How to improve 3g modem reception. Is it possible to strengthen the signal of a USB modem from Megafon
Not a true 4G standard. 4G was adopted more as a marketing term. In theory, LTE is capable of delivering speeds of 100 Mbps downstream and 50 Mbps upstream. That is, 12.5 MB/s “real” download speed and 6.25 MB/s for downloads.
The theoretical peak only occurs when LTE uses a 20 MHz channel to transmit information, which means that one user must be quite close to the transmitting station and that there must be a limited number of users nearby - which, again, only happens in theory.
There are several things you can do to improve network capacity and 4G-compatible modems/modems. It is worth considering that only some of the methods will work for you, depending on the network.
3G/4G Speed Optimizer App
There are several apps that claim to optimize network performance, including Speed Optimizer. Available for Android devices.
The optimizer has a fairly simple algorithm that allows the user to change the maximum download and download speed, limiting one in favor of the other. In addition, it allows you to change the GPRS class, make a choice in favor of speed or stability. The Pro version of the application comes with the ability to scan, change TCP buffer and RIL policy.
Working with 3G and 4G, the application has a disadvantage of battery consumption.
- No interference- remote location from mobile phones, modems and other electronic devices. Availability household appliances such as televisions, radios and especially microwaves may lead to a drop in speed.
- Maximizing the Modem Signal- 4G stations use waves to transmit traffic to the modem, so in order to ensure that a large number of These waves reach the terminal, you need to place the modem next to the window. Avoid placing the device behind various obstacles, such as concrete and metal walls and, especially, trees (water inside leaves contributes to signal loss).
- Change of position- By changing the direction of the modem antenna, you can improve the signal.
Signal Boost
It is best to use amplifiers for home or office if you want to achieve good quality wireless communication. For example, you can increase 4G speed inside your home using a signal booster or a pair of compatible antennas. The concept is as follows:
- One antenna is located outside the house, at a sufficient height to capture a signal greater than that of the antenna installed on mobile phone. This will eliminate signal attenuation caused by the walls of the house and, depending on the quality of the antenna, will significantly increase the signal.
- Another antenna must be installed inside the house, the signal relay is captured outside the unit.
- An amplifier should be installed between the two antennas, which will increase the signal strength and help avoid cable loss.
Stay on 4G
Whenever the 4G connection becomes unstable and the signal level drops below a certain threshold, the station switches to 3G mode to ensure stability. But there is a trick that will allow the smartphone to connect to the 4G network earlier than usual and stay in this mode longer.
Note: this procedure works regardless of the operator and does not damage the device, but problems may appear (XDA is to blame). Here's how to do it:
- Dial ##DATA# and choose edit mode. That’s ##3282#, for those rather new.
- Enter your MSL (here’s how to find it).
- Now choose the WiMAX menu and tweak the following settings, as stated:
- WiMAX_ENTRY_RX (RSSI) (dBm) – this value defines the minimum signal to connect to a 4G tower, so lowering the default up to -95 or – 100 should make the phone connect faster. If there are stability issues, raise the value back to -89.
- WiMAX_Exit_CINR(dB) – this value defines the threshold for a phone to drop an active connection. Change the number to 1 and if problems appear, switch it back to 2.
- WiMAX_Exit_Delay(s) – this number defines the time that CINR must stay activated, before the connection is dropped. So, in order to get by random drops, increase this to 5, or whatever you like. Not too high, we recommend.
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Today, almost every laptop user has a 3G (or 4G) modem, because today everyone can afford to buy a USB modem. If you are faced with the problem of constant interruption of 3G or 4G Internet, then it is most likely that the signal level in these places is weak.
Determining the reason for low Internet speed and how to strengthen 3G/4G Internet is quite simple: if the speed is low around the clock, the reason is the distance from the tower - base station (BS); if the speed improves closer to night, the BS is busy.
To begin with, find out the position of your BS and its approximate distance from you, as well as the range in which the operator works.
An antenna and amplifier will help you strengthen the signal and increase Internet speed, as well as target a less busy tower. To do this, you need one that has connectors for connecting external antennas. On 3G modems there is one, on 4G modems there are two - for the use of MIMO technology. MIMO - when reception and transmission are carried out over different channels, which helps to increase Internet speed.
So, in order to select an antenna and amplifier, you need to:
1) determine the type of network at your home: 3G, 4G or 3G-4G.
