FAQ
TL;DR: Aggregating two LTE bands (e.g., 2600 + 1800 MHz) on a Huawei B535 can lift download speed from 30 Mb/s to 90 Mb/s “if signal and antenna match” [Elektroda, WarHawk480, post #18279118] “There is no one-size antenna for the B535” [Elektroda, matek451, post #18197795]
Why it matters: Correct band tests and a tuned MIMO antenna prevent costly, slow ‘electro-breakers’.
Quick Facts
• Huawei B535 supports 2×2 MIMO and 2-band aggregation (max 40 MHz total bandwidth) [Huawei Spec].
• SMA-F connectors accept ≤ 10 m 50 Ω coax; each extra metre loses ≈ 0.2 dB at 1800 MHz [*Coax Loss Chart*].
• Dual-polar Cybertech 17 dBi panel covers 1800-2600 MHz; price ~PLN 260 [Elektroda, matek451, post #18340642]
• Wideband ATK-504 (2×9 dBi) spans 800-2600 MHz but gains only 7 dBi at 2600 MHz [Telkob Data].
• Oversize Yagi across 800-2600 MHz loses > 4 dB on high bands—edge-case to avoid [Elektroda, matek451, post #18236762]
Which external antenna works best with a Huawei B535 in mixed rural–urban areas?
Use a dual-polar panel (15–17 dBi) covering the exact bands you will aggregate. For 1800–2600 MHz choose Cybertech 17 dBi; keep cable ≤ 10 m to hold loss under 2 dB [Elektroda, matek451, post #18288032]
Do I need an antenna if the router already shows 2–3 signal bars?
Check SINR and RSRP first. If SINR < 10 dB or RSRP < -90 dBm, throughput will dip at peak hours; an external antenna can add 6–10 dB and stabilise speed [Elektroda, matek451, post #18545470]
What band combinations can the B535 aggregate?
All 2-band permutations among B1 (2100 MHz), B3 (1800), B7 (2600), B20 (800): 7+3, 7+1, 3+1, 7+20, 3+20, 1+20 [Elektroda, matek451, post #18598364]
How do I find the right BTS and bands before buying an antenna?
- Install LTEWatchH (Windows) or HManager (Android).
- Force each band separately; note RSRP, RSRQ, SINR and speed.
- Pick the two fastest bands from the same tower for aggregation [Elektroda, matek451, post #18235339]
Why do wideband Yagi antennas underperform on the B535?
A Yagi’s element spacing must fit one frequency; stretching to 800-2600 MHz drops gain by up to 4 dB on 2600 MHz and ruins VSWR, producing edge-case failures [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #18236891]
Can I reuse old satellite coax for LTE?
Yes, if it is 75 Ω RG-6 and run under 10 m, but expect an extra 1 dB mismatch loss; 50 Ω cable is recommended for best MIMO performance [Coax Loss Chart].
What speeds are realistic after proper tuning?
Users reported jumping from 24 / 10 Mb/s on single 800 MHz to 49 / 12 Mb/s on 1800 + 800 MHz and up to 90 / 20 Mb/s on 2600 + 1800 MHz after antenna alignment [Elektroda, WarHawk480, #18287964; #18279118].
My pings spike every few minutes—antenna or router?
First lock the router to the tested aggregation (e.g., 2600 + 1800 MHz). One user cut ping jumps from 400 ms to 25 ms by forcing bands; poor antennas can’t cause such rapid roaming alone [Elektroda, ajku, post #18479504]
Is the B535 future-proof compared to B525?
It adds two extra combos (2600 + 2100 and 2100 + 1800), improving speeds near modern BTSs; however, it still lacks 4×4 MIMO and 3-band CA found in B715/B818 [Elektroda, matek451, post #18598364]
Edge case: what if my only nearby BTS is LTE800?
Expect ≤ 35 Mb/s even with a good 800 MHz antenna; consider switching providers or waiting for additional bands, as seen at Currents site with LTE800 only [Elektroda, matek451, post #18514616]
How tight should I screw SMA connectors?
Finger-tight usually suffices; use an 8 mm wrench only to secure against vibration. “Under-tightened SMA can cut throughput ten-fold” [Elektroda, single_malt, post #18238946]
Can I improve Wi-Fi coverage from the B535 itself?
Position centrally and enable 5 GHz band; if walls attenuate, add a wired access point. Range extenders often inherit the weak backhaul seen in ZTE MF283+ setups [Elektroda, froggie, post #18526442]
What if the operator's store insists 'any antenna will do'?
Ignore. Measure first; 95 % of buyers pick ineffective ‘electro-breakers’ when sales staff skip the site survey [Elektroda, matek451, post #18198044]