How to modify the TS9 external antenna sockets on a ZTE MC801A 5G router so they don't snap off

[@DavidHarry]

Visit Router-Mods geni.us/RouterModsWebsite Bluespot 4G/5G antenna Amazon geni.us/Bluespot4G5G Bluespot Mini 5G antenna Amazon geni.us/BluespotMini5G Bluespot 4G/5G Bluespot website bluespotnet.co.uk/products/bluespot Bluespot Mini 5G Bluepost website bluespotnet.co.uk/products/bluespot-mini Router-Mods playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLleKChtNUwZTyTwZxrJRYPUXTSJUzi5kP How to modify the TS9 external antenna sockets on a ZTE MC801A 5G router so they don't snap off. In this video I'm showing a simple antenna modification to a 3 branded ZTE MC801A 5G router to help with strain relief when connecting external antennas to the router's TS9 external antenna sockets. This is a very simple antenna modification that just uses a couple of TS9 to SMA cable extenders that connect to the router's TS9 ports and are then taped to the body of the router to give the strain relief that these TS9 antenna sockets need. These SMA to TS9 cables are also known as SMA to TS9 pigtails or TS9 to SMA pigtails. In any event and regardless of what name they are referred to by, they are simply coaxial extension cables that have male TS9 on one end and female SMA on the other. Once done, the router essentially has SMA external sockets on it that are a better choice for connecting external antennas to. Plus, with the SMA to TS9 cables being taped to the body of the router, you will definitely get more strain relief when connecting antennas. As just the weight of an antenna coaxial cable is enough to snap off the TS9 ports. I can't over emphasise enough just how important this strain relief is for the external antenna sockets. Without such a modification, I can almost guarantee you that at some point you will snap off and break the TS9 connectors off the router's motherboard. These TS9 connectors on this router are simply surface mounted straight to the router's PCB motherboard. Effectively giving no strain relief at all. It's also worth bearing in mind that with this particular 3 ZTE 5G router, once either of the TS9 sockets are snapped off or broken. Your router will no longer operate properly with 5G. Even if your router indicates a 5G signal, you will have a very slow speed. Basically, the router becomes useless for 5G and doesn't even revert back to its internal 5G antennas. This simple antenna modification will also work many other 5G routers, 5G modems, also know as a 5G gateway or 4G gateway, or even 4G routers and 4G modems that use TS9 for their external antenna connections. Even a home Wi-Fi router or modem that has these TS9 sockets can benefit from such a simple antenna modification. It's also worth noting that such a simple modification will not void your warranty or guarantee as you are only connecting a cable to a socket that's designed to be used by the end user for attaching external antennas to. There is no opening up the router, so therefore no voiding of any warranty or guarantee. Amazon links to stuff used in this video: The 50cm SMA to TS9 cables I used: geni.us/50cmSMAtoTS9 Other SMA to TS9 cables: geni.us/SMAtoTS9cables ZTE MC801A 5G router: geni.us/ZTE-MC801A-5G-Router Other SIM free 5G routers: geni.us/5G-Routers Please give a thumbs up, sub, share my videos and click the bell for notifications. As a small independent self financed KZbin technology channel that does not have major sponsors. It does take a lot of time and money to help keep my channel running and to fund it. Any support you could offer would be massively appreciated. Supporting my channel by using my Amazon links to buy anything from Amazon, not just the products I link to, gives me a small cut but doesn't cost you anything extra. You can also send me a coffee donation via my PayPal link, coffee keeps me going while editing :) Or a thumbs up, sub or share is a massive help for my channel. Support via PayPal www.paypal.me/DavidHarry My KZbin equipment & recommendations. Amazon USA amzn.to/3g2Oi3i Amazon UK amzn.to/2ZR6IOV My Amazon Shop links. Amazon USA www.amazon.com/shop/davidharry Amazon UK www.amazon.co.uk/shop/davidharry Amazon USA: geni.us/Amazon-USA Amazon UK: geni.us/Amazon-UK Amazon Deutschland: geni.us/Amazon-Deutschland Amazon France: geni.us/Amazon-France Amazon España: geni.us/Amazon-Espana Amazon Italia: geni.us/Amazon-Italia Amazon Canada: geni.us/Amazon-Canada As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases when you use my Amazon Affiliate links. Contact me for product reviews. [e-mail] http//www.DavidHarry.com I’m David Harry. Thank you very much for watching this video, take care and goodbye now. Cheers, Dave. #DavidHarry#LiverpoolTV#Router-Mods

