Existing mobile networks are used not only for making calls and sending messages. Thanks to the digital transmission method, data transmission is also possible with existing networks. These technologies, depending on the level of development, are designated 3G and 4G. 4G technology is supported by the LTE standard. The data transfer speed depends on some features of the network (determined by the operator), reaching theoretically up to 2 Mb / s for the 3G network and up to 1 Gb / s for the 4G network. All of these technologies work more efficiently when there is a strong and stable signal. For these purposes, most modems provide for the connection of external antennas.
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3G wave channel antenna
Panel antenna
On sale you can find various antenna options to improve the reception quality. The 3G panel antenna is very popular. The gain of such an antenna is about 12 dB in the frequency range 1900-2200 MHz. This type of device can also improve the quality of 2G signal - GPRS and EDGE.
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Panel antenna 3G
Like the overwhelming majority of other passive devices, it has one-way directionality, which, together with an increase in the received signal, reduces the level of interference from the side directions and from behind. Thus, even in conditions of unstable reception, you can raise the signal level to acceptable values, thereby increasing the speed of receiving and transmitting information.
Application of panel antennas for work in 4G networks
Since the operating range of 4G networks practically coincides with the range of the previous generation, there is no difficulty in using these antennas in 3G 4G LTE networks. For any of the technologies, the use of antennas makes it possible to bring the data transfer rates closer to the maximum values.
The new technology, using separate receivers and transmitters in the same frequency band, allowed to increase the data reception and transmission rates even more. The existing 4G modem is designed to use MIMO technology.
The undoubted advantage of panel antennas is their low cost and exceptional reliability. There is practically nothing in the design that can break even when dropped from a great height. The only weak point is the high-frequency cable, which can break at the point where it enters the case. In order to prolong the life of the device, the cable must be securely fastened.
MIMO technology
To increase the throughput of the communication channel between the receiver and the data transmitter, a signal processing method has been developed, when reception and transmission are carried out on different antennas.
Note! Using LTE MIMO antennas, you can increase the throughput by 20-30% compared to working with a simple antenna.
The basic principle is to eliminate the coupling between antennas.
Electromagnetic waves can have different directions relative to the plane of the earth. This is called polarization. Mainly used are vertically and horizontally polarized antennas. To exclude the mutual influence of each other, the antennas differ from each other by polarization at an angle of 90 degrees. In order for the influence of the earth's surface to be the same for both antennas, the polarization planes of each are shifted by 45 degrees. relative to the ground. Thus, if one of the antennas has a polarization angle of 45 degrees, then the other, respectively, 45 degrees. The offset relative to each other is the required 90 g.
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Mutual arrangement of antennas
The figure clearly shows how the antennas are deployed relative to each other and relative to the ground.
Important! The polarization of the antennas should be the same as that of the base station.
If for 4G LTE technologies, MIMO support is by default available at the base station, then for 3G, due to the large number of devices without MIMO, operators are in no hurry to introduce new technologies. The fact is that in a MIMO 3G network, devices will work much slower.
Do-it-yourself installation of antennas for the modem
The rules for installing antennas do not differ from the usual ones. The main condition is that there are no obstacles between the client and base stations. A growing tree, the roof of a nearby building, or worse, a power line serve as reliable shields for electromagnetic waves. And the higher the frequency of the signal, the greater the attenuation will be introduced by obstacles located in the path of propagation of radio waves.
Depending on the type of mounting, the antenna can be mounted on a building wall or mounted on a mast. There are two types of antennasMIMO:
- monoblock;
- spaced out.
Monoblock ones already contain two structures inside, installed with the required polarization, and spaced ones consist of two antennas that must be mounted separately, each of them must be directed exactly to the base station.
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Antenna diversity
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Monoblock antenna
All the nuances of installing a MIMO antenna with your own hands are clearly and in detail described in the accompanying documentation, but it is better to first consult with the provider or invite a representative for installation, paying not a very large amount, but having received a certain guarantee for the work performed.
