How to choose an external antenna for a 5G router?

Multiple Input Multiple Output - this is the extension of the mysterious abbreviation, the second part - 4x4 stands for the number of transmit and receive antennas used in devices that exchange data with each other. Simply put, the 4x4 MIMO antenna works as if it were 4 single external antennas combined in one housing. From the technical side, it gives a lot of benefits, among others we increase resistance to scattering (Rayleigh's disappearance). For example, it is responsible for the fact that the sky is blue, but it also scatters electromagnetic waves passing through transparent solids, liquids or gases. Unfortunately, the data transmission signal encounters various obstacles on its way (buildings, trees, and even unclean air in large cities), and thus we can also achieve lower data transfer speeds. Thanks to MIMO, the router receives a duplicate signal that fills in the gaps when part of the transmission is disrupted. The signal is divided into parts and they can be sent with a different antenna, which significantly speeds up the transfer. In the case of MIMO 4x4, it allows for a two-fold increase in transfer compared to the most commonly used, cheaper 2x2 antennas with two transmitters and receivers.

The use of an antenna that gives great opportunities to receive data allows you to create an effective network at home or in the business. Thanks to the greater transmission and support for the 617-960 MHz, 1710-2170 MHz, 2300-2700 MHz and 3400-4200 MHz frequency bands, all network devices are prepared for the upcoming 5G bands, while also supporting current frequency bands (until there is sufficient infrastructure in the entire country, the 4G / LTE signal is transmitted in the 2400-2500 MHz band). Support for bands responsible for receiving GSM signal allows for perfect handling of mobile data transmission.

The parameter expressed in dBi tells us about the antenna's energy gain. This is the basic measure that we should follow when choosing the best external antenna. Manufacturers also use dB and dBd, which for a layman are similar, and the differences in antenna descriptions may be imperceptible to a person who does not specialize in this type of equipment. The gain expressed in dBi is the degree to which the antenna focuses the signal. Specifying the gain only in dB is pointless, because it is expressed in units denoting the ratio of the gain or loss of the output power to the input power and is applicable to amplifiers, not antennas. Hence, you can find antennas in marketplaces or online stores, allegedly offering energy profit expressed in exorbitant numbers, which are a dB measure that is useless for us when looking for an antenna, or because of ignorance of the product or the desire to mislead the customer, fake parameters are entered. Cheap antennas offering an alleged gain of several dozen dBi have nothing to do with reality and are a lure for unaware customers who, guided by parameters and price, will buy a worse quality antenna without realizing it. The XPOL-24-5G antenna offers a gain of 9 dBi, with a peak gain of 11 dBi and this is a real measure, meaning that it is a very strong antenna with solid gain, which makes it stand out on the market. By measuring the profit in laboratory conditions of cheap antennas with an alleged, for example, 50 dBi, and the external XPOL-24-5G antenna, the research would show that antennas bought from a seller that overstate the parameters do not even come close to the gain of Poynting antennas.

In our store, antennas are purchased by private individuals, companies as well as specialists in the selection and installation of antennas. Hence a few words for more technical people, which explain why the new antenna is a unique product. Well, the basic information is that the antenna elements are cross-polarized with vertical, horizontal and 45st spatial polarization to improve diversity and decorrelation. The bands of supported antennas (also mentioned above) are successfully presented on the following chart:

 

 

 

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The combination of one-way antenna with high gain allows for excellent reception and transmission of the signal in small and larger towns. However, directional antennas need some space, so you should pay attention to whether there is a skyscraper or tree on the way to the transmitter that would limit the signal reception. The antenna features an innovative design where the impedance bandwidth, gain and radiation patterns are matched in all frequency bands. The result is a high-performance antenna with excellent reception and increased bandwidth that will satisfy even the most demanding users.

 

XPOL-24-5G is also a new design - a new dome with dimensions of 444x290x110 mm makes it a slightly smaller antenna than its predecessors. The cover has a solid structure with an IP65 protection degree, which guarantees resistance to weather conditions. The antenna is waterproof and suitable for outdoor installation. It withstands even harsh environmental conditions such as airborne chemicals and toxins and is corrosion resistant. The ASA sheath material provides resistance to UV rays. The antenna is adapted to temperatures from -40 to 80 degrees Celsius and will withstand winds of up to 160 km / h with an impact resistance of IK08. The housing of the external antenna has been designed so that it can serve for years and does not "scare" with its appearance due to damage after prolonged use.

 

There are several ways to mount the directional antenna to the router. The MIMO 4x4 antenna can be mounted both on the wall and on a pole outside. It comes with a unique and versatile mounting bracket and screws. The Poynting company did everything to make the antenna installation as easy as possible and not cause a problem for the buyer.

The antenna discussed in this article is perfect for stationary installation, e.g. on a home or business building. In our offer, however, you will find other Poynting antennas that also offer transport, marine, IoT solutions, for particularly harsh environmental conditions, dedicated to industry and others. If you need specific advice, contact our specialists - they will help you choose the antenna that meets your requirements.