Telkom LTE and 3G router choices

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ShadleyP

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Hi All,

I would like to ask some advise on router choices for 3G and LTE. Unfortunately in Cape Town we do not have the uncapped LTE packages or the coverage in my area. Iv read up on the B593s series routers and currently also testing one and getting really strong 3G signal. I am using the external antenna with it.
The problem now is I see Telkom selling two newer models one of which is the B315. I am not sure if they are any good or has the ability to connect external antenna which is helping a lot with signal for me. On a dongle and smaller battery powered 3G router I am only able to manage 2-3 bars signal.
Advise would be greatly appreciated. Also a store that sell the B593s series routers for good prices.

Regards,
Shadley
 
B315s as it supports all SA LTE networks.
Performing well on Cell C. Not much info about chipset, probably their own HiSilicon. It performs better than ZTE MF-283 which use Qualcomm chipset. Peek speed in the same location is about 20% faster than ZTE. I have no direct comparison to B593. People are posting maximum speed above 80Mbps on Telkom LTE network.

Internal antenna sensitivity is about the same as ZTE - 3dB to 5dB better than ordinary modem. However it is not the best figure for comparison, there is no common ground. I don't expect anything but the same as with B593. All their routers starting from B683 have excellent internal antenna performance. External antenna connection is the same type as B593 (2x SMA), not tested yet. Hope it helps.

When you get B315s, give us feedback.
 
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Thanks for the reply, seems the B315 is the logical choice to make as it's smaller and newer with a low price tag. The B593 people want a lot for and it's much older. Im glad to see the B315 has the ability to add the external antenna but they don't seem to come with as default. Can a person order it locally in CT or JHB? Can you use the same ones from the B593 on the B315?
 
You might find B593-601s on special in Jet/Edgars/CNA stores for R999 in Telkom section.
B315s is R1900, more expensive as it is a new model. If you are a cash buyer, then B593 is cheaper. If getting a choice for router with a package for the same price, then I prefer B315s. For networks compatibility and strong WiFi (claimed) range.
ShadleyP said:
Im glad to see the B315 has the ability to add the external antenna but they don't seem to come with as default. Can a person order it locally in CT or JHB? Can you use the same ones from the B593 on the B315?
Click to expand...
If you think about white bunny ears pads which are included in my B315s from Cell C, forget it. Rather use internal or a good outdoor external one if possible.
 
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So I got me the B315 will setup later. Just giving a heads-up they going for R999 at Edgars! I am chuffed at the good price and they come with the external antenna too! Get em while they hot
 
O they sold on behalf of Telkom so they Telkom branded...
 
ShadleyP said:
So I got me the B315 will setup later. Just giving a heads-up they going for R999 at Edgars! I am chuffed at the good price and they come with the external antenna too! Get em while they hot
Click to expand...
Sure B315 for R999?
Model from Telkom is a generic model B315s-936, the same as from Cell C.
 
Yes LTE CPE B315s - 936 that's the model number on the box. I am however in CT and bought it in Canal Walk Edgars today. I am getting full 3G signal but how can I determine the best spot to put it to maximize my signal? Is there no simple way to test the 3G signal strength in more detail?
 
Settings -> System -> Device information
- RSRQ
- RSRP
- RSSI
 
I also got one from Canal Walk earlier today. It's the B315. Good price. Almost paid double that elsewhere.
Now to get an LTE enabled SIM card.
 
sajunky sorry for the ignorance haven't dealt with these devices before. Best RSCP signal I can get is -90dbm not sure what that means though, moving the device and pointing the antenna in a certain direction gave me that. Got lower readings before. Can you explain to me what I'm looking for? There isn't other "RS" variations like you mentioned.
 
Dobes said:
It's Telkom branded. So it has their logo on the front. But not locked in any way.
Currently using it with a CellC sim card.
Click to expand...
Cool, thanks. Gonna try pick one up over the weekend - very good price.
 
ShadleyP said:
sajunky sorry for the ignorance haven't dealt with these devices before. Best RSCP signal I can get is -90dbm not sure what that means though, moving the device and pointing the antenna in a certain direction gave me that. Got lower readings before. Can you explain to me what I'm looking for? There isn't other "RS" variations like you mentioned.
Click to expand...
It would be stupid to explain things I don't fully understand, so I have different idea. Why you don't post your figures so we can discuss? :)
 
I read up a bit seems the lower the dbm reading the better and clearer the signal. Less "bars" don't always mean less speed. Forced the router to look for 4G and able to get only 3 bars but way faster speed than 3G. Getting only 5meg down and about 1meg up. Based on the results returned from the PS4 so a rough estimate.
 
I've got a B315 from Cell C. I live in Fish Hoek, which has several dead spots and my own connectivity is unreliable. I'm using the bunny ears aerials. Do you think that an external antenna will help? If not, are there any better routers available?
 
sforsyth said:
I've got a B315 from Cell C. I live in Fish Hoek, which has several dead spots and my own connectivity is unreliable. I'm using the bunny ears aerials. Do you think that an external antenna will help? If not, are there any better routers available?
Click to expand...
Try internal one, no joking.
 
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