4G for rural broadband

I live in an area with poor landline broadband speeds (1.5mbps).
But on the EE 4G coverage checker I can now get 4G.
So I've just got EE mobile broadband with a Huawei E5776 mobile router.

Not unexpectedly I get a poor signal inside the house, usually 3G rarely 4G.

My question is what is the best way to improve the signal ? - either use an external (outdoor) antenna (the 5776 has a TS9 external port) or to use a signal booster (signal repeater) which would have the added benefit of improving mobile phone reception too.

And any suggestions of what hardware to use ?

An external anttena as all signal boosters are ilegal in the uk http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/phone/mobile-phones/co...

In reply to a post by Sten2005:

And any suggestions of what hardware to use ?

Have a look at Solwise, and they are good at advice:
http://solwise.co.uk/3g-antenna-outdoor.htm

The other poster thinks you're talking about repeaters which are illegal, but external antenna are no problem.

The 5776 is really meant as a mobile device, not designed for permanent home use

Devices like this Huawei 4G Wireless router are likely to be better for a full time 4G at home.

Plus the advantage of Ethernet outputs if you want.

@adamtemp - at least that makes the choice simpler

@jchamier - thanks for the suggestion, I've just spoken to Solwise and they really seem to know what they are talking about. Looks a better bet than Ebay for sure.

@Andrew - for some reason EE are providing 4G mobile broadband with a 5776 at the same price as SIM only. So I thought I'd try it first.
I'd got in mind using a better router (with an ethernet port). Where I am I'll probably need an outside (roof) antenna, does the router you suggested allow connection of dual external antenna (the picture looks as though it could) ?

Yeap it can

Some of the antenna

What you have to be careful of though is loss in the cable to the antenna out weighing the gain of the antenna.

Solwise are a good lot of people to talk to http://www.solwise.co.uk/3g-routers-4g-lte-s4.htm

I use a Huawei E5172 and the internal antenna is very good.
I was getting 2 bars 4G on the mobile phone with EE and live a long way from the mast but can regularly get 20mbps.
I am trying an external antenna as the signal was dropping without any obvious reason and I think a better reception would make that less likely. I am going for a small external antenna with cable going out through the extractor in the kitchen which never gets used. I thought about a directional antenna but its a bit of an expensive mistake if they don't improve things.

Try a search on eBay as there are plenty to choose from

PM Me your postcode and I'll take a look where the serving 4G cell is.

if you have a mobile on the same network its well worth getting the signal measuring apps.
I use GSM signal monitor and open signal. The both give signal strengh in DB and you can walk round your property finding the best place to put the antenna. Way better than using the bars on the phone and easier than doing dozens of speed tests.

Sharing a broadband connection using a dedicated broadband router is more suitable for small businesses and homes and this will be much more flexible.