Huawei 4G router B525 upgrade?

[Fleapit]

I have a Huawei 4G router B525 with external antenna connected. Due to the poor signal inside the house (thick stone walls) I have TV, PlayStation, annex TV and main computer connected by Ethernet. (I also use Devolo plug ins to get Wi-Fi signal boosted through the house.)

Connection speeds really drops sometimes and not just in the evening when demand is at its height. Sometimes signal drops out altogether. It just feels much more unreliable than when it was installed a couple of years ago. 

Due for an upgrade but have been offered a 4GEE Home Router 3. This only has 2 ethernet ports so not suitable for me. Thinking of just taking up the offer of a Sim only but wondered if the Huawei is outdated now and would a newer router give me better more stable connection? Are there EE ones with more ethernet ports? 

[Chris_B]

@Fleapit  you can purchase an ethernet switch which will then give you more ports.  You just plug one Ethernet cable into the router one into the switch and you will have a number of ports. The number of ports will depend on what you purchase. 

he’s an image of a basic 4 port Ethernet switch

[Fleapit]

thanks @Chris_B that would solve the issue if I opt for the 4GEE Home Router 3. 

Would you or anyone know if that router is a better proposition than the Huawei 4G router B525? I presume it can still have an external antenna fixed.

[EssexBoyEE · Accepted solution]

Your Huawei 4G router B525 Router is an older CAT 6 spec so its getting on a bit now, most newer 4/5G Routers are around CAT 20 so a lot more Technically advanced in performance and Speed.

Anything over CAT12 is decent, CAT16 and upwards is Gigabit Tech, although you rarely get anywhere near or over 1gbs Speeds.

Most 4/5G Routers rarely have more than a couple of Ethernet Ports these days, so as @Chris_B suggests you can extend the Ports by adding another Router or Switch to your Setup, but you may need to do some Homework on this first as some Routers may not allow you to properly configure the Setup correctly or in the case of Mobile Network branded ones the Firmware may also be a limiting factor to do this. 

Personally Ive always found Huawei to make good Mobile Routers, thieve been at it for years so have a lot of Tech and Experience on the whole with their Routers. 

Remember its not just about the Router Spec, you will need a good Network Signal, be in a good Network Coverage Quality area in order to achieve a good and consistent Internet Speeds. 

[Fleapit]

Thanks @EssexBoyEE you have given me lots to think about - off to do my homework!