[@krzysztofsmialek6814]

Master, I would never be albe to perform anything remotely resembling this unique artisan "ceremony" which you have so generously shared with us. Namaste! OX

[@DavidHarry]

Yes, I know it looks really difficult and it is very technical. However, if you watch the guide a few times and do it slowly, you too can perform this modification 😆

[@oNe-TwO-fReE]

Glad I watched this before settiing up my new atenna. You quite rightly point out particularly the ZTE router the sockets are extremely flimsy. Have used your fix. Thanks mate👃

[@DavidHarry]

Hi. Yes, those TS9 ports so flimsy. I'm glad the video was helpful 👍 Cheers, Dave.

[@pappyeugeene4773]

I’d rather have something looking weird to protect my ts9 socket. It’s very sad ZTE had to design those two sockets this way. I’m so glad I came across this video before ordering for ts9 cables. Much love ❤

[@patricklyons7683]

Just brought one & my current external antennas don't use ts9...and thankfully you've covered how to get the pigtails & added safety yanking lark'

[@DavidHarry]

Hi, Patrick. Yes, those pigtails are definitely a must so you don't snap those flimsy TS9 ports. Cheers, Dave.

[@KW124]

May I know the TS9 external antenna is for better 5G/4G signal receive or for wifi signal extend? Thanks!

[@mlejki1785]

The TS9 external antennas are for better 5G/4G connectivity.

[@ProXar86]

I did it with Zip/Cable Ties. It is solid and doesn't leave mess on the router.

[@conordia6906]

Great video thanks, and very nice production values. Well done!

[@DavidHarry]

Thank you and I’m glad you liked the video 👍 Cheers, Dave.

[@brianoneill3916]

I'd say a hose clamp would hold them so solid it would be incredible. Nice video - thanks!

[@georgekontopoulos]

Nice video, that's the fastest way to add an antenna. Can you please let me know the way to enable in routers software how to enable the external antenna ?

[@dspacek2709]

Hello. If external antennas are connected to the router, they will provide a better signal for 4g LTE

[@DavidHarry]

Hi. No, on this router the external connections are only for 5G. You can however, get a full modification from www.Router-Mods.co.uk that will give you 4G and 5G connections for external antennas. Cheers, Dave.

[@daretoknowthat]

5G home broadband is already equipped with an AAS, or advanced antenna system, that includes MIMO, multiple inputs,multiple outputs, etc. You can use those TS9 antenna extenders in a place where you barely get a good frequency signal, but you need an SMA high-gain antenna to support them.

[@tumelomaikhi1217]

Hi David, assist me in understanding this please, where do the two cables connect to(what type of antenna LTE/WiFi)?

[@DavidHarry]

They connect to 5G/LTE antennas, definitely not a WiFi antenna. These sockets have nothing to do with extending the range of the WiFi of the router. Cheers, Dave.

[@tigeogr]

Many are saying this exterior antennas extenders are not working from factory! Did they work for you and if yes which exterior antenna are you using?!

[@DavidHarry]

Hi. Yes, the external ports do work. The mistake that most people are making, who are saying that it does not work, is that these ports are specifically for a 5G antenna. If you connect a 4G antenna to these ports nothing will happen. Even if you connect a 5G antenna to these ports it still may not work, if the router's internal 4G antennas do not initiate the 5G uplink. Here in the UK and most other countries at the moment, the vast majority of 5G connections rely on a 4G signal as well, in order to do the initial negotiation with the cell tower/s to initiate 5G. The other type of 5G, which only needs a 5G signal, is very uncommon, especially here in the UK. Cheers, Dave.

