Best method of testing mast performance for 4G mobile broadband?

hadenoughofit

Hi all.

The several long threads on antenna and router set ups have been very informative, thank you.

The bottom line is perhaps that the level of performance on 4G mobile broadband can be good, but what you get is ultimately down to the mast situation (contention etc), and how strong the signal is. (distance, obstructions etc)

We're relatively well placed in respect of three different masts, and are doing OK on a simple tethered mobile phone - so we're hoping to improve on that by buying our own router and external antenna (better quality/spec, and no contract) - but this throws up a bit of a catch 22 problem.

Once you have the router it can provide data on mast performance - but you're stuck with the kit (and the service provider and contract as well if you go that route) if it performs badly.

There's Android mobile phone testing apps, but there's suggestions about that they can be loaded with ads and use large amounts of data.

Can anybody suggest a test method which will deliver comprehensive data to enable a reasonably accurate prediction of the likely performance of a given service which avoids this risk?

It's be useful to be able to test both Three (the unlimited deal is very competitive, but we're a bit nervous at some of comments about their service quality) and Eir. Vodafone's caps and cost don't sound very attractive, but maybe them too.

As in perhaps a meter of some sort that some at a fairly accessible price, or failing that a specific Android/Samsung mobile phone app (can buy a short term SIM for whatever service) that does a comprehensive job, and doesn't bring grief with it?

smuggler.ie

If mobile is your only connection option, and you don't want to get in contract before you know how "good" service is, get unlocked router (from amazon, ebay, etc.) or borrow (if avail), so you can test all/any ISP's.

Testing with mobile phone could give considerably different results compare to intended for use equipment(router+antenna) due to hardware difference, but can be used as guide.

Can't suggest, but you could shop for someone to do survey on your premises ( fees might apply ).
Share your approx. location , someone might give you extra details about mast in the area.

Regards ads within speed testing apps - your general browsing will be full of it under any ISP, so don't think eliminating them @testing phase will give you "real life" picture.


By intention to join midband users community you increase congestion on ISP of your choice. I don't care ,but others might.

hadenoughofit

Thanks S.

The plan is to avoid a contract by buying an unlocked router, but it sounds like after that it's take the plunge to buy a router, and pay to get somebody who knows a bit to help optimise antenna location and selection then...

The trouble with any sort of testing is that it's only going to be more or less a spot test, so I suppose that's another reason to stay as flexible as possible re. service providers..

The entire broadband service provision industry I have to say does my head in. None of the basic standards of standing over product quality or service levels apply, and the marketing claims are even more outrageous than is the norm.

Oh well.... : )

smuggler.ie

Lookup "mobile" definition.

Yes, with midband you have no guaranteed service quality/speed, its trial&error, and it could change at any time, without notice, due to increased congestion, change landscape(trees, construction), etc., etc.
You go for it only if there is no other options, that justify initial investment. I don't know, you might be in position to get your dedicated, individual 5Km fiber line:rolleyes: - contact KN networks(other).
Attempting to set you home(static) internet connection by means of "mobile", you have to sacrifice "assurance" of quality.

To achieve descent results you will have to spend time on tuning or pay some one to do so, unless you're "lucky bastard" and get it at "first shot".
However, if determined ,you can prep yourself with info about ISP's/masts and work that direction.
Unlocked router, in case of unsatisfactory results, gives you ability to retreat without penalties and start with other ISP.

hadenoughofit

I guess S we're looking at mobile broadband because going the 4G LTE mast service route available from the one supplier properly covering our area entails committing to a two year contract - which in the case our our option is about €1,440 + €150 connection or whatever charge.

Which given the absence of any performance guarantee means a €1,600 or thereabouts punt - which could work out very well (we had a decent service in recent years with Digiweb Metro, but they closed the mast down a couple of months ago), but could it seems judging by comments about also turn into a nightmare if for whatever reason it doesn't perform well.

Going the 4G mobile broadband route with your own router at least means that sort of commitment can be avoided, enabling a switch to another service if there's problems. Worst comes to worst and its all bad then the investment isn't that high...

smuggler.ie

See, considering all available options/upfront investment, "mobile" connection is not too bad. It will depend on your expectations and demand.What speed you accept as "good", realistically? What speeds you get over your tethering now?
Usually, with router + antenna you stand chance to achieve same or better.