External antenna or 3G router?

E

Edwe

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I have a Huawei E1752 (the original white CellC modem) and have recently moved to a new flat which is located on the very edge of both 8ta and CellC 3G coverage. I can connect to both CellC and 8ta 3G networks, but only if I either hold my desktop tower above my head or if I turn it so that it sits diagonally across my desk and the USB dongle faces the nearest 3G tower. This is a bit awkward, but I actually get 2Mbps sustained down on 8ta, which is a miracle considering the weak signal (-101dBm). If I rotate my PC even slightly, the signal disappears completely and my device can no longer register on the network.

My question is this: what is the easiest/cheapest way to improve my signal: a 3G router which I can put by the window where the signal is better (-89dBm) or would I be better off with an external antenna?

I'm really not looking to spend a lot of money here: I'm a student, so I don't have any! :D
 
may try a 2 meter usb extension cable (a good quality one).


go to some place where you will be able to get a refund if it does not do the job, but a good cable should.

Inc connection (although crazy prices sometimes / most times) are pretty good in dealing with refunds - just dont trash the packaging.

this may help:
http://www.usbextensioncableguide.com/index.html
 
Yes, an USB Extension cable definitely a good budget answer. Technical limit is 5 metre length but could be extended with hubs.
Signals travel at Data speeds not 3G therefor not subject to the attenuation of antenna extensions.
 
If the cable doesn't work, an antenna is your best bet. A router won't boost your signal.. Check out Uniterm for antennas, they give discounts to MyBroadband members if I'm not mistaken.
 
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! I bought a 3m Belkin USB extension (R90) and tied my modem to the window frame with a cable tie.

Whereas I previously could not even pick up the 8ta network, I now get -97dBm, which is bearable enough.

I'm sure the antenna morkhans suggests would work better, but, considering the price difference of R1100, I think this is my best option for now.

http://www.speedtest.net/result/1708586545.png
 
Last edited:
ajax said:
Can you post a pic?
Click to expand...

I don't have a working camera with me, but it's simply the original white CellC modem tied upright to the inside of the window, with the LED facing indoors. I doubt that it is directional to any significant degree, but I have read that the modem's antenna is located on the side opposite to the LED.
 
Just keep in mind Stellenbosch is very quiet at the moment. But when the students return in their thousands in Feb, coverage may shrink as they flock to get the 8ta special. You may need a better solution then.
 
ajax said:
Just keep in mind Stellenbosch is very quiet at the moment. But when the students return in their thousands in Feb, coverage may shrink as they flock to get the 8ta special. You may need a better solution then.
Click to expand...

I can understand that capacity on the tower may be a problem, but why would the number of users affect a cell tower's range? :confused:

I didn't take HF Technique as subject :P
 
Edwe said:
I can understand that capacity on the tower may be a problem, but why would the number of users affect a cell tower's range? :confused:
Click to expand...
Cell breathing. This is an algorithm to give users with the optimum signal the priority over all others. In such a way network is used to the optimum capacity. Advantage to a few, on the expense of most users. A reason is simple: only users with the fastest modems and optimum signal can utilise the fastest modulation method available. Poorer users, are generally wasting bandwith.
 
on this subject....i've got the mtn uncapped broadband deal with a Huawei B660 3G router...the router doesn't come with its own external antenna. i can get a signal but HSPA at best. the 3G signal in my area is good to excellent in some places. my question is, how do i check what the best signal is that i can get and would an external wall mount antenna help??? any other suggestions??
 
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