graysonkent
join:2008-03-28
Millen, GA
|  [General] Signal Strength and Networking
Yesterday, I went to my local Alltel store and signed up for the wireless broadband. I opted for the UTStarcom UM150 USB modem. Making the switch from Starband (Modem 360).
Being in a rural area, I was aware that I was on the verge of EvDO coverage; however, the street map at the Alltel store said I was in "Great"/"Good" coverage area. Also, I get an average of 3-4 bars on my Motorola Razr with consistent EvDO signal.
Upon connecting my UM150, I am getting mixed signal quality depending upon my location. Where my computer is located, I get 90% strength of 1x signal. On the other side of the room (less than 10 ft away), I get 2 bars of EvDO signal (RSSI -91dBm).
Either connection is better than my satellite connection. However, obviously, I desire to have the greatest connection possible. What can I do to increase my EvDO signal? (When outside on the other side of the house, I got a 4 bar connection with approximately 1200 kbps download on a speed test.) I have service in this area; it just seems that I am in need of having a more powerful reception of the signal.
Any suggestions? Also, I currently have 3 Windows Vista machines and 1 MacOS Leopard machine that need to have access to the internet. What options do I have for networking? |
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EVDOalex
Premium
join:2006-10-05
Dallas, TX
| seems obvious that a high gain external antenna on side of house that got you best signal and speed is the way to go.
for networking, the best choice would be the cradlepoint mbr1000 router that works well with alltel um150, has wifi N radio for great range, and has 4 ethernet ports in case any of those computers don't already have wifi.
~ alex
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EVDO experience includes 12 data devices, 9 routers, and various antennas / amps |
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Max Signal
Premium
join:2008-03-07
Buffalo, NY | reply to graysonkent
The Cyfre Amplifier and Antenna kit sold by Alltel Will get the job done for you . The sell the full kit to Alltel Customers for $199.00
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www.MaximumSignal.Net |
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Capt Ron
join:2007-11-28
Hernando, FL
 ·Alltel Axess
| I suggest that you use a laptop and try it around the house close to the windows. Do a speed test at each location. Try all round the house to find if you have a sweet spot. It takes a few minutes for it settle down after a move so give it plenty of time.
If you find that you have a good spot then a router with the data card at this location will do the job. The 1000 mentioned above is good, but a Cradlepoint 350 will probably do the job as well a little cheaper. Of course if you need to cover a very large area or need several enternet connections then the 1000 would be better.
If you can't find a sweet spot in the house then you will need an antenna and maybe an amplifier to get great speeds. |
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graysonkent
join:2008-03-28
Millen, GA
| reply to graysonkent
I will try the various locations to obtain the best signal. I do have a few computers that have need of a wire-based connection. Therefore, the 350 is not an acceptable option for me. Are there any other options with the quality of the Cradlepoint mbr1000 without such a steep cost associated? |
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hdman
Flt Rider
Premium
join:2003-11-25
Appleton, WI
·Alltel Axess
| reply to graysonkent
Max Signal gave the best advice with the Cyfre amp. Also, if you do put up an external antenna without the amp, you are pretty much limited to the amount of cable that comes with the antenna, which is usually no more than about 15 feet. Beyond that, it can actually cause problems if you are not running the amp. I have an external antenna and the amp, and my signal went from OK to Excellent on my LinkSys router.
HDMan
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The proper way to break in a Harley: Grab a fist full of throttle, and ride it like you stole it!!! |
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graysonkent
join:2008-03-28
Millen, GA | reply to graysonkent
Approximately, how much of an increase in signal strength can I expect from spending the $200? |
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Capt Ron
join:2007-11-28
Hernando, FL
·Alltel Axess
| This is a question that is ask all of the time and no one can tell you for sure. It should get you down to 80 or below but you never can tell. And even with that signal level the speed may be slow if there is to much noise. You just can't tell without trying it.
Get the amp from your local Alltel store and you can take it back if it doesn't do a good job for you. |
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graysonkent
join:2008-03-28
Millen, GA | reply to graysonkent
Thanks guys! Gonna try these things. Appreciate all the help. |
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graysonkent
join:2008-03-28
Millen, GA | reply to graysonkent
Tried the Cradlepoint router and loved it! Could someone please tell me how much signal increase I should expect from the Cyfre kit? About 2.5 miles from here, I received excellent signal with excellent speeds. |
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Max Signal
Premium
join:2008-03-07
Buffalo, NY | The Cyfre kit will get you anywhere from 12- 20 db gain depending on what frequncy you are on and what your card asks for . Every 3 DB is double the signal
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www.MaximumSignal.Net |
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jbeenemd
join:2002-05-14
Willard, MO
| reply to graysonkent
Graysonkent,
Before you go out and place money down on that amp, try this: take out the USB extension cable that came with the UM150, plug it into your computer and then plug in the UM150. By accident last night I found that I could go from almost NO SIGNAL while pluged directly into the USB port on the back of my desktop up to 3 bars by placing the UM150 as high as the extension cable would allow. My numbers went from 130s down and 80s up to 1400 down and still only 80s up. Now the 1400 was a max at about 1AM this morning. I have retested this evening during peak hours and still get between 700 and 900 down. |
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