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Improving Internet Speed in Play with Alcatel Link Zone Router: User Experience

agula19801 10518 18
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How can I improve slow Wi‑Fi/internet speed from Play with an Alcatel Link Zone router, and is a different router worth buying?

The Alcatel Link Zone is a poor choice here; if you can, get rid of it and use a proper LTE-A router instead, ideally a Huawei E5185, B525, or E5186, because they support carrier aggregation and are better for home Wi‑Fi use [#16922591][#16922730] Your location appears to have strong Play LTE coverage, so test the Play SIM in an LTE phone with Network Cell Info and run speed tests both inside and outside the window to check signal, BTS, and band aggregation before buying anything else [#16922591][#16922692] The speeds you showed on Play look like a 1 Mb/s / 0.384 Mb/s funnel, which suggests the data limit in the offer has been used up; test again on a card with no funnel or after the new billing period starts [#16922881][#16923067] For a home setup, the antenna is probably unnecessary at that BTS distance, and a stationary LTE-A router with 2.4/5 GHz Wi‑Fi and Gigabit LAN is a better fit than a mobile MiFi [#16922591][#16922881] Orange was working OK in your test, so the main issue seems to be the Play tariff/limit rather than the radio link itself [#16923202]
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  • #1 16922243
    agula19801
    Level 7  
    Posts: 25
    Rate: 4
    Please help. When I picked up the phone in Play, I got "free" internet. The lady in the living room suggested an Alcatel link zone router. I mainly care about wifi. The internet is very slow. I did the speed test, but I don't know if it is used for wifi at all. Currently, I also use the Internet from Orange with Huawei 3372 and the antenna from cybertech and the results are about 10 mbps. My contract is ending soon and I'm not going to extend it. I was hoping that the one from Play would be enough. My location is 78-600 Wałcz Ul. Przedmiejska, unfortunately I live on the ground floor. Please. For help
    Attachments:
    • Improving Internet Speed in Play with Alcatel Link Zone Router: User Experience Screenshot_20171229-181756.png (149.03 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
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  • #2 16922306
    lukasrsv
    Level 20  
    Posts: 591
    Help: 41
    Rate: 163
    The speed of the internet changes at the window? What range does Play catch in your place of residence?
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  • #3 16922320
    agula19801
    Level 7  
    Posts: 25
    Rate: 4
    Similar data next to the window. I also took a screenshot from another application. I'm only interested in play, I want to quit from Orange. I was still thinking about buying another mobile device.
    Attachments:
    • Improving Internet Speed in Play with Alcatel Link Zone Router: User Experience Screenshot_20171229-191914.png (190.55 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
  • #4 16922591
    matek451
    Level 43  
    Posts: 31046
    Help: 4313
    Rate: 5707
    Thank the lady from the Play lounge for giving you the worst call ... Alcatel Link Zone. Give it back as soon as possible, do not pay 24 installments of 10 PLN = 240 PLN. It is worth the maximum final PLN 40. You want to use this Play at home, stationary. Put the card into LTE phone with this Network Cell Info application and do the test just like Orange. Show the parameters of the ECI signal, eNB BTS and speedtest. You have the perfect LTE coverage at Play, BTS at Chełmińska at EKO-Młyn. On it, all LTE2600, LTE1800, LTE2100, LTE800 bands and their aggregation. The optimal router with aggregation of three LTE bands, the minimum is the aggregation of two LTE bands. What is the Play offer? You can choose a mobile E5185 router for PLN 159 + installments 24x10 PLN / month or stationary B525 for PLN 259 + 24x10 PLN / month. They support the aggregation of 2 LTE bands. Alternatively, you can buy E5185 for around 250-300 PLN or for around 350-400 PLN B525, E5186. The antenna at this distance from the BTS is not needed.
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  • #5 16922660
    agula19801
    Level 7  
    Posts: 25
    Rate: 4
