How to strengthen the Yota signal. Iota amplifier for modem and router

The Yota company uses 4G communications using a high-frequency signal - the LTE standard. Long Term Evolution is a long-term development, based, in turn, on mobile network technologies such as GSM/EDGE, UMTS/HSPA.

This format allows you to achieve speeds (under favorable conditions) - 326.4 Mbit/s when downloading files, 172.8 Mbit/s when uploading. With a time delay during data transfer - 5 ms.

Such networks are most popular in small countries - South Korea, Japan, Kuwait. This is due to the main problem of this wireless protocol: base stations operate within a radius of about 6.8 km, given that the most popular bands used in Russia are LTE2600 and LTE1800 MHz.

In this regard, if difficulties arise with receiving/transmitting the Yota signal, you have to look for options to improve the signal. If simple methods (updating software, drivers, eliminating obstacles indoors, etc.) fail to solve the problems, then it may be necessary to use amplifying equipment - an antenna and a signal amplifier for Yota.

How to choose and not be deceived

The main parameter for antennas is gain. There is a special unit of measurement - isotropic decibel (dBi). So, if someone is trying to sell an antenna for Yota in the form of a small box and at the same time guarantees a gain of almost 80 dBi, then this is a clear deception. As an example, let's imagine an antenna with a small gain of 25-30 dBi with an operating range of 2500-2700 MHz, so its size will be almost 2x2 meters. The laws of physics are difficult to ignore.

Without going into details, we can say with confidence that among the available products there are no antennas that amplify the signal by more than 20-25 dBi. All proposals from “storytellers”-sellers about special signal amplification technologies are pure bluff. After all, the buyer will not be able to verify the veracity of these assurances, especially within the street market or online. Especially if he doesn’t understand the technical features of the amplification process well.

Therefore, it is best to choose products from reputable manufacturers through official websites or representative offices. Or in large online stores of the relevant profile.

If you spend some time online, you can choose Chinese models. In some cases, factory-made devices may turn out to be of quite decent quality. However, you should carefully study the reviews of specific users of these models (owners of Yota modems), but not on sites with recommendations, where you can stumble upon purchased (fake) reviews, but on thematic forums dedicated specifically to antennas for Yota.

It’s also worth mentioning the warranty period. When purchasing products on the market or on little-known store sites, the guarantee is very conditional. Problems may arise when purchasing online and on foreign Internet portals. It can be extremely difficult to prove anything. In the case when a product is purchased in a normal store, it is necessary to ensure that all documents are prepared properly: with dates, the signature of the sales consultant and the company’s seal.

Strengthening the Iota signal

Currently, the Yota provider transmits data in two frequency ranges: 1800 and 2600 MHz, which theoretically should allow any subscriber within a radius of up to seven kilometers from the base station to confidently receive the signal. But in practice, ultrahigh frequency radio waves, especially in dense urban areas, have the unfortunate property of being reflected from obstacles, attenuated and scattered. The signal strength decreases, and the Internet connection speed decreases accordingly. Let's try to strengthen the necessary parameters together. Methods for improving Iota signal reception can be divided into two groups: shareware and requiring significant financial investments.

Method 1: Changing the USB port

Very often, users connect the Yota modem to the USB ports on the front panel of the computer system unit, motivating their actions by the fact that it is closer and more convenient. But according to experts, this is not recommended. These ports are connected to the motherboard with thin wires and there is a slight loss of signal strength from the modem at this stage. So switch the whistle to the USB port on the back of the case and you may notice a slight improvement in connection performance.

Method 2: USB Extender

You can use a simple USB extension cable as an antenna. Any cable of this type up to 5 meters long will do, preferably with copper contacts and ferrite rings.

We plug one connector into the USB port on the back of the system unit, the second into the Yota modem.

In any browser, type in the address bar: 10.0.0.1 and press Enter.

We get to the modem characteristics page. Here we are primarily interested in the RSSI (RSRP) and CINR parameters. The bigger they are, the better.

Method 3: Homemade antennas

Using available tools, you can make a homemade antenna to strengthen the Yota signal. The simplest option is the so-called “4G colander”. Every home has kitchen utensils; we take an aluminum colander and place the modem inside its bowl so that the upper part of the “whistle” is in the central part of the dish, parallel to the bottom. According to craftsmen, the signal amplification using this product can be doubled.

Another homemade antenna from scrap materials can be built from an ordinary drinks can. We cut out the lid on one side, make a hole in the middle of the jar, into which we place the Iota modem, connected by a USB extension cable to the computer. We look for a position on the window or balcony with the best signal. The gain of this antenna can be very noticeable.

