FAQ
TL;DR: On a TP‑Link TL‑MR6400 in a remote Play area, LTE800 delivers up to 37 Mb/s; "you need an effective external, directional high‑gain antenna." Prioritize an outdoor, aimed setup to lift SINR and hold higher bands. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17507780]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps TL‑MR6400 users in weak‑signal areas pick a compatible external antenna, aim it, and set realistic speed expectations.
Quick Facts
- TL‑MR6400: no band lock, no signal diagnostics, LTE Cat 4, 100 Mb/s LAN, typical value PLN 100–150. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17507780]
- Near Żarczyn, BTS Banie runs LTE2600/2100/1800/800 with carrier aggregation; phones confirmed aggregation there. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17509216]
- Antenna pick: 800–2600 MHz broadband for all Play bands, or 2100–2600 MHz when targeting high bands. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17516136]
- Keep coax ≤10 m; shorter cable preserves antenna gain and uplink margins. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17516153]
- Band capacity guide: LTE2600 = 20 MHz, LTE1800 = 15 MHz, LTE2100 = 10 MHz; fastest band has shortest reach. [Elektroda, matek451, post #18357122]
What external antenna works best with a TP‑Link TL‑MR6400 on Play near Żarczyn?
Use a dual LTE1800–2600 MHz high‑gain panel (e.g., 17 dBi class). It improves chances of logging LTE2600 and stabilizes LTE1800/2100. The MR6400 will pick the band automatically, so focus on gain and precise aiming. A Cybertech dual 1800–2600 MHz 17 dBi is a proven choice. [Elektroda, matek451, post #18357122]
Can the TL‑MR6400 use LTE‑A carrier aggregation?
No. It does not use two‑ or three‑band LTE‑A aggregation, so it cannot combine LTE2600+1800+2100 or similar. "On MR6400 you will not use aggregation." Expect lower peak speeds than an aggregating phone. [Elektroda, matek451, post #18357122]
Can I lock the TL‑MR6400 to a specific LTE band or view detailed signal metrics?
No. The MR6400 lacks band selection and deep signal diagnostics. It is LTE Cat 4 with 100 Mb/s LAN, limiting flexibility and throughput. As the expert put it, "you cannot select a specific LTE band on it." Consider testing with a phone first to see the best band. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17507780]
Should I choose an 800–2600 MHz broadband antenna or a 2100–2600 MHz high‑band model?
Pick 800–2600 MHz if you want access to all Play bands, including LTE800 for reach. Choose 2100–2600 MHz if you target faster high bands and accept shorter range. This matches the two clear options identified by the expert. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17516136]
Which Play LTE bands operate near Żarczyn, and what did tests show?
From Żarczyn, devices log to BTS Banie where LTE2600/2100/1800/800 run with aggregation. Phone tests showed LTE2100 as base in one screenshot and weak LTE1800 in another. The path includes some forest, so outdoor antennas help a lot. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17509216]
What speeds can I expect on LTE800 versus higher bands here?
LTE800 uses a 5 MHz carrier and tops out around 37 Mb/s downlink. It often becomes congested, so evening speeds may drop. Higher bands can deliver more, but only if your signal and SINR are strong. That is why a directional antenna matters most. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17507780]
How do I test my signal and BTS before buying an antenna?
- Install Network Cell Info on Android and go outdoors at roof height.
- Note eNB/ECI, band, RSRP/RSRQ/SINR in the DANe tab.
- Run Speedtest and save screenshots for each spot.
"The DANe tab will show the eNB, BTS ECI, signal parameters and bandwidth." [Elektroda, matek451, post #17507780]
How long can my antenna cable be without killing gains?
Keep the coax run 10 m or less. "The cable is not longer than 10m and the shorter the better." Longer cables raise loss and erase antenna benefits, especially on 2100–2600 MHz. Place the router nearer the antenna if needed. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17516153]
Why is my phone faster than the MR6400 on the same SIM?
Modern phones aggregate bands on BTS Banie, while the MR6400 cannot. The phone may use LTE2600+1800+2100, but the router stays single‑band. A high‑gain antenna can still nudge the MR6400 onto LTE2600 for better peaks. [Elektroda, matek451, post #18357122]
Where should I aim the antenna from Żarczyn?
Aim at BTS Banie that serves Play with LTE2600/2100/1800/800. The route includes forest, so use a directional, high‑gain unit and fine‑tune azimuth for best SINR. Re‑verify with Network Cell Info after mounting. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17509216]
Which band is fastest here and why?
LTE2600 is the fastest because it uses a wider 20 MHz channel. LTE1800 uses 15 MHz and LTE2100 uses 10 MHz. Expect shorter reach at 2600 MHz, so gain and clean line‑of‑sight matter. "The LTE2600 band operates at 20MHz width and is assumed to be the fastest." [Elektroda, matek451, post #18357122]
Is the TL‑MR6400 worth keeping, or should I upgrade the router?
It’s basic: no band lock, no diagnostics, Cat 4, 100 Mb/s LAN. "Worth PLN 100-150." If you want band control and aggregation, upgrade to an LTE‑A router. Keep the MR6400 if you add a good antenna and accept single‑band limits. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17507780]
Can you name specific antenna models recommended in this thread?
Yes. A Telkob 800–2600 MHz broadband panel and a Cybertech dual 17 dBi for 1800–2600 MHz were suggested. Follow the short‑cable rule (≤10 m). Choose based on whether you must keep LTE800 in play or target higher bands only. [Elektroda, makosuu, post #17516153]
I’m closer to Chojna; what’s realistic without an antenna?
Nearest BTS Chojna is about 8 km, with all LTE bands. Expect weak coverage and mostly LTE800, which is slower. LTE800 is 5 MHz and up to 37 Mb/s, but can be overloaded. Test other operators before committing. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17507780]
What if my phone keeps hopping between BTS sites?
That happens when signals from multiple towers compete, as seen between Rybie and Dawid. Use a directional antenna to favor one site. The MR6400 cannot band‑select, so consider a router with band lock for stability. [Elektroda, matek451, post #18357122]
How did router and phone speedtests compare in this thread?
The OP confirmed one test used a phone with a Play SIM, and the other used the same SIM in the MR6400 over Wi‑Fi. Differences arise from device capabilities and bands in use. [Elektroda, Edzien, post #17516097]
