FAQ
TL;DR: For rural T‑Mobile users 5 km from a BTS, use an outdoor 5G/LTE unit; "5G2100 does not matter at all," and moving the set can trigger a 0.5 Mb/s cap. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20806060]
Why it matters: This helps you pick hardware and setup that actually improves throughput instead of just showing a 5G icon.
Quick-Facts
- Both WNC Home Office and ZTE MC889 are outdoor 5G/LTE access points with 4×4 MIMO and approx. 6–8 dBi gain. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20806060]
- T‑Mobile rents these sets; the SIM is tied to the kit/location, and moving it can drop speeds to 0.5 Mb/s. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20806060]
- The ZTE bundle uses the T5400 as the indoor unit, one of ZTE’s newer mesh routers. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20806060]
- T‑Mobile’s 5G on 2100 MHz is DSS with LTE2100, so benefits are limited. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20806060]
- Around 5 km from a NetWorks BTS, skipping an external antenna costs you performance headroom. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20805645]
Quick Facts
- Both WNC Home Office and ZTE MC889 are outdoor 5G/LTE access points with 4×4 MIMO and approx. 6–8 dBi gain. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20806060]
- T‑Mobile rents these sets; the SIM is tied to the kit/location, and moving it can drop speeds to 0.5 Mb/s. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20806060]
- The ZTE bundle uses the T5400 as the indoor unit, one of ZTE’s newer mesh routers. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20806060]
- T‑Mobile’s 5G on 2100 MHz is DSS with LTE2100, so benefits are limited. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20806060]
- Around 5 km from a NetWorks BTS, skipping an external antenna costs you performance headroom. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20805645]
Will 5G on 2100 MHz improve my range or speed on T‑Mobile?
Not much. T‑Mobile runs 5G2100 as DSS with LTE2100, so it doesn’t add real capacity or range. “5G2100 does not matter at all.” [Elektroda, matek451, post #20806060]
WNC 5G Home Office or ZTE MC889 + T5400 — which should I choose for countryside use?
Pick the ZTE if you must choose between T‑Mobile’s sets. As one user noted, “This WNC also does not have an external antenna... you would have to throw this router on the roof.” [Elektroda, dLogan, post #20806019]
Are the radio gains similar between the WNC and ZTE kits?
Yes. Both are outdoor 5G/LTE access points with integrated 4×4 MIMO antennas and approx. 6–8 dBi gain. Expect similar RF capture. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20806060]
Does the Snapdragon X55 vs X62 detail really matter here?
Treat it as modem generation, not CPU performance. As clarified: “It’s not the processor but the modem version.” Prioritize antennas, bands, and placement. [Elektroda, dLogan, post #20805282]
Will the ZTE MC889 connect to 5G n1 (2100 MHz)?
Yes. As noted, 5G “should start on ZTE” and it works on n1 per the device’s specs. [Elektroda, dLogan, post #20805399]
Do I actually need an external antenna at ~5 km from the BTS?
Yes. “At 5 km from the NetWorks BTS, without an external antenna... you deprived yourself of the chance for faster mobile Internet.” Outdoor CPE aims at the tower. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20805645]
Are these T‑Mobile CPEs locked to my address or tower?
Yes. They’re rented, the SIM is tied to the set and location, and moving it can cut speeds to 0.5 Mb/s on another BTS. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20806060]
Why do I sometimes see 5G but still get low speeds?
Rural 5G or DSS can show a 5G icon without high throughput. One user got 5G with “poor transfers of a dozen or so MB/s” far from town. [Elektroda, dLogan, post #20805399]
Would switching to Orange or Plus improve results outside big cities?
Possibly. “T‑Mobile works fine in large cities. I would go to Orange or Plus if possible.” Test each with a prepaid SIM first. [Elektroda, dLogan, post #20806097]
Which 5G bands actually matter for performance here?
n78 mid‑band is key for capacity. Plus deploys 5G on n41 (2600 TDD) and adds n1 in cities for n78+n1. “n78 is still important.” [Elektroda, matek451, post #20807204]
What bands are active around Kadzidło right now?
Per the local rundown: Plus does 5G2600+n2100 with LTE1800/800. NetWorks runs LTE2600+2100+1800+800+900 plus 5G2100 DSS. Play has LTE2100/1800/800 (and LTE2600 on one sector). [Elektroda, matek451, post #20807204]
How do I test the right tower and setup at home?
- Go outside with your T‑Mobile SIM and phone; note signal and bands in a network app.
- Run a Speedtest (Ookla) and screenshot both app and test.
- Compare indoor vs. outdoor to decide on outdoor CPE placement.
“Perform the test outdoors... and show a screenshot... and speedtest.” [Elektroda, matek451, post #20805645]
Is the WNC firmware flexible for advanced settings?
Reports say no. The WNC is a T‑Mobile device and users noted “they are terribly neutered,” limiting configuration compared with open routers. [Elektroda, dLogan, post #20805282]
What exactly comes with the ZTE option from T‑Mobile?
The MC889 outdoor unit plus the T5400 indoor router. The T5400 is one of ZTE’s newer mesh routers for in‑home distribution. [Elektroda, matek451, post #20806060]
How can I find nearby BTS sites and their bands before buying?
Check the map at btsearch and verify the closest BTS and bands. Then align your outdoor unit toward that sector’s azimuth. “You would have to check the nearest BTS and in what bands they broadcast.” [Elektroda, dLogan, post #20805282]