How to make an antenna yourself
There are no fundamental difficulties in self-production. You need skills in working with metal, the ability to hold a soldering iron in your hands, desire and accuracy.
An indispensable condition is strict adherence to the geometric dimensions of all, without exception, the constituent parts. The geometrical dimensions of high-frequency devices must be observed with millimeter accuracy and more precisely. Any deviation will lead to performance degradation. The gain will drop, the coupling between the MIMO antennas will increase. Ultimately, instead of amplifying the signal, weakening will be observed.
Unfortunately, precise geometric dimensions are not widely available. As an exception, the materials available on the web are based on the repetition of some factory designs, which are not always copied with the specified accuracy. Therefore, one should not place high hopes on schemes, descriptions and methods published on the Internet.
On the other hand, if an extra strong gain is not required, then a MIMO antenna made independently, observing the indicated dimensions, will still give, albeit not a large, but a positive effect.
The cost of materials is low, the time required with the availability of skills is also not too high. In addition, no one bothers to test several options and choose an acceptable one according to the test results.
In order to make a 4G LTE MIMO antenna with your own hands, you need two absolutely flat sheets of galvanized steel with a thickness of 0.2-0.5 mm, or better, one-sided foil-clad fiberglass. One of the sheets will be used for the manufacture of a reflector (reflector), and the other - for the manufacture of active elements. The cable for connecting to the modem must have a resistance of 50 Ohm (this is the standard for modem equipment).
A TV cable cannot be used for two reasons:
- an impedance of 75 ohms will cause a mismatch with the modem inputs;
- great thickness.
You also need to choose connectors that match exactly the connectors on the modem.
Important! The specified distance between the active elements and the reflector must be measured from the foil layer in the case of using foil-clad material.
In addition, you will need a small piece of copper wire 1-1.2 mm thick.
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One of the DIY options
The manufactured structure must be placed in a plastic case. Metal cannot be used, since in this way the antenna will be enclosed in an electromagnetic shield and will not work.
Note! Most of the drawings are not for MIMO antennas, but for panel antennas. Outwardly, they differ in that one cable is connected to a simple panel antenna, and two are needed to MIMO.
Having made two panel antennas, you can get a spaced version of the MIMO 4G antenna made with your own hands.
Summing up, we can say that making a MIMO antenna with your own hands is not a very difficult matter. With the proper care, it is quite possible to get a workable device, saving some money. It is somewhat easier to make a 3G antenna with your own hands. In remote areas where LTE coverage is not yet available, this may be the only option to increase your connection speed.
Video
Today, many people in our country use mobile Internet. In many areas, due to weak signal, there is a problem with the download speed of resources. To solve this, a new signal reception and processing system was developed, called 4G connection. According to its characteristics, the new program works faster than the usual 3G and LTE Internet. Installing and configuring a 3g antenna will allow users to get a fairly high connection speed with Internet resources. They can easily listen to their favorite music, watch movies and play games online.
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Installing a 4g antenna, for example, a model with a mimo amplifier, guarantees high-speed Internet in the house
4G connection functioning
According to user reviews, for a 4G system, in addition to increasing the speed of opening sites, an improvement in the quality of the picture displayed on the monitor is characteristic. This makes it possible, for example, for moviegoers, to enjoy high-quality viewing of films. Therefore, especially in small settlements in remote regions, people are wondering how to properly tune the 3g antenna together with a 4g device.
Experts name the following reasons for the low speed of mobile Internet:
- heavy load on the network, when the number of users does not match the capacity of the base station devices;
- long distance from the house to the tower;
- location of the modem in unfavorable conditions for signal reception (shielded walls of the house, low height, and so on).
In such cases, you need to buy or manufacture, if you have knowledge and skills at the level of a radio amateur, a 4g antenna yourself. It is important to remember here that such a device can be of the following modifications:
- panel antenna - perfectly amplifies the signal in conditions of high obstacles or because of the material of the walls of the building, when it is not possible to configure a 3g modem;
- with a mesh reflector - installed outside the city, near or at the edge of the coverage area;
- parabolic type - the most long-range device with the ability to catch a signal 8-10 km from the border of the signal coverage area.