[@tigeogr]

@@DavidHarry Thanks!

[@TonesAdventuresHD]

Good idea securing the cables with gaffer tape. And i wouldn't a little mess for protection! Cheers!

[@DavidHarry]

Alright, Tone. This one simple mod can end up saving you hundreds of $s. These TS9 sockets are almost designed to fail, they're the worst connectors I think I've ever used. Worst thing with this router is that when one of them break off the router won't even switch back to its internal antennas. I went from over 400Mb/s to 1 to 2 Mb/s, you can imagine how disappointed I was :) Cheers, Dave.

[@AdelAlberk]

sadly i already snapped those sockets i guess im gonna have to buy another router :( thanks for the informative video

[@ValdiValdies]

Just wondering what antenna you are using and does it even help with your 5g speeds/coverage ?

[@DavidHarry]

Hi. I use the Bluespot Mini 5G antenna, which is an outdoor antenna. My download speed indoors with the router’s built in antennas was about 150Mb/s. The speed with the external antenna was just over 400Mb/s. Upload for both was roughly the same, around 28Mb/s and ping internally was about 45ms and got slightly worse on external at about 65ms. Cheers, Dave.

[@ChrisLane87]

This is a great vide, i am awaiting my third router from 3 over the course of 3 days, the first one of the ts9 was snapped from delivery, the 2nd just snapped as i moved my antenna slightly

[@DavidHarry]

Hi Chris. Don’t get me started about 3 😆 I’m gonna do a video at some point about their customer service and tech support. The bottom line to my last conversation with them was that they don’t support “things” being plugged into the router. Apparently, they only support the use of WiFi, whatever that meant, with their routers. The conversion just went to a really stupid place when I pointed out that the router was obviously designed for external antennas and ethernet etc. Cheers, Dave.

[@ChrisLane87]

@@DavidHarry Honestly i could have really kicked off over the phone at them, trying to pass me to technical support for "signal" issues, it was after i said for the 4th time that it's a physical hardware issue i was reporting she finally got it, hopefully third router will be better luck (i was gonna cable tie the antenna (instead of tape) but stupidly thought it would be the last time i would move it so didn't bother)

[@kaleem2819]

Very true.. I asked 3 about extending my signals and they completely denied of know anything about extending signals using external antennas.

[@nickking360]

Hi Dave, I've watched the video and read everything in the comments but I'm still unsure if an external antenna will help my parents when they visit their caravan. They have the same router in your video on the Three network, coverage in the area says "great news, you've got very good 4G for calls, texts, and mobile internet" which is a massive lie :-) and there is currently no 5G coverage in the area. Am I misunderstanding when you say external antennas are only for 5G so in this case it won't help? I was going to buy them the Bluespot 4G/5G Antenna but I'm now not sure this do anything. Thanks.

[@DavidHarry]

Hi, Nick. The two ports on this router only support the extension of 5G, not 4G. Do not buy an external antenna unless you know you have line of sight to a 5G cell tower. You have to know the direction of the 5G cell tower, as these antennas are directional. If you do buy an antenna, don't get the 4G/5G, get the Mini 5G for 5G reception. Cheers, Dave.

[@nickking360]

Thanks for the reply. So based on that nothing will really help until they get 5G in the area?

[@Hellmiauz]

The WiFi signal is really poor, anything that can be done from settings? Or external antenna

[@GRIFF22]

Are you saying that damage to the TS9 affects the internal antenna reception. I know on the new Zyxel 5103e router that Three is using, there's an internal / external antenna switch in the back. I assume the switch disables the external antenna and vice versa. Maybe for the reasons you explained and the weak nature of the TS9 connection , they put it there as a fail safe?