A slightly modified satellite dish, where instead of a converter you need to attach a modem, can give a good effect of amplifying the Yota signal. Then we find out the location of the base station. To do this, call the Yota support service and ask the operator to help point the antenna correctly.

The scope for technical creativity here is limitless. On the Internet you will find hundreds of options for making an antenna for receiving the Yota signal. If desired, you can check the performance and effectiveness of the proposed designs.

Method 4: Signal amplification equipment

Russian and foreign manufacturers offer consumers a wide selection of various equipment for strengthening the 4G signal. You can simply purchase and install an internal or external antenna, with an active or passive amplifier. But, unfortunately, it is impossible to guarantee that investing in such devices will be successful. Each individual point in the area has its own purely individual conditions for the propagation of radio waves, the degree of congestion of base stations, the level of interference, and so on. If there is direct visibility to the BS emitter, then it is wiser to try a narrowly directional antenna. She looks like in the photo.

If there are serious obstacles between the tower and the modem, it is more advisable to try a panel-type antenna, which is effective in conditions of reflected and scattered signals. Externally, the panel antenna looks like a small flat box.

Summarize. It is quite possible to strengthen the received Yota signal. You can use available tools and special equipment for this. You can choose the method that is suitable specifically for your conditions and capabilities. Good luck!

Types of systems

Antennas and amplification kits for Yota can be divided into groups:

Directional 4G panel antennas. It is possible to work in 3G mode if the 4G signal is too weak or absent. The gain factor (GC) is about 13-19.
Antennas are parabolic. Gives good signal amplification, even if the base station is far away. One of the disadvantages is the price.
Antennas are omnidirectional circular. A good universal type with a magnetic base. Provides average signal amplification, it is better to use when there is a signal from Yota, but is not stable. Can be used in cars.
Indoor antennas. Connect to modems via a USB cable. The simplest option.
Antennas for Yota with a modem or router. Good for those who are just planning to use Yota services, but have not yet purchased a modem. In this case, there is an opportunity to save a little, since the combi device will cost a little less than if purchased separately.

Antennas are configured, as a rule, automatically after connecting to a modem, or with minimal human intervention using the programs and drivers included with the antenna or amplification kit.

Some craftsmen make antennas for Yota themselves. Sometimes they even use satellite television dishes to boost the signal, connecting them to a modem and configuring them.

How to strengthen the signal of a Yota modem

Before amplifying the Yota signal, it is necessary to take measurements. This will make it possible to correctly establish a good reception area. To assess the signal stability indicator, you can use various services that providers often provide. It is advisable to conduct testing not only in a house or apartment, but also on the street. If you find that the signal is more stable outdoors, then the Yota amplifier will need to be installed outside. In this case, the device will need to be reliably protected from atmospheric agents. Despite the fact that modern manufacturers equip modems and routers with internal antennas, their power is usually not enough to fully amplify the signal. You can boost the signal using additional antennas, which are offered by many providers. Alternatively, you can assemble the Iota signal amplifier yourself.

Outdoor antenna-amplifier Yota 4G

If your home is located far enough from the nearest cellular operator base station, you should consider purchasing a special antenna from the operator. The amplifier is installed in the place where the most stable signal reception is observed. Purchasing a ready-made antenna for outdoor use is the most effective way to increase the Iota signal strength. Outdoor antennas are considered more powerful than indoor models. They are able to receive signals even from those towers that are located far from the user’s home. Model prices may vary. If you have any difficulties choosing a device, it is better to consult a specialist.

Wi-Fi signal repeater to expand coverage Iota

You can improve the signal reception quality of the Iota router several times in one simple way - extending the existing network. Routers have several channels, on which the physical and functional characteristics of reception can differ greatly. To change the channel, you need to log into the control panel of the device and select the channel on which a higher quality signal is observed.

Features of tower operation - directional LTE antennas

Without going into technical details, it’s easier to explain how the provider-client connection works.

First of all, you need to understand that it is the equipment of the Yota operator, mounted on the signal transmitting tower, that determines whether it is generally possible to ensure normal quality of communication with the subscriber and with what power the client’s modem/router should operate. One of the main parameters in these calculations is the estimated time. This is the maximum possible time with which a signal can travel from the Yota tower to the user’s device and return back.

