Switch to Arc booster antenna?

AaronFeyd · Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 11:36 am Post subject: Switch to Arc booster antenna?

After trying out a few different locations to put my antenna/router set up, I found a great spot that gives me fewer glitches than I was having earlier last month. (BTW, Verizon was no frigging help whatsoever, suggesting that it was computer problems and not a signal problem... um, yeah, ok.)

I'm using wilson 12" magnetic base antenna indoors, on a steel metal base about 5 inches in diameter. Even with this set up, I still will occasionally lose signal and have to relocate the antenna, normally a few feet from where it's at to regain signal.

Would going with a booster antenna that is a little more directional be better?

AF

Maureen · Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 2:25 pm Post subject:

The booster antenna will likely not be much different than the magnetic mount antenna you're using. You may benefit from an external antenna or an amplifier, though.

Before you buy anything, though, we recommend doing some testing to make sure that you're getting the right equipment. Go to 3Gstore.com/rssi and do the "site survey" described there - call or email us with your results (or post them here!) and we'll be happy to point you in the right direction!

AaronFeyd · Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 4:26 pm Post subject:

Well, Here's my speedtest.net results:

And my cradlepoint router reads the following for signal:

Rev Tun: 1
Signal Strength (%): 22
Signal Strength (dBm): -99
PhysicalPort USB1
Connection Status: Connected

So would this indicate that I need an amp/repeater? Just try an external antenna?

Maureen · Posted: Fri Mar 12, 2010 5:01 pm Post subject:

did you do the rest of the site survey? are those your results with or without your current antenna? what are your RSSI and speedtest results outside?

AaronFeyd · Posted: Sat Mar 13, 2010 8:16 am Post subject:

I haven't done a full site test (yet) mostly due to it raining. It usually takes a few minutes (about 20) for the um175 to re-establish a signal, then it's good for a few hours/days. It used to just cycle right back up in a couple minutes, now it takes like 20-30 min to several hours if I leave it alone.

I'll try to do a real site test once it clears up a bit, and I have already tried the antenna outside the house before but it would appear that I have no further signal strength or benefit.

I guess I'm just really looking for something that will give me reliable signal strength like I used to get, but as of about a month ago I've had nothing but trouble.