7.2mbps vs 21mbps modem

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SAdata

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I currently have a 7.2mbps modem. I usually get download speeds of between 1-4, but usually just under 2mbps. If I bought a 21mbps modem would I see an improvement in speed or would it still be 2mbps? I don't see why it would, unless "speed" is allocated on a proportional basis based on your devices capability
 
SAdata said:
I currently have a 7.2mbps modem. I usually get download speeds of between 1-4, but usually just under 2mbps. If I bought a 21mbps modem would I see an improvement in speed or would it still be 2mbps?
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No!
 
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SAdata said:
I currently have a 7.2mbps modem. I usually get download speeds of between 1-4, but usually just under 2mbps. If I bought a 21mbps modem would I see an improvement in speed or would it still be 2mbps? I don't see why it would, unless "speed" is allocated on a proportional basis based on your devices capability
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You most likely will see an improvement. The 7.2mbps modems are not HSPA+ compliant. So you will be connecting to the tower in 3G/HSDPA mode, instead of HSPA+ mode. HSPA+ supports higher uplink and downlink speeds, and is also more spectrally efficient than 3G/HSDPA, meaning you can push more packets and data with the same amount of spectrum.

Besides the above, there are obviously, there are tons of other factors to consider, which are outside of your control:
- base station radio link might be overloaded
- base station backhaul link might be overloaded
- base station might be over-subscribed (too many users)

To get the best possible speed, you should always buy the most up to date modem, with the latest firmware. Obviously connecting an HSPA+ modem to a tower only enabled for HSDPA is not going to result in speed improvements.
 
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When I connect with the 7.2mbps modem it says HSPA though, not HSPDA? How would one find out what the tower is capable of? Would that MDMA program work? I am happy with 2mbps but obviously I would like faster haha
 
A waste of money. Treat yourself to a good meal and bottle of wine with your partner
 
It's all about contention ratio :)

You will never get close to 21.6MBs unless theres like 5 people in your area with 3G.

Edit: Obvious exaggeration, making a point on how much of a scam 3G is.
 
SAdata said:
When I connect with the 7.2mbps modem it says HSPA though, not HSPDA? How would one find out what the tower is capable of? Would that MDMA program work? I am happy with 2mbps but obviously I would like faster haha
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HSPA is a short term for both HSDPA and HSUPA (down/up). You will see HSPA+ in latest series, starting from 14Mbps E352.
In HSPA+ mode as Saajid pointed out there are benefits. I have to add that most important is not higher speeds, but faster communication between client and tower using High Speed Control Channel. Better allocation of resources will benefit more network than customer, but good news for the customer is faster wake up from idle mode (typical when browsing).
Benefits are network dependent. I saw a difference with Cell C, but with 8ta there is no difference, perhaps due to unstable network response time in my area.
If you have already 7.2Mbps modem, I suggest stay with it, unless you want to improve signal quality (and speed) by adding external antenna and your modem gives no such option. Then recommended HSPA+ modems with external antenna connector are E352, E353, E367, E372 (in order of price).
 
StevenC said:
Edit: Obvious exaggeration, making a point on how much of a scam 3G is.
Click to expand...

The real scam is the promise of the speeds.

I think I only exceeded 8mbps with my 21.6mbps modem only once.

My 7.2mbps modem is actually faster than the 21.6.

Don't buy another modem just for speed. Rather wait for LTE to buy a new modem. There the speeds might be more convincing.
 
Odd... I notice a huge difference between the modems. I get 9.7Mbps with my 28.modem and only 1.2Mbps (download) with my 7.2modem... I believe there is a difference and seen it myself.
 
Hack_Smack_ said:
Odd... I notice a huge difference between the modems. I get 9.7Mbps with my 28.modem and only 1.2Mbps (download) with my 7.2modem... I believe there is a difference and seen it myself.
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I have to agree with you. I get 8Mbs on my 28Mbps modem and only 3Mbps on the 7.2Mbps stick
 
The fastest I've been able to download with 3G was between 900 and 1000 kbps which I'm pretty sure is more than 7.2Mbps
 
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