April 25, 2019 at 10:09Internet for the summer resident. We get the maximum speed in 4G networks. Part 1. Choosing the right router
A few years ago, I already conducted a survey of communication facilities for a summer resident or living in his house, where broadband access to the network is not available or costs such money that it is easier to move to the city. Since then, a lot of terabytes has been transmitted and it became interesting to me, but what is now on the market for good access to the network via LTE or 4G. So, I collected a few old and new routers with the ability to work through cellular networks and compared the speed of work and their functions. I ask for the results under cat. By tradition, if anyone is too lazy to read, he can watch the video.
To begin with, I did not set myself the task of finding out which of the mobile operators provides the best speed, but decided to find out which of the modems / routers provides higher speed in the same conditions. Beeline was chosen as the provider. The following operators are available in my region: Beeline, MTS, Megafon, Tele2, Yota, WiFire. Striped was selected only because I already had his SIM card. I do not give preference to any of the providers - each of them just makes money.
To the base station, in a straight line, about 8 km, according to the router. All tests were carried out on weekdays from 11 to 13, because at this time the smallest load on the 4G network. In principle, I do not consider 3G networks in the test, since they also carry a load of voice communication, and only data is transmitted over 4G. Preventing conversations about VoLTE, I’ll say that voice over LTE has not yet been launched at the testing site. The test was carried out three times using the Speedtest service, the data were entered in the table and the average value of the download speed, data transfer and ping was calculated. Also, attention was paid to the capabilities of the router. Test conditions: clear weather, no precipitation. There is no foliage on the trees. The height of the equipment is 10 meters above the ground.
Tests for all devices were conducted separately for the "bare" router, in the factory configuration. The second test was conducted when connected to a small directional antenna, if the device has the corresponding connectors. The third test was conducted with a connection to a large panel antenna.
In the last column, I added the final cost of the solution: for example, a router + modem + antenna can take better than just a router, but cost less. Color gradation is introduced to visually identify one or another basic device to which an additional antenna can be connected.
I will give a scan of the radio air to understand the conditions of signal reception and the presence of a BS within the radius of the router.
Small antenna LTE MiMo INDOOR
TTX: Antenna design
: Indoor
Antenna type: wave channel
Supported communication standards: LTE, HSPA, HSPA +
Operating frequencies, MHz: 790-2700
Gain, max., DBi: 11
Voltage standing wave coefficient, not more than: 1.25
Wave impedance, Ohm: 50
Dimensions assembled (without attachment point), mm: 160x150x150
Weight, no more, kg: 0.6
Large 3G / 4G antenna OMEGA MIMO
TTX:
Antenna design : outdoor
Antenna type: panel
Supported communication standards: LTE, WCDMA, HSPA, HSPA +, DC-HSPA
Workers frequencies, MHz: 1700-2700
Gain, max., dBi: 15-18
Coefficient of a standing wave on voltage, no more: 1,5
Wave impedance, Ohm: 50
Dimensions in the assembly (without attachment point), mm: 450x450x60
Weight, no more, kg: 3.2 kg
TTX:
Network support: 2G, 3G, 4G
Protocol support: GPRS, EDGE, HSPA +, HSUPA, HSDPA, LTE-FDD 2600, LTE-FDD 1800, LTE-TDD 2300
An old, but very lively router. Works in 2G / 3G / 4G networks. It has connectors for connecting an external antenna. It is equipped with a built-in battery, which lasts for a couple of hours of very dense network work or 5 hours of leisurely surfing. There is a place to install a microSD card, which is available when accessing via a local wireless network. The cost is not too big, and when connected to a small and even large antenna through various pigtails and cable assemblies, it gives a very decent result, taking fourth place in the speed rating. The router is very convenient when traveling and traveling by car, since it takes up little space, but it provides the Internet for everyone in a small radius of action. The minuses also come from here: the range of the router is not very large - it will not cover the entire area of the cottage. No Ethernet ports which means that wired IP cameras and other network equipment that wants to access the network via cable cannot be connected. It only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, so in places of a large number of networks the speed can even be limited. In general, an excellent mobile router for working in the fields.