[@DavidHarry]

There’s no manual switching on the ZTE, it’s all auto and works by the auto-router sensing for the external antennas. Once the TS9 ports break there’s no way for the router to sense and it won’t switch back to the internal antennas. The TS9 ports are part of the main 5G internal antennas and there’s a secondary set of internals but the secondary set won’t be switched to once the auto-sensing on the main set is damaged.

[@GRIFF22]

@DavidHarry Ah OK...well the manual switch on 5103e would seem to fix that. It might well have been one of the reasons three switched to that product.

[@DavidHarry]

@@GRIFF22 Yes, manual switching on any router would definitely get around this problem.

[@moawadashmawy]

I have an external antenna with two outputs V& H , if i conmect both terminals to the router via these ts9 ports . My question: is it MIMO 2x2 ?

[@danielbarnatt9332]

Hi David, I have the same router and the blue spot mini. When you connect the blue spot mini do you get any information in the "network information" section of the advanced setting > other> network information section of the router UI about your 5g signal? With the external antenna connected I only seem to get information about the 4g signal I although on the home page of the UI it says I have a 5g connection . My speeds are lower with the blue spot mini connected. When I just use the router without the antenna I get info about the 5g cell tower I'm connected he to, band etc.. I also get faster speeds. Cant work what I am doing wrong as I expected I'd get some improvement because opening the window leads to muck better upload speeds.

[@DavidHarry]

Hi. When you look at the signal information in the UI where it gives the cell tower ID info etc. If it’s not showing 5G SNR, signal quality etc. It means you are not receiving 5G. If this happens with the Mini 5G it may mean that you are not pointing the Mini 5G in the best direction. It could also mean that there may be a problem with the TS9 ports. I have similar results depending on where I place the router and antenna, where the router’s internal antennas can sometimes pick up a better 5G signal. Also, the router’s internal antennas are omni-directional, so they have a better chance of picking up both 4G and 5G compared to any external directional antenna, depending on the placement of the external antenna. BTW these types of external antennas should always be mounted outside. However, if you have an external antenna in the correct position, this will always be a better option and in certain instances give a way higher data throughput and have a better/cleaner signal reception. Just like you, if I place my router by an open window I will get a way better signal and much better speeds on the internal antennas. I also put my router in a waterproof box outside on my balcony and it’s way faster again just on its internal antennas. At these very high frequencies for 5G, it’s amazing just how many things can interfere with the signal, such as the glass in your windows. Windows quite often have other materials mixed in the composition of the glass to help with reducing UV etc. And these can also act as a serious insulator against high frequency radio signals. There’s also the fact that you have to have both 4G and 5G signals to get 5G. We use 5G NSA in the UK and this relies on 4G to be able to negotiate the 5G signal and both signals are almost guaranteed to be coming from different cell towers. I’m actually doing quite a lot of work for www.Router-Mods.co.uk at the moment and preparing a range of videos about various routers, antennas, modifications and general technical information about 4G and 5G internet stuff. I’ll be doing quite a lot of this stuff this year, so keep an eye on my channel for the router/antenna stuff. Cheers, Dave.

[@danielbarnatt9332]

@@DavidHarry thanks for the comprehensive reply! . I need to get out there and have try of some different antenna positions I think.

[@zidane7771]

​@@DavidHarryHi I'm looking to keep the router out on the balcony as well. Just wondering if it is safe to do so or will it damage the router when the temperatures drop?

[@strewin]

Are two external antennas necessary? Thinking of buying one very powerful antenna.

[@michaeltovey02607]

To take advantage of MiMo technology you need two or more external antennae. Lots of KZbin video describing MiMo and MuMiMo.

[@alanrekani6201]

Hi! Just bought the router! My question is, do I need external antenna for Wi-Fi 6 access? Just bought networkcard that supports Wi-Fi 6. But can’t make it to work or find it

[@jacquesunu]

Please, Could I be right to say that the right external router antenna to buy is the one with SMA since the pigtail already has ts9. A quick reply would be appreciated. Thanks

[@DavidHarry]

Yes, use an antenna that has the SMA connection NOT the TS9 connection. Cheers, Dave.