In fact, for Russia, the distance between the Yota operator tower and the modem is up to 20 km. However, this is the maximum under ideal conditions. That is, when the tower is at a significant height, there is no interference in the signal path and the load on the operator’s equipment is minimal.

However, even if these conditions are met, the communication speed will be less than stated. Suppose Yota provides an output signal of 20 Mbit/s, the subscriber can receive a connection at this speed (±3-5 Mbit/s) only under ideal conditions at a distance to the modem no higher than 3 km from the operator’s transmitting antennas. Only the use of powerful kits such as MiMo will increase the distance to close to 20 km.

The use of powerful narrowly directional antennas for Yota (with a gain of more than 20 dBi) makes sense only if installation and configuration are carried out by specialists. Since the error in setting the angle is limited to 1-3 degrees, failure to fall within this range will result in either a ragged, unstable signal or its complete absence. This means that it is better to use simpler directional kits with a smaller gain, but with a larger installation angle (at least 35-40 degrees).

How cell towers work

The operator's coverage area is divided into separate sections (cells), depending on the installed base stations. They can partially overlap each other and together form a common Internet access network. A certain area of territory is often under the influence of several radio towers at once, which are connected to a common controller. This is a special block that regulates uniform coverage in a particular locality.

The mobile phone and the base station are in constant radio contact. When a phone makes a call or requests to access the Internet, it contacts it to allocate a special data channel. From the base station, the request goes to the controller, and from there to the switch, which makes the connection.

Mobile Internet data transfer speed has become one of the most important parameters by which communication quality is assessed. Modern providers, including Yota, provide high-speed 4G access with data transfer speeds of 100 Mbit/s and higher. It operates at several frequencies: 900, 1800, 2100 and 2600 MHz. The wider the signal, the better for ensuring stable access to the Internet and the less influence of the number of subscribers simultaneously transmitting data over the network.

Features of a good antenna

The main thing is high-quality and stable signal amplification. At the same time, if possible, the product should not take up too much space or require constant manipulation to set it up or move it around the area of the apartment/house.

Electronic parts must be manufactured in accordance with current standards, this is important since some elements (capacitors, diodes, etc.) have a certain service life.

The quality of the complexes must be guaranteed by the manufacturer; it is advisable to have a support service capable of solving all difficulties that arise over the phone, online, or by calling a technician at home.

Is it worth taking a cheap one?

We will not consider antennas for Yota of the “no-name” class, purchased at the nearest flea market or on dubious Chinese sites. Because the vast majority of them soon end up in the trash heap. Some types are not even possible to repair, since upon opening it turns out that the board is flooded with something unknown, and the elements used are not marked.

Inexpensive factory-made devices are usually not designed for long-term use - this is due to the presence of budget materials and radio elements in the design. Therefore, if the signal amplifier will be used occasionally, not at full capacity, then it makes sense to buy a cheap complex, especially if there is simply no money for an expensive and high-quality device. However, even in this case, you need to be aware that the device may fail at the most inopportune moment.

If you plan to use it actively - with downloading large files, videos or the need for round-the-clock server support, then a cheap antenna complex may not cope with the task. The working board will overheat under load, and the amplification efficiency will disappear.

Signal repeaters - repeaters

They work as reception stabilizers. The complex consists of a receiving antenna, which transmits it to a “repeater”, which transmits it to the internal antenna of the indoor modem, simultaneously clearing the signal from interference and, if possible, amplifying it.

Important! The receiving antenna included in the kit should be installed so that it covers as much space as possible, at the maximum height.

If the installation is carried out in a multi-story building, then repeaters should be located on each floor.

Such kits can operate in 2G mode for mobile communications, 3G and 4G for the Internet.

Tips for improving modem performance

To ensure consistently high data transfer speeds using your Iota modem, in some cases it is enough to follow simple recommendations:

Remove from the work area all objects and equipment that may interfere with the normal operation of the device.
Place the modem on a free space on your desktop. Free up space from bulky interior items. Move radio equipment and electronics away. Such devices can also affect signal quality.
If your modem additionally distributes Wi-Fi, then disconnect unnecessary devices from it. The more devices connected to it, the lower the data transfer speed for each of them.
You should set a password for your home wireless network that only you know. In some cases, low Internet speed is a consequence of strangers connecting to your Wi-Fi point. Setting a strong password will protect you from such users.
The simultaneous connection of two identical modems to a computer allows you to significantly strengthen the signal. However, their work needs to be configured in a certain way: instructions can be found on the operator’s website or by contacting the specialists of the communication salon.