+ good battery life, support for all types of cellular networks, high data rate when connecting external antennas
- the inability to connect wired equipment
TTX MF823:
Network Support: 2G, 3G, 4G
Protocol Support: LTE-FDD: 800/900/1800 / 2600MHz; UMTS: 900 / 2100MHz;
EGPRS / GSM: 850/900/1800 / 1900MHz; LTE-FDD: DL / UL 100 / 50Mbps (Category3)
The only router in this test that itself does not work with cellular networks, but it has two USB ports and support for almost all USB modems that work with cellular networks. Moreover, a USB smartphone can be connected to Android or iOS, and the router will use them as a modem. In addition, Keenetic Viva can use any Wi-Fi source as an Internet access source, whether it be the Internet of neighbors, a public access point or shared Internet from a smartphone. Well, at home, this router connects to the network via a regular Ethernet cable and allows you to work on networks at speeds up to 1 Gigabit per second. That is, a universal harvester that can be used both at home and in the country. Plus to everything you can connect an external drive to a free USB port (there are only two of them) and the router itself will start downloading torrents or act as a local server for storing video from video surveillance cameras. As for working with 4G networks via a modem, in the test this bundle took the second place, though for this it was necessary to connect a large external antenna. But even without it, for only 9 thousand rubles, you can get an excellent router with a lot of features and stable Internet access. It's nice that the 4G modem can be used as a backup channel: when the wired provider "falls", the router itself will switch to work from the USB modem. And if the modem freezes, then the router will reboot it on power. A wonderful harvester, and more. then in the test this bundle took the second place, though for this it was necessary to connect a large external antenna. But even without it, for only 9 thousand rubles, you can get an excellent router with a lot of features and stable Internet access. It's nice that the 4G modem can be used as a backup channel: when the wired provider "falls", the router itself will switch to work from the USB modem. And if the modem freezes, then the router will reboot it on power. A wonderful harvester, and more. then in the test this bundle took the second place, though for this it was necessary to connect a large external antenna. But even without it, for only 9 thousand rubles, you can get an excellent router with a lot of features and stable Internet access. It's nice that the 4G modem can be used as a backup channel: when the wired provider "falls", the router itself will switch to work from the USB modem. And if the modem freezes, then the router will reboot it on power. A wonderful harvester, and more. The router itself will switch to work from the USB modem. And if the modem freezes, then the router will reboot it on power. A wonderful harvester, and more. The router itself will switch to work from the USB modem. And if the modem freezes, then the router will reboot it on power. A wonderful harvester, and more.
+ An excellent combination of a router and a modem will provide the Internet, both in the apartment and in the country. It works with almost all modems. Great functionality
- No modem does not work with cellular networks
TTX:
Network support: 3G, 4G
Protocol support: 4G: FDD-LTE B1 / B3 / B7 / B8 / B20 (2100/1800/2600/900 / 800MHz)
TDD-LTE B38 / B39 / B40 / B41 (2600/1900 / 2300 / 2500MHz)
3G: DC-HSPA + / HSPA + / HSPA / UMTS B1 / B8 (2100 / 900MHz)
Этот роутер существует в трех модификациях- v1, v2 и v3. Принципиальное отличие заключается в том, что у модификации v1 внешние антенны для 3G/4G сетей, а Wi-Fi антенны встроенные. У остальных версий наоборот. То есть к первой модификации можно подключить внешнюю антенну, а ко второй и третьей уже нельзя. Надо отметить, что роутер обладает неплохими базовыми антеннами с хорошим усилением. Функционал прошивки тоже достаточно богат, хотя и уступает модели от Keenetic. Стандартные разъемы SMA готовы для подключения внешней антенны, что позволило увеличить, в моем случае, скорость втрое. Но есть и недостатки у роутера: судя по форумам, техподдержка у TP-Link крайне слабая, прошивки выходят редко, а брака\глюков именно в первой модификации, которая так ценна для «дачников», было немало. В моем случае, роутер работает без проблем уже несколько лет. Объехал со мной немало городов, работал в полях, питаясь от инвертора в авто, обеспечивая Интернетом целую компанию. Достойный роутер, если найти первую модификацию.