It is important to remember that tuning a 4G system, as well as tuning a 3g antenna to a base station, is performed using a special technology. Minor deviations in parameters and errors in installation can lead to a decrease in the quality of the received signal.
Making the antenna yourself
In order to independently make and configure a 4g antenna, you must have knowledge in the field of radio engineering. Otherwise, there is a possibility of damage to expensive parts. Therefore, for beginners in this matter, it is better to seek help from specialists.
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At home, you can increase the speed of connection to the Internet resource by constructing a primitive antenna
At the first stage, the amplifier for the modem is made. To do this, take a can of instant coffee or peas and make a hole in its body for a sleeve made of tin to fit the width of the modem. The sleeve is inserted into the hole and soldered to the body. A modem is inserted into the finished slot.
To configure, you need to place it under the ceiling and direct the manufactured structure towards the operator's base station and connect the installed modem using a USB cable to the computer. The high speed of the Internet resource directly depends on the length of the connecting extension cable. The shorter it is, the faster the connection is.
It is important to remember that such a design can be made in a different configuration. To do this, select a convenient material at hand.
It is important to understand! Such hand-held devices should only be installed in a dry and heated room. They cannot be mounted on the street. They, like a 3g modem, are not adapted to temperature drops and exposure to humid air.
Application of a satellite dish
For a 4g system, a satellite TV dish is ideal. Instead of a convector, a modem is installed and connected via a USB cable to a computer. There are usually no problems with the manufacture of such a receiving structure. Another question, how to configure it to obtain a high-quality signal, worries almost every user.
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The quality of the connection will improve significantly if the modem is attached to the focus of the satellite dish
The antenna is installed in the same way as for receiving a TV signal. Only the tilt of the plate is made downward. This is caused by the curvature of the signal reflection. To capture the maximum signal, the parabolic structure rotates simultaneously and the connection speed is fixed.
When the maximum signal is determined by the slope and direction, the dish must be securely fixed. Further, the position of the converter holder changes, where the modem is installed. I adjust the angle until the maximum level connection appears. It is important to remember that the modem antenna is usually located in the opposite place from the USB connector.
The signal quality and connection speed are largely influenced by the size of the TV dish. The larger the diameter, the greater the distance from the operator's tower the Internet is caught. Experts say that a 1m mirror provides a good connection at a distance of 30m from the base station, even for a three G system.
Unfortunately for users, such receiving devices are not perfect in functioning. A professional 4g lte antenna will provide an ideal internet connection. It can be purchased at a specialized TV and Internet equipment store.
Industrial 4g antenna modifications
The design of such devices is different. By execution, they are classified:
- to devices of conventional design;
- to antennas with built-in mimo amplifier.
Simple modification provides internet speed at the 50 Mbps limit. If the antenna is equipped with an amplifier, then the user will have a speed of 100 Mbps. The main thing is to be able to correctly tune the antenna of such a model.
In addition, such devices are divided:
- to directional antennas;
- on sector antennas;
- to the antennas of omnidirectional operation.
By configuration, they are subdivided:
- on panel type devices;
- for parabolic antennas;
- on "Yagi".
By picking up the signal, the listed antenna models are divided into broadband and narrowband devices.
Antenna devices with mimo directional amplifier
This modification guarantees the Internet user the maximum information transfer rate. However, such let devices cost more than their simple counterparts. Such an antenna consists of two parts, placed in one housing. They receive signals independently of each other. The modem operates simultaneously in two directions.
Such an antenna, depending on the version, is capable of receiving a signal from one or several towers. It is installed on the roof of the building and should be directed to the nearest operator station. The main advantage of the directional model is that they do not see interference. The installation and adjustment of these devices is carried out by qualified specialists.
