Carriers broadcast their networks on several Bands, or ranges of frequencies. They offer different bands in different areas depending on signal, tower, and population density. The different bands offer differing speeds and coverage ranges. The bands with the highest frequencies offer the highest speeds, but smaller coverage areas. Below is a table of the most common bands/frequencies used in the US. In short, the higher the frequency and output power on that frequency the faster the speeds. Understand that even if your on the highest frequency with the highest power, that doesn't always mean its the best one to be connected to. Wireless frequency interference does play a role here, so if you are really far from a tower or have your LTE modem behind walls/ metal/ stone/ brick/ electronics, you likely would have better performance on a lower frequency in which can penetrate that material more effectively. See more about signal here
| Carrier | 4G LTE Bands | Frequencies (MHz) |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T (Blue) | 2, 4, 5, 12, 14, 30, 66 | 1900, 1700 AWS, 850 CLR , 700 AC/PS, 2300 , 1700/2100 Ext AWS |
| T-Mobile (Pink) | 2, 4, 12, 66, 71 | 1900, 1700 def, 700 a, 1700/2100 Ext AWS, 600 (5G Freq) |
| Verizon (Red) | 2, 4, 13, 66 | 1900, 1700 AWS, 700 C, 1700/2100 Ext AWS |
Scanning for available Bands *Start Here*
First, you'll want to use the "Bandscanner" function to identify which bands are even visible to the MOFI where you have the device setup.
Log into the MOFI's web browser by typing in the following IP into any of the following web browsers (Safari, Firefox, or Internet Explorer): 192.168.10.1 . Hit enter to have the web browser search that IP address. It will bring up the MOFI's User interface so long as you are connected to the MOFI's wifi or hardwired into the device with a LAN cable.
The default username is: root and the password is: admin
In the left-hand menu, Select Network --> "Mofi Internal Modem" --> "Band Scanner"
Click the "Start Scan" button
Note the available bands after the report finishes. You are more than welcome to take a screenshot or picture of the results page and send is to us so we can help you pick which one would likely work the best. (Recommended)
See below example picture of a bandscan results page taken in our office using our Pink plan (T-mobile service) As you can see from the picture below the signal is right about normal considering the location of the device. We are in a commercial building inside an interior room and no external antenna. Just the standard MOFI device with the provided LTE antennas attached. Distance away from the nearest T-mobile tower is about 3/4 mile. We are getting around 16-20mbps download speeds with device bandlocked to Band: B2 due to the decent signal readings (-91 dBM RSR)P and the high frequency bandwidth (15MHz). The Pink lines on the picture denote the available T-mobile bands/ frequencies in which the device is reading/ picking up (Band 2, 4, 12, 66 and 71 which does not have good enough signal to get reading)).
Locking the MOFI to a Frequency Band *2nd step*
Next, let's try locking to the different bands. You'll test each of the available bands by selecting a band then once the device reboots, you will then do a internet speed test at www.nperf.com or www.speedof.me to determine the speed of the currently selected band. You will repeat this step on each of the available bands and then once you know the speeds of each one, you can lock it onto the one that performs the best.
Note: The strongest band is not always the fastest (this is read on the RSRP and is read in -XXX (dbm). The higher the number the worse the signal is, and the lower the number, the better it is)
- Log into the MoFi's web browser at 192.168.10.1. The default username is root and the password is admin
- In the left-hand menu, Select Network --> "Mofi Internal Modem" --> "BandLock"
Select the dropdown menu next to "Bandwatcher" and select "ON"
Select the dropdown menu next to "Lock Modem to a Band" and select the band in which you'd like to lock the MOFI onto. In the example below I select Band 66. This does not mean that is the best band for you. Based on the results of the Bandscanner, you'd have a good idea what band to lock onto OR you can lock onto each available band and test each one individually.
Wait for the MOFI to come back online (3-4 minutes reboot time) and then connect your phone or laptop back to the Mofi's wifi network once you see the WIFI indicator light turn to solid green.
Next browse to the website www.nperf.com or www.speedof.me and Click the large "Start Test" or "Go" button to perform the test and take note of the upload and download speeds. Repeat this test several times (I find doing 3 tests on each website gives ya good average) with several minutes in between to get a good idea of consistency. For reference, in order to seamlessly stream an 720p HD video, an internet connection capable of at least of 5 Mbps download speed is recommended and for 1080p HD you'd want around 10 Mbps for download speed. Streaming in 4K resolution (requires 20-25mbps download) is not authorized using Olive IP service as it eats at networks bandwidth and causes congestion.
Repeat steps 1-4 for each available band in your area and finally lock the MOFI to the band that showed the best average speed test results.