+ Communication via a cellular network with external antennas (v1), which can be replaced, improving reception. Simple and functional device.
- A lot of complaints about glitches and marriage with the necessary modification of the router.
TTX:
Network support: 4G
Protocol support: 791 - 862 MHz (Band 20, FDD), 1800 MHz (Band 3, FDD), 2500 - 2690 MHz (Band 7, FDD)
An old but not lost relevance model from Zyxel. The router is very rich in functionality: sensitive LTE antennas, SMA connectors for connecting external antennas, two ports for connecting analog telephones, 5 Ethernet ports, USB port. In fact, this router is a whole combine that will provide the Internet and the phone will connect, since there is a built-in SIP client. In addition, the LTE module can serve as a backup Internet connection if the main, wired, channel stops working. That is, the router can work both at home (in the office) and in the country. The USB port can be used to connect an external drive or printer. As the speed tests show, it is only slightly inferior in the download of the TP-Link Archer MR200, while in price it is one third lower. The model is discontinued, but in the secondary market it is easy to find. The disadvantages of the whole pair: It works only on 4G networks and does not receive firmware updates. The second is not so important, since the current firmware is quite stable and functional, but working only in 4G networks suits me quite well - after all, cellular companies that provide unlimited Internet work in these networks.
+ A router rich in functions, allows you to connect an external antenna, you can connect a telephone
- Works only in LTE networks, firmware is not updated
TTX:
Network support: 3G, 4G
Protocol support: HSPA + / UMTS 2100/1800/900/850 MHz (Band 1/3/5/8), WCDMA: 2100/1800/900/850 MHz, LTE FDD 2600/2100 / 1800/900/850/800/700 MHz, LTE TDD 2600/2500/2300 MHz
A very interesting router, which is a logical continuation of Zyxel Keenetic LTE, but with a modified filling and design. The stylish little white device still has a couple of outputs for connecting an external antenna, thereby demonstrating support for MIMO technology. This is even more interesting, because the router supports data transfer in both 3G and 4G networks. But it differs from the old model by the lack of a USB port and only one FXS connector, that is, you can connect only one analog telephone. By the way, this model does not have a built-in SIP client and calls will be made through the installed SIM card. If the network supports VoLTE, then you can continue to work with the network and communicate at the same time; otherwise, the router will switch to 3G and Internet access may be interrupted. Again, when compared with the previous model, then the information content of the menu has become worse, but high-speed performance in the LTE network is delightful! The previous model Zyxel LTE3316-M604 overtakes almost one and a half times both when connecting an external antenna, and when working with the built-in. Able to work with two Internet providers (by wire and LTE) and switch in the event of a fall of the main channel to the backup. In general, a highly specialized router, but with a decent modem!
+ Excellent speed indicators, the ability to connect an analog telephone for calls via a SIM card
- Not a very informative menu, no SIP client
TTX:
Network support: 2G, 3G, 4G
Protocol support: GPRS, EDGE, HSPA +, HSUPA, LTE TDD 2300/2600 MHz, LTE FDD 2600/2100/1800/900/800 MHz
The evolution of the legendary Zyxel LTE 6101 router as a single unit - Zyxel LTE7460-M608. Everything in this model is very interesting: the antenna itself, 2G / 3G / 4G modem and router are hidden in a sealed unit and suggest installation on the street, without fear of any weather conditions. That is, even in our latitudes, such a device will quite survive both the hot summer and the fierce winter. There is also a younger model, the LTE7240-M403, but it is guaranteed to work only up to -20 degrees when the Zyxel LTE7460-M608 can withstand frosts down to -40. In general, this device is perfect for those who do not want to bother with external antennas, cable assemblies, broaching additional wires and more. The antenna is hung in the direction of the base station using the supplied bracket, only one Ethernet cable is supplied, along which there is also power (PoE injector is located in any convenient place in the room), and then the user receives an Ethernet cable with access to the World Wide Web. That's true for comfortable work, you need to put a wireless access point or some kind of router to organize a home wired and wireless network. As for speed characteristics, this router made all other models, for now ... So far, a large panel antenna has not been connected to the other devices. Still, 2 built-in antennas with a gain of up to 8 dBi are inferior to a large panel antenna with a gain of up to 16 dBi. But as a turnkey solution for installation and operation, it can be recommended. to organize a home wired and wireless network. As for speed characteristics, this router made all other models, for now ... So far, a large panel antenna has not been connected to the other devices. Still, 2 built-in antennas with a gain of up to 8 dBi are inferior to a large panel antenna with a gain of up to 16 dBi. But as a turnkey solution for installation and operation, it can be recommended. to organize a home wired and wireless network. As for speed characteristics, this router made all other models, for now ... So far, a large panel antenna has not been connected to the other devices. Still, 2 built-in antennas with a gain of up to 8 dBi are inferior to a large panel antenna with a gain of up to 16 dBi. But as a turnkey solution for installation and operation, it can be recommended.
