LB2120 with external antenna

By way of an update...

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.

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. 

Some things I have noticed after some in depth investigation:

• This modem only supports LTE Cat4
• This modem does not seem to support carrier aggregation - at least this is what I have read, would be great to know for certain
• Other modems support LTE Cat6 and above
• Most LTE Cat6 modems and above seem to support carrier aggregation - if you want to know more, here is a good article: https://www.3gpp.org/technologies/keywords-acronyms/101-carrier-aggregation-explained
• Nighthawks are:
  • M1 (MR1100) - Cat16
  • M2 (MR2100) - Cat20
• Very few modems / wifi hotspots / routers had the combination of:
  • 1G ethernet ports
  • External antenna support and
  • Supported bridge / IP passthrough mode
  • Unless willing to spend > AU$300-400

I 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.

BTW, having raised a case with Netgear, this has been my experience:

• Raised a case online
• Told I need to call within 48 hours or the case would be closed
• 1st 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 case
• Received an email next day that my case would be closed in 24 hours without a call
• As a result I made a 2nd call - I am still the second person in line, however this time no option for a call back
• Today, check and the case is closed

This has to be customer service at its absolute best :)