FAQ
TL;DR: Expect occasional 1 Mb/s lows on congested LTE. "A subscription from DL to LTE at 1Mbps is a misunderstanding." This FAQ helps MF286 owners check bands/CA and stabilise Orange speeds. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17124714]
Why it matters: MF286 owners on Orange who lack band selection or see unstable LTE can test bands, evaluate BTS links, and choose antennas or operators.
Quick Facts
- Orange MF286 firmware commonly referenced: CR_ENEEUMF286V1.0.0B09; check your device info. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17123505]
- After the latest update and restarts, one user still had no band selection in the UI. [Elektroda, adrian92198, post #17123353]
- Observed MF286 UI supports selecting only one LTE band; no manual CA combo choice. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17123506]
- ZTE_MF286_Info v0.6.214 works for reading band, cell ID, and BTS details. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17123667]
- SSH access may use root/zte9x15 for advanced tweaks; proceed carefully. [Elektroda, pitron, post #17123866]
After updating my Orange ZTE MF286, why is there no LTE band selection in the UI?
Orange’s branded MF286 firmware can omit the manual band selection page. In the reported case, updating and restarting did not restore it. That means you may need external tools or different hardware to test specific bands or CA behavior. [Elektroda, adrian92198, post #17123353]
What firmware build should I check on the MF286 from Orange?
Look for the firmware ID CR_ENEEUMF286V1.0.0B09 in your device information. Contributors referenced this Orange build when discussing features and missing band selection options. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17123505]
Can I manually aggregate bands (CA) or only lock one band on the MF286?
Users observed the MF286 UI allows only single-band selection. "You can only select one band in this router." Manual CA combo selection is not exposed in the interface. Any carrier aggregation happens automatically if the network offers it. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17123506]
How do I read the current LTE band and BTS on the MF286?
Use the ZTE_MF286_Info v0.6.214 utility to query band, CID, and serving BTS. How-To: 1. Connect your PC to the MF286. 2. Run ZTE_MF286_Info and start a readout session. 3. Note the LTE band, eNB/CID, and BTS address for diagnosis and antenna planning. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17123667]
Can I SSH into the MF286 to tweak hidden settings?
Try SSH using credentials: root / zte9x15. If login works, you can access scripts and adjust advanced behavior. Changes are at your risk and may void support. Back up configurations before any edits. [Elektroda, pitron, post #17123866]
Which BTS am I connecting to near Regu2y/Micha2owice?
A shared readout showed an LTE1800 NetWorks cell from BTS Harcerska 30 in Piast F3w. The indicated signal parameters were very weak, which impacts stability and throughput. Consider testing other layers or improving signal before judging performance. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17124077]
Why are my evening speeds unstable (1ndash;8 Mb/s) on Orange LTE?
The author observed 1ndash;8 Mb/s swings in the evening around Regu2y. That pattern points to congestion and variable cell usage. Log your band/BTS, compare time windows, and test different layers to isolate the issue before changing plans or hardware. [Elektroda, adrian92198, post #17124653]
Is switching hardware worthwhile? What about Huawei B529/B593 for band locking?
Yes. A router like Huawei B529 lets you force individual LTE bands and read CIDs, streamlining operator and layer comparisons. Use such gear to test LTE2600/2100/1800/800 and observe CA availability around your location. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17124884]
Why does my older B593 get 5/5 while MF286 shows 0.8/2 at the same time?
Different device behavior can select different cells or bands. The user saw 5/5 Mb/s on a B593 versus 0.8/2 Mb/s on the MF286. That suggests cell selection or RF differences drive throughput, not only signal bars. Compare bands and BTS IDs during tests. [Elektroda, adrian92198, post #17124886]
Can HSPA+ really be faster than LTE on the MF286?
Yes. When the LTE layer is congested or unstable, HSPA+ can outperform LTE. The same user reported higher HSPA+ speeds than LTE on the MF286 under those conditions. Treat it as a congestion signal and reassess bands or BTS. [Elektroda, adrian92198, post #17124886]
Which operator should I choose near Regu2y for better LTE and CA?
Tests should include Orange, Play, and Plus. Nearby, multiple BTS reportedly offer LTE2600/2100/1800/800 with aggregation. Lock bands, log CIDs, and measure throughput on each layer to pick the most consistent operator. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17124884]
When should I add an external antenna to the MF286?
Add one if your serving cell shows weak signal, like the LTE1800 Piast F3w BTS case. Confirm the target BTS and band, then choose a matching directional antenna. Measure before purchase to avoid misalignment or band mismatch. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17124077]
Will reboots or resets restore band selection on Orange firmware?
Not in the shared case. After downloading the latest update and performing restarts, the MF286 still lacked band selection options. Plan on external tools or different hardware for controlled band testing. [Elektroda, adrian92198, post #17123353]
Can I force LTE2600 or LTE800 on the MF286 with an Orange SIM?
If your MF286 UI exposes single-band lock, you can select LTE2600 or LTE800 for testing. If it does not, use a router that supports band locking to compare layers and cells reliably. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17124884]
