Accessories, Internet and WiFi
Guide To External Antennas For ZTE Routers
If you already have a ZTE router in your caravan or motorhome, you’ll want to get the best possible signal strengths when connecting to 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. Often, the best way to improve your 4G and 5G signal is to add an external antenna to your ZTE router setup.
In this article, find out whether a ZTE external antenna is the right option for your vehicle, which external antenna you can use, and which ZTE routers are compatible.
Should you connect an external antenna to your ZTE router?
Adding an external antenna to your ZTE router setup is a good way to boost your internet speeds and reliability. This may be important if:
- You’re a digital nomad who relies on internet connectivity in your vehicle.
- There are restrictions on where you can position your router for better connectivity.
- You tend to stay in remote campsites with limited mobile networks nearby.
- Your ZTE router isn’t giving you the speeds or reliability you need for browsing, navigating, and social media.
Which external antenna works with ZTE routers?
The Maxview 4G/5G 2×2 external antenna is compatible with many ZTE routers. This external antenna will connect to the best available network that’s compatible with your router.
For example, if you have a 5G-ready router and 5G networks are available, our antenna will enhance the 5G signal to give you a stronger, faster connection. If your router only works with 4G and 3G networks, or there are no 5G networks nearby, the Maxview external antenna will locate and connect to the next best network option.
The antenna must be mounted on the roof of your vehicle. If the standard antenna is too large for your available roof space, we also offer a slim 4G/5G 2×2 external antenna that’s suitable for smaller vehicles.
Which ZTE routers work with Maxview’s external antenna?
The following routers are compatible with our 4G/5G external antenna:
- ZTE MC801A
- ZTE MU5001
- ZTE MF823
- ZTE CPE MF293N
Mobile routers and hotspots like the ZTE MU5120 and MU5002 aren’t compatible with external antennas, as well as the following routers:
- ZTE MF296D
ZTE CPE MC889
ZTE CPE MC70102
ZTE MF286R
If your router model isn’t listed here, please get in touch with our support team. They can advise you if your router will work with our external antenna.
What type of external antenna connector is on the ZTE MC801A?
Like all types of ZTE router, the ZTE MC801A router uses a TS9 connector. Maxview’s antenna uses an SMA connector, so you’ll need to use an adaptor to attach the router to the antenna. We include an adaptor with each of our external antenna kits.
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Left: SMA connectors; right: TS9 connector.
How to set up your ZTE external antenna
When this is complete you can simply connect the SMA cables to the router like this (example below). For Netgear routers, you will need to use the SMA to TS9 connectors that come with every Maxview 4G/5G antenna:
Follow the instructions in this video to install your Maxview external antenna in the best possible position and connect it to your ZTE router:
Alternatively, find an antenna installer to mount and set up your antenna. They’ll be able to set up your antenna in the best position for optimum internet performance.
When this is complete you can simply connect the SMA cables to the router like this (example below). For ZTE routers, you will need to use the SMA to TS9 connectors that come with every Maxview 4G/5G antenna:
Other ways to boost signal strength on a ZTE router
Not ready to invest in an external antenna? You may be able to improve your ZTE router connectivity and signal strength using other methods:
- Prevent signal blocking — Remove anything that’s blocking the signal between your ZTE router and device. You may need to reposition your router.
- Adjust internal antennas — Move the antennas that are built into your router to optimise for signal strength.
- Choose less remote campsites — It’s not always possible, but choosing campsites that are less rural and remote can improve your chances of getting a good mobile signal.
- Upgrade your router — A 5G router can help you get better internet speeds when you’re in range of 5G networks.
Boost your 5G connectivity with the Maxview Roam 5G
If your ZTE router isn’t performing, upgrading to a 5G-ready caravan router like the Roam 5G can help you get a more reliable internet connection when you’re on the road.
Unlike ZTE routers, the Roam 5G uses a 4×4 antenna to help you pick up even better 5G signals. And if 5G networks are unavailable, you’ll still be able to connect to the strongest available 4G and 3G networks. That means you’ll have uninterrupted internet access wherever you go.
Our WiFi selector tool can help you find the right WiFi system for your vehicle based on your vehicle size, usage requirements, and vehicle type.