unstable connection after moving router and adding external antennas

[teksupscm]

I have a relatively good setup and then decided it could be better. I have a WG3526 running the latest WiFix firmware and added two external antennas purchased from The Wireless Haven and have them attached. I was getting a decent signal and getting about 20-30 MB down so I was happy. Then I moved the router to its permanent location (so I could run the antenna wires through the wall) and now I have a very unstable configuration. The connection keeps dropping out and reconnecting. I have done several resets and cold boots to no avail. I even swapped out the MC7455 thinking that might be the issue.

My signal looks ok when I look at the live network status screen

Strength 70 (excellent)
CSQ 21
RSSI -71 (High)
RSCP -98 Poor (3G) Good (4G)
ECIO -7.6

Code: Select all

AT!GSTATUS?
!GSTATUS: 
Current Time:  645		Temperature: 47
Reset Counter: 3		Mode:        ONLINE         
System mode:   LTE        	PS state:    Attached     
LTE band:      B2     		LTE bw:      10 MHz  
LTE Rx chan:   1000		LTE Tx chan: 19000
LTE CA state:  ACTIVE      		LTE Scell band:B12    
LTE Scell bw:5 MHz   		LTE Scell chan:5035
EMM state:     Registered     	Normal Service 
RRC state:     RRC Connected  
IMS reg state: No Srv  		

PCC RxM RSSI:  -71		RSRP (dBm):  -98
PCC RxD RSSI:  -67		RSRP (dBm):  -94
SCC RxM RSSI:  -59		RSRP (dBm):  -84
SCC RxD RSSI:  -54		RSRP (dBm):  -79
Tx Power:      12		TAC:         4F1A (20250)
RSRQ (dB):     -8.8		Cell ID:     00CC9C08 (13409288)
SINR (dB):     11.2

Any help is appreciated as my link keeps dropping making it unusable.

[swwifty]

dumb question, but did you try moving it back to the original location?

Those signal stats look pretty good.

have you checked all the connectors for the modem/router to ensure nothing is loose or cut?

[teksupscm]

I have not tried moving it back yet. That will be a bit of a pain and a last resort. All connections have been checked and seem fine. It is just disconnecting a lot more often.

[JimHelms]

Also, make sure there is separation between the coax connectors.

[teksupscm]

What do you mean Jim? Separation between the connectors?

[swwifty]

I have not tried moving it back yet. That will be a bit of a pain and a last resort. All connections have been checked and seem fine. It is just disconnecting a lot more often.

are you positive the location you moved it to, is the direction facing the tower?

What type/model of external antennas are you using?

[teksupscm]

The antennas are these two of these 700-2700MHz 15dBi 4G LTE Directional Antenna (Linear ± 45°) N Female Connector recommended by Jim (https://thewirelesshaven.com/shop/antennas/700-27 ... al-antenna).

I used the cellmapper app and pointed the direction I am now gives me the best signal.

[JimHelms]

What do you mean Jim? Separation between the connectors?

I assume your coax cables have Type N connectors on the ends. Make sure there is a few inches between the connectors so they are not touching one another.

[teksupscm]

They were indeed right next to each other, I separated them and will monitor to see if it improves the drops.

[JimHelms]

Also, what type of coax cables are you using and how long?

[teksupscm]

TRENDnet LMR400 N-Type Male to N-Type Female Weatherproof Cable (12M / 39.4 Ft.), TEW-L412

[JimHelms]

TRENDnet LMR400 N-Type Male to N-Type Female Weatherproof Cable (12M / 39.4 Ft.), TEW-L412

LMR400 cables for 39 feet runs are generally sufficient. You will incur some loss from the coax and connectors and can expect a [url=http://www.timesmicrowave.com/calculator/?productId=52&frequency=1900&runLength=39&mode=calculate#form] 59% [/url] cable efficiency at 1900MHz (shown in your stats as Band 2).

[teksupscm]

what cable would I need if the run had to be longer?

[swwifty]

what cable would I need if the run had to be longer?

I would keep your antenna cables as short as possible, and run ethernet back into the house for connectivity, since ethernet will not lose signal and can run up to 100meters without any issues.

That means you'd have to mount the router/modem outside, or near the outside of the house.

You can see my post in off topic on my 4G connection I have a setup that is like this.