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Improving 4G Broadband

Improving 4G Broadband

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EdoubleO
Member
238
12-11-2016, 09:19 PM
#1
I had no choice but to go with Vodafone UK's "Gigacube" – essentially a high-end 5G/4G modem and router paired with a SIM. The problem is, even though 4G performance improves, once the device is inside, speeds drop sharply and there are frequent interruptions. It’s really annoying, particularly when working on IT tasks from home. Are there any alternatives that don’t require spending over £150 on an antenna upgrade?
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EdoubleO
12-11-2016, 09:19 PM #1

I had no choice but to go with Vodafone UK's "Gigacube" – essentially a high-end 5G/4G modem and router paired with a SIM. The problem is, even though 4G performance improves, once the device is inside, speeds drop sharply and there are frequent interruptions. It’s really annoying, particularly when working on IT tasks from home. Are there any alternatives that don’t require spending over £150 on an antenna upgrade?

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Lolipopand
Junior Member
5
12-13-2016, 04:13 PM
#2
The only idea I’d offer is adding an external antenna port to the modem. You should be able to install an antenna near a window or even set it up outside with a cable running back to the modem. The expense isn’t clear, though.
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Lolipopand
12-13-2016, 04:13 PM #2

The only idea I’d offer is adding an external antenna port to the modem. You should be able to install an antenna near a window or even set it up outside with a cable running back to the modem. The expense isn’t clear, though.

X
xX_PVPMill_Xx
Member
86
12-13-2016, 11:33 PM
#3
I take it this is some sort of laptop and the 5g connection is internal to the device. If so, stay outside where the antennas are, or figure out a way to make the walls of your house transparent to the kind of radio the 5g uses. If it’s some sort of USB connected thing though the only bit that has to be outside is the bit with the 5g antennas. If you could run a USB cable from outside to inside there might be something there.
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xX_PVPMill_Xx
12-13-2016, 11:33 PM #3

I take it this is some sort of laptop and the 5g connection is internal to the device. If so, stay outside where the antennas are, or figure out a way to make the walls of your house transparent to the kind of radio the 5g uses. If it’s some sort of USB connected thing though the only bit that has to be outside is the bit with the 5g antennas. If you could run a USB cable from outside to inside there might be something there.

H
HellWasHere
Member
104
12-14-2016, 11:34 AM
#4
There are TS-9 connectors on the back. It seems this is your last option...
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HellWasHere
12-14-2016, 11:34 AM #4

There are TS-9 connectors on the back. It seems this is your last option...

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Skyguy_
Member
228
12-15-2016, 01:45 AM
#5
It seems likely; keep in mind that various antennas suit different frequency ranges, which they're particularly effective at. Any antenna can function, but aligning it with your provider would be optimal. If the router's interface shows the bands it's operating on, that’s perfect—simply place the corresponding cube in the window and review the available bands. Then select an antenna that performs best across those frequencies, and you're set. If it doesn’t display the bands, you’ll need to make an educated choice. Here’s a Wikipedia summary for Vodafone UK: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vodafone_U...cy_summary. Bonus points are awarded for higher stability and wider bandwidth, especially with semi-directional or directional antennas like panel or Yagi types, pointed toward the tower. Unless you’re using a dish antenna, precision isn’t essential. For guidance, check this resource: https://mastdata.com/ which can help position your antenna near a mast or array. Good luck!
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Skyguy_
12-15-2016, 01:45 AM #5

It seems likely; keep in mind that various antennas suit different frequency ranges, which they're particularly effective at. Any antenna can function, but aligning it with your provider would be optimal. If the router's interface shows the bands it's operating on, that’s perfect—simply place the corresponding cube in the window and review the available bands. Then select an antenna that performs best across those frequencies, and you're set. If it doesn’t display the bands, you’ll need to make an educated choice. Here’s a Wikipedia summary for Vodafone UK: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vodafone_U...cy_summary. Bonus points are awarded for higher stability and wider bandwidth, especially with semi-directional or directional antennas like panel or Yagi types, pointed toward the tower. Unless you’re using a dish antenna, precision isn’t essential. For guidance, check this resource: https://mastdata.com/ which can help position your antenna near a mast or array. Good luck!

T
55
12-18-2016, 09:14 AM
#6
My investigation revealed mastdata, which is why I chose Vodafone—they had the nearest mast to my area. An antenna seems to be my best choice. Appreciate the help!
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ThePyromaniaxe
12-18-2016, 09:14 AM #6

My investigation revealed mastdata, which is why I chose Vodafone—they had the nearest mast to my area. An antenna seems to be my best choice. Appreciate the help!