Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi all! We have been experiencing an issue on site where threads have been missing the latest postings. The platform host Vanilla are working on this issue. A workaround that has been used by some is to navigate back from 1 to 10+ pages to re-sync the thread and this will then show the latest posts. Thanks, Mike.
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Advice needed on external 3G/4G antenna

1356789

Comments

  • #102
    Carnmore
    Registered Users Posts: 407 ✭✭Carnmore


    I'm using my mobile phone as a personal hotspot rather than a 4G router.

    I need to improve the LTE signal on the Three network (800Mhz / 1800Mhz).

    What sort of antenna should I be looking for?


  • #103
    ED E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,169 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    Carnmore wrote: »
    I'm using my mobile phone as a personal hotspot rather than a 4G router.

    I need to improve the LTE signal on the Three network (800Mhz / 1800Mhz).

    What sort of antenna should I be looking for?

    You cant attach an antenna to phone (well, not without soldering).


  • #104
    exaisle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,675 ✭✭✭exaisle


    If you really want to improve your 3g/4g reception then use a directional antenna with the highest gain you can find/afford.
    Don't use omni-directional antennae.

    For 4G/LTE you'll need a pair of antennae...something like these:

    http://tablelandscomputers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/LPDA-Logarithmic-Periodic-Dipole-Antenna.jpg


  • #105
    Ultimanemo
    Registered Users Posts: 890 ✭✭✭Ultimanemo


    As ED E said, you can't connect a mobile phone to antenna, I am not sure about signal boosters but they are illegal in Ireland
    If you receive any internet in your phone, then you will get very good speed using a router, but then you have to buy another sim card for the router.
    This one will give you good speed and you won't need antenna

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06Y2HDQHL/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


  • #106
    Carnmore
    Registered Users Posts: 407 ✭✭Carnmore


    Ultimanemo wrote: »
    I am not sure about signal boosters but they are illegal in Ireland

    Are they illegal in Ireland? Here's an Irish company selling them http://www.stelladoradus.com/product-category/home-mobile-signal-boosters/


  • #107
    The Cush
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,679 ✭✭✭✭The Cush


    Carnmore wrote: »
    Are they illegal in Ireland? Here's an Irish company selling them http://www.stelladoradus.com/product-category/home-mobile-signal-boosters/

    Until recently you couldn't buy directly from them here, only via one of their European resellers ;)

    But I see they are now showing the Irish mobile networks on the product pages but Ireland is missing from the calculate shipping drop-down list.

    untitled3.png

    Consultation on legalising their use here published recently - https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=105527657#post105527657


  • #108
    ubuntulinux
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 100 ✭✭ubuntulinux


    https://youtu.be/BxKE5GFVkEU


  • #109
    grimeire
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 394 ✭✭grimeire


    hey,

    I was planning on getting this.

    will a longer cable from the aerial to the router reduce the speed or is it like Ethernet cables and you are fine once you dont go over 100m?

    thanks


  • #110
    ED E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,169 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    Shorter the better.


  • #111
    spuddy01
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 150 ✭✭spuddy01


    grimeire wrote: »
    hey,

    I was planning on getting this.

    will a longer cable from the aerial to the router reduce the speed or is it like Ethernet cables and you are fine once you dont go over 100m?

    thanks

    This is also available from the same seller on Amazon & shipping is much cheaper than on ebay. Am also in the market for a similar product so hope this does the job.


  • Advertisement
  • #112
    adm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 342 ✭✭adm


    Fyi

    I have tested 2 setups:
    huawei b315 with directional antenna on the roof.

    huawei b593 with 30 quid external non directional antenna stuck to outside of window.

    The huawei b593 performs much better. I have heard it is a better router when signal is weak in rural areas.


  • #113
    spuddy01
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 150 ✭✭spuddy01


    adm wrote: »
    Fyi

    I have tested 2 setups:
    huawei b315 with directional antenna on the roof.

    huawei b593 with 30 quid external non directional antenna stuck to outside of window.