Signal amplification using MIMO technology

Multiple Input Multiple Output (multiple input - multiple output).

Important! The basic principle of MIMO is the use of a set of antennas to receive and transmit signals separately. The point is that the receiving and transmitting flows do not interfere with each other, and the channel capacity (another important parameter of a network connection) increases.

Solutions based on this technology will provide reliable amplification, even if the Yota tower is located at a distance close to the maximum permissible. The gain factor for factory products is one of the largest in the line of devices available for non-professional use - up to 15-20 dBi.

However, it is worth considering that MIMO support for 3G networks is not very good, so 3G devices will work somewhat slower than Yota-supporting models

MIMO antennas are:

Single-block - the whole complex is in one device, you just need to fix it in a place where the signal is well received.
Spaced - they look like two antennas that are attached in the direction of the Yota operator tower. The difficulty is that installing such a complex correctly is difficult for a non-specialist, so you will have to carefully study the documentation or invite specialists from the company.

Another feature of MIMO kits is the need for a special optical cable and its proper connection to the modem/router. Poor installation will have a negative impact on the ability to amplify the signal; losses may occur as it moves along the cable.

Factors that affect speed

To begin with, let’s highlight a list of factors due to which the Yota Internet signal level deteriorates and the speed drops to frivolous numbers. Here is a rough list:

obstacles inside a house or apartment - walls, a lot of furniture, and so on;
network load;
long distance to the station;
number of connected devices;
terrain, weather.

This is only an approximate list of what can adversely affect the operation of the Iota device. However, not all factors depend on the user himself. For example, if the network is highly congested, you will not be able to influence the operation or improve the signal of the Yota 4G modem.

Connection via contactless adapter

A contactless adapter is connected in cases where there is a good connection with the Yota provider on the street and you need to run a cable into the house.

The modem is placed in the adapter, an antenna cable is mounted to it (to the adapter), and a USB cord is mounted to the modem.

This method is also good because it allows you to connect almost any LTE antenna to a modem that does not have an antenna output. Without the need to open the device case and void the warranty.

This is one of the most inexpensive ways to improve the quality of Yota communications. However, this may reduce the Internet speed due to loss of part of the signal. That is, we will get a reliable signal without jumps, but at a lower speed.

Reasons for low speed

Interruptions in Internet access are a disaster that can ruin anyone’s mood. Such situations are most difficult for those users who often watch movies online in HD quality. If you are sure that you need to strengthen the signal of the Eta router, first of all, you need to identify the cause of the problem:

Increased load on the system;
A large number of connected gadgets to one router;
Excessive distance from the signal transmitter;
Presence of obstacles indoors (walls, equipment);
The coverage area does not reach your location;
Features of the terrain.

In fact, a huge number of factors can influence the reduction in speed . To eliminate the problem, it is important to correctly identify its source. Carefully inspect the house and equipment, perhaps you can independently identify the cause. In some cases, the only solution is to buy a more powerful modem.

Antenna with built-in modem

These complexes consist of a modem/router and an antenna. They are a universal device. It should be purchased if the signal strength of a regular modem is absolutely not enough for comfortable work with Yota.

It is a device in the form of a block with connectors. Usually connected via USB to a computer or other device.

There are models of external units with two antennas that connect via LAN to a router or computer network card. These devices do not require separate power supply, since the PoE interface provides simultaneous transportation of both the signal and the supply current via a twisted pair cable. Moreover, it is permissible to use a wire up to 100 m long. Such solutions, although not the most budget-friendly, are quite effective and reliable. The only negative is their high cost.

What can be fixed?

The most effective way is to install an antenna as an amplifier. Although a standard antenna is built into the router or modem, its power may not be enough for certain conditions. The antenna is a universal amplifier for Iota. You can choose one of two ways:

buy an additional amplifier antenna or purchase a modem with a more powerful installation;
assemble a Yota internet signal amplifier with your own hands.

Let's take a closer look at the second option.

Antenna modernization, soldering

If you have experience working with a soldering iron and need to improve the performance of the modem antenna, you can disassemble its case and, for example, install an external antenna instead of the built-in one.

Attention! If you disassemble the case, the existing warranty on the device from the manufacturer will be lost.

For soldering, it is recommended not to use conventional soldering irons of 60 W or more powerful, as there is a possibility of damage to “delicate” elements. It is best to use soldering stations or at least soldering irons no more powerful than 25 W.

Modernization with direct intervention in the structure will make sense if there is a clear understanding of the goal. For example, if you need to integrate an external antenna into a device without outputs for it.

