Set EVDO modem to specific server? (correct teminology??)

ludedude · EVDO Newbie Joined: 29 Jan 2008 Posts: 5

I've tried searching, but I'm not sure on the terminology to search for, and so thus far have come up empty handed. Here's the scenario.

I have a MBR1000. a Novatel 720 expresscard modem, a Wilson 3Watt amp, an a 32"Omni antenna. Located in Nova Scotia, Canada, B0N2J0. Whenever I do a speed test on speedtest.net I get results similar to this: (recommended server that it selects)

I just tried a different server closer to me and got this:

Is this related to my actual surfing speed? Can I set my modem to connect through a stronger/closer tower/server??? Or is this done by the carrier automatically?

Thanks in advance.

jackrodgers · EVDO Addict Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 1131

You'll get different speeds from different servers and even a different speed from the same server within minutes of each test.

The tests average the transfer of data between you and the site to produce a number, not the actual performance of your equipment so during busy hours, they show slower speeds. Also EVDO slows down during times of peak use.

And if you have heavy users on your cell, when they are busy your data transfer will slow down, one reason the cellcos are cracking down on gigabyte use.

And if you are sharing your signal with others via a router, then your data transfer will be affected.

Plus other reasons...