Adding an external antenna to your Netgear Nighthawk M1 will help you
get the fastest possible data rates.
In this guide, we recommend the best external antennas for every
situation, as well as explain how to aim the antennas for best
results.
Running coaxial cable outdoors takes work, but is worth the extra effort. These cross-polarized antenna
kit will result in meaningful signal improvement.
Running coaxial cable outdoors takes work, but is worth the extra effort. These cross-polarized antenna
kit will result in meaningful signal improvement.
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Signal Quality (SINR)
In 4G LTE networks, signal quality is measured as SINR. Increasing
your SINR can have a dramatic impact on your connection speeds. The
best way to improve SINR is to use a
directional outdoor antenna, either connected to a signal booster or directly to an LTE
hotspot.
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Number of Connected Bands
Your phone or hotspot can use multiple bands to connect
simultaneously to the tower. This is called “Carrier Aggregation.”
The more bands you’re connected on, the higher your data rates.
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Signal Strength (RSRP)
Many people think this is the most important factor, but it isn't.
Signal strength, which is called RSRP in 4G LTE networks, definitely
matters. But it’s often not the most important factor. If your RSRP
signal is stronger than around -100 dBm, then a stronger signal
won't help increase your data rates.
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Tower Congestion
The more users on the tower, the lower your data rates will be. In
reality, tower congestion varies by band. Generally higher
frequencies penetrate buildings less than lower frequencies. As a
result, higher frequency bands are generally less congested. Using
outdoor antennas connected directly to a hotspot or to a signal
booster can help get you access to less-congested bands.
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MIMO Support
Both the tower and your LTE device use multiple antennas, in a
configuration called “Multiple Input Multiple Output,” to increase
data rates by around 30%. Most cell phone signal boosters are SISO –
"Single Input Single Output" – though you can install two systems in
parallel to get a MIMO booster.
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Throttling
If you're on an "MVNO" like Tracfone, Straight Talk, or others,
you're treated as a second-class citizen on the main carrier's
network. Even if you're on AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile or Sprint
directly, you may be throttled if you use a lot of data each billing
cycle. Throttling is a process by which carriers de-prioritize
certain users or even cap their connection to a certain speed.