You can take measurements using the modem itself; most programs show the type of connection.
for 2G it is: GPRS, EDGE
for 3G these are: WCDMA, HSPA, HSPA+, DC-HSPA
for 4G it is: LTE
2) Determine the location best regards. A situation is possible when only 3G is available in the house, but if you climb onto the roof of the house, there is already 4G there. In this case, it makes sense to choose, since the Internet there is much faster. If you don’t have access to the roof, then it’s worth measuring the signal at the windows facing different sides Houses.
3) Determine the signal level in decibels. There is a program for this.
In it you can block the mode (only gsm, only 3g, only 4g lte). Settings - Network (when the connection is turned off).
And look at the signal level in decibels (-90 dB, better than -105). Diagnostics - Network.
For good Internet speed on a 3G/4G modem, the signal level should be from -50 to -80 dB. If the signal level is from -80 to - 115 dB or it is 2G, then it can be increased by using a 3G/4G antenna or an antenna + amplifier.
To strengthen the 3G signal you will need:
- with one connector (there are panel connectors, there are wave channel type (“herringbone”), there are parabolic (dish)).
- HF cable (sometimes - 7.5 mm, - 11 mm, and 13 mm.) Calculate the length so that the antenna can be placed on the roof or on the side of the house from which the signal is better.
- (adapter for modem). This is an adapter from a thick HF cable to a micro connector on a 3G modem.
This circuit adds 12-20 dB to the signal level. If this is not enough to achieve a signal level of -80 dB or better, then a 3G antenna amplifier is used. It is installed between the antenna and the modem and adds another 20 dB to the signal level.
To strengthen the 4G signal you will need:
- with one or two connectors (usually panel).
- one or two RF cables
- pigtail (adapter for modem). One or two, respectively.
This circuit also adds 12-20 dB to the signal level.
If this is not enough to achieve a signal level of -80 dB or better, then a 4G antenna amplifier is used. It is installed between the antenna and the modem, and adds another 20 dB to the signal level.
The final scheme looks like this: install an antenna on the roof, tune it to the tower according to the program, lay the cable, connect the pigtail to the cable and the modem to it.
At your discretion, the modem can be connected to the router for WiFi distribution.
In a situation where there is no 3G or 4G signal, and even with an antenna it is still weak, you need to use an amplifier. The diagram looks like this: Antenna, cable, amplifier, cable, pigtail.
In a situation where the 4G signal is satisfactory and you want to get the highest possible speed, the diagram looks like this: , RF cable 2 pcs., pigtail 2 pcs., .
If you do not have experience and desire to take measurements, look for best place installation, mount and adjust the antenna,
then in this case our engineers who specialize in improving communication quality will help you. They will take the necessary measurements and select the most suitable set of equipment for your conditions.
Will do. In this case, you are guaranteed to receive the highest possible network signal and Internet speed, while your money will be spent as efficiently as possible.
Today, 3G is considered one of the most popular types of communication, which allows us to access the Internet from almost anywhere in the city and even outside it.
However, this type of communication also has its own problem - coverage. Even though almost every cell tower broadcasts, dead zones are very common, and in cities. What can we say about remote settlements?
Almost the only way out in this situation is to independently strengthen the 3G modem. You can make an amplifier yourself, or you can purchase a ready-made one in the form of an external antenna. Below we will talk about several ways to strengthen the signal of a 3G modem.
Option 1 – place the modem on a window or outside (the simplest)
If you install a 3G modem on a windowsill (using a USB extension cable), or climb onto the roof with a laptop, then in some cases the signal quality can increase by about 10-15%.Although this method is the simplest, it has quite a few disadvantages:
Small speed increase
Binding to some (not always convenient) place
Signal attenuation of usb extender
There is no opportunity to improve the quality of telephone communication.
2. Using a reflector from improvised means
This method is the most popular due to its simplicity and low labor costs.Here, the 3G modem amplifiers will be things that can be found in any home. This is a kitchen pan, an ordinary colander or any tin can.
The principle of amplification is that the modem is placed inside a reflector, which focuses the signal on the modem. Now it needs to be connected to a computer, which should be located nearby, since a long cable causes signal attenuation. The real increase from this method is about 15-20%.
The disadvantages of the reflector are its bulkiness, relatively weak gain and signal attenuation.
3. Strengthening a 3G modem using a Kharchenko antenna
This method is more complex, requiring certain skills and understanding of the principles of microwave technology.To make such an antenna you will need: 3 mm thick wire, a metal tube (preferably copper), pliers, a file and a soldering iron. You can find the antenna manufacturing process online. The advantage of such an antenna is its noticeable gain – up to 50%. That is why it is very popular. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the relative complexity of its manufacture, since dimensional accuracy plays a decisive role in such an antenna. If the dimensions do not correspond to the required ones, the antenna simply will not work.
