FAQ
TL;DR: On Orange 4‑band sites, use CA routers: B715 enables 3‑band aggregation; "B525 aggregates two LTE bands." This FAQ helps Orange/T‑Mobile users near BTS choose routers, bands, and antennas for lower ping and stable speeds. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17310301]
Why it matters: It guides home users comparing Huawei B529 vs B315 to pick hardware and settings that unlock Orange’s multi‑band LTE.
Quick Facts
- Huawei B315 is LTE Cat 4; B529 is Cat 6 with 2x carrier aggregation (2CA) [Elektroda, matek451, post #17310145]
- The local Orange BTS runs LTE2600 15 MHz plus LTE2100/1800/800 at 10 MHz each, with aggregation [Elektroda, matek451, post #17310227]
- Huawei B525 includes 4× LAN ports and external SMA antenna connectors [Elektroda, matek451, post #17310227]
- Huawei B715 aggregates three bands (e.g., 2600+1800+800); approx. PLN 500 via retail offers [Elektroda, matek451, post #17310301]
- Moving the antenna outdoors can add about 8–9 dBi by avoiding wall attenuation [Elektroda, matek451, post #17310834]
Which is better for Orange near Kępa Tarchomińska: Huawei B529 or B315?
B529 is better. B315 is Cat 4 without carrier aggregation. B529 is Cat 6 with two‑band aggregation. On a four‑band Orange site, aggregation boosts throughput and stability. As the expert put it, “aggregation of 2 LTE bands.” Use CA when the BTS supports it. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17310145]
Is B525 or B715 a better upgrade than B529?
Yes. B525 and E5186 provide two‑band aggregation as a minimum. B715 adds three‑band aggregation for higher capacity. It cannot do 2600+2100+1800 together. “The more expensive option is B715 aggregating 3 LTE bands.” Use 3CA when your BTS exposes four bands. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17310435]
What band combos should I try first on B525/B715 for Orange?
Test LTE2600+1800 first. Also try 2600+800, 1800+800, and 2100+800. These match Orange deployments. Lock each combo and compare results. Use HManager on B525. On B715, force 2600+1800+800 where available. Pick the combo with the best speed and stability. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17310435]
What bands and bandwidths does the Orange BTS broadcast here?
This site carries four LTE bands with aggregation. LTE2600 uses 15 MHz. LTE2100, LTE1800, and LTE800 each use 10 MHz. Two additional nearby NetWorks sites offer similar multi‑band capability. CA routers will exploit this capacity better than Cat 4 units. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17310227]
Will putting my antenna outdoors improve signal and speeds?
Yes. Mounting the panel outside can increase received signal by about 8–9 dBi. Walls attenuate heavily indoors. Evening tests often look worse due to higher network load. Aim precisely at the BTS and elevate the antenna for best stability and rates. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17310834]
Which external antenna should I choose for all bands?
Use two ATK‑504 wideband antennas (800–2600 MHz) in X‑cross for full‑band coverage. For higher mid/high‑band gain, a Cybertech 17 dBi panel targets 1800–2600 MHz. Install antennas outdoors to see meaningful improvements. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17310435]
How do I test and lock LTE bands on Huawei routers?
Follow this quick method: 1) On B315, use LTEWatchH to lock LTE2600, 2100, 1800, and 800, then note signal and speed. 2) Run speed tests on each locked band to compare. 3) On B525, use HManager to force two‑band aggregation and retest. Pick the best performer. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17310301]
How do I confirm which BTS I’m on?
Put the SIM in an Android phone. Open Network Cell Info and use the DATA tab. Record eNB and ECI to identify the site. Compare readings indoors and outdoors. This shows which BTS covers your home and guides antenna aiming. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17310435]
Does the B525 have external antenna ports and multiple LAN?
Yes. The Huawei B525 offers four LAN ports and external SMA antenna connectors. That simplifies wired networking and MIMO antenna hookup for better reception. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17310227]
Which operator plan is better here: Orange or T‑Mobile?
One contributor recommends T‑Mobile’s value with equipment. They cite a plan including the B525 at PLN 49/65. Compare local performance and pricing, then choose the stronger bundle for your needs. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17310227]
I’m 1 km from the BTS—do I still need an external antenna?
Possibly. At about 1 km, high bands can be weak indoors with limited upload. Download may still look strong, so there’s potential. “It remains to choose a router and possibly change the antenna.” An outdoor mount helps stabilize links and latency. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17310357]
Will my Cybertech 15 dBi panel work on 2600 MHz too?
Yes. That Cybertech panel targets 1800–2100 MHz, and at this distance it also works on LTE2600. Mount it outside and test each band while aimed at your BTS. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17310357]
Can the B715 aggregate 2600+2100+1800?
No. B715 supports 3CA but not the upper trio 2600+2100+1800. Use 2600+1800+800 instead. “The three bands are aggregated by B715,” with this limitation noted. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17310301]
Are B529 and B525 too weak for a four‑band Orange site?
For peak capacity, yes. On this BTS, both B529 and B525 are described as too weak. A 3CA router better uses the available spectrum. Consider B715 if you need maximum throughput. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17310227]
Why does ping or speed vary at different times?
Network load changes during the day. Evening hours usually show more congestion and lower speeds. Your results vary with load, band choice, and signal strength. Use band locking, CA, and an outdoor antenna to stabilize performance. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17310834]
Are there alternative BTS options near Kępa Tarchomińska to aim at?
Yes. Orange also runs four‑band LTE at Jabłonna‑Buchnik Las and Aluzyjna 25F. If they’re in different directions, a directional antenna can favor the faster site. Test each and select the best performer for your address. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17310834]