Why to check different frequency Bands
4G cellular networks typically use frequency bands between 700 MHz and 2600 MHz, with some carriers using bands as high as 3500 MHz. In terms of throughput, higher frequency bands generally allow for more data throughput than lower frequency bands.
High vs Low
In terms of throughput, higher frequency bands generally allow for more data throughput than lower frequency bands. This is because higher frequencies have larger bandwidths, which allow for more data to be transmitted at once. However, higher frequencies also have more limited coverage and are more susceptible to signal attenuation, which can reduce the effective range of the network.
For example, in the United States, the 700 MHz and 1900 MHz bands are commonly used for 4G networks, with the 700 MHz band providing better coverage and the 1900 MHz band offering higher throughput. Some carriers also use the 2500 MHz band, which offers even higher throughput but has more limited coverage.
4G Throughput vs Frequency
| Frequency Band | Maximum Theoretical Throughput |
|---|---|
| 700 MHz | 100 Mbps |
| 850 MHz | 100 Mbps |
| 1900 MHz | 150 Mbps |
| 2100 MHz | 150 Mbps |
| 2300 MHz | 300 Mbps |
| 2500 MHz | 300 Mbps |
Note:
Additionally, it’s worth noting that 5G networks have additional technologies such as beamforming and Massive MIMO that can improve network capacity and coverage beyond what is possible with previous generations of cellular networks.
4G Frequency vs Distance
| Frequency Band | Maximum Theoretical Throughput |
|---|---|
| 700 MHz | 50 km |
| 850 MHz | 45 km |
| 1900 MHz | 25 km |
| 2100 MHz | 15 km |
| 2500 MHz | 8 km |
| 3500 MHz | 5 km |
Note:
With a good cellular router, the correct installation and equipment used in regards to Antennas and Modems, i personally have seen even higher distances archived.
How to test
Access the cellular router’s web interface, and navigate to the cellular modem settings and find the “Band Selection” option. Select the bands which you would like to test and save the changes. After changing the frequency, check your cellular signal strength to see if it has improved. If the signal strength has not improved, you may need to try a different band.
Beware, to make this change to one modem at a time, as you might lose internet connectivity. If the band selected is not available in your area, the modem will not connect.
Conclusion
Testing low or high bands in a cellular system can be helpful for troubleshooting as different bands have different characteristics. Higher frequency bands generally have more bandwidth available, resulting in faster data speeds and improved performance. Forcing a device to use a specific band can eliminate potential issues related to automatic band selection. Overall, testing different bands can help identify issues and improve the performance of your cellular connection.
