External Antenna For Three 5G Router. MC801AHW

[Kenny_63267]

I live in a 5G area according to Three Mobile coverage map. I have 5G signal in my attic using a Three router MC801AHW. However the signal is only two bars and not very fast or reliable. 

I have connected a Poynting 5G External antenna to the router. However the router still is only showing the same signal level as before the external antenna was connected. There is usually a way to enable the external antenna. I cant find any settings when I log into the router. Any help much appreciated. 

[Kenny_63267]

The modem in question is a THREE MOBILE modem. I am SUBSCRIBING to Three Mobile for 5G broadband. YOU should know how to enable the external antenna settings on YOUR modem. 

I guess you can see now why I thought you were a bot. This is not good enough. 

[Three_Stacey]

The steps we have given are the steps we have been given for setting up an external antenna. I realise they are not working for you and I understand that it is frustrating. I suggest checking that your software is the up to date through the admin page and if it is and the steps are not available for you, I would recommend that you contact the manufacturer as they may have alternative steps to connect the antenna.

[Kenny_63267]

The steps we have given are the steps we have been given for setting up an external antenna. I realise they are not working for you and I understand that it is frustrating. I suggest checking that your software is the up to date through the admin page and if it is and the steps are not available for you,

What? what do you mean it is not available to me? your web site has a "how to" section on connecting an external aerial. So it must be possible to connect one. 

I would recommend that you contact the manufacturer as they may have alternative steps to connect the antenna.

The manufacturer of what exactly?  your modem? But again, surely you should know how to connect an external antenna to YOUR modem.

The steps we have given are the steps we have been given for setting up an external antenna.

I would go as far as to say that the instructions you provided are not the correct instructions. 

[Three_Deborah]

@Kenny_63267 We really want to help you with this, and from what I understand once the antenna is physically connected , it should work. @Three_Stacey is in meetings this morning but will be back in the afternoon.

I've read over your this topic and it seems to boil down to the speeds that you are getting on 5G. You mentioned the ZTE  router is in the attic, (ZTE is the manufacturer of the router) so you're connecting devices from other parts of your house. 5G has a shorter range and can be obstructed by building materials. If it's not too much to ask, could you tell me what speeds you are getting on one of the devices? Ideally one close to where the router is located. It'd be great if you could give me an example with and without the antenna attached.

We're here to help you the best we can, and it may be a case that I'd have to bring this to the attention of our tech department. So could you pop me a PM with your details and speeds, and we'll get the ball rolling on an investigation? 

There are other topics regarding ZTE router but this one over here ZTE MC7010 refers to the tech install unit, but @Add_17629 has just indicated the advantages of updating the firmware. 

We'll keep an eye out for your PM 👍

[Andris_82429]

Hi Deborah my old nickname was ad 17629.

I have not indicated that firmware update will solve any issues and you should know that there is no firmware updates from three as these are done automatically over the air.you have pushed a 5g product and you are using your customers guinea pigs to see what works and what doesnt.and even when three have known  for at least the last 6 month that ye have absolutely stuffed the firmware on those units ye have absolutely nothing to rectify it

[Kenny_63267]

Deborah,

You couldn't be any more incorrect. This has nothing to do with Wi-Fi. I don't think I once mentioned I was having an issue with Wi-Fi. Any speed testing I did do was when connected to my Three router with a cable. 

[Three_Stacey]

@Kenny_63267 please let me know the model of your Poynting antenna, I'm sure you have already checked but I want to double check on the device's compatibility. 

[Kenny_63267]

Poynting XPOL-2-5G: 11dBi WiFi/4G/5G Cross Polarised MIMO Outdoor Antenna - Main

[Kenny_63267]

Stacey,

There is an option to select the external antenna in most other 4/5G routers I have used. I found a thread on a UK site that provides a link (within the router settings) to enable the external antenna on the MC801AHW . This link does not work with your router. 

[Andris_82429]

Hi Kenny_63267 do you mind posting your modems statistics to get better idea of your signal strenght?if you cant swithch your modem to external antennas there is no real point using it