Wireless Joint

Well done. And you have room for improvement!
Better quality cable will help.
Shorter cable will help if can move router closer.
What is the orientation of the two antenna?
Are they spaced apart at all?
Are they canted from each other to make a 90deg angle, hence cross polarized?

Mobile RV users clearly have an ever changing set of variables to contend with.
Moving down the road is different from being tucked in at an RV park and different from boon-docking in the middle of nowhere.
You have not described what you have done to date and what issues you want to overcome.
You ...

A few concepts:

Cellular Wireless does not use two separate towers at once, unless for a brief moment handing off from one to the other such as when mobile.

4G LTE and 5G want at least TWO antennas, so you really should point both to one tower.

OMNI is good for tower redundancy and mobility but ...

Hello krist,

Thank you for sharing your efforts with the SIM8200EA modem.

Poynting Antennas has many youtube videos that provide an opinion/education on LTE/4G/5G/MIMO antennas.
The theme is to space them out and rotate half of them(cross polarize).
I believe that 2x2 and 4x4 antennas are a ...

Besides chasing the band, are there opportunities to optimize your router setup?
Outdoor antennas and type?
Have your ventured close to the tower with a new smartphone? What bands and speed do you get?

Well I am not a data plan expert, but it sounds more generous than most.
(assuming unlimited is off the table)

As for 5G,
It appears T-Mobile is not focusing on the mmWave but the mid-band.
Which is good since the mmWave travels like a foot before petering out.
(no offense to any named Peter)
It ...

https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/5g-just-got-better

They are also selling a 5G HotSpot with WiFi6:

Inseego MiFi M2000 with a Qualcomm SDX55
5G: n2, n41, n66, n71;
LTE: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 49, 66, 71

It has a USB-C port for ...

Very informative video from a Starlink Beta tester.
PoE power via a fixed 100ft cable, 2ft motorized dish.
$499 + $99/mos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igtN49I1CtM

Well that is a bit disappointing about the Pi hat.
When do you expect to have the setup up and running?
What antenna are you using?
Good luck!

A few ideas
——————-

STARLINK.com is the new satellite service under beta test.
Or
You may want to explore fiber optics to run Ethernet up the mountain.
Cheaper multi mode fiber will go up to 400m, or go single mode fiber for longer runs.
Solar power and batteries could power a simple LTE router up ...

I really don’t have an answer but will comment...

I like MIkrotik gear but they are a bit euro focus, obviously.
The setup in question is a dish + router + modem combo, yes?
Dish antenna are very hard to aim.
I don’t see any mention that the dish antenna is 2x2 Mimo
At a quick glance, the bands ...

Yep, will keep you posted.

As for Linux security, if you want to limit your Linux involvement, an option is to run OpenWRT or other router build on the Raspberry Pi, providing a more hardened router out of the box.
Although Linux can be very secure, it is NOT out of the box and it is a bunch of ...

Maybe I made some big assumptions, like you are below deck in a steel hull tug and get no signal.

With a new phone like the 12, have you exhausted the hot spot and tethering options?

As Dr BB recommends getting some real data is important, I would document readings from your cabin, galley/common ...

Captain,

Here is a bit more to chew on...

A router with dual SIM allows two active cell contracts as an attempt to avoid coverage holes.

Yes, ethernet cable would be the best performing connection from router to Xbox.

To get the best data rate, it is all about the antennas (the modem helps too ...

Hah, well alright then...

Yeah, being able to PM would be nice.
The board is a great source of info to get up to speed, I try to give back to offset what I take.

My setup is "in progress"... as soon as I have some meat on the bone, I will share more.

I have a Raspberry Pi4B-8GB with six fab hat ...

Your quest needs more details to get help
Is this a permanent install?
How much data do you want?
Is ATT the strongest signal in every port?
You may want a setup that can handle two SIMs.

A very helpful store is www.thewirelesshaven.com !

There are multiple design decisions in how get the wireless data into your system.
Many struggle to get a quality signal and need the antennas high up/far away, in doing so,
you want to convert to digital as soon as possible, so a small router or raspberry can do the job and send ethernet down to ...

The write up has some pics of the gear.

https://www.inverse.com/innovation/spac ... tic-router

The one pic of the speed test showed 174 down and 33 Mbps UP!
I am amazed that they can get so much upload performance.
Also curious about how snow and rain will sit inside the sat dish.

