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Thread: Mobile Broadband

  1. 27th November 2014, 01:55 PM #1
    Simon's Avatar
    Simon
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    Mobile Broadband

    Sorry if this has been done before, I had a look but couldn't see anything

    I'm considering a Telstra mobile wi-fi device for travelling, for example like the 4G advanced pro-x. To this we'll connect laptop / ipad as need arises (and presumably can also connect iphone for internet)

    Just wondering with regard to coverage should these devices be connected to an antenna to assist pickup in marginal areas? If so what would be the recommendation?

    Apologies if I'm asking questions that make no sense, this is all new to me....

    Thanks

    Simon
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  2. 27th November 2014, 02:18 PM #2
    Tombie Guest
    Take it your iPad isnt 3g/4g equipped version?
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  3. 27th November 2014, 02:21 PM #3
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    Eevo
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    well the telstra network has the best coverage in general.
    for general use, an antenna is more hassle than its worth.

    best thing would be to try without an antenna and see if your happy.
    just remember that an antenna enhances a signal.
    if there is no signal to start with, there is nothing to enhance and you will see no benefit.
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  4. 27th November 2014, 02:39 PM #4
    Phil B
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    x2 what Eevo has said.
    The other providers are alot cheaper but Telsta has by far the best coverage in remote areas.
    I have an Optus modem for ipods etc which is fine in cities but hopeless in rural areas.
    I wouldn't bother with an antenna.
    Phil
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  5. 27th November 2014, 02:51 PM #5
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    Yes, the Ipad is wifi only.

    Thoughts of antenna came about through large areas of the telstra coverage map indicating no signal without external antenna. Agreed their coverage is the widest, we are currently with Virgin (optus) and its nowhere near.

    Good point re seeing how we go first. If all goes to plan we'll be on the road for c.11 months so plenty of time finetune things.

    Cheers

    Simon
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  6. 27th November 2014, 03:15 PM #6
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    gavinwibrow
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    I use a small antenna for a 3/4G dongle connected to my laptop in remote areas and it does improve the signal strength, but is very variable. I'm not sure how that translates to wifi use, but on balance, for the price I would think it worth it for remote traveling.
    I remember the old CDMA thick 1 metre high aerials made a significant improvement to mobile phone reception (usually in the order of 20 - 25% for me).
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  7. 27th November 2014, 03:31 PM #7
    PhilipA
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    It's either on here or Exploroz where you can put your dongle on a pole or up a tree, or as one bloke posted pictures of, camping in a quarry and having the dongle on a hill 100 metres away and getting fine wifi.

    So really your dongle IS the antenna. I got an antenna with mine but never used it.

    I found many times if I chucked it up on the roof of the tent, I got a much better signal.
    Telstra only.
    By dongle I mean a wifi hotspot thingo.
    Regards Philip A
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  8. 27th November 2014, 04:17 PM #8
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    bee utey
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    I have a Telstra 4G USB wireless broadband dongle thingy (Sierra Wireless) that I cart around the place and use it with my laptop. When reception is poor I use the 2 metre extension cable and hang it higher . I've found also that if I hang it on the cross bar of an aluminium window I get around 1 bar of better signal. I'd imagine that if you fashioned some sort of wire loop and hung it off that it would similarly boost the signal strength. I'm sure you could use a longer extension cord too and a pole.
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