This article is for those, WhoI suffered with a low 3G / 4G LTE signal making it difficult or impossible to work comfortably on the Internet,and now I’m seriously thinking about improving the quality of access to the global network.
Many users of 3G/4G modems are looking for an answer to the question: - How to improve modem signal reception? How to increase internet speed to fully use online services? So, you should understand that the quality of the signal directly affects the speed of the Internet, the remaining possible limitations are the current load of the operator’s base station (BS). In this article we will describe the most popular and “popular” methods of “overclocking” 3G/4G Internet, and describe the pros and cons of each of them.
1. Stick-rope method
The easiest way to improve signal reception is by raising the modem to a height using a USB extension cable (preferably not an economical one and no more than 3 m. Otherwise, loss of connection is likely)
A primitive economy method, burdened only with the purchase of a USB extension cable and connection worries.
A low-effective solution, with a minimal speed increase of a few dB, not counting the fact that when placed outdoors, you condemn the modem to premature failure - according to statistics, after a year, since the design feature is designed for room temperature and humidity.
2. DIY antenna method
This is the next step in evolution, allowing you to increase Internet speed by making a homemade 3G/4G antenna. There are a lot of manufacturing instructions on the Internet.
Low amplification and dependence on weather factors such as wind and rain.In addition, as we wrote earlier, external placement negatively affects the viability of the modem.
3. Method "Use of modern outdoor 3G / 4G LTE antennas"
The most modern and effective, in our opinion, way to increase the level of 3G/4G signal and provide yourself with reliable Internet on long years- this is the use specialized external antennas. The main advantage of which over the above methods is this is high gain(up to 20 dBi and above), readiness to work in the most severe weather conditions. Even if you live at decent distances from the operator’s tower: 7, 10, 20 km. provided you choose the right antenna, you can achieve decent Internet speeds - up to 60 Mbit/s!. If you are in an area of weak or almost non-existent 4G LTE signal Using a powerful antenna will help strengthen and ensure reliable reception.
Compliance with operator standards and increased signal reception coefficient allowing significantly increase the speed of 3G & 4G LTE Internet!
+ Independence from weather conditions and reliable design.
+ The price “doesn’t bite” from 1600 ₽ to 4800 ₽.
Installation according to the rules to achieve maximum results and according to our article “How to properly install a 3G / 4G antenna”. This is a completely feasible task that does not require special skills and abilities, and the result is a comfortable speed for years.
With the advent mobile internet, subscribers began to use the network frequently. To increase consumers, operators have developed offers that allow access to the World Wide Web via a laptop. Megafon also took care of this.
The subscriber only needs to buy a 3G or 4G modem. Unfortunately, the signal level is constantly changing, which affects the channel capacity. There are several ways to improve the signal level. The client only needs to choose the method that suits him.
The device connects to a laptop or desktop PC via a USB port. It should be understood that there are 2 types of modems 3G and 4G. Networks are characterized by maximum throughput:
- 14.4 Mbit - third generation;
- 1 Gbit is the fourth generation of networks.
These figures are maximum. In reality, the throughput is 50-70% lower. The speed depends on the distance of the station distributing the Internet. Network congestion also affects signal quality.
In urban conditions, the reduction in speed is practically not felt. Problems begin during trips to the country or nature. To stabilize the signal level, it is recommended to use amplifiers. The only thing to remember is that 4G modems only work on LTE networks. Therefore, devices may not work outside of Moscow.
How to strengthen the signal of a 4g modem on Megafon
Technologies do not stand still, as a result of which new devices appear. With the release of the 4G modem, the lives of subscribers have changed. With such devices, large files are downloaded in a few minutes.
Sometimes Megafon clients experience that the signal deteriorates significantly. This affects throughput. To change the situation, it is recommended to use hardware such as:
- External antenna;
- Repeater.
It is important to note that the software offered by some sites does not work. Therefore, there is no need to pay for software that will not help.
External antenna
In communication shops and computer equipment stores you can find specialized external antennas. You can connect a 4G modem to such devices. As a result, the signal quality will increase.
The antenna is attached to the building facade or pipe. After this, the modem is connected. The antenna is connected to the computer via a high-frequency cable. It is important to note that the wire should not be too long. The longer the cable, the lower the percentage of signal improvement.