From the specs of the antenna, it does not appear to be that future proofed for 5G, being 700-2700.
The current market is providing 600-3800 as the more future forward frequency range.

I am a bit skeptical of 4x4 MIMO, as LTE likes spatially diverse antennas, by at least half a meter, so a 4x4 is ...

Interesting read.

https://www.wired.com/story/huawei-5g-p ... akthrough/

Here are a couple ideas for you...

You have an Android phone, have you used the cellmapper.net app? Its free and very helpful to see what you have access to and where.

Get high. Although you are in Canada, I mean vertically!
You have mentioned improvement of being on the roof, so be creative and ...

I just ordered the Waveshare Raspberry pi hat with radio. Guess it's a little pricey I liked the idea of the kit. Looking forward to tinkering with it.

https://www.waveshare.com/sim8200ea-m2-5g-hat.htm

wow, that looks like a great find, a modern hat with M.2 and USB3.1
I hope you are using the ...

Booster is good for a phone desperate to make a voice call.
Boosters are not recommended for direct router connections.
You current antenna is a Yagi that does not support both bands you are targeting.
You may want to research antenna options some more.

Is having a vintage phone cool?
People seem to love the vintage iPad unlimited plans, lol !

What is the life expectancy of a phone?
Besides the battery failing prematurely and not being easy to swap out…
The bar is set at (5) years for Apple and (3) years for Samsung (and not every model).
All ...

Combining both antenna ports with a Y connector is not recommended.
LTE wants spatially diverse antenna, and cross polarized.
Most recommend that both antenna should be the same, and should support all your frequency bands.

If you are in the boonies, it’s all about the antenna and their placement.
LTE wants at least two antenna.
If you do have a single Yagi antenna with booster, put them in a box.
Yagi and LPDA labels are commonly intermixed together but they are not the same.
A good LPDA will give you a much broader ...

So if you do want to buy a new Raspberry Pi...
Go for the new RPi4B 8GB model. Even if you start out with 32bit, in future when you go 64bit OS, the extra memory can be used for RAM DISK space, to either save the IO life of the SD Card, or to increase performance.

SpaceX trying to grab more spectrum, they have plans...

https://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless ... 2-ghz-band

I was not serious, just a joke, but behind every joke there is a bit of truth...

A little precaution is always good, They do sell Faraday Underwear to block EMF...

Commscope create a white paper on Beamforming.

Just in case you need some bed time reading...

https://www.commscope.com/globalassets/digizuite/542044-Beamformer-Explained-WP-114491-EN.pdf?utm_medium=paid-display&utm_source=thirdpartymedia&utm_campaign=NAR-OWN-FierceWirelessInLineWebAd ...

The FCC, in April 2020, opened up a large greenfield spectrum of 1,200 MHz for unlicensed use, 5.925GHz to 7.125GHz
https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-opens-6-ghz-band-wi-fi-and-other-unlicensed-uses

Qualcomm has a pretty write up, and uses a new 5G term "NR-U"
And at some point 5G was allowed to ...

Nice, You have the latest and greatest modem,

Can you share the details of your Config ?
Carrier, antennas. Router. ?
Are you running any 5G new radio bands or just LTE?
What is the firmware outlook for this modem module?
Custom to a wireless carrier?

5G can do 4G
The point was to buy a quality, name brand, and future proofed antenna that would maximize your chances of success, and you could sell it a few years later since it was 5G rated.
As for antenna style, you will need to figure that out.
Yagi is not appropriate and confused with LPDA.
LPDA ...

good, the only other thing to consider is a chain saw.

There is a lot of variability in the quality of antennas out there.
Next to no quality reviews and comparisons.
If you purchased a name brand antenna, you would hopefully be able to resell it if you do go fiber in the future.
Also, if you want to sell your kit in a few years, it should be 5G ...

Mr. P,
Are you still have these issues?
I can not help, but I am following your bread crumb trail.

Hah, made you look. :D

https://venturebeat.com/2020/08/31/qualcomm-doubles-5g-mmwave-range-to-2-36-miles-for-broadband-modems/

The technology continues to advance.
The Snapdragon X55 chip from Qualcomm is leading the charge with X60 on its way.
This test was done in Australia, interesting enough ...

