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B818 worth it if using external antennas?

t0m

Member
I currently have a B900 and found that it needed to be up in the loft for a decent connection. I'd quite like to replace it with something that can do modem mode (I connect the B900 to my Wifi router downstairs via Ethernet). I was thinking of the B818 but I'm in two minds about putting it in the same place due to the high/low temperatures and humidity up there. The B900 has survived a summer and a winter without issue but I do wonder if I'm shortening its life.

I could use an external antenna and site the B818 on the 1st floor. But would I get any better results than a cheaper B535? I understand you lose the 4x4 MIMO functionality if you connect an external antenna to the B818.
 
Hi,

It'd be worth a try, specs say 0 °C ~ 40 °C, don't think a loft goes significantly over or below that. It's worth avoiding the antenna if you're in a good signal area, due to cable losses and loss of 4x4 MIMO.
 
I've just replaced a 525 with a 818 yesterday and there is a noticeable difference in performance. Max peak download speeds are about 15% higher for my situation and the throughput is better, more even when you look at the graph. Still best using band 3 only.
I also have a 535 that I use elsewhere where there is no 3G signal to fall back to (and utilise any inclusive minutes).
When tested side by side I cannot see any real world difference between a 525 and a 535 so expect any change you might see would be similar, maybe!
Any experiments I've done with external aerials and even height in lofts and up ladders at two locations have not gone well. I've just found the sweet spots and stuck with them.
 
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