Huawei Cpe Pro 2 VS Zte Mc801a Overview

Both Huawei CPE Pro 2 and ZTE MC801A are 5G indoor CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) routers designed to deliver ultra-fast 5G internet over WiFi and Ethernet to homes and small offices.

They support fixed wireless broadband and seamlessly connect multiple devices.

Design and Build

  • Huawei CPE Pro 2: Features a compact design with no external antenna ports. It includes an internal cooling fan for efficient heat management during high-speed usage.

  • ZTE MC801A: Slightly larger, with a fan-less design but effective heat dissipation through a special chimney venting structure. Importantly, it provides two TS-9 connectors for external antennas, enhancing signal strength and reception flexibility.

Chipset and Performance

  • Huawei CPE Pro 2: Powered by Huawei’s Balong 5000 chipset, supporting a wide range of 5G bands and both NSA/SA modes (5G standalone and non-standalone). It is optimized for better compatibility across global networks.

  • ZTE MC801A: Uses Qualcomm Snapdragon X55 chipset, offering robust performance but supports only NSA 5G mode. It also covers major 5G and 4G bands with LTE Cat20 support.

5G Network Speed

  • Huawei CPE Pro 2: Theoretical max download speeds up to 3.6 Gbps on 5G. Includes carrier aggregation for more stable and faster connections.

  • ZTE MC801A: Max download speeds around 3.8 Gbps on 5G. Slightly higher theoretical speed but real-world results may vary based on network conditions.

WiFi Technology and Capacity

  • Huawei CPE Pro 2: Supports WiFi 6 (802.11ax) standard, delivering up to 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz bands. It can handle up to 128 devices simultaneously. WiFi 6 improvements include better throughput and lower latency.

  • ZTE MC801A: Also supports WiFi 6 on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, with 4×4 MIMO and capabilities to support up to 30 connected devices. It delivers excellent Wi-Fi coverage and speeds but supports fewer simultaneous connections than Huawei.

Connectivity Ports

  • Huawei CPE Pro 2: Offers two Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports; no USB or phone ports. It lacks external antenna ports.

  • ZTE MC801A: Comes with two Gigabit Ethernet ports plus one RJ11 VoLTE phone port for voice services. Includes two TS-9 connectors for external antennas, giving it a signal advantage in weaker coverage areas.

Software and Management

  • Huawei CPE Pro 2: Managed via Huawei HiLink app or browser interface, offering easy setup and monitoring, including mesh networking with other Huawei products. Software features are user-friendly but somewhat basic.

  • ZTE MC801A: Configurable through a web browser interface and ZTElink app (Android/iOS). It provides access to hidden advanced settings for network optimization, making it appealing to advanced users.

Power and Dimensions

  • Huawei CPE Pro 2: Uses 12V power supply; compact and lightweight device suitable for most home environments.

  • ZTE MC801A: Also powered by a 12V/1.5A adapter. Slightly larger and heavier than Huawei but still manageable for home use.

Pros and Cons Comparison

Feature Huawei CPE Pro 2 ZTE MC801A
5G Mode Support NSA and SA (Standalone & Non-Standalone) NSA only
Chipset Balong 5000 Qualcomm Snapdragon X55
Max Download Speed Up to 3.6 Gbps Up to 3.8 Gbps
WiFi Standard WiFi 6 (802.11ax), up to 128 devices WiFi 6, up to 30 devices
Ethernet Ports 2 Gigabit LAN ports 2 Gigabit LAN + 1 RJ11 VoLTE port
External Antenna Support No Yes, 2x TS-9 connectors
Cooling Internal fan Fan-less, chimney venting
Software Huawei HiLink app and web UI ZTElink app, advanced web UI options
Device Size and Weight Compact, lightweight Larger, heavier
Special Features Mesh networking support with Huawei devices Voice over LTE (VoLTE) support
Price Range (approx.) Around $450 Around $250

Conclusion

  • Huawei CPE Pro 2 is ideal for users looking for a future-proof device with full 5G SA support, WiFi 6 for many devices, and easy app-based management but who do not need external antennas or voice phone support. It is slightly more expensive but offers a more global band compatibility spectrum.

  • ZTE MC801A excels in value, practical external antenna connectivity, and voice service support, appealing to users in weaker signal areas or those who want more advanced network customization. Its limitations include NSA-only 5G mode and lower device WiFi connection capacity but it offers comparable performance for half the price.

Both routers are excellent 5G CPE options, and the best choice depends on specific use needs like network compatibility, device connections, external signal boosting, and budget.

This detailed comparison covers all relevant aspects for users considering either Huawei CPE Pro 2 or ZTE MC801A for their 5G home broadband routing needs.

Let me know if a specific aspect should be expanded or if a summary table is desired for easy print or reference.