    Thank you for your answer, I have 2 cards in my phone, Play is a SIM 2 card. Unfortunately, my husband was subscribed to the company in November, so I can't give Alcatel back. I would like to buy a mobile router, e.g. huawei e5785 (is it ok?) Is what in the attachment is enough? Dot SIM 2
    Attachments:
    • Improving Internet Speed in Play with Alcatel Link Zone Router: User Experience Screenshot_20171229-203623.png (157.99 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
  • #6 16922692
    matek451
    Level 43  
    Posts: 31046
    Help: 4313
    Rate: 5707
    Connection with LTE1800 on BTS Play na Młynie. Signal parameters poor but good SINR, so the sector is not overloaded, what the speeds look like, make a speedtest and show the result. Also show the test when the phone is outside the window. Why mobile MiFi and what budget?
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  • #7 16922730
    jarek7714
    Level 27  
    Posts: 826
    Help: 85
    Rate: 117
    agula19801 wrote:
    I have 2 cards in my phone, Play is as SIM 2. Unfortunately, my husband was subscribing to the company in November, so I can't give back Alcatel anymore. I would like to buy a mobile router. Is what in the attachment is enough? Dot SIM 2
    Generally, in this situation, you have 3 options: struggling with this pseudo Internet for 2 years, two years to buy a modem-router with LTE-A will probably improve the situation or the third - using Huawei E3372 and LTE2600 with forcing this band on the modem. Probably @ matek451 will have a more brilliant way out of this uncomfortable situation (check the operation of the operator's network before choosing an offer).
  • #8 16922779
    agula19801
    Level 7  
    Posts: 25
    Rate: 4
    In the attachment, first (top) data transfer outside the window and wifi, then (bottom) data transfer and wifi at home. Wifi in both below 1. I would like to fit up to PLN 400 can be used. I would not like to connect cables but I would use Smart TV, phones, tablets and laptops.
    Attachments:
    • Improving Internet Speed in Play with Alcatel Link Zone Router: User Experience Screenshot_20171229-210216.png (498.12 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
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  • #9 16922807
    matek451
    Level 43  
    Posts: 31046
    Help: 4313
    Rate: 5707
    By. If you are a colleague of Jarek, you should take Plus because it probably works fast in Wałcz, after all, on the BTS Chełmińska Plus it launched its LE2600 and earlier it had LTE1800Aero2 and LTE800Sferia. Somehow it does not go to it that Play offers State Unlimited House WiFi Internet card with 100GB is free, so Play customers often use it. Plus has its SmartDom and Play has this combined offer. He already knows that Play is pseudo internet for you and the situation is uncomfortable despite the fact that he has not yet seen speed tests on LTE1800, he does not know what the signal and speed parameters look like on other LTE bands. Just a clairvoyant. The only mistake so far is this Alcatel, but consultants in salons and not only Play, as a rule, push the worst equipment, those from Plus too. And as for the operators, Play has 3BTS in Wałcz with a complete set of LTE2600, LTE180, LTE2100 and LTE800 bands. Each of them has 40 (45) MHz resources in MIMO2x2. On BTS Chełmińska, each LTE band has 5 sectors. Plus uses 4 BTSs, 20MHz in MIMo2x2 with LTE1800Aero2, 3 LTE800Sferia with 5MHz in MIMO and one 20MHz in MIMO2x2 for LTE2600Plus. This is the one on the Mill and on it, 45MHz in MIMO2x2 is available, but only on three sectors. NetWorks has 3 BTSs with LTE1800 and LTE800 Orange and T-Mobile on one more. A cursory analysis already shows that in Wałcz it is Play that has the best-developed LTE network. Make the test outside, show the NCI screen and speedtest. And are these poor results in LTE, the Dual phone, so is the transmission on the Play card to the internet and is the second SIM card working on LTE in dual mode? What version of E3372, regular or HiLink, from Orange, has a simlock? DL / UL speeds at 1Mb / s / 0.38Mb / s, so they look like there is a funnel on these cards after exceeding the limit. What exactly is the offer from Play? And as for the router, stationary LTE-A also works on WiFi for 2.4 and 5GHz in AC mode, and they have Gigabit LAN ports. Mobile MiFi toys are not dedicated to work 24/7 as home routers.
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  • #10 16922839
    agula19801
    Level 7  
    Posts: 25
    Rate: 4
