Do ALL USB modems need an antenna?

rblack · EVDO Newbie Joined: 16 Apr 2009 Posts: 9

I'm pretty sure we are fortunate enough to get a clear shot through to the tower about 2 miles from here. However, my office is on the other side of the house.

Thanks in advance - and thanks for these forums....I'm hooked!

xrayman · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 2:57 pm Post subject:

"Do ALL USB modems need an antenna?" They all have built in antennas. If you are asking do they need an external antenna, that all depends on the signal strength at your location.
If the signal in your office doesn't prove to be adequate, you could install an EVDO router on the tower side of your house in an window for better reception.

Bert65 · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 3:11 pm Post subject:

If you are saying that the best place in your house is other than where your computer is located then my situation is like yours.

My computer is on the first floor near the center of the house. But I get the best signal in an East facing upstairs window. My solution was to buy a CradlePoint router and connect by wireless. This turned out better than expected because later we bought a laptop for my wife.

I bought the MBR1000 but CradlePoint has several 3G router to choose from to suit yor needs. This may not be the way you want to go but I have no experience with antennas and thought I would throw out another option.

In my case the signal is good (-75db or better) without an antenna.

Good luck!

rocker · Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 11:03 am Post subject:

I'm about 2.5 miles from the tower, and get a rock solid signal (-51 dBm) simply by hanging my USB modem in a window. The window does face toward the tower in my case, though. Hanging in the window did make a huge difference versus directly connecting the modem to my PC which sits on the floor. I taped some dark cardboard over the window pane in front of the modem to shield it from direct sunlight.[/quote]