Sector model
This model is capable of functioning in several directions. In addition, the antenna picks up the fastest signal flow and automatically switches to this direction. If the signal disappears, it moves to another tower. The main thing here is to correctly solve the question of how to properly install it on the surface of the building's roof.
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The sector model has no drawbacks, except for the high price on the domestic market of Internet equipment
Omnidirectional type
The principle of operation of this type of device is no different from the sector model. But it is able to fix the flow of signals 360 ° around its axis and provide a constant transmission of information. However, such an antenna performs poorly at increasing the speed of the Internet connection. Therefore, these devices are mainly installed in settlements with tall buildings and buildings.
Panel Antennas
Such a model is capable of picking up the signal well. In a private house, it is allowed to install it on the wall, choosing the right place and directing it to the base station. In shape, this device resembles a building panel.
Model "Yagi"
"Yagi" has a ladder design in the horizontal plane. The main advantage of this type is its low price. The disadvantage is the low level of signal reception.
Parabolic Grid Antenna
This model is equipped with a parabolic mesh reflector. The efficiency of such a design is much higher than the Yagi and the panel. Due to this, the cost of a parabolic device is higher in comparison with analogs of another design.
The described tips for setting up 3g will be useful mainly for Internet users living in small towns and in remote regions. Big cities are covered with a dense web of signals from different operators with high data transfer rates.
Video
Due to the fact that our company is engaged in sale and installation of 3G antennas, we often have to explain to buyers how to install a 3G antenna and how to set up a 3G antenna on their own. This is sometimes not as easy as it seems, so we decided to take a little time and write an article on setting up 3G antennas... Let's take the antenna from the REMO company - Connect Street and the Huawei E173 modem as a sample.
So, let's begin...
Item number 1. Training. Initial actions.
1. Equipment. Consider antennas to enhance 3G signal and their main characteristics, we will not be in this paragraph, but imagine that the modem and the ready kit for amplification of 3G signal (3G antenna) is already in your hands. And so, we will make sure that we have everything necessary for work, namely:
- 3G modem
- Antenna - 3G signal booster and its components (bracket, bolts, nuts, etc.)
- Inductive coupling adapter for modem (usually comes with an antenna)
- Cable for connecting the antenna to the inductive coupling adapter (RG-6 75om, HF cable 50om). The type of cable depends on the selected antenna, this item is indicated in the characteristics of the antenna - amplifier.
- USB-USB cable for connecting the modem to a computer.
If you have all of this, move on to the next step. No - let's go to the store.
2. Determining the direction to the tower. Obstacles. If you know, where is the 3G tower your operator, then it will only be a plus for you, it remains only to make sure that there is a direct line of sight to this very tower. If there is a line of sight, go to step "3". Don't know where the tower is? Then read on ...
You can try to find out information about the location of the base station from your operator, in the end it is in his interests too. If they do not want to give it to you in any way, or say that they do not know where they are located, then we will focus on those directions in which the modem begins to show a greater signal level.
If you roughly find a place with the highest 3G signal, make sure that there are no dense deciduous trees, houses, strong elevation changes, etc. in this direction. If all is well and there is no interference, go to action "3". No - we are going to demolish houses, cut trees and the like :) Or we are looking for another place with a normal signal ... which is usually a rarity.
3. Cable for 3G antenna. There are two basic rules here: "The less, the better!" and "No joints or twists." From this it is clear that the shorter the cable from the antenna to the inductive coupler adapter, the stronger the signal you will have.
It is absolutely impossible to do twisting and docking of the cable. Whatever happens, the cable from the antenna to the modem must be INTEGRATED. And also you cannot leave the cable in the form of a coil, as many do with an Internet cable, or a television cable, a roll of which remains lying behind the TV. There is a simple wisdom - "Extra cable? Cut it off!" Every 10 cm of extra cable will give additional signal attenuation, which is not very good.
Do not forget about the limit of the cable used, which is 15 meters.
You cannot do without twisting the cable and blue electrical tape - we read again action "3". If it's the other way around, go to the next step.
4. Choice of height. In this case, act as with television antennas - the higher the better. But it is not necessary to install a 3G antenna on a 10 meter mast with excellent visibility to the tower, because it won't get any better, rather the opposite.
5. Required software for 3G configuration... In addition to straight arms and a sober mind, we need a couple more programs to fine-tune the antenna.
Mobile Data Monitoring Application - aka "MDMA.EXE". The most popular program for fine tuning 3G and 4G modems, which has a more accurate recognition of the signal level, compared to the standard program supplied with the modem. In addition, the program has a network priority switching mode and the ability to connect to the Internet directly from its own interface. It is through this program that we will configure the modem.
GSM Signal Monitoring - a program for phones on Android OS, capable of showing the signal level in the "-db" value in real time. With it, we will be able to determine the place with the best 3G signal strength, without any effort. The program will be useful for those who do not have the ability to check the signal from the 3G modem at certain points. You can read more about working with the program here. To download, you need to register on the site.
If there is any problem with the MDMA program, the bottom of the article contains answers to the most common errors.
Item number 2. Installation and configuration process.
1. Antenna connection. After we have read and followed all of the above, you need, according to the attached instructions install 3G antenna in a location of your choice with the best signal. All points should be carefully observed during the assembly and switching process in order to avoid unpleasant moments. Check everything from stripping the cable to the correct position of the antenna during installation. most of the antennas are placed only in a certain position. This is usually indicated in the instructions. Do not allow dirt to enter the connectors and connectors, especially when pulling the cable through walls. Install, connect the modem to the computer.
If you installed everything correctly, read on. Something does not work? Check everything again and try again.
2.Work with the software part. Setting up a 3G modem. We stopped at installing a 3G antenna and connecting the modem to the computer. First of all, as soon as you connected the modem, we immediately "kill" the standard program, if it is on autorun (or is already running). We can completely complete the work of the standard program through the standard Windows task manager, which we need to call by simultaneously pressing the "Ctrl + Alt + Del" buttons. After clicking we will see the following window
In which we will need to select the "Processes" tab
And find a process with something like this name
The name of each program may be different, depending on the modem and provider. If there is no process with that name, look for something similar to the name of your provider.
Right-click on the process and select "End Process". We agree to the warning.
If you do not close the program, MDMA will not give you access because the port is busy and you will receive an error message when you open the program.
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3. MDMA.EXE. We launch this program. After launching, we will see a window like this:
it shows the modem signal parameters and various settings.
What do we need first of all? First, we need to switch your modem to " 3G only". To switch in the program, select in the" Connections Type "line the item" 3G Only"and press the button" Apply". After this operation, your modem will work. only in 3G network without switching to GPRS and EDGE. This is done so that all 3G antennas work only in the range from 1800 to 2200 MHz, and to configure them when networks of a different range are working practically IMPOSSIBLE.
If everything went well, then proceed to setting up the antenna itself.
4. Setting up a 3G antenna. Connect Street Antenna Tuning is performed strictly in a horizontal position (with the exception of irradiators). The tuning itself is carried out by rotating the antenna in the horizontal plane with a step of about 10 degrees and waiting for a program response for about 20 seconds. When you rotate the antenna, in the MDMA program you will be able to observe the change in the signal, the strength of which, at the best value, will tend to "0 db". Those. signal performance "- 54db" is better than "- 78db". The antenna has its own working degree, going beyond which will be accompanied by a drop in the signal. You need to reach the maximum working degree.
If you can get a good signal, then everything is great! So you didn't just read it all!)
Now we fix the antenna and stronger.
You can connect to the Internet and test the result directly from the MDMA program by clicking on the "Connect" button.
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Item number 3. Helpful hints. Potential problems in the process.
Installation tips.
1. For better modem performance and the maximum reduction in the length of the cable, you can use modems through routers that will distribute the WI-FI network directly from the modem. A striking example of such a device is the Zyxel Keenetic 4G.
2. If you do not have enough cable, 15 meters long, then you can buy usb extension cable for modem but not longer than 5 meters, and not very cheap.
