5GEE Router 5G network drop outs

[Xtopher]

Hi all,

Had a 5GEE Router 2021 since Feb 2023, hooked up to external antenna (which previously ran 4G routers), and its been flawless til the last few weeks. I now keep getting random dropouts of internet connection, noticeable as my Sonos stops and Home Assistant dashboards freeze. Sometimes they come back on their own, but often I will have to go into the router GUI and disconnect/reconnect.

All the time the router claims it is connected and on 5G (4 of 5 bars). It has connected to the same mast all the time and the stats don't seem to have changed. We are quite far from the mast but have line of sight as we're on top of a hill and so is the mast and its been solid til now. 

Network name: EE

Network type: 5G

RSRP: -88 dBm

RSSI: -76 dBm

Band: B3+N28

Cell ID: 7388931

Have there been any firmware updates or changes that could have caused it? I did get a text a few weeks back saying they were doing work in the area but I think it started before that. 

Bit annoying this was rock solid and now seems a bit flakey. 

[chrig]

I'm likewise having drop-out issues, I was using another mobile broadband supplier (Three) on 4G but moved to EE 5G as I thought it would be superior.

At most, I sometimes get 50MB down but I can't even stream Netflix etc because it drops out (usually after only 15 minutes) making it unusable. Strangely, the upstream is often far faster than down, at 60Mbps.

Signal checker says my location is yellow (I believe that's top tier) and there's no network issues. 

[not2ropey]

These routers are really sensitive to positioning. I moved the router around for ages to get the best signal, and basically took my download speed from 30MBps to 200MBps. It’s also sensitive to which way the it faces. Try to find where your local 5G mast is and put the router upstairs in a window that points towards it. 

[chrig]

Thanks for the info, it is upstairs at the window but I'll try experimenting further!

[chrig]

There must be variance or instability of the 5G signal itself. Tonight I'm getting 12mb down and it's refusing to stream due to "slow Internet connection). Yet its getting 40Mbps up, what's that all about?! 

[James_B]

Are any problems reported by the Network Status Checker @chrig?

James

[chrig]

No, no issues James and it's like this more often than not. A few minutes after I posted about 12 down/40up it was testing at 50 down/20 up. I believe the mast is also down the road, only about 200m away! 

[James_B]

Hi @chrig,

Please use the 'report a problem' button so our network team can take a look at it for you.

They'll get back to you within a few days.

James

[chrig]

I've just tried to submit that form twice James and it tells me "there was a problem submitting the form, try again later"!

Edit: Now working, so will see what they say

[James_B]

Thanks @chrig 

Please keep us updated.

James

[jek2p]

Hi

I am suffering the same problems. I have been sent a new router, which has made no difference.

I am using an external aerial.

I have spoken to EE tech support, but they dont hink any thing is wrong.

Are you able to discuss the 'work around' that you are testing