This has been a good thread, and it includes a happy ending.
Although in the boonies, you are doing well.

I don’t see many details about the signal path or signal strength.
Distance from tower? Line of site or terrain in the way?
How high is the antenna? Is it actually outside?
Although a 2x2 MIMO ...

You don't mention what carrier and what bands you are using.
And if you experience any carrier aggregation already.
And the LPDA(hopefully not yagi) antenna may have frequency gaps, as you try to maximize your 4x4 MIMO and CA.

LTE LAA sizzle or fizzle?

Initially very excited, I found a diamond in the rough, I could get some serious bandwidth, a fool would buy a modem and antenna that don't support these newer bands...
Ehhh...

B46 support can be found in Sierra and Telit LTE-Advanced Pro Cat-12 modules and above.
Newer ...

Boosters are normally for the last effort to get some kind of signal.
They are an arrow in your RV data quiver but limit your data performance.
They squash/collapse the spatial multiplexing which is where the newer phones and modems get their higher data rates.

https://www.rvmobileinternet.com ...

Hey Bill,

Nice recap of all the bands.
The one that is missing is B46!
I am still hopeful that this band will pop up like daisies and give us all a bandwidth boost.
I don't think many iphone models support B46 and that is a large % of phones.

P.S. LAA needs its primary CC from a licensed band, so ...

Fingers crossed that all LTE antenna evolve to sub6 0.6-6.0GHz, quickly....

You should explore cellmapper.net
If have an android or windows phone, use the app and map some data points.

A 4g lte signal has physical limits per your unique situation, setting the bar of Mbps.
Who knows if your 30/30 is via a simple 4G path.
With that, the only way to increase bandwidth is ...

California has a new law, after lots of wild fires, that all macro towers need backup power.
5G mini towers are not in scope.

New York is proposing a backup generator law as well, after major outages after a recent Tropical Storm/Hurricane.

It will be interesting is this catches on with other ...

It's all good Dr. BB.

I have met Elon, although he is really "out there", I would not call him a brain fart. lol

Sorry for the confusion. I though I was clear.
They ADDED more of the B71 that they don't own so that extra portion could go away in the future.

Here is the article guts, from March:
------------------------------
T-Mobile will borrow spectrum in the 600MHz band from Dish, Comcast, and other ...

I am a fan of Poynting, they are transparent and apply sound engineering.
They have a global focus and their web site does not detail the unique US frequency bands of B71 and B46 but they got this new US antenna out the door.

I am hopeful that they have one more upgrade to do, which is add the LTE ...

Although both items are cool, Elon's ISP and a power brick, neither relate to my thread.

Will LTE-LAA just be an urban legend? Or will it expand to more rural towers?
One would hope as the frequency band is free and everyone is a pirate at heart.
Since 5G Mmwave don't propagate, this is the best chance for some rural bandwidth.

LTE-LAA
=====

LAA has been called a “great equalizer” in ...

Well thats good news, but don't trust that it will stay that way.

I read an article on how Tmobile had borrowed /leased additional B71 spectrum due to the pandemic, which is great, but it could fade away again. In that article they discussed how they had a static configuration of how much bandwidth ...

I would say most people are doing a home LTE router out of necessity, but there are hobby and business aspects too.

In my world, ISP / Internet access has always been extremely critical, seeking redundancy and high capacity whenever possible.
And now, it has become very important for everyone ...

Yes, B71 only T-Mo, they appear to be my strongest signal.
Yes, Bolton needs laser focus. Flat panel may be more appropriate.
I also have a 6 to 6 thread under the Antenna forum.
The only other antenna I found is a RFMAX Yagi.

My kit is in the works, and will hopefully be mobile enough to drive ...

My design for my system has advanced.
Most parts/pieces on order except for the outdoor antenna.
I have sourced some paddle antennas supporting 600 - 6000 MHz for initial testing.
Supporting the low end of B71 (600) and the high end of B46 (5200) both appear to be sound requirements. Testing will ...

Thats great news.
I look forward to pictures of your heat sink solution!

Hey Dr. BB,

Thank you for this.

