LTE-M Signal Boosting for nRF9160 DK

[Zeedel]

Hi Nordic,

I bought an nRF9160 DK for use in the UK on o2's network, but the signal in my home office is poor resulting in me having to go to the window to get connectivity. Are there any devices one can use to boost the signal - so I can work without having to go to the window each time?

Ta.

[Kenneth]

Hi,

I think the options you have are:

- try with a different carrier?
- try with an external antenna?
- get a long USB cable?
- remote desktop to a PC placed closer to where there is good reception?

Best regards,
Kenneth

[Zeedel]

Hi Kenneth,

Thanks for getting back. I think the external antenna option would suit best. However, I am a newbie would appreciate if you can guide me. Am I correct that the antenna would plug into the J1 connector on the board? And are there any that you can recommend / suggest? Lastly, how would I disable the onboard antenna once I have the external one connected?

Ta.

[Kaja]

Hi, 

what DK version are you using?

Best regards,
Kaja

[Zeedel]

Thanks for picking this Kaja, I think it's version 0.9.0. The label at the back reads:

PCA10090

0.9.0

2019.20

[Kaja]

Okay, 

do you know if your far away from a base station? 

Best regards,
Kaja

[Zeedel]

I live in London, and am not too far from the nearest base station (o2). I am on the ground floor, and there is a block of apartments (4 stories) next to mine, and this makes regular mobile signals patchy for everyone also on the ground floor. However, mobile reception is ok in my 'home office', though LTE-M signal (also on o2's network) only gets picked up by the DK when I go to the window.

When by the window, RSRQ,RSRP pairs shift slightly as below

• 1,22
• 1,17
• 6,17
• 6,22
• 8,16

I have also attached a screenshot of the LTE Link Monitor.

Ta.

[Zeedel]

Hi Kaja,

Just wondered whether you've had a chance to look into my enquiry and can advise whether an external antenna is the way to go? This is what I seem to have identified as suitable - https://www.digikey.co.uk/product-detail/en/MXHS83QE3000/490-4982-ND/1775923/?itemSeq=341481648 and www.digikey.co.uk/.../, could you kindly confirm?

[Kaja]

Hi,

you probably get a blind spot, due to your surroundings, urban cities makes it more difficult for the signal. 

Open windows.
You can try NB-IoT, with Vodaphone. 
Yes, you can try with the external antenna. 


Best regards,
Kaja