+ Work in 2G / 3G / 4G networks, excellent reception, work in all weather conditions, laying just one cable to the installation site.
- You will need a separate Wi-Fi router to organize a wired and wireless network at home.
Looking at this histogram, it immediately becomes clear how much the reception and transmission speed depends on the antenna gain. In addition, during the first test, without the use of external antennas, the sensitivity of the own antennas and radio modules of the modems is obvious. The use of a directional panel antenna has increased the communication speed by three times - is this not the result when you want a lot of Internet for little money? But do not forget that acquiring a router does not guarantee good communication and you need to add an antenna, especially when the communication tower is not visible to the naked eye. Sometimes, the cost of an antenna can be equal to the cost of a router, and here it’s worth considering the purchase of a ready-made device, like the Zyxel LTE7460-M608, where the antenna and router are assembled together. In addition, this solution is not afraid of temperature extremes and precipitation. But you won’t be able to take a USB modem or an ordinary router to the street, and they will have a hard time in an ordinary attic - in the summer it will freeze due to overheating, and in the winter it will just freeze. But the increase in the length of the cable assembly from the antenna to the receiving device can offset all the benefits of installing a good expensive antenna. And here the rule applies: the closer the radio module to the antenna - the less losses and higher speed.
For those who like numbers, I collected the results of all tests in a table, and the last column was the cost of assembly. The color highlighted a particular device with or without antennas - this is to facilitate the visual search for results.
Separately, I decided to test the operation of the router without an obstacle and with an obstacle in the form of a double glazed window. That is, simply installing the Zyxel LTE7460-M608 router behind and in front of the window. The speed of reception fell imperceptibly, but the transmission decreased almost threefold. If the glass will have any spraying, the results will be even more deplorable. The conclusion is obvious: there should be as few obstacles as possible between the antenna and the base station.
According to the measurement results, it is obvious that the capabilities of the communication modules built into the routers are significantly different, but even without an additional antenna this speed is quite enough for watching videos or video conferencing via Skype. Nevertheless, it clearly follows from the graphs that the use of an antenna can increase the speed by several times. But here it is necessary to maintain a balance between the invested funds and the result. For example: acquiring a Zyxel LTE3316-M604 and a panel antenna, you can get the result even better than with the finished Zyxel LTE7460-M608 device. But then the panel antenna will be almost twice as large, and the router must be placed in the immediate vicinity of the antenna - this can cause difficulties.
As a result, the winner in the speed test is the Zyxel LTE3316-M604 with a large panel antenna. You need to tinker a bit with the direction of the antenna, and the router interface in English only can cause discomfort for someone. The winner in the functionality test is Keenetic Viva with a 4G modem. This router can work both in an apartment with classic Internet, and in a country house, where only cellular networks are available from providers. The winner in the test of ready-made solutions - Zyxel LTE7460-M608. This all-weather router is good in that it can be placed anywhere, it is not afraid of any weather conditions, but for full operation it will need a Wi-Fi access point, mesh system or an organized LAN. For frequent trips and traveling by car, the Huawei E5372 mobile router is well suited - it can work as autonomously, as well as being connected to a charger or power bank. Well, if you want a maximum speed for a minimum of money, then you should look for the TP-Link Archer MR200 v1 - it has a good radio module and the ability to connect an external antenna, although there were defective copies.
I was fascinated by the idea of achieving maximum speed at a great distance from the cellular operator’s base station, so I decided to take the most powerful router and test it with three types of external antennas: circular, panel and parabolic. About the results of my experiments - in the next issue.
To begin with, I did not set myself the task of finding out which of the mobile operators provides the best speed, but decided to find out which of the modems / routers provides higher speed in the same conditions. Beeline was chosen as the provider. The following operators are available in my region: Beeline, MTS, Megafon, Tele2, Yota, WiFire. Striped was selected only because I already had his SIM card. I do not give preference to any of the providers - each of them just makes money.
Testing methodology
To the base station, in a straight line, about 8 km, according to the router. All tests were carried out on weekdays from 11 to 13, because at this time the smallest load on the 4G network. In principle, I do not consider 3G networks in the test, since they also carry a load of voice communication, and only data is transmitted over 4G. Preventing conversations about VoLTE, I’ll say that voice over LTE has not yet been launched at the testing site. The test was carried out three times using the Speedtest service, the data were entered in the table and the average value of the download speed, data transfer and ping was calculated. Also, attention was paid to the capabilities of the router. Test conditions: clear weather, no precipitation. There is no foliage on the trees. The height of the equipment is 10 meters above the ground.
Tests for all devices were conducted separately for the "bare" router, in the factory configuration. The second test was conducted when connected to a small directional antenna, if the device has the corresponding connectors. The third test was conducted with a connection to a large panel antenna.
In the last column, I added the final cost of the solution: for example, a router + modem + antenna can take better than just a router, but cost less. Color gradation is introduced to visually identify one or another basic device to which an additional antenna can be connected.
I will give a scan of the radio air to understand the conditions of signal reception and the presence of a BS within the radius of the router.
Small antenna LTE MiMo INDOOR
TTX: Antenna design
: Indoor
Antenna type: wave channel
Supported communication standards: LTE, HSPA, HSPA +
Operating frequencies, MHz: 790-2700
Gain, max., DBi: 11
Voltage standing wave coefficient, not more than: 1.25
Wave impedance, Ohm: 50
Dimensions assembled (without attachment point), mm: 160x150x150
Weight, no more, kg: 0.6
Large 3G / 4G antenna OMEGA MIMO
TTX:
Antenna design : outdoor
Antenna type: panel
Supported communication standards: LTE, WCDMA, HSPA, HSPA +, DC-HSPA
Workers frequencies, MHz: 1700-2700
Gain, max., dBi: 15-18
Coefficient of a standing wave on voltage, no more: 1,5
Wave impedance, Ohm: 50
Dimensions in the assembly (without attachment point), mm: 450x450x60
Weight, no more, kg: 3.2 kg
Huawei E5372
TTX:
Network support: 2G, 3G, 4G
Protocol support: GPRS, EDGE, HSPA +, HSUPA, HSDPA, LTE-FDD 2600, LTE-FDD 1800, LTE-TDD 2300
An old, but very lively router. Works in 2G / 3G / 4G networks. It has connectors for connecting an external antenna. It is equipped with a built-in battery, which lasts for a couple of hours of very dense network work or 5 hours of leisurely surfing. There is a place to install a microSD card, which is available when accessing via a local wireless network. The cost is not too big, and when connected to a small and even large antenna through various pigtails and cable assemblies, it gives a very decent result, taking fourth place in the speed rating. The router is very convenient when traveling and traveling by car, since it takes up little space, but it provides the Internet for everyone in a small radius of action. The minuses also come from here: the range of the router is not very large - it will not cover the entire area of the cottage. No Ethernet ports which means that wired IP cameras and other network equipment that wants to access the network via cable cannot be connected. It only supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, so in places of a large number of networks the speed can even be limited. In general, an excellent mobile router for working in the fields.
+ good battery life, support for all types of cellular networks, high data rate when connecting external antennas
- the inability to connect wired equipment
Keenetic Viva + Modem MF823
TTX MF823:
Network Support: 2G, 3G, 4G
Protocol Support: LTE-FDD: 800/900/1800 / 2600MHz; UMTS: 900 / 2100MHz;
EGPRS / GSM: 850/900/1800 / 1900MHz; LTE-FDD: DL / UL 100 / 50Mbps (Category3)
The only router in this test that itself does not work with cellular networks, but it has two USB ports and support for almost all USB modems that work with cellular networks. Moreover, a USB smartphone can be connected to Android or iOS, and the router will use them as a modem. In addition, Keenetic Viva can use any Wi-Fi source as an Internet access source, whether it be the Internet of neighbors, a public access point or shared Internet from a smartphone. Well, at home, this router connects to the network via a regular Ethernet cable and allows you to work on networks at speeds up to 1 Gigabit per second. That is, a universal harvester that can be used both at home and in the country. Plus to everything you can connect an external drive to a free USB port (there are only two of them) and the router itself will start downloading torrents or act as a local server for storing video from video surveillance cameras. As for working with 4G networks via a modem, in the test this bundle took the second place, though for this it was necessary to connect a large external antenna. But even without it, for only 9 thousand rubles, you can get an excellent router with a lot of features and stable Internet access. It's nice that the 4G modem can be used as a backup channel: when the wired provider "falls", the router itself will switch to work from the USB modem. And if the modem freezes, then the router will reboot it on power. A wonderful harvester, and more. then in the test this bundle took the second place, though for this it was necessary to connect a large external antenna. But even without it, for only 9 thousand rubles, you can get an excellent router with a lot of features and stable Internet access. It's nice that the 4G modem can be used as a backup channel: when the wired provider "falls", the router itself will switch to work from the USB modem. And if the modem freezes, then the router will reboot it on power. A wonderful harvester, and more. then in the test this bundle took the second place, though for this it was necessary to connect a large external antenna. But even without it, for only 9 thousand rubles, you can get an excellent router with a lot of features and stable Internet access. It's nice that the 4G modem can be used as a backup channel: when the wired provider "falls", the router itself will switch to work from the USB modem. And if the modem freezes, then the router will reboot it on power. A wonderful harvester, and more. The router itself will switch to work from the USB modem. And if the modem freezes, then the router will reboot it on power. A wonderful harvester, and more. The router itself will switch to work from the USB modem. And if the modem freezes, then the router will reboot it on power. A wonderful harvester, and more.
+ An excellent combination of a router and a modem will provide the Internet, both in the apartment and in the country. It works with almost all modems. Great functionality
- No modem does not work with cellular networks
TP-Link Archer MR200 v1
TTX:
Network support: 3G, 4G
Protocol support: 4G: FDD-LTE B1 / B3 / B7 / B8 / B20 (2100/1800/2600/900 / 800MHz)
TDD-LTE B38 / B39 / B40 / B41 (2600/1900 / 2300 / 2500MHz)
3G: DC-HSPA + / HSPA + / HSPA / UMTS B1 / B8 (2100 / 900MHz)
Этот роутер существует в трех модификациях- v1, v2 и v3. Принципиальное отличие заключается в том, что у модификации v1 внешние антенны для 3G/4G сетей, а Wi-Fi антенны встроенные. У остальных версий наоборот. То есть к первой модификации можно подключить внешнюю антенну, а ко второй и третьей уже нельзя. Надо отметить, что роутер обладает неплохими базовыми антеннами с хорошим усилением. Функционал прошивки тоже достаточно богат, хотя и уступает модели от Keenetic. Стандартные разъемы SMA готовы для подключения внешней антенны, что позволило увеличить, в моем случае, скорость втрое. Но есть и недостатки у роутера: судя по форумам, техподдержка у TP-Link крайне слабая, прошивки выходят редко, а брака\глюков именно в первой модификации, которая так ценна для «дачников», было немало. В моем случае, роутер работает без проблем уже несколько лет. Объехал со мной немало городов, работал в полях, питаясь от инвертора в авто, обеспечивая Интернетом целую компанию. Достойный роутер, если найти первую модификацию.
+ Communication via a cellular network with external antennas (v1), which can be replaced, improving reception. Simple and functional device.
- A lot of complaints about glitches and marriage with the necessary modification of the router.