Yes, I had found this one.
I had sent an email to Poynting about 6 to 6 freq but it was ignored.
But I did find one web site in US that carries the new US version of their XPOL cross polarized antenna with B71. But sadly, the frequency range caps at 3800.
If I do ...

This is a newer band from 5150 to 5925MHz.
Unlicensed spectrum so I would imagine it will be popular with the carriers.
Found in newer modem modules and leveraged with carrier aggregation.

I wanted to know if anyone is using? What carrier is using live? good bit rates? What antennas?

In shopping ...

I do not see any grounding of your roof setup.
It looks like a very juicy lightning rod.

Forget it! This would never work.
The more you know, the less you know. Was trying to have my cake and it eat to.
No way to share the antenna array unless you re-invent all the RF signal processing that the 4x4 module is struggling with in the first place.

Wow, latency, the silent killer.
I have no ideas for you, just fingers crossed that someone can help fix that.

Hello all,

Stumbled upon a good report comparing CAT-12 vs. CAT-16 smartphones under actual use cases.
The report touches on all the latest "goodies" in play, 2x2 and 4x4 MIMO, 256-QAM, LAA, etc...

https://www.qualcomm.com/media/documents/files/gigabit-lte-and-the-user-experience.pdf

Enjoy.

OUTSTANDING!
Well played Dr. Frankenstein.

What are the speeds now that the smoke has settled?
Which carrier?
Any lessons learned from your modem choice, the Sierra CAT-12?

Yes, I would like to see your Perl scripts.

Todd,
Can you share what distributor you found that had the 7411 in stock?

I am very interested in this as well.

For a meaningful/fair comparison, Telit modules should be considered, and possibly Simcom.
The Telit cat18 modules did something right, getting listed by all 3 carriers for IOT approved development. That kind of traction may put them out front in the high end ...

Really?

I was not talking about anything bespoke with frequency management.
Just (4) 3-way splitters combining both sets of the (4) antenna Leeds of the modems/routers with the (4) antennas, the only issue, IMHO, was to prevent the two modems transmitting on top of each other.
The only issue I am ...

One modem in your wireless setup is not enough.
So you add another modem with load balancing.

You have amassed a 2x2 or 4x4 MiMo antenna array pointing at your favorite tower.
Assuming all cables are equal lengths and antenna are identical SISO's or 2x2 MiMo's.
Since a single modem UpLink uses ...

Todd, yes I have been using cellmapper.net, very helpful.

My biggest issue is to decide on which modem module.
There is a lot of FUD, Fear Uncertainty and Doubt!
The only strong module listed by the big 3 is the LM960A18, most likely because it is fairly locked down.
But if they don't actually ...

Mr. Pie,
A question for you.
You are running a 8800L MiFi that is cat18, this 4x4 MiMo internal antennas with two external antenna ports.
So the LTE cat18 speeds are all about having 4 antenna and the CA, carrier aggregation, to combine the multiple spatial frequencies to get more throughput.
By ...

If you don't know, maps use true north, and your compass uses magnetic.
They are off generally about 12-13 degrees for most of us.
Useful if you are trying to aim an antenna.

Pop in your zip code and check yours:

https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag/calcul ... eclination

Thanks Todd.

Wow, you are totally committed to maximum wireless having to load balance two carriers.

ATT is not viable for me.
I read that Verizon is as aggressive or worse on limiting data only devices.
Tmo is hopefully the most viable.

Would Tmo throttle a data only plan? May not be cheap, but ...

Here are some quick thoughts...

Although your iphone is running Verizon, keep an open to the two other flavors, ATT and TMo.
They maybe on the interstate tower as well.
Tmobile new B71 may help but only if it is lit up, and it all depends...
Do your homework as much as possible, with the field test ...

Here are a few points for rural wireless...
The killer band is 617 MHz, The frequency Is shared by both 4G B71 and 5G n71.
Tmobile owns a large portion of this band, but I read that it is not 100%.
It is only used in North America.
This frequency range is fairly new in the manufacturing scheme of ...

Mark,
How has your project worked out?
What was you final gear list?
Success or still plowing away?

I don’t think it is dumb.
As I have been trying to sort things things out for my own endeavors, it’s the devil in the details.
To make my own design objectives worse, I want flexibility for multiple carriers and the unknown including moving, slapping the setup Into an RV, or bring to a cabin.
So ...

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