3. When using the standard program for USB modems, be sure to change the mode from "Priority 3G" to "Only 3G". This will increase the stability of the modem by working in a narrower frequency spectrum.
The most common problems when setting up 3G.
1. The MDMA program does not start, writes the error "Unabled to open COM port, mobile data device possibly in use by another application."
The program writes that it cannot use the modem port occupied by another program. We re-read paragraph 2.2. Everything is described in detail there.
2. MDMA does not see the modem, just "empty" buttons and no signs of detection.
If the standard program for the modem does not see it either, we check the commutation, try to connect it without a USB extension cable, if it does, then read on.
This error is also related to ports, or rather to their detection. The program does not see the port in automatic mode and we will have to manually set it to it.
This is done quite simply:
> Click on the "My Computer" icon with the right mouse button (RMB), select "properties",
in the window that opens, look for "Device Manager"
We find our modem, and also press the RMB on it and select "properties"
select the "Modem" tab, and we see the inscription "Port: COM **" below, where "**" is any number. We remember this number or write it down somewhere.
Now close the MDMA program, if it is open, and copy the program file (MDMA.EXE) to the root of the "C" drive. It should look like this: C: \ MDMA.EXE
Now press "Start> Accessories> Run" and type in "cmd.exe" without quotes and poke "OK".
It will open like a window
Now we rewrite this line there C: \ MDMA.EXE / port: COM **, where instead of "**" - the number you wrote earlier
Press Enter.
Now we run the program from the directory of the "C" drive and the modem should be detected.
3. When the 3G antenna rotates, changes in the signal are not observed.
We check the commutation from the antenna to the adapter, most likely it is bad, or the connectors of the main cable are not crimped correctly. The modem simply does not recognize the antenna. In any case, with a working antenna connected, the signal should change.
4. After tuning the antenna, the signal increased, but the modem stopped connecting to the Internet! The signal is good.
In 95% of cases, you tuned in to a tower not your operator, look for another tower.
5. The signal has become more powerful but the speed has not changed.
Speed and signal are two different things! First of all, 80% of your speed depends on other factors, and not on the signal. With a -98db signal, the speed can be 5 mb / s and vice versa, with a -45db signal, the speed can be 128 kb / s. It depends more on the actions of the operator and on the number of subscribers on your line (network congestion).
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In our online store you can always buy 3G 4G antenna at the lowest price. Our craftsmen will produce installation of 3g antenna in the shortest possible time. If you still think which 3g antenna is better, you can always get advice from our specialists and choose 3g antenna on their advice. For countryside areas you need antenna with high gain of 3G signal, install 3g antenna this type in most cases can only be qualified specialists. Strengthening the signal of a 3G modem is a rather difficult process that you can carry out on your own.
Hopefully, thanks to our article, you were able to achieve the desired result. All questions you can send to our mailbox This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Attention! The publication of an article on other sites is allowed only with the consent of the author!
The article will be useful to those who are looking for an antenna and equipment to enhance the mobile 3G and 4G Internet signal, or a repeater to enhance cellular communication.
The frequency of the 3G / 4G signal is the initial parameter in choosing an antenna. For example, you may not know the location of base stations on the ground - just pick up the signal and determine the direction by level by twisting the antenna. But if you do not know the frequency, then the signal may not be caught at all.
Important! All tests are recommended to be performed at the point of the planned antenna installation (with a laptop + modem, ideally on the roof), because indoors, the modem may not pick up a signal in the 2600 MHz (4G) range, but for an outdoor antenna it is the most effective!
Due to the fact that the methods for determining the frequency of GSM / 3G / 4G / 4G + differ, we will consider them separately.
1. Mobile method:
1. Androyd:
Attention! Turn off Wi-Fi!
