Neotel New LTE External Antenna

[Mclarry]

Hi

I had Neotel out to do a signal test, they tested using their standard external LTE antenna which didn't have a good enough signal. They then had another antenna which they said they would be testing.

On testing with this "New" antenna which connects with a LAN cable to the router or directly to a LAN port on a PC.
The signal was brilliant with no connection timeouts! But unfortunately they couldn't install as this antenna had not been officially launched.

Does anyone know when they will be releasing this new antenna officially as nobody seems to know.

 

[SideWinder]

Mclarry,

Friend of mine is also waiting for this "antenna". Actually, it is a outdoor unit, vs the white indoor unit. The problem I've realised with the indoor unit with external antenna (+9 dBi gain) disappears once you add the 10m extension cable (supplied). The build in 5m cable + 10 m = 15m @ 0.5 dB loss per meter = -7.5 db plus say 0.5 db loss for the two connectors, you end up with -8dbi loss, so more or less a 1 dBi gain only. So the only thing you really gain is that you do pick up a stronger signal, since the antenna is mounted externally.

But yes, also waiting for the outdoor unit (POE powered by the way). So remember, if you need wifi, then you need to get a little hub/wifi jobbie to do this.

 

[Mclarry]

Mclarry,

Friend of mine is also waiting for this "antenna". Actually, it is a outdoor unit, vs the white indoor unit. The problem I've realised with the indoor unit with external antenna (+9 dBi gain) disappears once you add the 10m extension cable (supplied). The build in 5m cable + 10 m = 15m @ 0.5 dB loss per meter = -7.5 db plus say 0.5 db loss for the two connectors, you end up with -8dbi loss, so more or less a 1 dBi gain only. So the only thing you really gain is that you do pick up a stronger signal, since the antenna is mounted externally.

But yes, also waiting for the outdoor unit (POE powered by the way). So remember, if you need wifi, then you need to get a little hub/wifi jobbie to do this.

Hey, did you friend ever get this? I was told Neotel have stock now but after many attempts they just dont arrange installation. Im starting to think this is just pie in the sky.. ..

 

[skateboardt]

Hey, did you friend ever get this? I was told Neotel have stock now but after many attempts they just dont arrange installation. Im starting to think this is just pie in the sky.. ..

After numerous attempts to get them to come out and do the installation, they finally confirmed installation for tomorrow.
Hopefully all will go well...

 

[Napalm]

It seems Neotel don't have LTE in CPT yet. that is sad.

 

[skateboardt]

the finally installed
Netflix streams with no buffering, went through all the seasons of Peep Show
left some torrents downloading over night... so far im happy with it
I get 3 bars

 

[Bellerophon86]

Is this a LOS antenna?

 

[Napalm]

Bella. Thats a directional one yes. XPOL0002

THe XPol0001 is omni directional

 

[Mclarry]

the finally installed
Netflix streams with no buffering, went through all the seasons of Peep Show
left some torrents downloading over night... so far im happy with it
I get 3 bars
View attachment 123601
View attachment 123603

Sweet! thanks for that info and pics. They coming to install mine next week. What speed did you go for? i'm getting the 2Mbps and hope that will stream as you describe?

 

[SideWinder]

Mclarry,

Yes, I did get the outdoor unit installed end August. Took some convincing by myself via the installer and Neotel call centre / NOC whatever, as the signal had "disappeared". Eventually went ahead, as I had a working demo unit (the old + external antenna) working. Eventually found that the installer's unit was faulty. All OK since then.