Is this good speed for a wireless modem

I have a USB720 that I use for my internet. I use it at home only now and have found the best location next to a window using a USB extension to hang it over a tall lamp high in the window. The signal ranges between 1.8 to 2.5 mbps. I am trying to obtain the best speed available. I also own a V740 that I can activate instead of the USB720. I am considering purchasing an antenna to see if the signal will be better and more stable. I have a couple of questions.

1: Will using the V740 instead of the USB720 allow a faster rate.
2: I am looking at the Wilson trucker antenna to put next to the window and would like to know if anybody has used one of these and obtained a better signal.

 

Good speed in what sense? My iPhone gets several times what you get on cellular data, so from my perspective that's horrible, but it really depends on what the norms are.

 

I have know idea what norms are. I am trying to get a better signal and am wondering if it is worth the purchase of more hardware to get it. I can currently watch an online video with one computer while another surfs the web. I am hoping with an antenna the data will be fast enough to allow two computers to watch video at the same time.

 

It depends on what your ISP is providing you. I have a 25/10mbps FIOS service so in reference, not on my system.

 

I am showing between three and four bars with this signal strength
Signal Strength (%): 78
Signal Strength (dBm): -73

I get this by hanging the wireless modem over a lamp next to the window. I am wondering if the signal will be any better with an antenna.

 

You can use high gain beam antennas (min 7dbi) but you need them on both end to get the best results. Also remember as you improve your signal you may also increase the noise it also sees. Some times it's not an issue some time it is..

 

The signal I am now getting with the EVDO 3g usb modem is considered really good by the EVDO forum and the people at the 3g store where I intend to purchase my antenna. Because I live in an apartment I can not hang an antenna on the building. I surveyed and found the upper left corner of one of the bedroom windows to be the best place for reception. I purchased an EVDO router that has 2 usb and one express card port on it. I can now sit in any spot I want to use my laptop and have a usable signal strength. I am looking at a omin directional dual band antenna with a 12' cord. This should allow enough seperation to cut noise down. I am also looking at getting rid of the 25 foot cat5 going to the pc. I am moving back into a house in the near future so I am looking into this.
http://3gstore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=124&products_id=1813

 

Ahh, EVDO... No wonder.

Those speeds are more or less within expectations for EVDO.

 

I had a choice of dial up or EVDO when I lived in dump water Florida. We are on monthly now that the contract is up but it is still unlimited. I feel sorry for the people with the 5gig scam the carriers put on them.

 

Hi reb1, don't know if you have been there or not but, http://www.dslreports.com/ is a good place to pick up on EVDO tips and tweaks. There is a guy over there who hangs out a lot on the Millenicom Forum named Jim_in_VA that has a site http://evdo-tips.com/ with great tips and friendly advice. I don't know who your carrier is but Jims antenea and amp tips should be good for any 3g modem.

Here is a tipical speed test on my 3g modem.



Yeah I know, its a crazy speed for 3g but I can never get anything consistant from any of the speed tests I do at various testing sites. I believe EVDO speeds top out at around 3.4 MBps in perfect conditions so the test you posted is not bad at all.

 

Cap: Thanks for the information on the evdo tips. I got into my MBR1000 and intel wireless last night and was able to adjust the security settings so my palm and my sons psp can connect now. I put the program that turns the windows 7 computer into a wifi hot spot on another hard drive for later use. I have XP on both of are computers. I had to get the EVDO router because Verizons software was abusive to my Sony Vaio. It is nice to be able to use the computer anywhere I want in the apt and have a good signal.