FAQ
TL;DR: Yes—MF258K can aggregate up to 4 LTE bands, and you can "select specific bands" in T‑Mobile firmware. [Elektroda, NOWY987654321, post #19612001]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps MF258K owners and installers on Play/Orange/T‑Mobile lock bands and tune carrier aggregation for better speeds in weak‑signal areas.
Quick Facts
- MF258K with T‑Mobile firmware exposes band/carrier/PCI selection in the WebUI and aggregates up to 4 LTE bands. [Elektroda, NOWY987654321, post #19612001]
- Play-branded MF258K lacks band-forcing in firmware and can block desired band combinations. [Elektroda, NOWY987654321, post #19615271]
- On Orange, B1+B3+B20 totals 35 MHz; adding B7 (LTE2600) raises available bandwidth to 50 MHz. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20700003]
- SINR below 16 dB limits modulation to QAM64 instead of QAM256, reducing peak throughput. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20700003]
- Around Kębłów, Play offers 4-band LTE (2600+2100+1800+800, 55 MHz) with reported 250–300 Mb/s. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20700003]
Is band aggregation possible on the ZTE MF258K?
Yes. With T‑Mobile firmware, the WebUI lets you pick specific bands, carriers, and PCI. The MF258K aggregates up to four LTE bands. Play-branded units lack this selection and can cause issues. [Elektroda, NOWY987654321, post #19612001]
Which MF258K firmware lets me lock bands, carriers, or PCI?
T‑Mobile firmware enables band, carrier, and PCI selection in the MF258K WebUI. This allows precise carrier aggregation tuning per site conditions. [Elektroda, NOWY987654321, post #19612001]
How do I lock bands or PCI on the MF258K?
- Log into the MF258K WebUI as admin.
- Open the LTE settings page and choose desired bands/carriers; optionally set PCI.
- Apply changes, then test speeds and stability.
This uses the router’s built‑in controls. [Elektroda, NOWY987654321, post #19612001]
Does the Play-branded MF258K support band forcing?
No. The Play firmware does not allow forcing LTE bands, which also blocks target B1+B3 aggregation choices. [Elektroda, NOWY987654321, post #19615271]
Why do I see LTE1800+2100+1800 aggregation on Orange?
Your site broadcasts multiple LTE1800 carriers. The MF258K can aggregate two LTE1800 carriers plus LTE2100, shown as 1800+2100+1800. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20699838]
What bands does the OBRA site add, and why does that matter?
OBRA includes LTE2600+2100+1800+800. Without LTE2600 you get 35 MHz; adding LTE2600 raises total to 50 MHz and is usually less loaded. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20700003]
My SINR is under 16 dB; what throughput penalty should I expect?
Expect QAM64 instead of QAM256, which lowers peak data rates even with CA. "SINR below 16 dB" was cited as the limiting factor. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20700003]
I can’t re-aim the antenna—what gains are still realistic?
"No, setting BTS NetWORKS without LTE2600 is unlikely to give better results," and evening speeds may drop further. Consider switching to a site with LTE2600 support. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20700003]
Which operator works best around K9b2 2w with MF258K?
Play is recommended there, offering LTE2600+2100+1800+800. Try Virgin‑Mobile pre‑paid with 470 GB/MC for PLN 15 to test performance. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20699954]
Why am I picking up a sector from the back (unexpected PCI)?
Your antenna may be receiving the neighboring site backwards, giving worse signal from that direction. Re-aiming can fix unexpected PCI hits. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20699954]
LTE2100 is weak but LTE800/1800 look OK—what should I change?
Change the antenna mounting location and use a high‑gain 1800–2100 MHz external antenna. This improves B1/B3 signal balance for CA. [Elektroda, NOWY987654321, post #19615271]
Is the Huawei B818 with a Cybertech antenna a better bet?
One user reported the B818 with a Cybertech antenna "works great." If you have it, it’s a proven combo for challenging sites. [Elektroda, Insensible, post #19615148]
What alternative hardware helps in forested or remote sites?
Consider a router plus an offset or grid antenna, or a MikroTik CPE. These are effective but not “cheap” solutions. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19615470]
Does firmware version affect aggregation performance on MF258K?
Yes. Firmware version is important for how CA and QoS perform; some users prefer B1+B7 on Orange. [Elektroda, jarek7714, post #20700237]
Can the Orange MF258K lock bands and PCI?
Yes. An Orange MF258 user confirmed the router allows band/frequency/PCI locks for optimization. [Elektroda, spider_net, post #20699768]
I'm asking on behalf of a friend, he wants to have Internet at a cheap cost in a very poor location and he took this set from Playa, unfortunately he had no other option.