[@andywinn6873]

Hi I'm ABIT thick with this kinda thing I've got the same router and my speeds aren't great what are you attaching the female ends to

[@katy-cat]

Thank you for the video! Do you think the internal antenna are better than these "Set of 2 LTE/4G/5G Antenna 8dbi Omni Directional 600-6000Mhz SMA Male" which is also available on Router Mods? I have this set but if using the external antenna will overrider the internal one then I might not use it. Cheers.

[@DavidHarry]

Hi. I’m not sure what antennas you are referring to. However, if they are indoor external antennas that connect directly to the router, I wouldn’t bother. The only way you will get noticeably better signals and internet speeds is to use outdoor external antennas. Checkout this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqSThn-Vfpp2h68 Cheers, Dave.

[@rahalati]

Thanks for the video. Can these ports be helpful to improve the internet signal inside the house. The router signal varies from one room to another inside my house. Sometimes I get no signal in some rooms

[@Hellmiauz]

I think that antena is for 5G signal to the router.

[@حسينالشرفي-ي6ت]

What is the type of antenna for the MU5001

[@simosiren1758]

Can you recommend any relatively cheap antennas. I have link 500m from my house, mut Id rather put antenna outside

[@DavidHarry]

Unfortunately, there really aren't any cheap outdoor antennas, or at least none that actually work properly. Keep an eye on the channel, I'll be doing some stuff with external outdoor antennas soon to show the difference with the internal ones. Cheers, Dave.

[@miki476]

Do you know what frequencies these ts9 ports covering? Manual states anything from 700mhz up,but some forums says its only n77/n78.I am confused a bit because i am on band n3,connected external antenna and it improved my signal by 4db

[@magnusskyt10]

I just experienced the exact same problem. TS9 sockets snap off at minimum pressure. A straightforward design error. However, my router can still receive a 5G signal with speeds of 61-100 Mbps indoors - behind a heavy glass door - exactly same as my top-notch Ipad.

[@DavidHarry]

That's interesting that you still got 5G after the TS9 ports snapped off. Cheers, Dave.

[@rawvlogz4205]

Is that a signal recieve?

[@nduduzoshezi5439]

taping is a good idea thank you

[@DavidHarry]

Yes, it definitely gives some protection to the sockets. Cheers, Dave.

[@madalinrosu8753]

Can you put me please a link in the comment,to buy an antenna for this router? thanks

[@DavidHarry]

www.Router-Mods.co.uk

[@BaSyo89z]

Hi, thank you for the very helpful video. In your experience, do you think placing the antennas in-door would make any differency? I am renting a place and don't want to be drilling through walls.

[@DavidHarry]

Hi Mohamed. External antennas for outdoor use are generally not that good indoor. You may get a slight difference using outdoor antennas indoors, but it's not something that I'd recommend as the best outdoor antennas are directional and definitely don't perform as well as they will when indoors as they definitely need line of sight to the 5G cell tower. Don't bother with cheap indoor antennas either, I've tried a few and they are never better than the internal antennas. Also, if it's the same ZTE router that I'm using here, those ports are only for 5G and 5G outdoor antennas need to be outdoors more so than 4G antennas. Also, I have a few routers and the ZTE one, for me, is definitely the best with its internal antennas. Don't forget, to get 5G you also need 4G reception as well in most parts of the world. For more information try this as a Google search "5G SA vs 5G NSA". Cheers, Dave.

[@BaSyo89z]

@@DavidHarry Dear David, thank you for the detailed response, I am really grateful. I am using the same router for the exact same network "Three" in the UK. I have 5G at only one spot in my house where I get 1-2 bars of signal on the router. The other parts of the house are getting 4G signal but with terrible speeds that don't exceed 10mbps. Therefore, I was hoping to increase the signal to have a more reliable connection and get the full three bars of signal. The speed as it is is good although the upload speed is around 6-7mbps. I was hoping if I used the antenna I would get a better signal and higher speeds. I will try to find a way to run the antenna cable through the walls. Thanks again.

