FAQ
TL;DR: On LTE1800 (15 MHz, MIMO 2x2), theoretical download tops 112 Mbps; “Speeds depend not only on signal.” Force bands, test near the Milewski 10 BTS, and prefer LTE1800 over congested LTE800. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16907717]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps T-Mobile users in Turku Radiant Street squeeze stable speed from a Huawei B315s-22 without wasting money.
Quick Facts
- Huawei B315s-22 cannot do carrier aggregation; you must lock individual LTE bands. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16907517]
- Nearest site: Milewski 10 with LTE1800 NetWorks and LTE800; aggregation exists on site, not on B315. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16907517]
- LTE800 at this location is overloaded; expect better results on LTE1800. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16907630]
- Use LTEWatch_H or E5186 Toolbox to force bands and read CID/RSRP/RSRQ. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16907517]
- Field-testing tip: measure near the BTS during peak hours to gauge sector load. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16907717]
How do I optimize a Huawei B315s-22 on T-Mobile in Turku Radiant Street?
Lock LTE1800 and LTE800 in turn using LTEWatch_H or E5186 Toolbox. Record RSRP/RSRQ, CID, and speed for each. Compare results at home versus near the Milewski 10 BTS. Prefer LTE1800 if LTE800 is congested. Consider a directional 1800 MHz antenna only if testing shows gains. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16907517]
Which LTE bands are available nearby, and which should I choose?
The closest site at Milewski 10 runs LTE1800 NetWorks and LTE800. Start with LTE1800 for capacity, then compare with LTE800. The site supports aggregation, but your B315 cannot use it. Pick the band that tests faster and steadier for your sector. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16907517]
Is LTE800 worth using here if it feels slow?
Not usually. LTE800 from Milewski is overloaded even with good signal. Shift to LTE1800, which has smaller range but more usable capacity. Improve LTE1800 signal with a dual 1800 MHz antenna only after testing. Load, not bars, limits speed most. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16907630]
What download speed can LTE1800 deliver in theory at this site?
LTE1800 NetWorks provides 15 MHz with MIMO 2x2 and downlink up to 112 Mbps. Each tower has three sectors; you are on the third. Real speed depends on how many users share that sector. “Test near BTS for peak potential.” [Elektroda, matek451, post #16907717]
Should I buy a router with carrier aggregation to combine LTE800 and LTE1800?
Hold off. Because LTE800 is clogged here, aggregating LTE1800 with LTE800 adds little. First verify whether LTE2600 is available; without it, CA may not help. Band quality beats band quantity when one component is saturated. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16907988]
If LTE2600 isn’t available, what’s my fallback?
Use LTE1800 if it tests acceptably, or try 3G on UMTS2100 HSPA+ DC with the B315. Also test alignment toward other sites, such as Polna 5 or the Adamów power-plant chimney. Pick the path that yields steadier evening speeds. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16912886]
Which external antenna works best for this case?
Choose a directional dual-antenna tuned for 1800 MHz only after field tests show LTE1800 improves near the BTS. Antennas fix weak signal, not sector congestion. Expect uncertain gains if the sector is busy at peak times. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16907630]
How do I test correctly before buying an antenna?
- Go toward the Milewski 10 BTS and run tests during the evening peak.
- Lock LTE1800, measure RSRP/RSRQ, and run speed tests.
- Compare near-BTS speeds with home results; buy a directional 1800 MHz antenna only if the gap is large. “Test near BTS—speed hinges on users.” [Elektroda, matek451, post #16907717]
Does the Huawei B315s-22 support carrier aggregation?
No. The B315 cannot aggregate LTE bands. Use software to force one band at a time and optimize that link. If you need CA, consider different hardware after testing proves it helps. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16907517]
What tools help me force bands and read cell details on the B315?
Use LTEWatch_H or the E5186 Toolbox. After logging in, you can lock LTE1800 or LTE800 and see signal metrics and the serving cell’s CID. Capture screenshots for each mode to compare performance. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16907517]
Why are my speeds fine near the tower but poor at home?
Load varies by sector and time. Near the BTS, signal is optimal, so speed reveals sector congestion. At home, weaker LTE1800 signal and the same crowded sector reduce throughput. Evening peaks exaggerate this effect. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16907717]
Could even LTE1800 be congested for me?
Yes. A user test toward the BTS showed LTE1800 was also clogged. In that edge case, try UMTS2100 HSPA+ DC or aim at alternative sites. Manage expectations during peak hours. [Elektroda, Ignik, post #16912727]
How does 3G perform here if LTE is unusable?
The B315 can connect to UMTS2100 HSPA+ DC from Milewski. Reported results looked modest due to heavy T‑Mobile load in Turku. Use it as a fallback when LTE sectors saturate in the evening. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16929119]
What mobile app should I use for on-foot testing?
Use Network Cell Info on an LTE phone. Walk or drive toward the target sector, connect to LTE1800, and record signal and speed. This shows realistic potential before you invest in an antenna or new router. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16907630]