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LTE modem/router w/external antennas?
Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2022 4:00 am
by oguruma
I'm looking to build a mobile router/modem/AP for an RV. I'd really like to find something with external antennas, dual SIM, at least a couple ethernet ports, and WiFi.
I'd like to mount the router in the RV, but have external antennas on the roof.
The SXT is close to what I am after, though it looks like it's intended to be used only as an LTE modem, and would require me to have an additional piece of hardware to function as the router.
Re: LTE modem/router w/external antennas?
Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2022 6:37 am
by gabacho4
I love my LtAP LTE6. It supports external antenas if you get the necessary parts and are comfortable making a few adjustments and it has 3 sim slots. It only has one Ethernet port but that can be fixed with a simple switch. Been rock solid for me for the most part over the past couple years. Runs even better with ROS7 instead of 6.
Re: LTE modem/router w/external antennas?
Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2022 8:49 pm
by oguruma
I love my LtAP LTE6. It supports external antenas if you get the necessary parts and are comfortable making a few adjustments and it has 3 sim slots. It only has one Ethernet port but that can be fixed with a simple switch. Been rock solid for me for the most part over the past couple years. Runs even better with ROS7 instead of 6.
How would you make it support external antennas? It looks like it only has internal antennas, so do I have to cut holes in it and solder onto those or something?
Re: LTE modem/router w/external antennas?
Posted: Fri Jul 15, 2022 10:02 pm
by gabacho4
I had to purchase a couple U.fl -SMA pigtails.
https://mikrotik.com/product/acsmaufl
Then I opened the LtAP, disconnected the internal antenna, drilled a couple appropriately sized holes in the cover of the LtAP ( they actually mark areas where this can be done but you can put them wherever you like as long as the pigtails are long enough), installed the pigtails and connected them to the LTE radio, then purchased a good length of 2 x SMA - SMA cables on Amazon. Then attached an externa antena.
https://mikrotik.com/product/mant_lte_5o
Am enjoying 120-130 mbps download and 50 mbps upload - depending on network saturation of course. It’s been a great solution for me.
Re: LTE modem/router w/external antennas?
Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2022 1:04 am
by oguruma
I had to purchase a couple U.fl -SMA pigtails.
https://mikrotik.com/product/acsmaufl
Then I opened the LtAP, disconnected the internal antenna, drilled a couple appropriately sized holes in the cover of the LtAP ( they actually mark areas where this can be done but you can put them wherever you like as long as the pigtails are long enough), installed the pigtails and connected them to the LTE radio, then purchased a good length of 2 x SMA - SMA cables on Amazon. Then attached an externa antena.
https://mikrotik.com/product/mant_lte_5o
Am enjoying 120-130 mbps download and 50 mbps upload - depending on network saturation of course. It’s been a great solution for me.
Ahh ok, that makes sense. Are the intended spots to add external atenna cables the small holes drilled above the GPS antenna connector?
Which carriers have you gotten it work with?
Re: LTE modem/router w/external antennas?
Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2022 3:34 am
by gabacho4
I didn’t use those but those would perhaps work. I just went through the side of the black cover myself. I am using the device overseas so it uses a European band LTE modem. They do t use the same bands as the US and the provider isn’t one that is located in the US. The key is that you get a US compatible modem ( Streakwave sells the right version) or you buy your own modem (Qectel EP06-A perhaps). If you do a search of the forums, there should be a number of postings about US compatible modems/providers. Sorry I can’t be of more help there.