So just for funzies, now we are out in the wopwops (rural) for a few days, I decided to try a very non-scientific comparision between the above routers. Both were tested from the same open window, with almost direct line of sight to the closest cell tower, some 15+ Kms away.
The SXT isn’t the 2023 version, but it has had the modem upgrade allowing B28 coverage. Only the Chateau’s internal antennae were used. I didn’t run a speedtest on either router because I would have had to feed the prepaid meter. Might do that if there’s enough interest in this post.
The test was conducted using B28 for both routers, the strongest signal available.
Chateau LTE6:
RSSI: -66; RSRP: -90; SINR: 16; RSRQ: -9
SXT LTE6 Kit
RSSI: -65; RSRP: -90; SINR: 12; RSRQ: -8.5
Seems to me that the Chateau has potentially a better B28 antenna array than it’s cousin, but interestingly it’s only the all inportant SINR rating that’s different between them both. Now if the SXT was mounted up higher as designed the signal may improve further but it’s hard to say whether it would be a noticable improvement considering my test location is already elevated and another 2m higher would probably not make much of a dent.
Are these results inline with what you might have expected? Or would you think the SXT should have performed better than the Chateau? Interested in your thoughts.
Actually I would have expected the SXT to have better results, because it is clearly more directional than the Chateau, and as a matter of fact I have seen mods for the Chateau to add external antennas, and I believed that the Chateau (and of course this may depend on the exact Chateau model) had relatively "bad" antennas.
No full comparison but as it happens to be I had to install some temp internet access for my daughter (moved in new house, no internet line available in the complete area because the tubes are too narrow to blow fiber through ).
I first started with AX Lite LTE all the way up on the attick but the reception was (to put it mildly) flaky. Lots of disconnects, lots of latency and never more then 10/8Mbps down/up.
I replaced the install this weekend with an SXT LTE6 I had lying around (still mounted inside) and now it is acceptable.
Usually above 25/13 Mbps down/up.
But especially SINR reading is WAY better using SXT (which makes sense for me because of the directionality aspect). I searched for the best/closest antenna and using cellmapper.net looked up the overall direction to be used for that cell-ID and then it was fine-tuning a bit until results were what they are now.
Both devices were pretty much pin sharp and there wasn’t any noticable deviation in readings when watching the graphs, so without feeding the meter, I would expect consistant speed from both units. I also think some providers have better infrastructure than others, meaning the incoming signal can be much more reliable the further away from the tower you are. Often this is translated in pricing of services, where the more reliable mobile ISPs tend to be more expensive.
I do definately agree with @jaclaz though, the SXT should have outperformed the Chateau due to it’s directional antenna (which was peaked for the test).
Really interesting insight with your trial too @holvoetn. The SXT is way more adaptable than the AX lite LTE. On that note, I opened up a AX lite LTE to fit pigtails because I wanted to fit a pair of external antennae for internet while in the car (for eftpos payments, etc…). The size was perfect to fit under the passenger seat and once I got the whip antenna spacing right on the car roof, it worked amazingly - provided the car was stationary. It wasn’t quite as good if the car was in motion (listening to online radio).
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