Switch the configuration from to External (or Auto if manual selection is unstable). This ensures the router actually utilizes the gain from your outdoor directional antenna. 3. Reviewing Signal Metrics
ZTE MC801A Go to product viewer dialog for this item. does not have a native "hidden menu" button in its standard web interface, but advanced users often access hidden diagnostic and band-locking features through browser-based workarounds. These methods allow for performance optimizations that are typically restricted by network providers like Three or EE.
Out of the box, the router automatically decides which mobile tower and frequency band to connect to. This choice is not always optimal. Accessing the hidden settings allows you to:
Once the hidden menu is active, you can access professional-grade networking tools:
The most common way to reveal hidden controls is by injecting a JavaScript snippet into the router's web interface console.
Note: Replace 192.168.0.1 with your router's actual gateway IP address if it is different. Method 2: The JavaScript Console Command (Element Unhiding)
| Feature Category | Specific Capabilities | Community Use Cases | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Band Locking (choose specific 4G/5G bands) and Cell Locking (lock to a specific cell tower). | Essential for users in rural areas to force a stable, slower band over a faster, unreliable one. | | External Antenna | Toggle between internal and external antenna ports. | Allows users to connect external directional antennas to improve signal strength in poor coverage areas. | | Signal & Network Diagnostics | Displays detailed cellular metrics (RSRP, RSRQ, SINR) and real-time cell tower identification (PCI, EARFCN). | Advanced users use these metrics to accurately position the router and diagnose performance issues. | | Advanced Network Configuration | Change DNS servers (e.g., to use a Pi-hole for ad-blocking) and manually edit APN settings. | Gives users control over network-level privacy and routing, bypassing ISP default settings. |