To test the frequency, the built-in technical menu "Netmonitor" is used, which is called up by a personal code in each smartphone model. List of Android phones and codes such as * # 0011 # or * # * # 4636 # * # * or * # * # 197328640 # * # * can be found
For Samsung:Disable Wi-Fi, and select 3G or 4G LTE mode. In the field for entering the phone number, dial the combination: * # 0011 #, after which the phone will enter the service mode with a report on the signal of the BS to which you are connected.
3G parameter values:
- uarfcn(can be denoted as RX): Channel number that defines the frequency. If the value is from 10562-10838, then you have 3G / UMTS 2100 MHz. If 2937-3088, then this is 3G / UMTS 900 MHz. In our case uarfcn =
10687
hence the frequency 3G = 2100.
- EcIo (Ec / Io or Ec / No): the ratio of the signal level to the noise level in (the higher the indicator, the better). The lower the load (the network is free), the closer the EcIo indicator tends to 0. With an increase in the number of subscribers, the bandwidth decreases - the ratio deteriorates down to -12 ..- 14 dB, after which, according to the settings, 3G-> 2G switching can occur. Perhaps you should choose a direction to a freer tower. For 4G, this parameter is denoted as CINR
.
- RSCP:(Reference Signal Received Power) The strength of the received signal that your device receives when it is connected to the BS. -70 is good, -100 is bad.
4G LTE values:
- Band: The frequency at which the 4G network tower operates. There are 3 of them in total. In our case Band: 7 this is the frequency 2600 MHz , if Band: 3 then 1800 MHz, and Band: 20- frequency 800 MHz... (Complete list of frequency bands.)
- RSSI: Base value of signal strength At values RSRP= -120 dBm and below LTE connection may be unstable or absent at all.
- CINR: The ratio of the level of the useful signal to the airborne noise. Everything is simple: the higher the value, the better the signal quality. If SINR below 0, then the connection speed will be low, since this means that there is more noise in the received signal than usefulness, which increases the likelihood of losing the LTE connection.
1.1 ADDITIONAL APPLICATIONS FOR ADNROID:
Here, without a doubt, it is worth noting the CellMapper application capable of identifying and displaying on the screen the value of the operating frequency, information about the tower, about neighbors, display the tower on the map ( the option should be enabled"Calculate GSM / UMTS / LTE frequencies") As we already wrote, the frequency is displayed in the value Band. The signal level is indicated in the field Reference Signal Received Power(RSRP). To work with the application, you need to register for free on the site.
1.2 Displaying the signal level in standard USB Modem applications:
Information about the signal level is contained in almost any 3G / 4G LTE modem, for this it is enough to study the menu.
2. Testing using a USB modem (the most reliable):
However , the most effective and inexpensive and reliable way to establish the carrier frequency of the Internet signal remains a computer + modem with a HiLink interface or Stick ... Below is the testing methodMDMA program using firmware Stick which is usually on purchased locked modems of Russian telecom operators.
2.1 Working with MDMA program:
(communication parameters display window)
Important! Before starting the program MDMA (Mobile Data Monitoring Aplication) it is necessary to close all the "native" programs of the usb modem !!!
Once launched, the program will display the signal level, airborne noise, and base station parameters. Here, our goal is to determine which 3G & 4G LTE frequency the operator operates on, by enumerating them. By pressing the button"Band Config" we will call the window in which we will perform simple actions:
- Change the parameter "Automatic" to "Custom"
- 3G put a tick on to start on UMTS 2100 click "OK" and follow the signal strength and registration in the network in the main window. If the name of the operator appears in the field, and a check mark appears next to "Registered", then your operator operates on the frequency UMTS 2100... If registration does not take place, we return to the leading step, uncheck the box UMTS 2100 and install on UMTS 900.
- If, when choosing a parameter (for example, UMTS 900) the program generates an error, then your modem does not know how to work in this standard.
- In 4G LTE network consistency and logic action similar to 3G, except that they are all conducted in the right area (LTE Bands).
2.2 Analysis with a universal modem with Hilink interface:
Here, the actions are similar to the previous example, the determination of the range is also carried out by enumerating the frequencies.
