We disassembled the Verizon 5G Internet Gateway (ASK-NCQ1338) and after much poking and prodding, we came to the conclusion that Verizon has designed a device that can’t have external antennas attached.

Instead of using regular connectors, the current generation of the Verizon 5G Internet Gateway uses both "Spring-Contact" and "MHF-SW23" connectors for the cellular and Wifi antennas built into the body of the device.

The picture below displays an example of some of the many "Spring-Contact" and "MHF-SW23" connectors present within the Verizon 5G Internet Gateway (ASK-NCQ1338).

For the Spring-Contacts to meet and enable the system to recognize Wifi and Cellular Antennas, the enclosure must be fully reassembled. From our testing there isn't a way to feed cables into the Verizon 5G Internet Gateway (ASK-NCQ1338) and reassemble the unit.

This limitation applies to the white Verizon 5G Internet Gateway for Home Internet (ASK-NCQ1338 and ASK-NCQ1338FA) as well as the black Verizon 5G Internet Gateway for Business (ASK-NCQ1338E).

Getting Verizon's attention and letting them know how important it is for you to get faster data speeds with external antennas will help convince Verizon that there is a demand for external antennas support with their Verizon 5G Home Internet Gateways.

You can let Verizon know why improved data speeds are important to you and why you want their future systems to support 4x4 MIMO external antenna connections by sending a message to their Executive Leadership: https://www.verizon.com/about/our-company/leader/contact/922789

Using an external MIMO antenna outside your building, pointed at the nearest tower, can help you get the fastest 4G LTE and 5G data rates possible.

Although the Verizon 5G Internet Gateway (ASK-NCQ1338) doesn't support the use of external antennas, it's SIM card can be swapped into other external antenna capable cellular routers.

Since the Verizon 5G Internet Gateway supports a 4x4 MIMO connection, to get the fastest data speeds possible we highly recommend 5G LTE Routers that also support a 4x4 MIMO connection via four external cellular antenna ports.

Accessing Verizon 5G Internet Gateway's SIM card does require a couple tools. Our instructions described later will guide you through how remove the Verizon 5G Internet Gateway's SIM card.

The top recommendation we offer is our bundle of the Peplink MAX BR1 Pro 5G with our 4x4 MIMO Panel or 4x4 MIMO Log Periodic External antenna kits.

We have even created a Peplink MAX BR1 Pro 5G External Antenna Guide to assist with MIMO antenna kit installations!

Which of the two different 4x4 MIMO External Antenna Kit options to use depends primarily on how much time you're willing to spend on aiming.

The easiest antenna choice is our QuadMini Antenna Kit. With up to 5.2 dBi of omnidirectional gain and multiple mounting options, it is designed to be extremely simple to install outdoors or indoors, at home or in an RV.

However, if you're willing to spend a little bit of time aiming, our QuadPro Antenna Kit will generally get you the fastest data speeds, thanks to its 9.1 dBi of directional gain. This is particularly important if you're on the edge of coverage, or have very weak signal.

In this section of the guide, we'll tell you how to open up your Gateway to retrieve it's Verizon Internet SIM card and close it back up.

Before you get started, you will need the following:

• A #1-size phillips-head screwdriver
• A thin prying tool or flat-head screwdriver
• A secure container to keep screws and small parts safe while you work

Important note:

Be careful not to damage your Verizon Home Internet Gateway while disassembling.

Waveform does not make any guarantees nor take any responsibility for damage caused to your unit when following these instructions. Please proceed at your own risk.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing the Verizon 5G Internet Gateway SIM card

Step 1: Power off the Verizon 5G Internet Gateway and unplug the power cable.

Step 2: On the bottom of the device, use a prying tool to push the rubber pad to the side.

Step 3: Use a prying tool to remove the square plastic cap (as shown below) to access the Verizon Internet SIM card.

• Note: If the square plastic cap is held in place by a screw, remove the #1-size phillips-head screw before attempting to pry off the square plastic cap.

Step 4: Retrieve the Verizon Internet SIM card. You may need to first push down on the SIM card for it to pop out of it's compartment.

Step 5: Reassemble in the system in the reverse order of these steps.

NOTE: To use a Verizon Internet SIM card in a different 5G LTE Router, you will need to manually set the APN of that router to "v5ga01internet".

By using external MIMO antennas placed outside your building, you can bring the faster LTE data rates from outdoors into the 5G LTE Router with much less signal loss.

Here are the best steps for optimizing the position of your Verizon Internet Gateway (ASK-NCQ1338):

1. Look up your nearby towers. This can be time consuming and difficult to get right - we've listed our suggestions in an article on the Best Ways to Locate Nearby Cell Towers
2. Run speed tests with your Verizon Internet Gateway at the windows closest to each nearby tower (If you have multiple floors, perform this process on each floor).
3. Place your Verizon Internet Gateway at the location with the fastest data speeds.

This process is simple but effective if you haven't already optimized the position of your Verizon Internet Gateway, however this method will likely provide only a small improvement to data speeds compared to Option #1.

Most people think that external antennas primarily help you increase your data rates by increasing the signal strength. But that's not the case.

An increase in signal strength is often less important than other ways that external antennas help.

Here are the three main ways that external antennas help you increase your data rates:

Pro tip: When placing cellular antennas, don’t just go to the highest point of the roof! While signal is generally stronger the higher you go, there’s also often more interference. We’ve found it’s often better to mount the antenna(s) on the side of the building where the structure can shield the antennas from interference.

Documentation

For Home Internet (ASK-NCQ1338, ASK-NCQ1338FA)

• Support Overview
• User Guide, User Guide (FA)
• Interactive Tutorial

For Business (ASK-NCQ1338E)

• Support Overview
• User Guide
• Interactive Tutorial