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[Solved] Huawei B2368-66 Router: Seeking User Experiences & Compatibility with External Modems

damianekm1112 34191 39
Best answers

Can the Huawei B2368-66 be used with an external modem or in another configuration than the original ODU/IDU set?

No — the B2368-66 cannot be sensibly used with an external modem or in a different hardware setup. The LTE modem and router are in the outdoor unit (ODU); the indoor unit (IDU) is essentially just a PoE/power and LAN/Wi‑Fi switch, so swapping the IDU for another PoE adapter does not change the actual routing function [#17619486][#17617680] One user who tried that replacement confirmed it powers up on the original 12 V supply, but the network logic still stays in the antenna/ODU, so the modification achieves nothing [#17617680] Another reply states directly that the ODU works only with the router from the set and there is no alternative configuration [#17611790]
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Treść została przetłumaczona polish » english Zobacz oryginalną wersję tematu
  • #31 17829131
    losiu20
    Level 10  
    Posts: 5
    Rate: 1
    hello, screen from the B2368-66 interface. extended in the annex, location Kleszczów voivodeship Lesser Poland
    Attachments:
    • Huawei B2368-66 Router: Seeking User Experiences & Compatibility with External Modems Clipboard02.jpg (102.46 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
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  • #32 17829351
    matek451
    Level 43  
    Posts: 31052
    Help: 4314
    Rate: 5708
    Very strange CID, it's LTE1100, band aggregation doesn't work. Signal satisfactory. BTS probably Leśna 69 in Zabierzów if it works or Rudawa but this CID is strange.
    Helpful post? Buy me a coffee.
  • #33 17829414
    losiu20
    Level 10  
    Posts: 5
    Rate: 1
    why strange How to find out which BTS? need to translate sim to phone? I have this program network cell info but it only shows me the bts t-mobile that I have in my phone. I am closer to BTS in Aleksandrowice, do you think that if I would set up a directional antenna for it, it would be better?
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  • #34 17829584
    BikeBarian
    Level 24  
    Posts: 598
    Help: 37
    Rate: 122
    Strange because B2368 does not provide eNBID or CID in some simple decoded form and it is difficult to determine which mast we are connecting to, especially since it has an omnidirectional antenna and can connect to "anything". I take it this way that I make a round around the surrounding masts and check what PCIs are on them (number of sectors) and based on the PCI indications (Physical Cell ID - PCI) from the LTE Status panel on B2368 I define the BTS with -em link.
    If I were you, I would have listened to my mothers friend and took a ZTE WF830. B2368 is good in the city (and not like Play suggests in the countryside where directional antennas are the basis). I own B2368 and I convert it into directional antennas, but if you don't own it, you won't do it.
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  • #35 17830910
    losiu20
    Level 10  
    Posts: 5
    Rate: 1
    I'm just wondering if I take the directional it won't be worse? I think not because the transmitter I would point it to is the same as in the attachment
    Attachments:
    • Huawei B2368-66 Router: Seeking User Experiences & Compatibility with External Modems lte1.jpg (284.1 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
  • #36 17830998
    BikeBarian
    Level 24  
    Posts: 598
    Help: 37
    Rate: 122
    @ matek451 do you have a link to the antenna specification of this ZTE WF830 somewhere ?? ... on ZTEpoland's facebook there is an entry that this antenna is 180 degrees ...

    Link

    In the location where you live, you have access to a large number of BTSs, but the specific BTS you gave is on the 242 Mbit radio line, which is very thin. I looked around your area and you do not have a very different option because other BTSs or not visible and as visible on the same crap radio line. You can also try BTS Morawica Brzoskwinia but first check if you have a set of bands there or only 800 and 1800.
  • #37 17831555
    losiu20
    Level 10  
    Posts: 5
    Rate: 1
    there are also two bts at the airport in Balice, first I have to replace the antenna with a directional one and then work. You can get more help and information here on the forum than on Play. greetings
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  • #38 17831716
    BikeBarian
    Level 24  
    Posts: 598
    Help: 37
    Rate: 122
    That's right. These two are already on optical fibers and you shouldn't aim but the ZTE WF 830 antenna may not be enough because I don't think it is more directional than the Cybertech one. It is also important how the sectors are spaced and whether they are shining in your direction ... it may turn out that you will be between the sectors and you will not catch a good signal. Cybertech has 30 degrees of radiation and when you set the antenna on Balice, you gently enter this mast with a 242Mbit radio link. If I were you, I would try B715 + Cybertech from Play for testing and see how it works.
  • #39 17832113
    matek451
    Level 43  
    Posts: 31052
    Help: 4314
    Rate: 5708
    In fact, ZTE provides a horizontal beam angle of 180 degrees. I have only one BTS nearby so it is difficult to check how it looks in practice. Of course, the choice of B715 is correct, so far the choice of BTSs from LTE2600 is very limited, Zabierzów-Śląska but through forests and the one in Balice.
    Helpful post? Buy me a coffee.
  • #40 18154475
    damianekm1112
    Level 8  
    Posts: 19
    Rate: 3
    The thread has been exhausted topic for closing

Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around user experiences with the Huawei B2368-66 router, particularly its compatibility with external modems and performance in various locations. Users express concerns about the router's software limitations, including a lack of intuitive WebUI and issues with band aggregation. Some recommend alternative models like the Huawei B715 and ZTE WF830 for better performance. Users also discuss the importance of external antennas for improved signal strength and the challenges of using the B2368 in rural areas. The conversation highlights the need for thorough testing of mobile internet options based on specific locations and signal conditions.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Field tests show B2368-66 peaks at 200 Mb/s off-peak, yet its "stupid PR will not replace professional knowledge" limits usability [Elektroda, matek451, post #17397666][Elektroda, matek451, post #17397511] Why it matters: buyers avoid costly hardware that under-delivers without tweaks.

Quick Facts

• Huawei B2368-66 = LTE Cat 12, 3×CA, but no band-lock in GUI [Elektroda, matek451, post #17397511] • Play Internet 200 GB plan: PLN 70 / month; 300 GB: PLN 80 / month [Elektroda, Fixer24, post #17460151] • B715 router street price: approx. PLN 300 new [Elektroda, Jeziorko, post #17446563] • ODU power: 12 V, ≥1 A via PoE; stock PSU 12 V 2 A [Elektroda, BikeBarian, post #17611753] • IDU acts as a switch + PoE injector, not a router [Elektroda, maxim2002, post #17617680]

What are the main differences between Huawei B2368-66 and B715?

B2368-66 is a two-box CPE: outdoor ODU (modem+router) and indoor IDU (Wi-Fi + PoE). It supports Cat 12, 3-band CA, but lacks band-selection and uses an omnidirectional antenna [Elektroda, matek451, post #17397511] B715 is an all-in-one indoor Cat 9 router; its WebUI and HManager allow manual band-lock and easier diagnostics [Elektroda, matek451, post #17397511]

Can I attach an external modem or antenna to the B2368-66?

No. The ODU contains the modem and integrated antenna; there are no RF ports. Users confirmed bypass attempts fail because the IDU is only a PoE switch [Elektroda, maxim2002, post #17617680]

Does the Play-branded B2368 have a SIM-lock?

Technically it carries a PLMN lock: only Play IMSIs register. Support claims “no SIM-lock”, yet cards from other networks cannot connect [Elektroda, pepisz, post #17418456]

Which single-box router aggregates 1800 + 2100 + 2600 MHz under PLN 600?

ZTE MF980 (mobile) pairs with Xiaomi 3G router for USB tethering and 3×CA selection [Elektroda, matek451, post #17442117] Stationary option: Huawei B818 (Cat 19) retails ~PLN 600, supports the combo and SMA antenna ports (spec sheet, 2020).

How do I test the best operator before signing a contract?

  1. Insert prepaid SIMs into an LTE phone.
  2. Use the free Network Cell Info app outdoors to log RSRP/RSRQ and eNB IDs.
  3. Run speed tests at peak and off-peak times. Record the top two performers; pick the one with stable ≥−90 dBm RSRP and consistent throughput [Elektroda, matek451, post #17397618]

Is the RJ-11 port on Play’s B715 VoIP capable?

The hardware supports GSM and VoIP, but Play’s firmware disables VoIP. Alternative firmware restores it [Elektroda, matek451, post #17462240]

What PoE specs are safe if I replace the IDU?

The ODU runs on 12 V over two pairs; draw is about 1 A. TP-Link 24 V injectors will damage it. Use a passive 12 V 2 A injector or the stock PSU [Elektroda, BikeBarian, post #17611753]

Why did my B2368 reset when I used a 20 m Cat 6 cable?

Longer or thinner cables drop voltage; the ODU brown-outs and reboots. One user saw 15 resets in 10 minutes with 20 m Cat 6 until reverting to the 10 m stock lead [Elektroda, Jack84_PL, post #17640412]

Are external LTE antennas legal in Poland?

Passive gain antennas are legal. Active GSM repeaters are prohibited. A user clarifies: “Any amplification or redirection … is strictly prohibited” refers to active devices, not passive antennas [Elektroda, matek451, post #17619486]

Quick 3-step guide: aiming a directional antenna for Play LTE-A

  1. Locate nearest multi-band BTS on map (LTE 800/1800/2100/2600).
  2. Mount antenna at roof height; sweep slowly ±15° while watching RSRP.
  3. Lock when SINR peaks; then test speed on each band via router diagnostics. “Ten degrees off can cost 20 Mb/s,” notes expert matek451 [Elektroda, 17831716]

Edge case: can the ODU work with third-party routers over Ethernet?

Yes, but only as a bridged connection: ODU handles NAT; your router sees a private IP. Advanced settings remain inaccessible; therefore VLAN, firewall or band-lock features stay limited [Elektroda, matek451, post #17617706]
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