LB2120 with external antenna

Question

Has anybody ever attempted to use an external antenna with this device? I live in Sydney Australia and am ~800m from my closest tower. I bought this external MiMo antenna to try and boost my signal - https://poynting.tech/product/xpol-2-5g-3/. As you can see it supports 5G frequencies so was future proofing at the same time.

To be clear, I am yet to complete the install (i.e. run cables through ceiling, cut holes in walls etc) but have been doing preliminary testing in my backyard - though it is mounted on my TV antenna pole. Without the antenna connected to the modem, I noticed I was at roughly -110db indooors and -96db outdoors with varying download speeds (speedtest.net). With the antenna connected, the signal increases to -76db (as you'd expect). This is using the same same cell tower.

However, I notice the following when I connect the antenna:

* Much higher latency - consistently upwards of 1000ms

* Pings constantly drop

* Speedtest.net will not connect - reports no internet

* Websites don't load - to be expected considering the issues above

I have attached the test outputs in case it helps anybody - I have also raised a case with Netgear, but yet to hear back, Coronavirus and all :)

I am trying to determine:

Is the antenna the issue - brand new, but could be
Are there some hidden settings that need to be enabled on the modem?
Is the modem faulty?

I have to admit, I have never liked Netgear equipment having had a DM200 that didn't work as advertised (got a refund) and various ADSL routers in the past that failed. If this turns out to be the modem, it will be the very last time I use Netgear equipment.

mackov83 · Answer

With the new LTE Cat6 modem I am now pulling ~100mbps down and about 8mbps up - not a bad increase!&nbsp;I also tested the LB2120 Cat4 again at the same time for a comparison - 12mbps down, 24mbps up.

mackov83 · Answer

By way of an update...&nbsp;After no return calls or responses to email from Netgear, I decided to try it again today. For some unknown reason it is now working. With the antenna disconnected I am getting around 6-12mbps down and 12mbps up.With the antenna connected I am getting around 24mbps down and 24mbps up.&nbsp;I can only attribute the previous issues to some carrier level issues as I have not changed anything. Possibly majorly high demand due to people working from home.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some things I have noticed after some in depth investigation:This modem only supports LTE Cat4This modem does not seem to support carrier aggregation - at least this is what I have read, would be great to know for certainOther modems support LTE Cat6 and aboveMost LTE Cat6 modems and above seem to support carrier aggregation - if you want to know more, here is a good article:&nbsp;https://www.3gpp.org/technologies/keywords-acronyms/101-carrier-aggregation-explainedNighthawks are:M1 (MR1100) - Cat16M2 (MR2100) - Cat20Very few modems / wifi hotspots / routers had the combination of:1G ethernet portsExternal antenna support andSupported bridge / IP passthrough modeUnless willing to spend &gt; AU$300-400I currently have an LTE Cat6 modem on order and will update my findings when I have them - i.e. to see if speeds increase. When I am able to return to work I may also borrow the M2 that my network team uses.&nbsp;BTW, having raised a case with Netgear, this has been my experience:Raised a case onlineTold I need to call within 48 hours or the case would be closed1st call - told I was second inline and was approx. 355mins(6hrs?!) from the next technician and would I like a call back = yes I would :)Submitted the document attached to this thread to the caseReceived an email next day that my case would be closed in 24 hours without a callAs a result I made a 2nd call - I am still the second person in line, however this time no option for a call backToday, check and the case is closedThis has to be customer service at its absolute best :)

LlamaLarry · Answer

What modem did you switch to? &nbsp;I would also like to know if it has CA.

mackov83 · Answer

Let me know how you get on using the same antenna for two connections, but I have a feeling that won't work. Likely you will end up with some level of contention? More than happy to be proven wrong though :)&nbsp;Originally I was testing with the Optus SIM from my phone and it seemed to give better upload speeds. My NBN provider has a month to month SIM for $35 for 30GB that can pool data up to 100GB which was enough as backup internet - has saved me a few times. But it only does 6-7mbps uploads. I did muck around with telstra.extranet APN (which is supposed to be for businesses) and that seems to give a more symmetrical service, but the download speeds take a hit.&nbsp;&nbsp;BTW, for anybody reading this it is best to test max throughput after 11pm/12am to get the max values, and comparing those to times of high use - i.e. 7 or 8pm.

Sheaj544 · Answer

I am quite curious too ?&nbsp;&nbsp;I have picked up a second one of these to play with Dual Wan and to really just get more data for our home.&nbsp;&nbsp;The first in my case is flawless with Vodafone, 100Mb/s down most of the day, Uploads even more stable throughout the day with 35-40 Mb/s.&nbsp;&nbsp;Do i hear NBN is defunkt :o&nbsp;&nbsp;Second LB2120 for Optus with their recent deal on 500GB Mobile Broudband.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pretty abysma speeds so far and it varies heaps. 30 - 60 Mb/s down and a WHOPPING 7-9 Mb/s UP.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just patheric really, cant even get double digits, more the fault of Optus and made worse by the 4G Modem for not allowing Frequancy selection. &nbsp;&nbsp;Come on NETGEAR, is this NETgear or S**tGear. &nbsp;with a High Gain external antenna i would thave thought to get more than single digits for the upload. It seams to be stuck on the B40, 2300mHz frequancy 20 Mhz width. There is no ability to manualy select 1800 Mhz, 25 Mhz wide band, where one could only hope the uplaod speed would increase. &nbsp;&nbsp;Shame. guess its toygear after all. No support for OpenWRT either. Guess im out of luck.&nbsp;Anyways, What was the Cat 6 4G Modem you have picked up ? curious to hear your findings :D&nbsp;&nbsp;Happy Hunting

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LB2120 with external antenna

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