Repeater installation
Another great way to increase the signal level is a repeater. This is a device that allows you to strengthen and expand the coverage area of a radio signal.
The main advantage of the device is that it allows you to speed up work:
- Modem;
- Phone;
- Tablet.
Compared to an antenna, a repeater costs 3-5 times more. Despite this, the signal level increases to 50%.
There is no need to connect a modem or SIM card to the repeater. Just mount it on the wall and then connect the special antenna included in the kit. The signal increases within a radius of 50 meters from the device.
It is important to note that a thick wall of the house will not allow radio waves to pass through. Therefore, you need to place the device in such a way that the computer is in direct line of sight.
Changing settings
In addition to using external devices, Megafon customers are advised to configure the modem. To change the configuration you need:
- Open the “Settings” section;
- Go to the “Network” tab;
- In the “Network type” field, set “LTE only”.
After saving the settings, you can connect to the Internet. Thanks to configuration changes, there will be no change of networks. It is best to change the settings after the antenna or repeater has been used.
How to strengthen the signal of a 3g modem on Megafon
Third generation networks operate even in remote regions of the country, so subscribers choose modems operating in the 3G network. The reception of radio waves in such devices is more stable.
The advantage of using such modems is that they can be strengthened with improvised and easily accessible means. To improve reception you can use:
- USB extension cable;
- Internal antennas;
- DIY amplifiers.
Each of the methods can be used both in an apartment and a private house or cottage.
Extension
A signal is a radio wave whose strength varies depending on location. If you move the router around the room, you will notice how the quality of data reception will change. Radio waves are amplified near windows. Unfortunately, you can install a computer or laptop only in certain places.
You can change the situation using a USB extension cable. Cables sold in stores are the following lengths:
- 1.8 m;
- 3m.;
- 5 m.;
- 10 m.;
- 20 m.
It is strictly not recommended to use extension cords 1.8 meters long. Such cables will negatively affect the operation of the computer. As a result, the USB ports may be damaged. The same applies to a structure that is too long.
The best option is to use 5 meter extension cords. If this distance is not enough, you can connect 2 cables in series. After this, you need to move the modem to the side to determine the maximum level of radio waves.
Thanks to the above method, the quality of communication increases by 10-20%. It all depends on the distance from the base distributing the Internet.
Internal antennas
To improve the quality of the Internet, you can use internal antennas. Similar devices are sold in computer stores. Don't expect turbo speed to appear. The quality will change by 20-30%.
The modem is attached to an antenna, which is placed near the window or towards the Megafon tower. The design is connected to a laptop using a USB cable. However, it is not recommended to use extension cords to increase the distance. Otherwise, the signal quality will deteriorate.
Homemade amplifiers
When going to the country, many subscribers forget to take with them additional devices that allow them to enjoy high-quality Internet. In order not to be left without communication, it is recommended to make the amplifier manually.
An excellent tool is the Kharchenko antenna. To make it you will need a thick copper wire and high frequency television cable. The wire is bent in such a way as to create an infinity sign, only the design must have corners (two rhombuses intersecting in the corners).
A high-frequency cable is screwed or soldered into the middle of the antenna. The second end of the wire is wrapped around the Megafon modem. You can install your structure in any convenient place. In this case, the cable length can reach several meters.
Setting up the modem
In addition to using amplifiers, subscribers are advised to configure the modem for signal stability. To do this you need:
- Launch the Megafon connect program;
- Go to the “Settings” section;
- Select the “Networks” tab;
- Set the value to “3G Only” in the “Network Type” field.
After saving the configuration, the device will not connect to a more stable but weaker network.
Video
Protection
Subscribers who decide to strengthen the signal level using structures placed outside must take care of protecting the modem. Otherwise, when exposed to precipitation, the device will get wet and burn.
It is best to use special plastic containers. It is important that they are transparent. If you don’t have anything similar on hand, you can use a plastic bag, but this is only temporary protection.
If you plan to use the design long time, it is recommended to purchase rolled materials to protect the device. Ready-made containers are sold in computer stores.
Subscribers planning to travel outside the city for a long period of time can buy a 3G modem, as it is cheaper than 4G. However, it will work better away from the transmitting station. The methods described for enhancing LTE are suitable for third generation networks.
If none of the methods helps, you need to change the modem. Most likely this is where the problem lies. At the same time, do not forget about coverage areas. In remote areas it may not even work cellular. Therefore, before going outdoors, you should familiarize yourself with the capabilities of Megafon.