[@YORDANSERGEEV]

will installing these TS9 antennas increase the strength of the speed I`m getting. ATM I`m getting up to 1.2 Gb. but it fluctuates so much that I`m having big ping spikes and speed drops all the way from 1.2Gb down to 120-200 Mbps.

[@mpiter]

Any clue of ts-9 connector? SMA it's much better, and not require and modification like ducktape.

[@CarlosSanchez-lx6vd]

Does anyone know if the ports shown on the ZTE router are for getting better mobile network coverage or for extending WiFi range?

[@DavidHarry]

Hi Carlos. It’s only for mobile 5G NOT for WiFi. There are separate antennas inside the router for WiFi. Cheers, Dave.

[@CarlosSanchez-lx6vd]

@@DavidHarry Thx u, greetings from Chile

[@DavidHarry]

@@CarlosSanchez-lx6vd Hi, Carlos. You are very welcome, greetings from Liverpool, UK. Cheers, Dave.

[@hasanobaidi1673]

thanks a lot .

[@DavidHarry]

Hi, Hasan. You are very welcome. Cheers, Dave.

[@digitalizations]

Each connector and Leigh of cable and connector you add to your antenna reduce your gain (DB) even if made of pure gold.

[@feka01]

Greetings! My questions are: do i need to use both of the connectors to apply an external antenna or i may use only one to do so? Why it has two of them? If a must to use both, will i need two external antennas or can i use an 'Y' extender/splicer? Thank you!

[@soppingclam]

Good question. I found with another 4g/5g modem that only one of the external sma poets actually did anything. Thought it was faulty, so I returned it and swapped it for exact same one (only had it a few weeks). However, one again only one would work at a time. Bit crap, as it went to a new 4G/5G 2x MIMO passive (no amplification) antenna on the roof professionally installed. Costing over $1k. I'd just use or built an amplifier like for digital TV..usually go up to 617mhz in Aus. However, I did as said and my speed went from 10-15mbit to over 800mbit when I set it to the 3580-3600mhz Telstra 5G. However, 20 mins later. I got an sms and the tower detected an uncertified amplifier. 2 years jail and 426,000 fine. In a promise not to share how to do it properly (know now how to max it seem like a certified Cel-FI) I got no jail and $80k. So, if you're in Australia be warned. As some new phone towers have updated their ability to pin point such activities. But really, considering I live in a valley in the hills with no cable.. plus I like to game again, Satellite in a metro area is insane. Parts are about $50-. Now celfi 5g amp is over $3000

[@Hellmiauz]

Why is it that if you break the TS9 the router won't work in 5G anymore? Why can't it use the internal antenna?

[@DavidHarry]

Because the auto-sensing stops working and the router thinks there's an external antenna attached when there isn't. Plus, there's no software switch/option to tell the router to use the internal antennas. Cheers, Dave.

[@hanswhite8620]

Does anyone know if the upper ts9 socket is for download, and The lower is for upload? Cheers

[@billygg5331]

Why not just use a few cable ties?

[@DavidHarry]

Yes, that’s a better idea. I didn’t have any that were long enough. Cheers, Dave.

[@operationdabardos1236]

where is antenna info which antenna u are using?

