need to buy external directional panel antenna??

dsm382

I have a USB720 Verizon Air card. After reading and reading here I think I need to buy the Dual-Band panel Antenna, but I will need cables and adapters to get it to the 720, when if I buy the usb720 omni external w/cables for only $83 but will this be okay with what I have or the panel one be better?
In the house when it does switch to REV A broad band on occasion I can get on but VERY week.
Normally I am on National access with no bars or 1bar and -98 to -100 WITH the little magnetic antenna I got from Verizon.
Outside I can get down to -91 NA. (national access) and sometimes Broad Band RevA .
In the driveway with magnetic on top of van I can bounce back and forth from NA to BB.
So I took a drive down the road to the nearest tower. As I get closer of course it is better. But NOT as good as you might thing about 300 yrds away from tower ( I can’t even see it due to curve in road and trees) I got -75, but still short one bar. Under the tower best was -83 but then I am what? 200’ below the antenna?.
The last test here is about 100 yards up from my house.
As the bird flies I am not sure how far the tower is but I would say less than 3miles. Need to check that I guess. But the biggest problem is I am ABOVE the tower, the tower is at the very bottom of a big hill.
So what I am saying is I think I ‘should’ be able to get Broad Band connection from what I have read so far on this forum with a simple outside antenna and if need be a booster. RIGHT? The signal is close enough but just needs a boost?
So here is my question WHICH antenna should I get?
I have read about two of them so far. The omi directional and the flat panel not directional.
I plan on using my air card for home NET service, a fixed location and then networking it to all PC’s at home.
I have a Verizon air card for work provided laptop that I take with me every day.
I won’t bother explaining why I need the wireless air card, but suffice to say I can get NO other internet service ‘cept for 28kdial up.
I am ready to place my order but have sent this same type email to the 3G store support for advice but have yet to receive an reply/answer.

Parked at the bottom of the tower.
All readings are Broad band.
Download Speed: 696 kbps (87 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 576 kbps (72 KB/sec transfer rate)

Download Speed: 481 kbps (60.1 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 539 kbps (67.4 KB/sec transfer rate)

Down the road about a mile away, NOT a straight shot from tower.
Curves many many curves and in the woods.
Download Speed: 1018 kbps (127.3 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 222 kbps (27.8 KB/sec transfer rate)
1 bar and -100dbm
Speed: 282 kbps (35.3 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 412 kbps (51.5 KB/sec transfer rate)
Closer to the house about between house and tower on road.
Download Speed: 612 kbps (76.5 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 464 kbps (58 KB/sec transfer rate)
Download Speed: 505 kbps (63.1 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 217 kbps (27.1 KB/sec transfer rate)

100yrs from house
-90 –100
Download Speed: 306 kbps (38.3 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 76 kbps (9.5 KB/sec transfer rate)

Here is one from my lazy boy with magnetic out the window on the AC unit….
Broadband access NO bars and -100dBM
Last Result:
Download Speed: 371 kbps (46.4 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 25 kbps (3.1 KB/sec transfer rate)
Download Speed: 367 kbps (45.9 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 40 kbps (5 KB/sec transfer rate)
Download Speed: 275 kbps (34.4 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 54 kbps (6.8 KB/sec transfer rate)
Download Speed: 306 kbps (38.3 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 72 kbps (9 KB/sec transfer rate)
Methinks I need to order one of these antennas…..

i know this was long but wanted all the info i can give.
will send this also to 3g and see if i get a response this time.
i hate to spend money twice....
thanks for help.

Alex · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 7:54 am Post subject: