New Member
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4 Messages
Rural area - Wireless network dependent for internet (work and play)
I'll start off by saying that other than satellite, I live in an area where no other internet options are available. However, several years ago I lucked out and added a ZTE Wireless Internet WiFi Modem to our unlimited plan (MF270) and was hopeful that this device would provide the internet service we had been seeking. However, even with 3 and 4 bars, I'm only getting 1-2 Mbps, which when shared and broadcast throughout my home, becomes unusable at times. Our cell phones experience similar limitations due to our rural area. However, if I drive 1 mile in any direction the download speeds increase to 80+ Mbps using same devices. I've done a hard reset of the modem and even tried a directional yagi antenna with amplifier and although the signal strength increased, the download speeds were not impacted (if anything it was worse).
So with that, I am needing to make this option work as I now work from home and depend on consistent and reliable internet. However, I desperately need an expert to tell me what I need to do to make it work. I've seen 3-4 bars on the first day of billing period and only gotten 1-2 Mbps. We are in the country and I can't imagine that the tower is overwhelmed with network traffic. Knowing that a 1 mile radius around me pulls such good download speeds, it makes me wonder if there is something around me (i.e. trees, barn with metal roof next to house, etc) that is causing the reduction on my property. If so, is there a solution for that (other than moving)?
Has anyone else used the home base router and been able to add antennas to the device that would help signal (more importantly download speeds)? I've been told that improved signal strength doesn't always correspond to improved download speeds. If not, what does improve download speeds over wireless network?
I appreciate anyone's expertise on this, or direction to someone that could answer or provide a solution and help me make this work. Thank you all who reply.
formerlyknownas
ACE - Sage
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107.5K Messages
2 years ago
Other than having someone else check on your yagi booster direction, you have already done everything possible. Time to shop for another option.
Speed is determines by Tower output, which may be limited in your area. You have already put in a booster, which is an antenna to improve existing signal. No antenna will improve speed.
(edited)
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lancelizabeth
New Member
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4 Messages
2 years ago
Thank you for your response! I believe your last comment summarizes the issue, and all my attempts will likely be in vain. But to confirm, do cell phone boosters (that appear to improve cell phone signal) have any impact on the download speeds? I haven't tried a cell phone booster that can be traditionally purchased from Best Buy and the like. The one I tested was a Wilson yagi directional antenna with blue amplifier for under $150. There may be better equipment that I just haven't paid the money for.
Regarding tower output, can obstacles block or interfere with receiving that (since it seems like I can go 1 mile in any direction and get great download speeds). Do I just need a 100 foot tower in my yard to get above that?
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Constructive
Former Employee
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31.5K Messages
2 years ago
Wilson is a great product I sold and installed them for 15 years
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formerlyknownas
ACE - Sage
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107.5K Messages
2 years ago
Again, no. As I already wrote:
Speed is determined by Tower output. Boosters only improve connection.
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lancelizabeth
New Member
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4 Messages
2 years ago
Thank you lizdance40 and Constructive
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lancelizabeth
New Member
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4 Messages
2 years ago
Constructive, as an AT&T employee, do you have any recommendations for a customer trying to obtain better download speeds, and improve the performance of my MF270? Is there a good explanation for why a one mile radius around me has exceptional download speeds, while here on my 3 acres I cannot achieve the same results? I understand that tower output is key, but how can tower output be good all around me (360 degrees within 1 mile) but not at my location? Lastly, is there a better device I should consider that would accomplish the same. Thanks!
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formerlyknownas
ACE - Sage
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107.5K Messages
2 years ago
Constructive is a pole engineer. I'm a wireless geek.
It's a simple matter of you being in a near dead zone. Poles with better speeds aren't going to move closer to you. Obstructions aren't going to get out if the way.
Unless your willing to move a mile, you are with the wrong wireless provider. Try satellite internet if you cant get wired.
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