I need a decent 4G modem/router with external aerial
 

So, after the requirements of lockdown basically killed the battery of my 3 year old iPhone SE (thanks to my keeping it permanently plugged into the mains and tethered to my Mac for Zoom etc for 5 months), I am in the market for a decent 4G modem/router that must be able to attach to an external aerial to improve my 4G reception. I'm wondering if anyone's ever dipped in to this and has any advice.

At the moment I am using the BT 4G mini hub they send you when you have a problem with your ADSL and it delivers a surprisingly good (for our location) of around 12mbit down, 4mbit up, providing I blu-tack it to precisely the right spot on our living room window. This is not an ideal long term solution.

After we had a landline fault, BT left the mini hub running for a couple of weeks longer than strictly necessary but they have now advised me it will cut off within the next few days. I've already ordered a second SIM on my EE mobile account with unlimited everything ... when it arrives I will put it in the BT mini hub until I can set up something permanent. After that, our ADSL will be used for our Echo devices, wifi calling on our mobile phones, and casual browsing; the 4G will be used to run the smart TV and any computer requiring fast upload (i.e me and my eldest, who both have college lectures online this coming term).

So something that sits on a surface in the house, with a decent wifi signal, the all-important external 4G antenna connection, and also I suppose any wisdom you have on a practical antenna solution. What's the trade off between cable length and antenna height, that sort of thing.

Re: I need a decent 4G modem/router with external aerial
 

Is this any good.


https://smile.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-M...s%2C168&sr=8-6

Re: I need a decent 4G modem/router with external aerial
 

Nope, as it doesn’t support connection to an external 4G antenna ... that’s the primary reason for buying a new router. The BT Mini hub is a perfectly decent piece of kit otherwise, very similar to the unit in your link.

Re: I need a decent 4G modem/router with external aerial
 

This may do it. Trial and error which antenna to change to the outside one.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TL-MR6400-U...RGQK26HPVA708Z

Re: I need a decent 4G modem/router with external aerial
 

Despite the product description, in the user questions it suggests those who have tried to detach the antennae have had no luck ... most people also seem to suspect they’re actually Wi-fi aerials as well, and not 4g receivers.

I can see plenty of routers on the market that absolutely do have a socket for an external aerial, my question is more around recommendations and tips/tricks based on experience - I’m aware it can be tricky to get a good signal in a poor area, that at long range, obstacles miles away can affect reception profoundly and that the highest point on the house is not necessarily the best, if it results in a very long aerial cable back to the router. I really just want to be as fore-armed as possible before I part with my cash.

Re: I need a decent 4G modem/router with external aerial
 

Have a look here, a good selection.

Re: I need a decent 4G modem/router with external aerial
 

So I went for the Huawei B818, as it has good reviews, and with a fair wind and decent provision by the carrier can deliver stupidly fast 4G.

We are in a very marginal signal area so placement is key. I’m probably going to put up an external antenna, but for the time being it is sitting next to an upstairs window.

Our BT ADSL gives us 4 down, 0.5 up.
The BT 4G mini hub, stuck to a downstairs window, gives 15 down, 4 up.
The Huawei, on EE 4G and sitting next to an upstairs window has just delivered this:

https://www.cableforum.uk/board/atta...1&d=1599380704

The WiFi coverage from the B818 is absolutely superb as well. I got that Speedtest on an iPad several rooms away from the router.

Needless to say I’m a very happy bunny right now.

Re: I need a decent 4G modem/router with external aerial
 

With that speed compared to what you had I should think so!