Along with integrating an antenna into the modem, other problems also occur. For example, the Yota Connect-2.0 antenna, a popular device with many functions, categorically refuses to work with modems from other companies. Convenience lies in portability and special connection. The modem is not connected to the computer, but to the antenna itself. And from it - through a cable - to the computer. But a solution was still found. The antenna housing is disassembled and the Yota controller is carefully desoldered using a soldering iron. Now the complex will work with any modems.

How to make it yourself

Craftsmen have come up with many designs for Yota that anyone can replicate; the effectiveness of these antennas varies and depends on the initial conditions (availability of the provider's transmitter, presence of interference, quality of source materials, modem brand).

Kharchenko's design

It is considered very successful. However, it is worth noting that the inventor created it for other purposes - to catch a signal from television programs in 1961!

Practical recommendations may vary; the base is thick copper wire. Its diameter is 3-5 mm. Sometimes kulibins use copper tubes, various strips, corners and profiles made of various materials, that is, everything that can be found in a home workshop.

Two squares are bent from the wire, after which both their tops need to be soldered together. We get a 2-diamond-shaped frame structure. To calculate the dimensions (depending on the frequency), use a calculator for the Kharchenko antenna, available on the Internet. The connection to the modem is made using a high-frequency cable, which is soldered to the center of the frame, the other side goes to the modem.

Attention! This design can be combined with a reflector (screen, reflector) to increase the efficiency of signal reception from Yota.

Simple can antenna

Many Yota subscribers claim that this type really works. The above design will require an aluminum can with a volume of 1 liter (other sizes can be used, determined by calculations).

The upper part must be cut off, and a rectangular hole must be made at a distance of approximately 40 mm from the bottom (if the cross-section of the existing Yota modem is a rectangle). These sizes are suitable for 4G, but you can use a virtual calculator for can antennas.

Reflector design

Here you will need a mesh MMDS reflector, a rod for it and fasteners. The tip of the mounting tube-rod is adjusted to the shape of the modem. Next, saw off the tube so that the tip of the modem is at the focus of the parabola - approximately 41 cm. A USB extension cable (no longer than 3 m) should be laid through the pipe, and the modem should be covered with a plastic jar as follows: attach the lid of the jar with a pre-drilled hole along the diameter of the pipe to rod (for example, with electrical tape), and screw the plastic jar itself onto the lid. We screw an unnecessary CD to the bottom of the bottle as a reflector.

All that remains is to properly secure the device in the most convenient place and connect it to the modem. Some testers managed to catch the signal from Yota transmitters reflected from neighboring buildings.

Typical mistakes when assembling systems - correct installation of cables

The most common errors that greatly reduce the quality of Yota’s Internet connection include:

Use of low-quality connecting devices - pigtails when laying the cable to the modem. There are a lot of Chinese adapters of disgusting quality, but with an attractive price (100-200 rubles).
Excessively long cables and an abundance of connections and even twists on the modem-antenna line.
During installation, the number of connecting elements must be minimized. The length of the cables is another factor that negatively affects the speed of communication with Yota. It is interesting that under certain conditions of incorrect assembly, you may not get an increase in the signal from Yota, but, on the contrary, a weakening of it, which will make the entire installation and waste of money pointless.
Use of chrome contacts.
For Yota, it is imperative to use contacts coated with beryllium bronze. Even high-quality assemblies with other types of contacts will begin to overheat after some time of operation, and at the same time a drop in power will be observed. Sometimes an effect may occur in which downloading occurs at normal speed, but the upload speed of files (Upload) will drop.
Installing the “correct” bronze connections with chrome contacts will lead to a mismatch along the antenna-cable line (SWR parameter - standing wave ratio) - again: the modem will start to heat up, and the Internet will slow down.
Chrome connectors are used only for operation at frequencies of 450 MHz. Yota uses much higher frequencies.
Leaky assembly of devices placed outdoors or non-compliance of rubber seals with special standards; in other words, cheap rubber seals dry out over time, lose their shape and crack due to changes in temperature and humidity; liquid gets inside the device. This happens most often when the warranty period has already expired, and the manufacturer will not be responsible for a suddenly “dead” device.
The antenna housing is not filled. As practice shows, hollow antennas operate much less than filled ones. Condensation will not form inside, parts will not be damaged by excess moisture.
Poor soldering quality. It is quite problematic to manually ensure the necessary stability when soldering pigtails; their different resistances again have a negative impact on communication with Yota.