If you're looking to squeeze out the very best data rates from your Netgear Nighthawk M1 MR1100, then band locking is key.
Unfortunately the MR1100, like most hotspots, doesn't always pick the best performing combination of bands.
Fortunately, using a telnet console and entering AT commands makes it possible to band lock the M1.
This can get a little technical, but we'll keep it as digestible as possible! Read on for step-by-step instructions.

What is Band Locking and Why Should You Do It?

Tip: Test Bands Individually and Together

Step 1: Open a Telnet Session with Your Netgear Nighthawk

Step 2: Use AT Commands to Display Network Information

Step 3: Use AT Commands to Band Lock Your Nighthawk

How To Band Lock The Netgear Nighthawk M1 MR1100

Taking cell signal measurements using the "Field Test Mode" functionality of your phone can help you choose and install the right signal booster.
In this guide, we explain why it's important to take signal measurements, what field test mode is, how it works, and where to find your strength and quality readings.

How Will Signal Measurements Help Me Decide Which Booster To Buy?

What do my RSRP and SINR/RSSNR measurements mean?

Field Test Mode for iPhones and Android

Using MIMO antennas to improve your signal can take a bit of patience.
We’d be surprised if you saw better data rates immediately upon connecting the antennas.
Be prepared to spend an hour or two to find the right location and direction for your antennas! 
Once you get them set up and running properly, you should see a significant improvement in signal and performance on your LTE router, right away.
This guide is based on feedback from hundreds of customers like you. We’ve revised it dozens of times to make it as helpful as possible and make the process of getting better data rates as easy as we can.
Go ahead and give this a read before setting up any MIMO external antennas. It’ll help you save time, avoid the most common pitfalls, and ensure your system works as well as possible.

MIMO Panel External Antenna Kit

Our favorite MIMO antenna kit, this MIMO panel is easy to install and will provide meaningful signal improvement, even if you're surrounded by trees, hills or tall buildings.

MIMO Log Periodic External Antenna Kit

These cross polarized log periodic antennas offer a higher passive gain for an even more powerful MIMO signal, and work best with direct line-of-sight to the tower.

Ideally from start to finish so that you understand the whole process before you begin.

Start by assembling your MIMO antennas to get them ready for testing and installation.

This step is the most time-consuming, but it’s worth the effort. Getting it right has a huge impact on your system’s performance.

Without making any holes in your roof or walls, temporarily run the cable indoors to your hotspot or LTE router and run speed tests – if everything's looking good, it’s time to finalize your cable runs and hard-wire everything.

Look up your nearby towers on CellMapper.net. Try to find the eNodeB IDs that your LTE/5G router or hotspot is connecting to using the device’s admin interface.

Aim your antenna(s) at each nearby tower and band lock your hotspot or router to every band that the tower transmits. Run speed tests on each band to find the fastest bands.

Try enabling multiple bands and using carrier aggregation to find the fastest band combination. Carrier aggregation allows your devices to connect to two or more bands simultaneously but doesn’t always result in an improvement. Stick to a single band if that gets you the best results.

Our Guide for Aiming External MIMO Antennas

If you're considering deploying a DAS, or already have a DAS inside your building, 5G is likely top of mind. 
With faster speeds, higher capacity, and better support for IoT devices, 5G has a great deal to offer.
In this article we offer insights from the 5G DAS deployments our team has designed and installed, and based on some of the conversations we've had with our customers.

5 Key Take-Aways for Venue Owners Considering a 5G DAS

5G operates in three distinct frequency ranges, but "mid-band 5G" is the most cost-effective combination of coverage and capacity for most venues.

A DAS is only as good as the signal source that feeds it. Work with your integrator to pick the right option for your venue.

It's possible to add new frequencies to "modular" DAS systems - but the exact details depend on the vendor.

New frequencies and updates to 5G are constantly being released. Plan ahead to make sure your system is future-proof.

Probably the single most important factor to a successful deployment is finding the right systems integrator. Whether you're deploying a new system or upgrading an existing DAS, <a href="https://www.waveform.com/pages/custom-solutions">reach out to our team of DAS specialists</a>.

Why DAS Technology Is Critical for Indoor 5G

Three Types of 5G, and Why Just One Will Be Deployed In Most Venues

5G DAS Signal Sources: Small Cells and Off-Air

Future-Proofing Your 5G DAS By Preparing for C-Band

Guides

Featured

Field Test Mode for iPhones and Android

Our Guide for Aiming External MIMO Antennas

The Future of DAS Is 5G: What You Need to Know

All Guides

How To Band Lock The Netgear Nighthawk M1 MR1100

Field Test Mode for iPhones and Android

Our Guide for Aiming External MIMO Antennas

The Future of DAS Is 5G: What You Need to Know