3G Mobile Broadband has really taken off in Nigeria the past few years – and 3g USB Mobile Broadband dongles are now aggressively promoted by all our mobile networks (glo, mtn,airtel,etisalat,visaphone…etc) as a viable alternative to traditional fixed-line broadband.
However, it is clear judging from complaints from customers(me included) that some of them are far from happy with the quality, reception and signal strength of their Mobile Broadband dongles. But the mobile networks continue to promote Mobile Broadband as if coverage is not an issue. Time without number the NCC has gone as far as reprimanding the mobile networks for some misleading advertising claims.
I am not entirely convinced that the quality issues surrounding 3g mobile broadband have been fully addressed. Okay, so our mobile networks are investing heavily in network infrastructure, but it’s obvious that customers are not getting adequate coverage, signal strength, or reliability with their Mobile Broadband dongles.
I had tried so many free browsing solutions before, but the speeds were excruciatingly slow even when others were reporting broadband speeds. So it dawned on me that this could be a reception problem. I decided to go on a personal quest to find ways to remedy this dilemma. My discoveries were very very encouraging!!!!! If you’ve been looking for ways on how to boost your 3G USB modem signal then you’re definitely in the right place. These solutions will work on the 3g networks like mtn, glo.. etc but will also work on the evdo networks like starcomms, multilinks,.
I am going to show you how i was able to take my 3g modem signal reception from this:
To this:
Here are some household items that can be utilized as signal boosters for your wireless modem:
The Spoon Method:
A spoon can be very useful in improving your 3g modem signal. This can be achieved by tying a spoon on your modem by using rubber or tape as shown in the pic below. The position of the spoon should stand upright or vertical in order to obtain maximum results.
The Radio Antenna Method:
A radio antenna can also be used to strengthen your 3G modem signals. Just connect the radio antenna with external antenna socket on the modem(just look on the side of your modem to find the tiny pinhole socket). This method can improve the signal around to 2-3 bars.
The Copper Wire Method:
Take about 30-50 cm of copper wire, then wrap it 2-5 times on the modem, then peel the remaining cable; about 10 cm and leave it pointed up as in pic below. You can stick the other end into your modem external antenna socket. This can improve the reception of your signals to about 2 bars.The length of the optimal antenna for GSM 900 is 33.3 cm while for the GSM 1800 is 16.7 cm. The formula is the length of antenna = C / Frequency, where C is the speed of light = 300,000,000 m/s.
The Sieve Method: (this is is the method i use and it is very effective)
What you'll need;
A sieve(the bigger the better)
usb cable
usb 3g modem
Aluminium Foil(optional but makes for stronger signal)
Make a slit at the bottom of your sieve;big enough to fit your usb modem cable(see pics) and then connect your usb modem to the cable.
Next wrap the sieve with aluminium foil, and voila!!! what do you get? A mini satellite dish. The same principle behind a satellite dish is the same principle at work here. the aim is to converge the signal towards the center of the sieve hence making for a stronger reception for your 3g modem.
You can watch the video below for a better clarification.
The CD method: In this method we,ll be using just a compact disc. Any cd will do; whether good or scratched. the surface of the cd acts as a reflector for the signals. see video below
Note that you don't necessarily have to connect it as in the video below. You can connect your usb cable to the usb port and then connect the cd to the usb cable and modem
The Pringles method:
The video is self explanatory. This is nickname the "cantenna". you can google it or search for it on youtube for some more sophisicated ones
The Plastic Bowl method
Here we will be using a plastic bowl wrapped with aluminium foil. Signal are converged to the center of the bowl where the modem is placed. Watch video below
The Kitchen Pot:
In this method we’ll be making use of just an aluminium pot with our modem placed on the inside of the pot
The Parabola Effect:
This method uses an aluminium foil to create a parabolic reflector. Watch video
3g Booster CIS style:
This is for the tech savvy and those with too much time on their hands. Note that the bottle is just to make it water proof especially, if you are placing the booster outside of your house.
THE NEXT SET OF VIDEOS ARE FOR YOUR WIFI ROUTERS(FOR CAFES) OR FOR YOUR WIRELESS LAN
The Coca cola booster:
Wonders shall never end!!!!
Using your 3g phone as a WIFI antenna
The windsurfer method:
How to get free wifi internet: ( I,ve tried this on Adeniran ogusanya and it works perfectly; i picked up some open wifi signals from businesses along that axis. Should work perfectly at ikeja business districts)
Some things in life should be free. Easy WiFi Radar helps you find and connect to open wireless access points with a single mouseclick. It's WiFi for Dummies. This video shows how you can use Easy WiFi Radar to get wireless broadband connections for free.
You can download it here:
http://www.makayama.com/easywifiradar.html