FAQ
TL;DR: For this rural T‑Mobile setup, LTE800 uses 2x2 MIMO; “LTE800 works in MIMO 2x2,” so plan for dual antennas. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16758723]
Why it matters:** This FAQ helps T‑Mobile users decide the right BTS, router settings, and antennas to get stable speeds at home.
Quick Facts
- Nearest BTS to Wierzchosław: Mięków; options are limited by coverage footprint. [Elektroda, KSRhaziel, post #16756480]
- Bands seen nearby: LTE800 (Mięków, Babigoszcz) and LTE1800 NetWorks; 1800 MHz has weaker reach. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16756499]
- Recommended router for band forcing and LTE-A tests: Huawei B525 from T‑Mobile Home Internet plan. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16756499]
- Antenna picks for 800 MHz: Dipol ATK‑10/800‑980 or ATK‑20; use in dual setup. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16758723]
- Real‑world result: two ATK‑10s toward Babigoszcz delivered 56–59 Mb/s download. [Elektroda, korwek, post #16959753]
Which T‑Mobile BTS should I connect to from Wierzchosław?
Aim for the Mięków BTS first, as it’s the closest on coverage maps. If needed, check Babigoszcz as a secondary option. Use field tests to compare signal and throughput at both directions before fixing antenna azimuth. [Elektroda, KSRhaziel, post #16756480]
Do I need one antenna or two for LTE800?
Use two identical antennas (or one dual‑MIMO unit). LTE800 works in 2x2 MIMO, so single‑antenna setups limit speed and reliability. As the expert noted, “LTE800 works in MIMO 2x2,” so plan your mounting and cabling accordingly. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16758723]
Which antenna models work best at 800 MHz?
Choose high‑gain, 800‑MHz‑tuned units. The thread recommends Dipol ATK‑10/800‑980 or ATK‑20. Install as a MIMO pair with correct polarization, spacing, and toward the chosen BTS. This improves RSRP and SINR on long rural links. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16758723]
What speeds can I expect after proper alignment?
A user achieved 56–59 Mb/s download using two ATK‑10 antennas aimed at Babigoszcz. Treat this as a real‑world reference under similar conditions. Throughput will vary with load, signal, and backhaul. [Elektroda, korwek, post #16959753]
How do I test LTE800, LTE1800, and LTE‑A (800+1800) on Huawei B525?
Put the B525 on a window or outdoors temporarily. Use band forcing to test LTE800, LTE1800, and aggregated LTE‑A 800+1800. Compare RSRP/SINR and run speed tests for each mode. Pick the fastest stable combo, then size antennas. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16756499]
How do I see BTS ID (CID) and signal on Huawei B529/B525?
Install Huawei Manager (Android). Connect to the router, then log in at 192.168.8.1 with admin/admin. The app shows RSRP/RSRQ/SINR and the serving cell/CID, which confirms the BTS you’re on. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17300046]
I’m in Kamieniec Ząbkowicki—what BTS am I likely using?
Users there attached to NetWorks on Kolejowa 56, which provides LTE800. Verify with Huawei Manager to confirm CID, as you might also catch the hill site near Ząbkowicka. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17296911]
Speeds are terrible at night—what should I try?
Low SINR and congestion suggest an overloaded BTS. Test the alternate hill BTS, or temporarily switch the router to 3G UMTS2100 using Huawei Manager. Then compare evening DL/UL to pick the least‑loaded layer. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17300409]
What performance can 3G UMTS2100 HSPA+ DC deliver if LTE800 is busy?
UMTS2100 HSPA+ DC on the hill BTS supports up to 43.2 Mb/s downlink. Force 3G in Huawei Manager, select UMTS2100, and run tests. Sometimes this layer is less loaded than LTE800. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17300613]
How do I field‑test an alternate BTS before buying antennas?
- Charge the B529/B525 and take it near the candidate BTS (about 200 m away).
- Use Huawei Manager to read LTE800 signal and run a speed test.
- If results beat your current BTS, plan a directional 800‑MHz MIMO install toward it. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17300613]
What is MIMO, and why does it matter for LTE800?
MIMO uses multiple antennas to transmit and receive in parallel. LTE800 uses 2x2 MIMO, doubling spatial paths and improving throughput and reliability. Use two matched antennas or a dual‑MIMO unit to benefit. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16758723]
How do I lock my router to 3G UMTS2100 on a B529?
Open Huawei Manager, choose network mode, and force 3G. Then select UMTS2100. Run speed tests and compare with LTE800 results. If 3G performs better during peaks, keep it for evening use. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17300613]
Any tips for aiming and stability when using two antennas?
Mount both antennas with solid brackets, equal coax lengths, and correct polarization. Aim with small azimuth tweaks while watching SINR. Secure cables to avoid movement. Lock the router to the tested band once aligned. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16758723]
Why does my app show a login error while bands appear?
That’s expected if the app reads public status but fails admin login. Confirm credentials at 192.168.8.1 (admin/admin by default). Without login, you can’t change modes or read full metrics. [Elektroda, phubobik, post #17296941]
What if my current BTS is saturated but the alternative is better?
Switch to the better BTS using a directional 800‑MHz MIMO antenna pair. The expert advised testing near the hill BTS, then aligning at home toward it if results improve. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17300613]