topic Re: 4G Speeds in Archived Posts

4G Speeds

Rowans — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 17:55:56 GMT

Anyone know what the max speed (up and down) with a 'perfect signal' on EE 4G LTE using Band 3?

Re: 4G Speeds

Northerner — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 07:18:04 GMT

There are none as EE don't guarantee a minimum or maximum speed. Much depends on other factors such as distance from the mast, radio in your device, weather, network traffic, equipment etc..

Thanks

Re: 4G Speeds

Rowans — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 09:49:50 GMT

Thanks @Northerner - I apprecite the points you make hence the question - assuming a "perfect" signal.

What I'm trying to do is to see if my max speeds in the early hours with little or no contention could in theory be improved with a better / higher antenna etc.

Re: 4G Speeds

bristolian — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 14:14:54 GMT

Hi @Rowans

EE use a variety of radio configurations on Band 3, and the answer to your question depends on which one(s) are available in your area.

In the vast majority of areas, EE have at least 20Mhz of single-carrier bandwidth using EARFCN-1617. Different sites then may have additional carriers at 10, 15 or 20Mhz depending on numerous factors - not least, local demand.

@Peter_C is quite familiar with the (theoretical) speeds attainable from each, and may be able to respond further at some stage.

Re: 4G Speeds

Rowans — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 10:49:18 GMT

many thanks @bristolian

Cell mapper shows the bandwidth as 20 Mhz and the RSRP as -93dBm, and about a mile away.

Currently with a non directional antenna in the loft my modem typically reports;

RSRP -92dBm, RSRQ -8dB, SNR20dB,

Speedtest early morning gives about 65Mbps down and 30bps up. Early evening this typically goes down to 25Mbps down but up remains about 30Mbps.

Two questions - if I move the antenna outside to the top of the roof to increase the RSRP, might this a) increase the early morning speeds, b) the evening higher contention speeds?

Re: 4G Speeds

bristolian — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 17:38:18 GMT

Without knowing the specifics of your current setup, it's hard to advise with any certainty.

That said, raising antennas above "clutter" and putting them in free space with better lines of sight, is always likely to improve overall radio quality.

Re: 4G Speeds

Rowans — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 22:26:32 GMT

Thanks for that - and just to mention that cell is 5655042 on eNB ID 22090, and I'm on a 200GB 24 month contract started Jan 2021.

I appreciate outside will improve signal quality, but question is - a) might that improved quality increase speed beyound 60Mbs download (with no contention) or is 60Mbs the max speed?

b) with contention ie. during the day, might that better signal lead to faster speed (or is the contention the limiting factor)

Re: 4G Speeds

Kirigaya_Kazuto — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 22:42:52 GMT

If you want better speed/signal, you will want to buy an external Ariel

Re: 4G Speeds

Rowans — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 22:53:16 GMT

but the first question is - with the antenna outside and better signal - will it go faster than 60Mbs download?

Re: 4G Speeds

bristolian — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 00:01:35 GMT

That's impossible to answer with certainty, there's too many factors that contribute to data speeds.

An external or roof-mounted antenna will only improve your service, and certainly can't do it any harm.

Re: 4G Speeds

EssexBoyEE — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 10:15:50 GMT

Best I've managed with 4G+ on EE was around 430mbs down using an old banger Sony XZ Premium, I've got similar results using a Netgear Nighthawk M1 4G Router ( highly recommend these if your not into 5G), using an external Ariel on the Netgear (Panarama) didn't seem to make much difference, slightly slower on the Down but did improve the Uplink from about 85 to 150 up.

Bear in mind that if you use an External Antenna then your reducing your Mimo to 2x2 against the Internal 4x4 that most decent Routers will use.

If going for external, try and go for an Omni setup above Roof Line that will give you better Carrier Aggregation choice.