Antenna for whoosh

[robertybob]

I typically put my speedstick on the window and get >= -51dB, but can still get very slow speeds regularly ie. < 20kbit

I'm assuming that getting an antenna will not help and that its a cell c infrastructure problem. Is that correct?

In which case getting an antenna would just help in that I could go further indoors and still get good signal.

Cheers,
RB

 

[ajax]

Unless you're living in a Faraday cage, you would be wasting money on an antenna. Even if you lose 20 dB indoors, you would still have a very good signal. Report your speed issues in the relevant thread.

 

[ginggs]

I typically put my speedstick on the window and get >= -51dB, but can still get very slow speeds regularly ie. < 20kbit

Are you in an HSPA+ coverage area, or are you only picking up EDGE?

 

[robertybob]

I get HSPA+ coverage all the time... I'm in a decent area its just their service must be overloaded here... Century City, Cape Town.

I will report it in the thread but I honestly don't think Cell C are actively upgrading their capacity they just give token support. they need more infrastructure...

 

[mogwaai]

If you get a directional antenna you can point it to another base station maybe that's not so overloaded.

 

[ajax]

If you get a directional antenna you can point it to another base station maybe that's not so overloaded.

The signal from the (assumed) closest tower is too strong. Even pointing the antenna away would most likely still pick up the original tower better than a distant one, so he will be stuck on the same tower.

It's a pity there isn't some way to lock onto tower frequencies or ID's with the modem.

 

[UnUnOctium]

Received signal power of -51 dBm is pretty damn good. Definitely an infrastructure issue. My guess, overloaded tower.

 

[ginggs]

If you get a directional antenna you can point it to another base station maybe that's not so overloaded.

I think this is worth a shot.

 

[robertybob]

I'd definately do it if only I could trial it before I buy one with the risk of no benefit... I'd honestly be happy with consistent speeds upload and download of >50kbit. its the drop outs and no speed at all at perfect signal that makes it frustrating.

Maybe I need to stick up posters advertising competitors deals so that people leave my tower