FAQ
TL;DR: How do I fix slow Plus/CP internet? Often it’s tower congestion; LTE900 uses 5 MHz, and “BTS is overloaded.” Use Huawei E3372 HiLink at 192.168.8.1 with LTEWatchH to lock LTE1800/900/800 and compare. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17520999]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Plus (Cyfrowy Polsat) users with Huawei E3372/DWR‑116 quickly separate operator congestion from equipment issues so they can act fast.
Quick Facts
- With DWR‑116 + Huawei E3372, the modem determines LTE link quality; router swaps rarely fix RF problems. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17520344]
- E3372 HiLink is managed at 192.168.8.1; use LTEWatchH/E5186 Toolbox to read CID, signal, and lock LTE1800/900/800. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17520425]
- Speedtests showing download lower than upload indicate a congested BTS; low upload suggests weak signal path. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17518534]
- Plus/CP’s LTE900 uses a 5 MHz channel and typically runs slower; it replaced LTE800 in many areas. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17520999]
Is my slow Plus/CP LTE due to the router or the network?
Focus on the modem and the network. The Huawei E3372 handles the LTE link, not the D‑Link DWR‑116. Swapping the router alone rarely affects RF quality or tower congestion. Expert note: “The modem is responsible for the LTE connection, not the router.” Validate by testing bands and BTS before buying hardware. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17520344]
How do I check if my Huawei E3372 is HiLink and access it?
Insert the E3372 into a PC’s USB port. Open 192.168.8.1 in a browser. If the web UI loads, you have the HiLink variant and can manage the connection there. Use that access with tools for diagnostics. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17520344]
How can I see which BTS and band my modem is using?
Use LTEWatchH or the E5186 Toolbox. Connect to 192.168.8.1 and read the LTE band, eNB, and CID. These identify the serving cell and frequency. After each change, run Speedtest and capture screenshots to compare results. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17520425]
How do I lock my E3372 to LTE1800/LTE900/LTE800 for testing?
Lock bands to compare performance.
- Open LTEWatchH and connect to 192.168.8.1.
- Click Frequenzband, select LTE1800, apply, then run Speedtest.
- Repeat for LTE900 and LTE800, noting RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, and results.
This isolates congestion versus weak coverage. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17520999]
Why is my download slower than upload on Speedtest?
That pattern signals a congested base station. Expert note: “DL lower than UL indicates that BTS is overloaded.” If upload is also low, the signal path is weak. Check SINR and RSRP, try another band or tower, then retest. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17518534]
What does low SINR mean for my speeds?
Low SINR reveals interference and contention. Even with sufficient signal, throughput can collapse under low SINR. In this case, very low SINR proved tower overload. Improve SINR by changing location, orientation, or band, then retest. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17520999]
Will plugging the E3372 directly into my PC speed things up?
Direct USB testing removes router overhead. In this thread it improved speed by only about 3%. That points to tower congestion or RF issues, not router limits. Keep testing after band locks to confirm the bottleneck. [Elektroda, barteku2006, post #17520311]
Should I replace my D‑Link DWR‑116 router to fix slow LTE?
Replace the router only after diagnostics. The router does not create or fix RF link quality. “The modem is responsible for the LTE connection, not the router.” Test bands and serving cells first. Upgrade only if signal work is required. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17520344]
Why is Plus/CP’s LTE900 often slow even with good signal?
LTE900 uses a 5 MHz channel, which limits capacity. It often replaced LTE800 and tends to be slower than LTE1800. You can test LTE900, but expect lower throughput during load. Prefer LTE1800 if that cell is less congested. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17520999]
Which Plus/CP BTS should I test near Szymanowskiego, Katowice?
Try these sites: Kościuszki 289 (LTE1800, LTE900 Aero2; LTE800 Sferia was temporary), Jankego 123 (LTE1800), Boya 34 (LTE1800), and Kaczeńców 8 (LTE1800, LTE900). Lock each band, then run Speedtest and save LTEWatchH screenshots. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17520425]
How should I test properly and share results?
Use a consistent method. Lock one band, note eNB/CID and signal metrics, and run Speedtest. Repeat for other bands and, if possible, other BTS. Share LTEWatchH and Speedtest screenshots for each case to isolate congestion from coverage issues. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17520425]
When is it time to switch operators or plans?
If every band and nearby BTS shows poor evening downloads, the network is overloaded. The expert flagged Plus/CP locally as chronically congested. If tests confirm that, choose a carrier with better capacity at your address and retest before committing. [Elektroda, matek451, post #17520999]