Zyxel Keenetic LTE
TTX:
Network support: 4G
Protocol support: 791 - 862 MHz (Band 20, FDD), 1800 MHz (Band 3, FDD), 2500 - 2690 MHz (Band 7, FDD)
An old but not lost relevance model from Zyxel. The router is very rich in functionality: sensitive LTE antennas, SMA connectors for connecting external antennas, two ports for connecting analog telephones, 5 Ethernet ports, USB port. In fact, this router is a whole combine that will provide the Internet and the phone will connect, since there is a built-in SIP client. In addition, the LTE module can serve as a backup Internet connection if the main, wired, channel stops working. That is, the router can work both at home (in the office) and in the country. The USB port can be used to connect an external drive or printer. As the speed tests show, it is only slightly inferior in the download of the TP-Link Archer MR200, while in price it is one third lower. The model is discontinued, but in the secondary market it is easy to find. The disadvantages of the whole pair: It works only on 4G networks and does not receive firmware updates. The second is not so important, since the current firmware is quite stable and functional, but working only in 4G networks suits me quite well - after all, cellular companies that provide unlimited Internet work in these networks.
+ A router rich in functions, allows you to connect an external antenna, you can connect a telephone
- Works only in LTE networks, firmware is not updated
Zyxel LTE3316-M604
TTX:
Network support: 3G, 4G
Protocol support: HSPA + / UMTS 2100/1800/900/850 MHz (Band 1/3/5/8), WCDMA: 2100/1800/900/850 MHz, LTE FDD 2600/2100 / 1800/900/850/800/700 MHz, LTE TDD 2600/2500/2300 MHz
A very interesting router, which is a logical continuation of Zyxel Keenetic LTE, but with a modified filling and design. The stylish little white device still has a couple of outputs for connecting an external antenna, thereby demonstrating support for MIMO technology. This is even more interesting, because the router supports data transfer in both 3G and 4G networks. But it differs from the old model by the lack of a USB port and only one FXS connector, that is, you can connect only one analog telephone. By the way, this model does not have a built-in SIP client and calls will be made through the installed SIM card. If the network supports VoLTE, then you can continue to work with the network and communicate at the same time; otherwise, the router will switch to 3G and Internet access may be interrupted. Again, when compared with the previous model, then the information content of the menu has become worse, but high-speed performance in the LTE network is delightful! The previous model Zyxel LTE3316-M604 overtakes almost one and a half times both when connecting an external antenna, and when working with the built-in. Able to work with two Internet providers (by wire and LTE) and switch in the event of a fall of the main channel to the backup. In general, a highly specialized router, but with a decent modem!
+ Excellent speed indicators, the ability to connect an analog telephone for calls via a SIM card
- Not a very informative menu, no SIP client
Zyxel LTE7460-M608
TTX:
Network support: 2G, 3G, 4G
Protocol support: GPRS, EDGE, HSPA +, HSUPA, LTE TDD 2300/2600 MHz, LTE FDD 2600/2100/1800/900/800 MHz
The evolution of the legendary Zyxel LTE 6101 router as a single unit - Zyxel LTE7460-M608. Everything in this model is very interesting: the antenna itself, 2G / 3G / 4G modem and router are hidden in a sealed unit and suggest installation on the street, without fear of any weather conditions. That is, even in our latitudes, such a device will quite survive both the hot summer and the fierce winter. There is also a younger model, the LTE7240-M403, but it is guaranteed to work only up to -20 degrees when the Zyxel LTE7460-M608 can withstand frosts down to -40. In general, this device is perfect for those who do not want to bother with external antennas, cable assemblies, broaching additional wires and more. The antenna is hung in the direction of the base station using the supplied bracket, only one Ethernet cable is supplied, along which there is also power (PoE injector is located in any convenient place in the room), and then the user receives an Ethernet cable with access to the World Wide Web. That's true for comfortable work, you need to put a wireless access point or some kind of router to organize a home wired and wireless network. As for speed characteristics, this router made all other models, for now ... So far, a large panel antenna has not been connected to the other devices. Still, 2 built-in antennas with a gain of up to 8 dBi are inferior to a large panel antenna with a gain of up to 16 dBi. But as a turnkey solution for installation and operation, it can be recommended. to organize a home wired and wireless network. As for speed characteristics, this router made all other models, for now ... So far, a large panel antenna has not been connected to the other devices. Still, 2 built-in antennas with a gain of up to 8 dBi are inferior to a large panel antenna with a gain of up to 16 dBi. But as a turnkey solution for installation and operation, it can be recommended. to organize a home wired and wireless network. As for speed characteristics, this router made all other models, for now ... So far, a large panel antenna has not been connected to the other devices. Still, 2 built-in antennas with a gain of up to 8 dBi are inferior to a large panel antenna with a gain of up to 16 dBi. But as a turnkey solution for installation and operation, it can be recommended.