    The huawei b593 performs much better. I have heard it is a better router when signal is weak in rural areas.

    Hi adm of the 2 Antennas used which gave the better performance with the B593 if you don't mind?


  • #114
    adm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 342 ✭✭adm


    spuddy01 wrote: »
    Hi adm of the 2 Antennas used which gave the better performance with the B593 if you don't mind?

    The non directional one stuck on the outside of the window.

    Similar to this:
    https://www.ebay.ie/itm/Mobile-Broadband-Antenna-Huawei-Aerial-Booster-B593-B315-B310-E5186-SMA-28dbi/273027006784?hash=item3f91ad8140:g:CTEAAOSwMVdYIzJg

    This Antenna did absolutely nothing for the B315 oddly


  • #115
    M5
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,161 ✭✭✭✭M5


    All,

    I ordered a Poynting 4G-XPOL-A0002 Cross Polarised 4G Panel LTE Antenna and after a couple of weeks testing I can definitely say its worth the money.

    Speeds throughout the day are higher and signal is marginally improved. Top end up and download have improved along with overall speeds.

    It is currently installed in the attic, I'll move it outside when i get a chance and update if there are any significant improvements!

    Thanks all for the advice


  • #116
    lukin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,082 ✭✭✭lukin


    Which antennae is better: an omni-directional or high-gain? The one M5 bought is this I think (high gain antennae). I am using this one at home:https://www.irishwireless.net/xpol-a0001 (it was the one best recommended for the modem I was using).
    I think the high-gain ones are better but I believe certain antenna's don't work well with certain modems (and vica-versa)
    The whole area is a bit of a minefield.


  • #117
    M5
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,161 ✭✭✭✭M5


    lukin wrote: »
    Which antennae is better: an omni-directional or high-gain? The one M5 bought is this I think (high gain antennae). I am using this one at home:https://www.irishwireless.net/xpol-a0001 (it was the one best recommended for the modem I was using).
    I think the high-gain ones are better but I believe certain antenna's don't work well with certain modems (and vica-versa)
    The whole area is a bit of a minefield.

    That's the one I ordered alright. My router/modem is a Huawei B315s-22 and I'm on Three 4G,hope that helps


  • #118
    lukin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,082 ✭✭✭lukin


    M5 wrote: »
    That's the one I ordered alright. My router/modem is a Huawei B315s-22 and I'm on Three 4G,hope that helps

    I am using the same modem and I am also on Three. I am thinking of changing to that antennae but I want to be sure it is better than the one I have first.


  • #119
    M5
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,161 ✭✭✭✭M5


    lukin wrote: »
    I am using the same modem and I am also on Three. I am thinking of changing to that antennae but I want to be sure it is better than the one I have first.

    Order off Amazon, easy return if no improvement


  • #120
    lukin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,082 ✭✭✭lukin


    M5 wrote: »
    Order off Amazon, easy return if no improvement

    Amazon have it but don't deliver to Ireland. IrishWireless have it but charge 30% of the price if you return something.


  • Advertisement
  • #121
    M5
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,161 ✭✭✭✭M5


    lukin wrote: »
    Amazon have it but don't deliver to Ireland. IrishWireless have it but charge 30% of the price if you return something.

    Parcel motel?

    Are restocking fees like tgst legal?


  • #122
    lukin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,082 ✭✭✭lukin


    M5 wrote: »
    Parcel motel?

    Are restocking fees like tgst legal?