    As I wrote in Play, the internet was like an addition to 2 phone calls per company. I didn't buy it on purpose. After my adventures in Orange (here, fortunately, I got advice about buying an antenna from cybertech and somehow almost 2 years passed). Alcatel is my mistake. But I can always sell it and buy Huawei
    Added after 4 [minutes]:
    Both measurements are taken on the phone, in the Huawei e3372 (bought from Play) there is only the Orange card (connected to the cybertech antenna)
  • #11 16922881
    matek451
    Level 43  
    Posts: 31046
    Help: 4313
    Rate: 5707
    The PERFEKT BOX Play offer includes https://www.play.pl/resources/pdf/2017/Regula...nej-FORMULA-PERFECT-BOX-dla-Firm_03112017.pdf on voice cards you have 10GB at full speed and then a DL funnel 1Mb / s UL 0.384Mb / s. On the internet card it is 100GB / month and if you exceed it, the funnel is 1 Mb / s / 0.384Mb / s. If you have this offer, the speeds on the voice card indicate the funnel. Insert the internet card into the phone instead of the Orange card and run the NCI and speedtest tests on it. Test at home and outside the window. Unless the limit is also used on this website. Modem E3372 from Play supported by the browser, address 192.168.8.1 or by the Play OnLine application?
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  • #12 16922885
    agula19801
    Level 7  
    Posts: 25
    Rate: 4
    Perfect box formula for companies - Internet to the office for porters
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    #13 16922910
    matek451
    Level 43  
    Posts: 31046
    Help: 4313
    Rate: 5707
    I figured it out myself and linked the rules. I also know that you have E3372 in the regular version from the topic about Orange.
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  • #14 16922978
    agula19801
    Level 7  
    Posts: 25
    Rate: 4
    In the attachment there are SIM 1 measurements (instead of Orange). This is confirmed by the agreement signed on November 4
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    • Improving Internet Speed in Play with Alcatel Link Zone Router: User Experience Screenshot_20171229-220922.png (496.69 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
    • Improving Internet Speed in Play with Alcatel Link Zone Router: User Experience Screenshot_20171229-215714.png (155.4 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
    • Improving Internet Speed in Play with Alcatel Link Zone Router: User Experience Screenshot_20171229-220020.png (496.04 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
  • #15 16923063
    agula19801
    Level 7  
    Posts: 25
    Rate: 4
    Off the topic, I was shocked when I did the speed test with Orange (Huawei e3372 + cybertech antenna). I think something has improved.
    Attachments:
    • Improving Internet Speed in Play with Alcatel Link Zone Router: User Experience IMG_20171229_223931.jpg (4.25 MB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
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    #16 16923067
    matek451
    Level 43  
    Posts: 31046
    Help: 4313
    Rate: 5707
    It is still a card with a 1Mb / s funnel, i.e. with used data limit, in addition to 3G from BTS UMTS2100 HSPA + DC at the Młyn. I don't know why it connects to 3G and not LTE. Make a test on a card with no funnel, on the E3372 modem with forced LTE only, test at home and outside, show the PlayOnLine tab with the RSSI and CID parameters of BTS. Indoor and outdoor test. This is for starters.
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  • #17 16923085
    agula19801
    Level 7  
    Posts: 25
    Rate: 4
    I have a new billing period in a few days, why not try? I've probably used everything already
    Added after 17 [minutes]:
    I put the Orange card into Alcatel. The lower ones in the house, the higher ones outside the window. And the data tab
    Attachments:
    • Improving Internet Speed in Play with Alcatel Link Zone Router: User Experience Screenshot_20171229-231559.png (153.95 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
    • Improving Internet Speed in Play with Alcatel Link Zone Router: User Experience Screenshot_20171229-230209.png (497.67 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
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  • #19 16923248
    agula19801
    Level 7  
    Posts: 25
    Rate: 4
    Exactly, thank you for your help, there's nothing like a professional :-)

