Signal Boost

[Defib]

As per my previous posts, my new home has very poor 3G and EDGE signal which effects everything

MTN are so useless i do not know if i should rely on them

I have complained to coverage but all I get it reference numbers

In my study, I have a TP Link wireless router where I plug the MTN dongle in the USB and that how i distribute internet around the home.

Now signal is shoddy everywhere

What solution could I look into to improve 1) the internet 2) voice signal reception

Any input i would really appreciate

 

[dabbler]

I would check the coverage maps of all the operators and then get yourself a prepaid sim, maybe all four providers and check them all, one at a time.

 

[Defib]

and my current 4x contracts???

 

[10i]

I have heard of people claiming that if you put a 3G dongle in a pringles can and aim it at the closest tower, that it will increase reception.

I have not tried it yet, so I can't say if it will work. It is definitely a problem. The older data cards had an external antenna, some of the new ones have a place to plug in an antenna, unfortunately everywhere I have asked to sell me one, could not help me. Good luck with your signal problem.

 

[sajunky]

Pringles can work, but you would need to recalculate for 3G. Original project was for WiFi 2.4GHz. Dimensions are critical, as it is resonating circuit. Some people put modem inside pringles, hoping it would work, this is wrong, for the reason above. You need piece of cable which ends with matching connector of your modem (like for a real antenna).
Reflector type corner antenna is more forgiving and you put modem inside, so modem's internal antenna is your active element. Problem is that USB cable cannot be long, you need self-powered USB 2.0 hub to extend cable and plug your modem directly to the hub.