    It's OK I found a place near to home I can buy it at:https://trade.novatel.ie/9dbi-cross-polarised-high-gain-outdoor-lte-panel-antenna-xpol-2


  • #123
    adm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 342 ✭✭adm


    fyi amazon has 10 pounds off today if you spend 50. code is BIGTHANKS


  • #124
    spuddy01
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 150 ✭✭spuddy01


    lukin wrote: »
    It's OK I found a place near to home I can buy it at:https://trade.novatel.ie/9dbi-cross-polarised-high-gain-outdoor-lte-panel-antenna-xpol-2

    The guys in the shop there are sound called in myself about that antenna but ultimately the price was more than I was willing to spend. So ended up ordering this one from Amazon yesterday.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Communication-Broadband-Antenna-Directional-Booster/dp/B076VLJFC2/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1516918403&sr=8-13&keywords=mimo+antenna


  • #125
    Kenny Powers
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 984 ✭✭✭Kenny Powers


    spuddy01 wrote: »
    The guys in the shop there are sound called in myself about that antenna but ultimately the price was more than I was willing to spend. So ended up ordering this one from Amazon yesterday.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Communication-Broadband-Antenna-Directional-Booster/dp/B076VLJFC2/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1516918403&sr=8-13&keywords=mimo+antenna

    Did you try this out yet? I would be interested in your results as I am looking for something myself.

    Thanks


  • #126
    spuddy01
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 150 ✭✭spuddy01


    Hi Kenny,
    I have not received the item yet but hopefully within the next few days & I'll definitely let you know how it goes.


  • Advertisement
  • #127
    Jakey Rolling
    Registered Users Posts: 944 ✭✭✭Jakey Rolling


    For anyone setting up antenna, this line-of-sight plotter on Scadacor may be useful.

    Remember to put in realistic antenna heights for both your end and the mast.
    Surprised Google don't do something like this directly on Google maps.

    I'm having limited success with a combined (2-elements in 1) wideband Yagi, nominal gain 9dBi.
    Download speed is topping out at just over 20Mbps on 4G, up to 18Mbps on 3G. Speed is hugely variable though throughout the day.

    Unfortunately I can't control which freq band my B593 connects to, the mast uses both 800 and 1800Mhz. I suspect that I'm being throttled due to my distance from the mast - something that EditorSean has alluded to on his blog. To be fair, it's not in anyone's interests to have users connecting on flaky links that cause multiple retransmits.

    440278.png

    100412.2526@compuserve.com



  • #128
    Jakey Rolling
    Registered Users Posts: 944 ✭✭✭Jakey Rolling


    Oh, and I was real surprised to find that my triple-glazed low-e windows blocked the mobile signals so effectively.

    When I got my YAGI I first tried it in the upstairs bedroom (not the weather to be fooling around outside)
    The signal was as bad, if not worse, than with the modem's own antennae.
    I was scratching my head, really thought I had a duff antenna.

    When I bothered to mount the YAGI outside I was pleasantly surprised to bump up the signal quality by about 6dB.
    Enough to go from 8Mbps tops to 20Mbps.

    Still think my 8km distance is the limiting factor.
    Curently testing to see if 3G is more stable.

    100412.2526@compuserve.com



  • #129
    ED E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,169 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    Jakey Rolling wrote: »
    Oh, and I was real surprised to find that my triple-glazed low-e windows blocked the mobile signals so effectively.

    +1 there, was recently gobsmacked to see how much newer treated glass attenuates the link. You'd almost have a better time through cinder blocks.


  • #130
    Kenny Powers
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 984 ✭✭✭Kenny Powers


    Has anyone tried these are they worth a punt?

    https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32817193042.html?pid=808_0000_0209&spm=a2g0n.search-amp.list.32817193042


  • #131
    M5
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,161 ✭✭✭✭M5


    Kenny Powers wrote: »
    Has anyone tried these are they worth a punt?

    https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32817193042.html?pid=808_0000_0209&spm=a2g0n.search-amp.list.32817193042

    As much use as a glass hammer. You can have mine for nowt :)


  • Advertisement
  • #132
    spuddy01
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 150 ✭✭spuddy01


    Have received my antenna only had a little bit of time to play around with it today up in attic so waiting for better weather to try & mount it outside on aerial pole. Not really seeing great improvements but again hopefully outside will prove better.