[@krzysztofkwietniewski9100]

Hi David, I have the same Three branded ZTE Do you know if there is any way to check if the router is actually using the *external* *antenna* I connected to it? ( I have the browser script that shows extra tabs in ZTE but the Antenna tab doesn't appear to do anything)

[@DavidHarry]

Hi Krzysztof. What external antenna are you using? If you check your signal to noise ratio (signal strength) you will see that it should change when on the the external antennas. Depending on the signal strength, the levels can be better or worse than the internal antennas. If there is nothing wrong with your TS9 ports, then the router definitely does switch automatically to the external antennas. Don’t forget, those external ports are only for 5G, don’t use a 4G antenna with them. Also, even with the external antenna, you are still using the router’s internal 4G antennas because you will be using 5G NSA. I’ve actually just got another router and also some more antennas, I’ll be getting the router modified soon and will be doing a bunch of videos this type of stuff. Check out www.router-mods.co.uk for more stuff about antennas and routers etc. Cheers, Dave.

[@FGLN_]

Mine Nr1. Is broken 😭😭😭

[@DavidHarry]

Sorry to hear that 😔 Cheers, Dave.

[@FGLN_]

@@DavidHarry can you recommend an alternatively 5G Router?

[@emmanuellucas4808]

Try the ant_switch settings.

[@markmaloney360]

Bodge Job Barry

[@nickcomley6918]

So you find that some of the TS9 are tight to go on? Mine are crazy tight and don’t want to break anything.

[@DavidHarry]

Hi Nick. Yes, some of these are super tight, that’s why I do this with extension cable so the strain is taken off the TS9 socket. Cheers, Dave.

[@tyranny28]

Can these device's be band locked, I can't seem to find a way?

[@DavidHarry]

Yes but usually only the OEM ones. The ones that are branded by a phone supplier, usually have a bespoke firmware that quite often removes some of the functions, such as band locking. Cheers, Dave.

[@neiginys]

Consider using pcb glue, epoxie, silicone for securing connectors on board before use.

[@DavidHarryUncut]

Unfortunately that would void the warrantee.

[@TheLondonCyclist]

@@DavidHarryUncut lol

[@DavidHarry]

@@TheLondonCyclist 😂

[@sfh2050]

useless because antenna switch hidden option also does not work. only internal antenna works

[@DavidHarry]

What external antennas are you trying to use?

[@sfh2050]

@@DavidHarry TS9 to SMA (TS9 2x to SMA 1x). I connected the antenna and enabled antenna switch. I didn't make any difference as if nothing was connected. Regardless how cheap antenna I am connecting, it should at least work but it does not. Only solution I found is to mod the device from inside.

[@DavidHarry]

@@sfh2050 But what antenna did you use?

[@sfh2050]

@@DavidHarry omni direction Freq: 698-980 / 1710-2700 Mhz Gain: 10-12 DBi

[@DavidHarry]

@@sfh2050 That’s your problem, the antenna you’re using isn’t 5G. Those two ports on the back of the ZTE router are only for 5G antennas, plugging 4G antennas in to them won’t make any difference and the router will stay switched to the internal antennas. Plus, even if you were to use a 5G antenna, your internal 4G antennas would still have to initiate ENDC via the cell tower that they are connected to in order to switch to 5G.

[@mange2]

I can never get a TS9 connector to seat properly, they are a terrible design. They dont click in, or fasten etc, they just loosely sit there. I have no idea why they still use TS9.

[@DavidHarry]

Don’t get me started on TS9 😆 I totally agree, they are a useless connection and almost guaranteed to fail. Cheers, Dave.

[@Nico-cs50]

Never buying ZTE again.

[@knl9790]

Good info but gosh are you long winded - just get to the point

[@NOMAD-LEISURE]

so a 10 minute video on how to gaffer tape it! 🤣

[@DaveSurrey1]

What you have actually done is convert your router from TS9 to SMA. All very well if your external antenna has SMA connectors, but then it would be a different video altogether. However, if your antenna has TS9 connectors they will no longer fit. To keep them as TS9 then you will need two TS9 female to TS9 male extenders. What a stupid video.

[@daveprice6870]

I defo wouldn’t want duct tape wrapped around my router

[@sedgleyathome]

I don't get it - why do manufacturers put TS9 on these hub router! Stupid! Never liked TS9

[@DavidHarry]

Yes, a stupid connection.