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deaton · 11-28-2017, 10:55 PM

Hi Doc!

In this case what we were looking at was the bars for the WiFi signal being broadcast by each of the two jet packs as shown on the connection screen of my iPhone. Both were Verizon. His was in his coach and mine was in my coach.

The signal from his was much stronger, which is not to say that the actual data thruput on his versus mine would necessarily be any better at that particular location.

But, using his PW and logging onto his JP I did observe better performance on the MyDISH Anywhere app, prompting me to conclude it was time for an upgrade.

Of course you are right that there could have been other factors in play.

docj · 11-29-2017, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deaton

In this case what we were looking at was the bars for the WiFi signal being broadcast by each of the two jet packs as shown on the connection screen of my iPhone. Both were Verizon. His was in his coach and mine was in my coach.

By looking at the JetPacks' output signal rather than the input signal it was receiving, you've introduced yet another variable into the equation. These amplifiers are not "linear"; they don't give the same amount of amplification for different levels of input signal. The output signal power also is varied to meet the needs of your network.

Furthermore, overall performance is dependent on a lot more than just signal strength. I have an app for my Android phone that provides information about several parameters necessary to answer the question "how good is my cell service at this location?" Recently I was in a major city where the cell service seemed rather slow. I looked at my app only to discover that the problem wasn't that the signal was too low, but, rather, there were so many strong cell signals that the signal-to-noise ratio was very small. As a result, the data rate was low even though signal strength was very high.

The only real test that is relatively easy to do without any technical knowledge is an actual speed test to see if one is significantly better than the other. But even this must be done multiple times in a short time interval since cellular service speeds vary continuously throughout the day.

deaton · 11-29-2017, 07:18 AM

I’m familiar with speed tests and have those on my devices.

What, may I ask, is the name of the app you describe on your Android and do they make an iPhone version?

John Pattee · 11-29-2017, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deaton

I’m familiar with speed tests and have those on my devices.

What, may I ask, is the name of the app you describe on your Android and do they make an iPhone version?

"Open Signal" app for Android. I checked their website (www.opensignal.com) and it shows that there is iPhone app available as well.

docj · 11-29-2017, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deaton

I’m familiar with speed tests and have those on my devices.

What, may I ask, is the name of the app you describe on your Android and do they make an iPhone version?

The app I prefer to use is Signal Check but I don't think it comes in an iOS version. I like it better than others I have tried, but, since you can't use it with your iPhone, you'll have to try some of the others.

deaton · 11-29-2017, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Pattee

"Open Signal" app for Android. I checked their website (www.opensignal.com) and it shows that there is iPhone app available as well.

Thanks

Bob_C · 11-29-2017, 08:04 PM

Wifi analyzer and speed test also work with Droid

gladu2 · 11-30-2017, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 95B20V5

We have had the Netgear AC971L for over a year and burn through an average of 200-250GB of data monthly on Verizon with no issues.
We have found if Verizon data on phones is slow so will the jetpack and that was only at one location we have been out of the many since we began full timing.

Nice, that's a lot of data. Do you have the older less restrictive Grandfathered Unlimited Verizon plan or a newer unlimited Verizon plan that reduces your hotspot speed to 600KBS after 15GB usage during your billing cycle?

95B20V5 · 12-01-2017, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gladu2

Nice, that's a lot of data. Do you have the older less restrictive Grandfathered Unlimited Verizon plan or a newer unlimited Verizon plan that reduces your hotspot speed to 600KBS after 15GB usage during your billing cycle?

Older Grandfathered Plan we rent with no limitations of any kind.