  • #133
    Kenny Powers
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 984 ✭✭✭Kenny Powers


    Hi All,

    Selling my proscan directional mimo Yagi over on adverts if anyone is interested.
    I’ll also throw in a third single tube Yagi (1 single antenna) for anyone here in the forum just let me know.


    http://www.adverts.ie/14955160


  • #134
    orm0nd
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,232 ✭✭✭orm0nd


    Kenny Powers wrote: »
    Has anyone tried these are they worth a punt?

    https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32817193042.html?pid=808_0000_0209&spm=a2g0n.search-amp.list.32817193042

    only mono band,

    been using those for the last couple of weeks for both 3 and eir, (trying to decide which is best)
    https://www.wimo.com/lte-4g-antennas_e.html#60072

    and really impressed with their performance


  • #135
    Mahony0509
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,559 ✭✭✭Mahony0509


    I'm getting 3 unlimited installed tomorrow. My area only has 4g outdoor coverage as far as I'm aware. I'm about 1/2km from the mast, which should be about 100m above where I'm at. I'm completely clueless about antennae, could anyone recommend something cheap and how I'd go about installing it on a Huawei b525 router?


  • #136
    givecredit
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,654 ✭✭✭givecredit


    Mahony0509 wrote: »
    I'm getting 3 unlimited installed tomorrow. My area only has 4g outdoor coverage as far as I'm aware. I'm about 1/2km from the mast, which should be about 100m above where I'm at. I'm completely clueless about antennae, could anyone recommend something cheap and how I'd go about installing it on a Huawei b525 router?

    You probably will not need one. See how things go tomorrow.


  • #137
    gooner99
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,051 ✭✭✭gooner99


    Hi.

    I have a B593s-22 LTE/4G Wireless Router and I'm currently using meteor/eir payg mobile broadband sim and also have a three ayce mobile sim that I can swap to. I currently get speeds of about 5 down and 9 up. I would like to boost the speed. I am in clear view of the mast which is on a hill beside some windmills in West Donegal. Crow flies distance is about 8km. According to comregs siteviewer the mast has meteor, three and Vodafone.

    Local electrical shop has an antenna for €50 with 2 x 10m cables. Didn't actually see it, just spoke on the phone. Does this sound like a good setup or is 10m too long?

    Can you recommend antennas that would suit my setup best?

    Thanks.


  • #138
    ED E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,169 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    Test with the window open so there is only air between unit and high site Gooner. If speeds are similar you're dealing with contention and an antenna will make no difference.


  • #139
    gooner99
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,051 ✭✭✭gooner99


    ED E wrote: »
    Test with the window open so there is only air between unit and high site Gooner. If speeds are similar you're dealing with contention and an antenna will make no difference.

    Thanks for the reply. I tried that and the ping and speeds were similar. My wife was in town, so she picked up a directional antenna. It's like a tv aerial with horizontal and vertical prongs 2 x 10m cables. This is the one (although the box says 5 dBi and not 9)...

    http://www.dipol.ie/cellular-systems/gsm-3g-lte-antennas/lte/lte-mimo-antenna-atk-log-lte-800-2170mhz-10m-cable-sma-plug.html

    Anyway it doesn't seem to have made much if any difference. Luckily I can return and get a refund. Any point is going any further with this (try another type of attenna) or am I as you said likely to be looking at a contention issue?


  • #140
    Ultimanemo
    Registered Users Posts: 890 ✭✭✭Ultimanemo


    With Three you pay small money and you get slow service, take it or leave it
    This speed is with external antenna
    High contention
    7323740382.png


  • #141
    gooner99
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,051 ✭✭✭gooner99


    Ultimanemo wrote: »
    With Three you pay small money and you get slow service, take it or leave it

    Sorry should have said it's proper meteor/eir payg mobile broadband I have.