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around improving internet speed using the Alcatel Link Zone router provided by Play. The user reports slow internet speeds, averaging around 10 Mbps, while using a Huawei 3372 modem with an external antenna from Cybertech. Several participants suggest alternatives, including returning the Alcatel router and opting for a mobile router like the Huawei E5185 or E5785, which support LTE band aggregation for better performance. Users emphasize the importance of testing signal strength and speed both indoors and outdoors, and recommend using applications to analyze network parameters. The conversation highlights the limitations of the Alcatel router and the potential benefits of switching to a more capable device, especially given the user's location and the available LTE bands from Play.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Swap the Alcatel Link Zone for an LTE‑A router; "minimum is the aggregation of two LTE bands." A concrete saving: 24×10 PLN=240 PLN on the bad kit. Test with Network Cell Info and target LTE2600/1800/2100/800. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16922591]

Quick Facts

How do I fix slow Play internet on an Alcatel Link Zone?

That hotspot is weak for home use. Move your Play SIM to an LTE‑A router that supports at least 2‑band aggregation (e.g., Huawei E5185/B525). Test with Network Cell Info, aim for LTE2600/1800/2100/800 from the Chełmińska site, and retest speeds inside and by the window. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16922591]

Is my speed capped because of Play’s Perfect Box for companies?

Yes, after 10 GB on a voice SIM the plan limits you to 1 Mb/s down and 0.384 Mb/s up. The separate Internet SIM gets about 100 GB per month before the same cap. Check your billing cycle and test again when it resets. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16922881]

Why does my phone drop to 3G instead of LTE on Play?

A used‑up data limit can push you into capped speeds and 3G. Force LTE‑only in your modem/phone, then capture RSSI and CID in the Play Online/diagnostics view. Run indoor and outdoor tests to compare. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16923067]

Which router under 400 PLN actually helps?

Choose an LTE‑A router with carrier aggregation. Good picks: Huawei E5185 or B525/E5186. They aggregate two LTE bands and typically cost ~250–400 PLN used. This upgrade is a bigger win than any antenna at your location. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16922591]

Do I need an external LTE antenna near Wałcz, ul. Przedmiejska?

No. The Play site at Chełmińska provides strong LTE on 2600/1800/2100/800 with aggregation. At this distance an external antenna adds little; focus on a router that can aggregate bands. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16922591]

How do I run a proper Play network test at home?

  1. Put the Play SIM in an LTE phone and open Network Cell Info.
  2. Record eNB/CID, RSSI/RSRP, and SINR; run a speed test by the window and indoors.
  3. Share screenshots plus results to compare bands and load. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16922591]

What is LTE carrier aggregation and why does it matter here?

Carrier aggregation (LTE‑A) combines bands, boosting throughput and stability. Play supports LTE2600/1800/2100/800 and their aggregation in Wałcz. "The optimal router [has] aggregation of three LTE bands; the minimum is two." Pick gear that does at least 2CA. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16922591]

Why avoid mobile MiFi for 24/7 home internet?

Pocket hotspots aren’t designed for continuous operation or many clients. Stationary LTE‑A routers add dual‑band AC Wi‑Fi and Gigabit LAN, handling Smart TVs, laptops, and tablets better and more reliably. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16922807]

Is Play actually the best network in Wałcz, or should I switch to Plus/Orange?

Analysis shows Play has strong build‑out in Wałcz: three BTS with LTE2600/1800/2100/800 and about 40–45 MHz total. One Chełmińska site has five sectors per LTE band, improving capacity. Plus/Orange can work, but test first. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16922807]

What do SINR, RSSI, and eNB mean in my app?

SINR shows signal quality; higher is cleaner. RSSI/RSRP indicate signal strength. eNB (with CID) identifies the LTE base station and sector you’re on. Good SINR with weak strength can still deliver speed if the sector isn’t congested. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16922692]

Why are my Wi‑Fi results below 1 Mb/s when mobile data looks okay?

If your plan hit its cap, speeds are limited to 1 Mb/s down and 0.384 Mb/s up, regardless of Wi‑Fi. That matches sub‑1 Mb/s readings. Reset after your billing cycle or use the Internet SIM allowance. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16922881]

Does dual‑SIM setup affect my speeds?

Yes. Ensure the Play SIM is the active data SIM. Dual‑SIM devices can keep data on the wrong slot or fall back modes. Also confirm the other SIM isn’t forcing limitations while you test with Play. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16922807]

How do I lock my Huawei E3372 to LTE‑only for testing?

Open the modem interface (e.g., Play Online) and set network mode to LTE‑only. Note RSSI and CID, then run indoor and outdoor tests to compare performance. Capture screenshots for consistent diagnostics. [Elektroda, matek451, post #16923067]
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