dropping it down 3-4 feet , would I be picking up a mast much further away

    (I’m using a b818 modem , full bars of 4g+ on the web page display,rural area , SINR is -3



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,185 ✭✭✭smuggler.ie


    You would need to see if you are still connecting to same mast.

    Even if you are, you might have got B20 band now vs B3 or B1

    B818 show CELL_ID here: http://192.168.1.1/html/content.html#deviceinformation (adjust IP if required)

    To see what band you are currently have, sign in to router GUI on one tab, then on new tab paste this: view-source:http://192.168.1.1/api/device/signal

    the line you looking for is:

    <band>3</band>



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 162 ✭✭RonTon


    Cheers for that…

    found previous screenshots and yes I was connecting to a different mast ,cell id was different .

    Sinr is +5 now and speed are around 30 ish down ,20 up after resetting modem .

    I can’t see the band I’m on tho ,will probably have to change from iPad to a pc.

    I might try moving antenna a bit , I couldn’t believe how good speeds were just wedged into the gutter, it’s a serious bit of kit ponyting v3 I think it was ,hopefully I can recreate.


    CQI

    CQI0:3 CQI1:10


    RSRQ

    -11.0dB


    RSRP

    -94dBm


    RSSI

    -69dBm


    SINR

    5dB


    Wireless transmit power

    PPusch:3dBm PPucch:-8dBm PSrs:17dBm PPrach:12dBm


    Uplink mod/demod of MCS

    mcsUpCarrier1:29


    Downlink mod/demod of MCS

    mcsDownCarrier1Code0:0 mcsDownCarrier1Code1:2


    PLMN

    27205



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,185 ✭✭✭smuggler.ie


    Band is not shown within router GUI, you have to follow..

    Mast might contain several cell's, usually beginning numbers match, only variation on last two digits

    If cell numbers completely different it might indicate different mast.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 162 ✭✭RonTon


    I tried to copy and paste that but got 404 blank page ,am I doing something wrong?

    the cell number was totally different



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,185 ✭✭✭smuggler.ie


    Likely your router IP is different than in the line. Find your router IP, update the line, try again. Default i think was 192.168.8.1



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,636 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    My brother purchased a B818 last week and is in the process of installing it, the IP for his is 192.168.8.1

    Briefly looking thru the settings last week I seem to recall the cell id can be found under settings.

    We hope to install it using a P60 antenna this week once the weather clears up.

    Post edited by The Cush on


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,185 ✭✭✭smuggler.ie


    Hope you didnt skip the antenna connector check, SMA vs TS9



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,636 ✭✭✭✭The Cush




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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,185 ✭✭✭smuggler.ie




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,636 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    Will do, he's 16.5 Kms from the mast - Cullen Hill in S. Tipperary - , quiet a distance but looks like the only one available. There are closer masts at 4, 8.25 and 9.25 kms not available to him.

    Did an initial test on Friday but had to dismount it again as the mount, purchased from satworld, was inadequately welded and was flexing under the mast, had to be rewelded and reprotected. Hoping to get at it tomorrow afternoon.

    Initial signal figures weren't great considering the distance but the download figures were impressive - approx 60 Mbps down, when comparing it to our current WISP's up to 5 Mbps down. Our WISP is ceasing their wireless service at the end of June.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,636 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    Up and running.

    A bit of background, my brother lives in a difficult mobile signal area, uses a Stelladoradus 900 MHz mobile repeater for voice calls inside the house (3g data only). As mentioned above our WISP is shutting down at the end of June due to NBI's advancing fibre rollout (not around here unfortunately until 2025/26). So an interim solution is required.

    Huawei B818 router & P60 antenna (on 3m pole) installed this week.

    4 potential mobile sites identified on Siteviewer at 16.5, 8.3, 9.25 and 3 kms.

    During testing the best mast on the highest band was at 8.3 kms with the figures below. Getting approx 130 Mbps down (on 5 GHz WiFi) and 60-75 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. The antenna is pointing at the roof of a neighbouring house, surrounded by trees, direct line to the mast (via Google maps).

    The local mast connects on B1/B3 but the figures were less stable due to terrain. The mast at 16.5 Kms we were receiving approx up to 15 Mbps on B20/B28. The 9.25 km mast was connecting on B3, speed ?.

    Without the directional antennas we wound not be getting these figures. A big improvement on the current up to 5 Mbps WISP.




    Post edited by The Cush on


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,185 ✭✭✭smuggler.ie


    Nice achievement.

    Why Eir if dont mind me asking?

    I see GUI on yours firmware actually display Band - not shown on neither units of mine (v10.0.2.2 and v10.0.3.0)

    For me(on Three, ~4km) connection work better on B3, B1 second, B20 bad, B7 below floor



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,636 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    €10 GoMo to be specific, he has 2 of the GoMo sims from the start, was using 1 of them in work up to recently, repurposed to home for now.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,185 ✭✭✭smuggler.ie


    As long data limit not an issue. With speed increase usage will too.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,636 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    He's aware of that, doing speed tests on 5 ghz was consuming about 250 meg each time.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,049 ✭✭✭gazzer


    Apologies for reopening an old thread but thought it better then to start a new one. I am off work next week and I have decided that I want to install an outdoor aerial in an attempt to boost my mobile broadband signal.