  • Advertisement
  • #142
    Ultimanemo
    Registered Users Posts: 890 ✭✭✭Ultimanemo


    gooner99 wrote: »
    Sorry should have said it's proper meteor/eir payg mobile broadband I have.
    May I ask, how much data you get with this broadband


  • #143
    gooner99
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,051 ✭✭✭gooner99


    Ultimanemo wrote: »
    May I ask, how much data you get with this broadband

    Used to be 50gb to use over 180 days for €30. But they have now changed it to 50gb over 30 days for €30. Didn't bother me as I would have used the 50gb in around a month anyway.


  • #144
    red sean
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,917 ✭✭✭red sean


    Just wondering if this would be any use for receiving mobile broadband and distributing via wifi router?
    https://www.senetic.ie/product/RBSXTLTE3-7?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4ZDp197m2gIVStbACh2WBQRREAAYASAAEgKrzvD_BwE


  • #145
    ED E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,169 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    gooner99 wrote: »
    Anyway it doesn't seem to have made much if any difference. Luckily I can return and get a refund. Any point is going any further with this (try another type of attenna) or am I as you said likely to be looking at a contention issue?

    Not unless you can get line of sight to a different high site.


  • #146
    gearoid!
    Registered Users Posts: 45 ✭gearoid!


    @red sean

    Checkout the TP-Link MR6400 4G Modem + Router. It can take any SIM; 3, Meteor, etc.

    This device is capable of receiving mobile broadband and distributing via wifi router (built-in).

    Here's the link:
    https://retail.novatel.ie/tp-link-tl-mr6400-4g-lte-router


  • #147
    Jurgen Klopp
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,807 ✭✭✭Jurgen Klopp


    These external aerials are for dongles and routers with Sims correct?

    My closest 4G mast is 4km away with a clear line of site, just poor indoors unfortunately

    But if I'm on 3 with unlimited data via my phone I'd need a signal booster if that's even legal yet?

    Would the external 4G aerial plus cable be the same tho?


  • #148
    ED E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,169 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    No, unless you want to wire your phone into the wall of your house.

    Repeaters are still illegal as yet.


  • #149
    Beenlost123
    Registered Users Posts: 129 ✭✭Beenlost123


    Ed, I had 4/5 bar signal on my external antenna but I have just come home and now its 1/2 bar and the speed has decreased dramatically. Any ideas is it my end? Summer folage? or 3 doing something ?
    My ping has gone from 80ms to 500ms and download speed from 12 - 20 mbits / sec to 0.5 mbits sec up and down

    Edit: maybe a bit of an exaggeration on the ping decline actually, getting reasonable pings when I just ping google.ie on my cli


  • #150
    ED E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,169 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    Beenlost123 wrote: »
    Ed, I had 4/5 bar signal on my external antenna but I have just come home and now its 1/2 bar and the speed has decreased dramatically. Any ideas is it my end? Summer folage? or 3 doing something ?
    My ping has gone from 80ms to 500ms and download speed from 12 - 20 mbits / sec to 0.5 mbits sec up and down

    Edit: maybe a bit of an exaggeration on the ping decline actually, getting reasonable pings when I just ping google.ie on my cli

    Sounds like your normal site is currently unavailable. This could mean its dropped offline (fault), being worked on or it may be overly full today and punting you off to a quieter one.

    If the diagnostics page gives you a cell ID, eNB ID etc you can take note of which ones you see and how they perform. Better yet go mapping with CellMapper (rooted android phones only).
    ED E wrote: »
    Repeaters are still illegal as yet.

    Certified repeaters are now legal.


  • Advertisement
  • #151
    Hococop
    Registered Users Posts: 5,737 ✭✭✭Hococop


    Question, have my antenna set up and majority of the time it's great, usually 3 bars just wondering if anyone else has this issue

    Almost every time around 10pm till 11pm the signal completely drops im usually playing fortnite or another online game and before 10 my ping is 30 to 40, but as soon as 10 pm hits the ping spikes up to 500 to 1000 and usually only 1 bar

    Just wondering if that is my internet provider throttling (hope it's the right word) my speeds?

    Also where I got the best signal for my antenna a few tree branches might be in the way, would it make a difference to cut some of the branches away?

    Thanks


Advertisement