Hi
I've been following a number of similar threads around using the 5GEE router with an external antenna but hoping for some suggestions or advice on the challenge I'm having.
If I look at the EE coverage map we're in a good 5G signal outdoors so picked up the QuWirless MIMO External Antenna, the EE 5GEE router and some of the connectors required. When I first got them I just connected everything up to see if it would connect and give me better data speeds than our fixed-line broadband and it did. (although can't remember what speeds etc)
I now have the antenna mounted on a pole and because it is directional, used the Ookla 5g map to get an idea of where the closest antenna is. There is a selection of masts according to the Ookla maps within a few miles, some with multiple providers and some with just EE.
I have experimented with directing the antenna to the mast that appears to be geographically the closest, but it would only ever connect to 4G. The other locations will give a stronger 4G signal but do not connect to 5G, I then narrowed it down to one mast that will connect to 5G but only 2 bars of signal strength. I've also checked in the router device to see that it connects to band B3 on 4G and B3+B3 when it is connected to 5G.
Following the other threads that @EssexBoyEE has given some great advice on connecting the cables in the correct pairings which I think I have followed correctly. The antenna labels them P1 -45, P2 +45, P3 -45, P4 +45 so I have them connected in the same order on the router connects with 1 being the top connect and 4 being the bottom.
But the frustrating part is on 2 occasions I have had the following happen when initially setting it up and once when going through another cycle of trying all the local masts.
During the course of refining the direction of the antenna I have to get up a ladder adjust the bolts so I can turn the pole etc, each position I check and when I successfully connect to 5G I think I'm there. So tighten everything up and do one final test and on the first occaison we did it this showed 5G, but then 15mins later without changing anything it swapped to 4G and wouldn't connect to 5G again.
Been through the same cycle again this evening, test it with what I think is the only 5G MIMO mast locally, works fine and then after packing up the ladders, tightening the pole into position, we're back to 4G only again. I'm confident the antenna is not moving when securing the pole position.
I have experimented with swapping the cables, keeping the pairs the same but reversing the order P2 in port 1, P1 in port 2, P3 in port 4 etc but makes no difference.
Can anyone offer any advice on why after the setup will successfully connect to B3+B3 then after a short period of time drop the B3 5G signal to only ever connect to 4G B3 only.
- Could it be the connectors aren't helping?
- Could it be the ordering of the cable connections?
- Could it be a SIM or hardware issue in the router that results in the drop of 5G to 4G
Any advice or suggestions greatly appreciated.
