For KR1 Engineer - Maybe the Device Can Be Fixed

Mackieman · EVDO Junkie Joined: 31 Oct 2005 Posts: 491

KR1 cares about EVDO signal sensitivity by proxy. As far as KR1 is concerned, the connection is either there or it isn't. The issue is in low signal environments; due to the nature of radio networks, the EVDO data call may be active but packet loss/latency too high to pass data.

The KR1 is setup to ping something every 30 seconds or so to make sure the connection is live. When you're in a low signal environment that is currently experiencing latency issues so that it cannot pass data, that ping may fail. When the ping fails, the KR1 believes that it needs to redial in order to establish a connection. This leads to some issues where there is confusion in the router. Usually it recovers and all is well. Occasionally it will need a powercycle to get back in shape.

Also, there are no known issues with throughput on the Novatel 620 cards. I've had one running for a couple of days with no issues. If you're in a fringe area I would try one of the antenna manufacturers that are represented here. That stuff is a little outside my scope of understanding but generally it helps out.

Also also, The Verizon Access Manager doesn't differentiate between 1X and EVDO. If you look at the EVDO connection option, it says BroadbandAccess/NationalAccess. The data call remains the same; it's a CDMA service option change. The next firmware update should have a basic signal strength indicator on it; nothing fancy but it's there.

Scott · Posted: Tue Mar 21, 2006 12:19 am Post subject:

ajerison · EVDO User Joined: 20 Dec 2005 Posts: 47

Scott · Posted: Tue Mar 21, 2006 2:37 pm Post subject:

Generally the route mobile EVDO users' take is to get a dual-band (850 MHz/1900 MHz) antenna, since that way they are covered regardless of where they travel.

Static EVDO users can benefit with an antenna tuned to their specific location, of course, since the antenna would be optimized for a specific frequency range and *generally* would be more efficient.

I say generally because a good dual-band antenna will outperform a bad single-band frequency optimized antenna. Quality matters.

tz1 · Posted: Tue Mar 21, 2006 2:56 pm Post subject:

Other things which might cause a slowdown are mru/mtu mismatches, other PPP settings which might be different on a windows laptop, TCP windows settings, or even a problem with the wireless or ethernet link to the laptop.

It is hard to tell without trying to see the throughput on the KR1 itself (the normal firmware doesn't have an easy way to do this).

ajerison · EVDO User Joined: 20 Dec 2005 Posts: 47

Scott · Last edited by Scott on Tue Mar 21, 2006 10:59 pm; edited 2 times in total

I like the Booster-Antenna for packing around/travel... and for indoor use in 1-2 'bar' areas.

I like the magnetic mount (aka mini-mag) for auto rooftop use. Have two on my car. Yank 'em off, drive through the car-wash, put 'em back.

I like 'trucker' types with the ground plane spires for more solid mounting on RV's/trucks... and even for use in residential/fixed/static locations where an omni makes sense (because maybe there are multiple towers, or perhaps I am plugging in GSM/GPRS/EDGE or CDMA/EVDO devices at different times and cannot 'point' at a specific tower).

If I was in a fixed/static location and knew the specific frequency(Sprint 1900 or Verizon 850 -or- 1900 area) and didn't need to connect to other towers, then I like directional antennas... 'yagi's' mainly (though I have experimented with 1900 MHz parabolic antennas and a couple others of my own design).

If we're talking about good antenna design/build quality, then there is a benefit to a single-frequency antenna: efficiency. If I have long cable runs I will go the extra mile and cut back/re-terminate the antenna's attached coax feed and use thicker coax for a tall mast/roof-mount, to keep as much signal as possible (not to mention any lightning strike/suppression devices and grounding).

Signal hits the antenna FIRST and leaves it LAST!

If I *still* don't have enough signal or it seems to fluctuate, I'll add an amp.

That's just me though. Some folks START with an amp. LoL. Really just depends on where and how YOU intend to use it. Not every antenna is right for every use... there are those that are more appropriate than others.

Scott · Posted: Tue Mar 21, 2006 4:54 pm Post subject:

Let's take this to an antenna thread please... we're way off the OP title.

Thanks!