5G Broadband dropouts

[MacDavidson]

Hi folks,

So I got Three’s 5G broadband and get great speeds, with great coverage around the house. But at various times each day (for no apparent reason), it just disappears from being available as a wifi device for around 10 minutes, or until reset. The Mac connected by CAT7 cable is unaffected, and all lights remain as they should.

I’ve positioned the router in various places, tried changing the APN from 3internet to three.co.uk, and reset several times. 

Am I doing something wrong? Should I have 2.4 and 5 GHz on at the same time? 2.4 GHz is slower, but I need that for the smart gadgets in the house, but speed is what it’s all about…

Thanks in advance for your time

[mikem2te]

Still no response or answers from Three.

Like others, I've bought an alternative 5G router from ebay, and it's been working faultlessly.

Every so often I get the Three supplied ZTE out, realise it’s the same old steaming piece of junk and pack it back up in its box again.

I’m sure its just a firmware issue, it worked well when I first got it until Three released the B12 update. Its been dire since then.

[NarnUK]

I have the same issue with dropouts. Three Tech support have blamed mast maintenance and this seems

like the usual BS they are telling to customers. I also have the ZTE modem. 

Three have BETTER 5G modems but have told me that they are out of stock. One techy told me I would have to 

pay EXTRA for it even though its not my FAULT! 

I don't think THREE realise that if they give out JUNK ZTE modems, people will complain about the constant dropouts and service. Just give people good equipment that works properly. We are paying you money for a 

frustrating poor service, Lower Speeds and Dropouts. It's NOT FAIR to customers.

[WCAT-15]

This is exactly how I understand the situation.

But to be fair, the ZTE modems are generally rated high; some reviews say they are better then the Zyxel modems; so it is likely it is just the current firmware in the ZTE that needs fixing; hopefully someday it will get auto-updated and then the ZTE will not suffer the dropouts. Meanwhile I am guessing that most people with ZTE modems are not suffering dropouts, so local conditions may also be a factor.

I couldn't wait so I bought a Zyxel modem on eBay and have not had any dropouts since. I calculated that changing to THREE 5G  was going to save me about £500 a year, so buying a Zyxel modem for £150 was worth it -- and when the ZTE get fixed I can resell the Zyxel.

I have not noticed any speed difference between the ZTE and the Zyxel modems; just no dropouts with Zyxel.

[WCAT-15]

Compare ZTE MC801A and Zyxel NR5103e routers.

I recently joined Three 5G broadband and despite asking for the Zyxel router I was given a ZTE MC801. I am within (almost) sight of the mast, and 5G signal is good in any location in house. From the start the internet dropped out several times a day. (after a few minutes it came back on).  After reading this excellent Forum, I bought a used Zyxel NR5103e router on eBay (there are usually several, prices from £150).  Fitted the Three SIM and have not had a dropout since (only 3 days so far....).

The Zyxel router is about 3x the size of the ZTE, and heavier. 5G signal and download speed seems the same as the ZTE. It has less features than the ZTE (eg. I can't turn off the bright LEDs for night time) but nothing I need. The WiFi range seems about the same.  (these are not scientific tests :-). All devices in the house connected to the ZTE or the Zyxel without problem.

This Zyxel (badged Three) was supplied with 4 external antenna arms. When I try these the signal is about 20db worse, and signal/noise ratio goes from about 5 to -1 (ie. worse). So for the moment I am just using the internal antenna.

[TC64]

Yes, the internal antenna is great on mine.  

The ZTE MC801 used to work amazing also on the older firmware.

Once they identity the bug and fix the firmware it is good WiFi in 6 router.

[WCAT-15]

Update:  now 5 days with no dropouts since changing to the Zyxel NR5103 router.

[WCAT-15]

With my ZTE MC801 I was getting several dropouts each day. Lasting a couple of minutes, then the 5G came back on. Moving the hub around the house to a better position improved things to no dropouts during daytime; but for the past few days the 5G was off for tens of minutes in the middle of the night (last night off 45 minutes around 4am). The hub also updated itself to B15 firmware a few days ago.
It is hard to compare speeds because in 5 minutes it can vary from 15 Mb/s to 450 Mb/s.

What I would really like to know is if the Zyxel hub would be better than the XTE hub.

[grabo1530]

My zyxel gives me the same speeds as zte ,it was a little harder to find a position to get the best signal than the zte but tilting over left or right got me all the signal bars for 5g lit up .the Zte would drop out in 24hrs  up to 5 times .the log from my asus router shows this .Since putting the zyxel in on Tuesday and getting bridge mode (passthrough on the zyxel)sorted this router has been connected solidly with no dropouts at all.

Its just a shame I had to go through hoops to be able to fix something that Three deliberately broke .

[TC64]

Yes. My zyxel NR5103E is . It's on b12 firmware . Had to purchase from eBay. Superior router and WiFi and of course currently no internet loss.

[grabo1530]

I've just received the zyxel but can't get the sim to click into place. Is there a knack .

I'm trying with the 3 logo to the bottom and the bit with the corner to the right .