Go to Settings -> Network Settings, then select the standard (LTE, UMTS, etc.), set the "Manual" mode and start ticking the bands, checking the RSSI signal strength on the parameters page.
Determination of the range in 3G networks:
Page with displaying signal parameters
It should be noted that there are times when the operator broadcasts the Internet directly intwo bands simultaneously. For example, in the city of Chekhov M.O. Tele2 in 4G operates in parallel at 800 and 2600 MHz. In this case, the RSSI power differs, while the main frequency remains 800 MHz. If you want to provide high speed, and use both frequencies for reception, you should use a multi-standard antenna supporting LTE - A technology simultaneously in 2 bands.
How to install a 3G / 4G antenna? How to set up a 3G / 4G antenna? Which way to point the antenna?
The first thing to learn is that all outdoor antennas should be installed outdoors and raised as high as possible. Why is it necessary high to raise a 3G 4G antenna?
- you ask. The thing is that the 3G / 4G signal is subject to:
1) attenuation due to obstacles (foliage of trees, grass absorb electromagnetic waves quite well, since they are 90% water),
3) reflection (buildings, roofs of houses reflect electromagnetic waves well).
Accordingly, in order to reduce the influence of external factors on signal propagation, the 3G / 4G antenna should be raised as high as possible !!!
Determination of the direction of the 3G / 4G antenna.
In which direction to direct the 3G / 4G antenna? Many people think that the closest cell tower to them is the direction where you need to orient the 3G / 4G antenna, in fact, this is not the case, there are several 3G / 4G operators and it is difficult to guess which of the operators uses this tower, plus there is there are also towers that are used only for cellular communications, so determining the direction is required not from your own opinion, but based on measurements of the 3G / 4G signal level.
To determine in which direction the antenna should "look", you need to connect it to a 3G / 4G modem, connect the modem to a laptop and climb to the highest point of the house (preferably on the roof).
If there is no laptop, then ask any of the relatives / iconic ones to help you. You with the antenna go up as high as possible, and the second person will be near the computer and watch the signal level on the computer.
Turning the antenna 10-15 degrees, stop for a few seconds and see / ask the assistant what the level of the 3G / 4G signal is (you can find out how to determine the signal level in the article -). Thus, by rotating the antenna 360 degrees, you will know in which direction / directions you have a good 3G / 4G signal. If you have several antenna positions with a good signal level, in each of these positions measure the Internet speed (how to measure the Internet speed is described in the article -) and determine in which direction you have an operator tower with the fastest Internet. Not always is the tower from which a more confident signal level shows a higher speed of 3G / 4G Internet !!!
In addition to the signal level (RSSI-Received Signal Strength Indication), there are other parameters by which you can more accurately tune the 3G / 4G antenna: RSRQ, RSRP, SINR. These parameters are available in the settings of universal 3G / 4G modems, which allows you to achieve a more precise adjustment of the antenna direction.
Let's take a look at what each of these parameters means:
RSRQ(Reference Signal Received Quality) - characterizes the quality of the received pilot signals. Measured in dBm (dBm). RSRQ is related to the strength of the RSSI signal, so observing the strength of the RSSI signal will suffice.
RSRP(Reference Signal Received Power) - the average value of the received pilot signals (Reference Signal) or the level of the received signal from the Base Station. The RSRP value is measured in dBm (dBm). RSRP is directly related to the level of the RSSI signal, so it will be sufficient to focus on the RSSI.
For 4G: SINR(Signal to Interference + Noise Ratio) or CINR(Carrier to Interference + Noise Ratio); for 3G ECIO (Ec / Io) or Ec / No- the ratio of the (useful) signal to noise. In other words, the signal-to-noise ratio. The SINR value is measured in dBm (dBm). A value of 0 dBm means that the signal and noise are equal, a positive number means that the signal is stronger than the noise, negative means that it is weaker. You should pay attention to the SINR values when setting up a 3G / 4G antenna. As you can imagine, the higher this value, the higher the speed you can get from the 3G / 4G antenna.
