Help with speed! getting 199kbps

Sagz · EVDO Newbie Joined: 05 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

I'm trying to help my extended family with their Alltel EVDO modems. The sales people tell them they should be seeing 1.5M - 3M per second and they are getting 199kbps.

Two families with two different modems. (they live 200 yards apart)

First modem is the Franklin CDU-550

Second modem is the Huawei EC228

the alltel connection application shows 1x RTT Coverage for both.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

This location is Dekalb TX.

Thanks!

Sagz

whyzeman · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 14 Dec 2007 Posts: 104

I may be mistaken, but your 1xRTT isn't EVDO. It's its much slower counterpart. Like my salesperson, they never really ask you exactly where you will be using your EVDO modem. They don't advertise EVDO directly, they advertise "Broadband Internet". And, at "Broadband Internet" speeds, you're practically promised 144 Kbps.

The 1.5-3 Mbps that you were quoted is if you're within' the EVDO portion of Broadband Internet given the card that you were sold. I would tell you that if you're within your 15 days to return it, but since Alltel is the king of rural connectivity, there's a solid chance that Sprint, Verizon, nor AT&T will reach you either.

Sagz · EVDO Newbie Joined: 05 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

Thanks, I was afraid of that. When I use the Alltel App and hit "connect" it looks like I get connected to the EVDO network for a second and I get one bar of signal strength, Then it switches to 1xRTT and I get full strength. I am wondering if a signal booster would help us connect to the evdo network. Anyone have success with that?

Sagz

Atmega · EVDO User Joined: 23 Jun 2008 Posts: 56

If your really determined you could try to get a booster and hopefully get some faster speed.

Usually can pick up a bar or two more with one.

whyzeman · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 14 Dec 2007 Posts: 104

karlyn · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 5:45 am Post subject:

hi Sagz,

The best place to start is to find out the actual signal level at both homes (RSSI/dBm). Here's a good article -- "Measuring Signal Strength (How to find RSSI) for your EVDO Card." There are directions at the bottom for finding signal strength using Alltel's QuickLink Mobile (QLM) software (in QLM click on Help > About QuickLink Mobile).

If one of them has a laptop the next step would be to look at the signal strength in different places in each house -- at least all four compass points and upstairs if there's a second level. Sometimes moving the modem to a different location can make all the difference. In one of my locations I went from 1x to usable EvDO just by moving the modem from one side of the desk to the other.

Knowing the existing signal strength will guide suggestions for antenna type, etc. A booster antenna might be sufficient but my guess is these folks might need something stronger.

There's a lot of good info at www.evdoinfo.com and also at Jim_in_VA's EVDO tips blog.

Kirsten · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 3:35 pm Post subject:

Hi Sagz -

karlyn is right. Finding the measure of your signal strength - the RSSI - is the best way to figure out whether an antenna will help in your situation or not.

If you can find the signal strength in different parts of your home, as well as around the outside of the house, you can call 3GStore (866-3GSTORE) to ask the experts if they believe an antenna would be useful in your situation.