Turbocpe
Premium
join:2001-12-22
IA
 ·Iowa Network Servi..
| Millenicom - Signal and Speed issues
I first posted on this forum nearly 2 months ago about my speed issues with Millenicom.
In short, Millenicom stated that I'm in an area where connectivity should be "excellent" and that I'd see normal download speeds between 500K - 1.5M, with burstable speeds to 3.1M/1.8M. Millenicom stated that upload speed would be "half that".
The Franklin CDU-680 gives me a signal strength anywhere from about -87 to into the hundreds. This signal can vary wildly, and quickly. It often does go into 1x mode.
Even taking the CDU-680 and laptop outside, and around the neighborhood, the signal strength is still no better than roughly -87 or higher. The same fluctuations with the signal occur as well.
Download speeds range anywhere from 200kbps and below, while upload struggles to be in the double-digits.
I recently purchased a Cyfre amplifier kit, including a 5DB Magnetic Mount Antenna. Upon hooking up the equipment, the signal strength started out in the 100s and slowly dropped to about -84dB. That was the best it would do, with frequent fluctuations, sometimes to -117dB.
Upon doing a speed test:
Here's another:
Both were on EVDO REV A mode with the Cyfre amplifier and 5dB antenna kit.
The the 5dB magnetic antenna was mounted on a metal plate larger than 8x8, as instructed.
Not only is the download speed an issue, but upload speed is nowhere near what Sprint/Millenicom claim. It's not just about speed tests here, just browsing simple webpages such as BBR show a lot of waiting. |
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Max Signal
Premium
join:2008-03-07
Buffalo, NY
 ·Verizon FIOS
| I sent you a PM , Call me , Let's see if we can tweak it for you . Here is the same disclaimer I give everyone about signals and speeds
All we can guarantee with the purchase of an amplifier is the best reception possible (lowest RSSI readings). With the best reception usually comes your highest upload, download speeds and lowest latency . But there are many other factors involved that you have no control that also effect your speeds. Such as network traffic , traffic on the tower you are connected to , number of T1 lines to said tower , Use or abuse of the frequency on the tower you are connected to by other users. I hope this clear things up for you
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www.MaximumSignal.Net |
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Turbocpe
Premium
join:2001-12-22
IA
·Iowa Network Servi..
edit:
July 2nd, @03:58PM
| said by Max Signal  :I sent you a PM , Call me , Let's see if we can tweak it for you . Here is the same disclaimer I give everyone about signals and speeds All we can guarantee with the purchase of an amplifier is the best reception possible (lowest RSSI readings). With the best reception usually comes your highest upload, download speeds and lowest latency . But there are many other factors involved that you have no control that also effect your speeds. Such as network traffic , traffic on the tower you are connected to , number of T1 lines to said tower , Use or abuse of the frequency on the tower you are connected to by other users. I hope this clear things up for you Gord, I sent you a response. I'm not really blaming you or your equipment.
When I plug in the power for the Cyfre amplifier, the signal does trickle down. So it appears the amplifier is working. The issue is, -84dB (at best) still must be an issue. Even with the Cyfre amplifier, I would see -87dB one second, then 117dB the other second. It even went into 1x mode with the Cyfre amplifier online.
I could understand if perhaps the signal wasn't that great in the home, and maybe around my home, but the fact of the matter is, I could not find any location in my neighborhood that shown really any noticeable improvement with the signal strength. This is what Sprint/Millenicom claim as "excellent" reception/coverage?!
I understand all of the variations and factors with speed, having been around for some time with broadband. However, these are considerably lower than the impression Millenicom/Sprint claim, especially the upload. It's no wonder even browsing BBR with the service shows a lots of waiting. The BBR logo in the top left corner loaded in sections at a time. Those download speeds posted above would be considered "burstable" as it was nowhere near steady. In fact, both tests shown "drop outs" during the tests. |
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Max Signal
Premium
join:2008-03-07
Buffalo, NY
·Verizon FIOS
| Do you have the antenna outside or inside? Sometimes getting the antenna mounted outside at a decent height helps a lot as well . Sounds like they have some major network issues in your area . You should put in a trouble ticket . Sometimes these carriers have no idea there is a problem till someone that knows their stuff gives them details like you have documented.
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www.MaximumSignal.Net |
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Turbocpe
Premium
join:2001-12-22
IA
·Iowa Network Servi..
| Gord, would you have information on an effective way to contact Sprint about this? I initially did feel it was a network issue, especially considering when I'm on the other side of my town (for sure a different tower/antenna), I can see speeds that beat my DSL connection. I use Millenicom, and I've sent them 2 or 3 emails with short facts and information, only to receive a short "call us" message. I have not exactly had the time to do so, and I do not know what Millenicom can say on the phone that they cannot in an email. |
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Max Signal
Premium
join:2008-03-07
Buffalo, NY
·Verizon FIOS
| Sorry I have no Sprint Contact info . Have you tried in another area say 10-20 miles from where you are ? Maybe it is an issue with the card . If does the same thing connecting to different towers it may be a device issues
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www.MaximumSignal.Net |
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