FAQ
TL;DR: For a Plus micro‑SIM in Siedleczka, adding an external antenna often fixes drops; a B525 LTE‑A router costs 400–500 PLN. “Everything is clear, LTE Plus ‘works’ according to their standards.” [Elektroda, matek451, post #16755672]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps home users decide whether to upgrade the HUAWEI E5180, add antennas, or switch operator to stabilize LTE internet.
Quick Facts
- Nearest Plus site named: Żuklin, operating LTE1800 and LTE800 (Sferia). [Elektroda, matek451, post #16755003]
- HUAWEI E5180As‑22 has TS9 external antenna ports. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16755003]
- User reports: external antenna solved connection drops on LTE. [Elektroda, mery0000, post #16754810]
- In tests here, LTE1800 performed better than LTE800 under load. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #16755624]
- Later experience: service stable, brief weekly hiccup persists. [Elektroda, Mraczka, post #17540672]
What’s the fastest fix: new router or external antenna for the E5180?
Start with an external antenna. A user solved dropouts that way, while a router swap didn’t help. The E5180 supports plug‑in antennas via TS9, so improvements are quick to test before investing in a new unit. [Elektroda, mery0000, post #16754810]
Which LTE band should I force first: 800 or 1800 near Kańczuga?
Force LTE1800 first, then LTE800, and compare speeds. Local feedback shows both bands can be busy, but LTE1800 delivered better results during tests at this location. Return to Auto after testing. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #16755624]
How do I connect an external antenna to the HUAWEI E5180?
The E5180As‑22 variant includes TS9 connectors. Use a dual‑lead MIMO antenna with TS9 pigtails, orient toward the serving BTS, and secure cables to avoid strain. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16755003]
Where is the nearest Plus BTS and what bands does it use?
The nearest Plus base station named in the thread is Żuklin. It runs LTE1800 (Aero2) and LTE800 (Sferia). Align antennas toward this site when optimizing signal. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16755003]
Can my router start dropping connections without physical damage?
Yes, symptoms can stem from cell congestion or weak signal rather than hardware failure. In this case, both LTE800 and LTE1800 showed load, and LTE1800 still worked better. Try band forcing and an external antenna before replacing hardware. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #16755624]
What’s a simple 3‑step method to compare bands on the E5180?
- Log into the router GUI and lock LTE1800.
- Run a speed test and note stability.
- Lock LTE800, repeat, then set back to Auto.
Use screenshots to compare. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #16755493]
Is switching operator worth it here, and what plan/router was suggested?
Yes, a switch was recommended: T‑Mobile unlimited for 45/55 PLN monthly with a B525 LTE‑A router for 1 PLN up‑front. Quote: “Coverage from BTS LTE1800 NetWorks and LTE800 T‑Mobile…”. That balances capacity and price. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16755672]
What’s the practical difference between LTE800 (Sferia) and LTE1800 (Aero2)?
They’re different Plus bands in this area. LTE800 offers reach but fewer resources; LTE1800 provides more capacity. Local tests showed LTE1800 outperforming LTE800 during congestion at this site. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16755003]
I use Windows XP—why won’t the diagnostic app run?
The suggested application isn’t valid on 32‑bit Windows XP. A user got “not a valid Win32 application.” Use a newer OS (e.g., Vista or later) to run it. [Elektroda, Mraczka, post #16755080]
What results did band forcing show in this thread?
After locking bands, screenshots indicated both bands were loaded, with LTE1800 giving better throughput. The advisor concluded congestion caused the perceived instability. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #16755624]
Did service quality change over time if staying with Plus?
Yes. After about a year, the user reported mostly stable internet with only brief weekly micro‑drops. This suggests network changes or load balancing improved experience. [Elektroda, Mraczka, post #17540672]
Edge case: Is Plus discontinuing LTE800 Sferia, and should I avoid investing in it?
Advice here was to avoid investing in LTE800 Sferia because Plus was phasing it out. Prioritize equipment and settings that favor LTE1800 when possible. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #16754911]
What’s a reasonable upgrade path if antennas don’t help?
Move to an LTE‑A router like the B525 and consider an operator with stronger local capacity. The suggested T‑Mobile plan was 45/55 PLN per month and included the B525. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16755672]
Expert view: why do drops happen even with good signal numbers?
“Everything is clear, LTE Plus ‘works’ according to their standards.” That points to cell congestion and scheduling limits, not just signal strength. Band locking helps reveal this. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16755672]
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