FAQ
TL;DR: For Huawei B525 users in Koszalin (T‑Mobile), pick a MIMO antenna—"Recently, they praised the ATK‑504 broadband forum"—and a 17 dBi 1800–2600 option for 2600+1800 CA; lock bands and test before buying. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17149315]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps flat‑dwellers choose and aim an external LTE antenna and verify gains with band‑locked tests.
Quick Facts
- Tested on a B525 here: 800, 1800, 2600, 2600+1800, 2600+800, 1800+800. [Elektroda, xgabrys, post #17149142]
- LTE800 was congested; 2600+1800 showed best potential; 2600 looked good despite weak signal. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17149186]
- “Dashboards mean nothing”—measure bands and aggregation using Huawei Manager before buying gear. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17148770]
- Antenna picks: ATK‑504 (wideband); Cybertech dual MIMO 17 dBi for 1800–2600; not for 800. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17149315]
- Placing the router at the window increased bars and download speed in this case. [Elektroda, xgabrys, post #17148231]
What’s the best external LTE antenna for a Huawei B525 on T‑Mobile in Koszalin?
Target 2600+1800 CA with a dual MIMO 17 dBi 1800–2600 antenna, like the Cybertech panel. If you also need LTE800, choose a wideband option, such as ATK‑504. “I think that it would work for you,” noted the recommender. Match antenna to the bands that test best first. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17149315]
Do signal bars matter when choosing an antenna?
No. “Dashboards mean nothing.” Read actual bands and CA with Huawei Manager, then compare performance. Base decisions on locked‑band tests, not bars. Bars can mislead under load or interference. Measure, don’t guess. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17148770]
How do I lock LTE bands on a B525 and test speed?
- Use Huawei Manager to select a single band or CA combo.
- Run the Speedtest.net app and record results.
- Repeat for each band and aggregation, then compare. “Set the band and fire speedtest” summarizes the process. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17149077]
Which band or aggregation should I target first?
Start with LTE2600+1800. LTE800 here was clogged, which is typical at busy times. LTE2600 alone showed promising results despite a weaker signal. Prioritize the combinations that deliver higher throughput during your tests. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17149186]
Is the Cybertech 17 dBi antenna enough if I need LTE800 sometimes?
No. That model is designed for 1800–2600 MHz and won’t work on 800 MHz. If you must keep LTE800 in play, opt for a wideband antenna like the ATK‑504 instead. Choose based on your tested bands. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17149315]
If I can’t put the router on the windowsill, will placing it near the window help?
Yes. In this case, moving to the window increased both bars and download speed. If the sill isn’t possible, get as close as feasible and verify with tests. Small placement changes can matter indoors. [Elektroda, xgabrys, post #17148231]
What speed test app should I use for consistent results?
Use the Speedtest.net mobile app. It’s simple to repeat runs for each locked band or aggregation and compare outcomes consistently across settings. Keep server selection stable for fair comparisons. [Elektroda, sebapulawy, post #17149051]
How do I pick the direction to aim the antenna?
Aim toward the serving BTS and validate with tests. Start with the Staszica 38 site and run LTE2600+1800, 2600+800, and 1800+800. Adjust azimuth slightly to maximize throughput and stability. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17148866]
What do the early tests say about LTE800 vs LTE2600 here?
LTE800 was saturated; throughput suffered even with acceptable signal. LTE2600 looked good, and 2600+1800 has clear potential. Edge case: on LTE800, load can keep speeds low despite decent bars. Prioritize higher bands. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17149186]
Is there a cheaper antenna that still performs well?
Yes, the Cybertech 17 dBi 1800–2600 model is slightly cheaper than wideband options. It performs well for 2600+1800 CA but doesn’t cover LTE800. ATK‑504 costs more and spans more bands. Decide by needed bands. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17149315]
How should I document and share my tests with the forum?
Select each frequency or combination, run Speedtest, save the result, and proceed to the next setting. Share the full set so others can compare all combos. This makes guidance precise and actionable. [Elektroda, sebapulawy, post #17149079]
Do I need any special app to read band and CA info from the B525?
Yes. Use Huawei Manager to select and view bands and carrier aggregation. It lets you lock bands, see current settings, and prepare for consistent speed testing. This avoids bar-based guesswork. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17148770]
Do I need to set a specific band before running speed tests?
Yes. Lock a single band or a chosen CA combo, then run Speedtest. Repeat for each setting. This isolates performance by band and reveals the best target for your antenna. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17149077]
I’m one meter from the window; is that acceptable during testing?
Yes, you can start there if the sill isn’t feasible. The author kept the router about 1 m from the window due to aesthetics and continued testing successfully. Use this position while you evaluate bands. [Elektroda, xgabrys, post #17148847]
what antenna will be the best for me?