+ Work in 2G / 3G / 4G networks, excellent reception, work in all weather conditions, laying just one cable to the installation site.
- You will need a separate Wi-Fi router to organize a wired and wireless network at home.
results
Looking at this histogram, it immediately becomes clear how much the reception and transmission speed depends on the antenna gain. In addition, during the first test, without the use of external antennas, the sensitivity of the own antennas and radio modules of the modems is obvious. The use of a directional panel antenna has increased the communication speed by three times - is this not the result when you want a lot of Internet for little money? But do not forget that acquiring a router does not guarantee good communication and you need to add an antenna, especially when the communication tower is not visible to the naked eye. Sometimes, the cost of an antenna can be equal to the cost of a router, and here it’s worth considering the purchase of a ready-made device, like the Zyxel LTE7460-M608, where the antenna and router are assembled together. In addition, this solution is not afraid of temperature extremes and precipitation. But you won’t be able to take a USB modem or an ordinary router to the street, and they will have a hard time in an ordinary attic - in the summer it will freeze due to overheating, and in the winter it will just freeze. But the increase in the length of the cable assembly from the antenna to the receiving device can offset all the benefits of installing a good expensive antenna. And here the rule applies: the closer the radio module to the antenna - the less losses and higher speed.
For those who like numbers, I collected the results of all tests in a table, and the last column was the cost of assembly. The color highlighted a particular device with or without antennas - this is to facilitate the visual search for results.
Separately, I decided to test the operation of the router without an obstacle and with an obstacle in the form of a double glazed window. That is, simply installing the Zyxel LTE7460-M608 router behind and in front of the window. The speed of reception fell imperceptibly, but the transmission decreased almost threefold. If the glass will have any spraying, the results will be even more deplorable. The conclusion is obvious: there should be as few obstacles as possible between the antenna and the base station.
conclusions
According to the measurement results, it is obvious that the capabilities of the communication modules built into the routers are significantly different, but even without an additional antenna this speed is quite enough for watching videos or video conferencing via Skype. Nevertheless, it clearly follows from the graphs that the use of an antenna can increase the speed by several times. But here it is necessary to maintain a balance between the invested funds and the result. For example: acquiring a Zyxel LTE3316-M604 and a panel antenna, you can get the result even better than with the finished Zyxel LTE7460-M608 device. But then the panel antenna will be almost twice as large, and the router must be placed in the immediate vicinity of the antenna - this can cause difficulties.
As a result, the winner in the speed test is the Zyxel LTE3316-M604 with a large panel antenna. You need to tinker a bit with the direction of the antenna, and the router interface in English only can cause discomfort for someone. The winner in the functionality test is Keenetic Viva with a 4G modem. This router can work both in an apartment with classic Internet, and in a country house, where only cellular networks are available from providers. The winner in the test of ready-made solutions - Zyxel LTE7460-M608. This all-weather router is good in that it can be placed anywhere, it is not afraid of any weather conditions, but for full operation it will need a Wi-Fi access point, mesh system or an organized LAN. For frequent trips and traveling by car, the Huawei E5372 mobile router is well suited - it can work as autonomously, as well as being connected to a charger or power bank. Well, if you want a maximum speed for a minimum of money, then you should look for the TP-Link Archer MR200 v1 - it has a good radio module and the ability to connect an external antenna, although there were defective copies.
Announcement
I was fascinated by the idea of achieving maximum speed at a great distance from the cellular operator’s base station, so I decided to take the most powerful router and test it with three types of external antennas: circular, panel and parabolic. About the results of my experiments - in the next issue.