    I am with eir and have a Huawei B628-625 router I tend to get a download speed of 10 - 15mbs with a ping of 30 to 40 and an upload speed of roughly 10mbs. Not due to get ftth with NBI until 2024 so want to see if I can get a faster speed with my current set up.

    I live in a rural part of Cavan and from looking at the Siteviewer map there are 3 locations where there are Eir/Meteor masts. They are all more or less the same distance from my house (roughly 3km).

    Could somebody direct me to a website or video tutorials (or even from their own experience) of how i go about choosing the correct external aerial and pole and fittings, where to position it (chimney, roof etc) and how do I determine how to choose the best mast? I presume I will have to go into the admin settings of the router and make changes. Currently the router is in my bedroom as that is where I have found the best signal. Thanks in advance.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,185 ✭✭✭smuggler.ie


    Would suggest to read from page 1 - good info and tips/links all along, but even this page(15) alone has all that it takes

    3km distance should be very doable, but i'll stick * here😊

    Iskra P60 on the gable wall or chimney. note: no more than 10m cables, so most likely will need to relocate your router upstairs/attic (power, Ethernet)

    Using Siteviewer and G maps determine mast location/direction, point antenna there.

    Once connected, antenna should be recognized by router, but in settings can enforce.

    Thereafter, just testing and adjusting if needed




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,946 ✭✭✭shmeee


    Hi all,

    Any reason why a mast isn't showing up on Cellmapper but is on ComReg SiteViewr? Not updated by anyone? Just trying to work out the band of the tower across the valley that I am aiming towards. Presume its band 3 or 20 judging from other masts in the same area on Cellmapper. Router currently set to band 20 and viewable via view-source:http://192.168.8.1/api/device/signal

    And the Cell Identifier 816902 on the only close mast on cellmapper is the same cell identifier on the router; <cell_id>816902</cell_id>

    So I am connecting to that mast then and not the mast across the valley? In process of getting an antenna and trying to dot my i's first with as much info as possible so I aim in the correct direction.

    *Three sim - router b535

    Thanks.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,185 ✭✭✭smuggler.ie


    Celmapper is based on info provided by users like you and me - install app, run it, check in a day or two

    As per router metrics, you are on cell 816902 and it serve B20,

    Mast(eNB ID) has several cells and they serve different bands

    As per other thread, your speed might change depending on what mast or even band(cell) on same mast you are connected at given time. Other factors remain in effect



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,946 ✭✭✭shmeee


    Thank you, it's connecting to a mast 1km away from me if comparing cellmapper data to the router device info - so I can take it that's what mast I'm working off at present? The mast isn't on Comreg SiteViewer, so un-sure. Going to take a spin down road later and see what it is that's marked on cellmapper and go from there.

    Would changing to band 3 be an option from band 20? No admin access on the router so presume I need to run a script of some sort (tried a few scripts but failed) or 3rd party app as mentioned on this thread.

    Mast on Cellmapper - 3191 on right.


    Not seen on SiteViewer, should be to the right of Clodiagh Church. But mast bottom left it the one I have clear line of sight to - 3 miles away.




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,185 ✭✭✭smuggler.ie


    Cellmapper show real eNB and cell id's, you can verify on your router/phone

    Commreg nomenclature is different - same masts, but no match to numbers/lack of other info. Commreg map could be out of date, however, cellmapper might missplace eNB's if not enough data about it(red outline vs green outline - those are confirmed location). see site next to Tullagher(NW) on commreg - potential location for 3191

    if you click on eNB tag on callmapper map, it will display relevant info on the left pane related to known cells on it

    you can attempt to force specific band(not cell) with LTE H-monitor, i think it support B535.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,946 ✭✭✭shmeee


    Hi, yes - thanks for that.

    I think the 3191 one site is the Tullagher(NW) mast (the one I can clearly see in line of sight) and that's the one I'm picking up. As my router info doesn't match any of the info on Inistioge(S) mast - very unlikely it is picking that up. And did test with GoMo on Cellmapper and giving that location also and no sign of Tullagher(NW) mast on it which has Eir. And as you said, could be just misplaced on Cellmapper. And even from look around where Cellmapper have the mast, it's a field with an odd house and farm etc. No obvious mast to be seen.

    You find out how easy FTTH is now when your at this crack.

    Thanks again, excellent knowledge.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,185 ✭✭✭smuggler.ie


    You might be surprised where mobile "towers" are located - i've seen on the high voltage line pylon

    Yours Tullagher in the forest/bushes




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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,946 ✭✭✭shmeee


    Ya, I can see the Tullagher one from the house, she's massive on top of the hill. Direct line from front of house. Zoomed into it on Google maps also to make sure the comreg location was correct and it was bang on. Drove up to within a 100m's of the location of the near by mast on Cellmapper earlier and only a big shed of some sorts and taught maybe a mast attached to side of it etc but nothing obvious to be seen, or hidden in a near by tree. Again weather was awful so wasn't hanging about. So mapping error seems obvious on the Cellmapper location.



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