Is there a better 3G modem?

[chrisc]

I'm using a Huawei E1820 with a 21 element LA-PD aerial. Sometimes the signal (as reported via the router) is 51%, it is usually between 29% and 39%. Download speeds are usually 2 - 2.4 mb/sec. It is running the most recent firmware. The aerial is aimed at a CellC transmitter 1200m away.

Some members get amazing speeds.

Would I be able to improve the download speed by using a different modem, if so which one?

Thanks

 

[sajunky]

Depends on how you connect external antenna. You must be aware that
E1820 do not have proper external antenna connector and signal reported is wrong. Inductive coupler works better with this modem. Read here:
http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/276198
Due to the shortcomings of inductive coupler, any modem with proper external antenna connector should work better. Current successor is E367 and it has properly implemented ext. antenna connector.

 

[chrisc]

Depends on how you connect external antenna. You must be aware that
E1820 do not have proper external antenna connector and signal reported is wrong. Inductive coupler works better with this modem. Read here:
http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/276198
Due to the shortcomings of inductive coupler, any modem with proper external antenna connector should work better. Current successor is E367 and it has properly implemented ext. antenna connector.

Forgot to say that I'm using an inductive coupler. Tried the direct connect, but inductive coupler works better

Are you saying that the E367 might be a better bet, or is just an updated E1820?

(Edit) I have read the other posts on the E367 and will try and get CellC to swop the E1820 since mine falls over quite often

 

[sajunky]

Why they should swap for E367? They don't sell this modem. I've got mine from 8ta.

 

[shovenose]

Are you using 1 PC? Whats the router for?

 

[1geoff99]

I'm using a Huawei E1820 with a 21 element LA-PD aerial. Sometimes the signal (as reported via the router) is 51%, it is usually between 29% and 39%. Download speeds are usually 2 - 2.4 mb/sec. It is running the most recent firmware. The aerial is aimed at a CellC transmitter 1200m away.

I live near you, so my experiences should be relevant.

It is important that your antenna supports both 900 and 2100 MHz reception. For me, 2100 MHz gives better performance than 900 MHz, even though the 900 MHz signal strength is much better (Diep River tower). When you check your antenna direction, lock your modem onto the 2100 MHz band to make sure that you are getting best 2100 MHz reception (use MDMA beta 10).

Modems with proper external antenna connectors (Sierra 307 / Huawei E367) give me much better performance than the E1820 with an inductive coupler, probably because signal loss from the inductive coupler becomes much more noticable with the weaker 2100 MHz signal.

With a direct antenna connection, my router (TP-Link MR3420) never shows less than 51% signal strength (2100 MHz band), and downloads are usually much better than 2.4 Mbps.

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

E1820 modem is good modem, E367 is only better in that it has proper external antenna connector.

 

[abuhajira]

I am using an E1820. Currently I get at best 1.4-1.8MBps. Thats hardly a good reception for a 21MBps modem. Or maybe I have not understood it well.

I live in overport, Durban area.

 

[elf_lord_ZC5]

Well, that is indicative of your connection ability in your area - I have a client who regularly gets 12-13 Mbps on his E1820, I don't get any better at his location with my E367, or my K4605. What speeds you achieve is more dependant upon the redeption in your area, than on getting another modem. At my home I get mostly 2-6 Mbps, with a E1820/E367, but have gotten as high as 22 Mbps with my K4605, with a Vodacom SIM, but usually get 14-16 Mbps with that combination. There are a great many variables that determine what your download speed is at any location, and different service providers will have differing (usually) covarage in any one area. Don't expect to get 21Mbps with your modem except under absolute ideal conditions. 6-8Mbps is a more realistic expectation.